When we stop to think about what Paul writes in these verses, the implications are staggering. In this context, the idea of redemption carries with it a negative background on the part of humanity. Christ’s death saved us from imprisonment to the Law, the curse of sin, and enslavement to elemental principles and those who are not gods, but it has also saved us to adoption into the family of God. Jesus came down from heaven and offered up His life as our substitute not merely so that we could become God’s slaves or even His friends, but His children.