In Scripture there are many different names used to describe God. While all the names of God are important in many ways, the name “Abba Father” is one of the MOST SIGNIFICANT INTIMATE names of God in understanding how He relates to us. The word Abba is an Aramaic word that means “Father.” It was a common term that expressed affection and confidence and trust. Abba signifies the close, intimate relationship of a father and his child, as well as the childlike trust that a young child puts in his “daddy.”
When Jesus was praying in the garden, He said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not my will, but YOUR WILL.” (Mark 14:34-36) This was so excruciating for Jesus because for the FIRST AND ONLY TIME in all eternity God would have to TURN HIS BACK on Jesus because “O LORD my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal—you are pure and CANNOT STAND THE SIGHT OF EVIL.” (Hab. 1:12-13) In the new testament, “Don’t use foul or abusive language…do not GRIEVE (lupeō: to make sorrowful) THE HOLY SPIRIT by the way you live.” (Eph. 4:29-30)
This is our intimate relationship with God, “you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the SPIRIT OF ADOPTION by whom we cry out, “ABBA, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD, and if children, then heirs—HEIRS OF GOD AND JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST…” (Rom. 8:15-17) “…because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, CRYING OUT, “ABBA, Father!” Therefore YOU ARE NO LONGER A SLAVE but A SON, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Gal. 4:6-7)
We can cry out Abba Father…
-Bill Stockham