1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything.
2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father.
3So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.
4But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.
6And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.
8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.
9But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
11I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.
