Galatians 4 continues to show that salvation is through faith in Christ and not by Jewish law. Paul emphasizes that Christians are no longer slaves but God’s adopted children and heirs. He says: "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out Abba Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a son". Paul then points out that before the Galatians knew God they were slaves to paganism and they should be careful not to return to "those weak and miserable principles". Paul then goes on to express his concern regarding the Galatians and asks: "What has happened to all your joy?" They previously would do anything for him, but now they are distant so he asks: "Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?... I am perplexed about you". Paul finally in this chapter uses the story of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, as an illustration. Hagar represents the covenant associated with slavery and Sarah represents the covenant of freedom. Ishmael was born in the ordinary way, but Isaac was born according to God's promise. Paul therefore concludes that Christians are children of the promise, like Isaac, saying: "You, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise".
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