The Old Testament law forewarned mankind that they could not meet God’s expectations, not even the Ten Commandments.
Mankind were sinners. It was (and is) that way, part of our nature.

This is a bit problem especially when you consider that God is holy. In the Old Testament, God put the utmost importance on His holiness. The idea of “holy” was primarily that of being separate. There was a huge distance between God and man demonstrated by His majesty, His greatness and His purity.
There was separation demonstrated repeatedly in the Old Testament.

God set an obstacle at the foundation of the mountain when He spoke to His people. The people were afraid, and answered all through the Old Testament. Even in the New Testament, when Jesus was at sea, a stormy sea, with some of the disciples, the experienced at sea disciples were scared of dying and called on Christ to save them.

When Jesus be stilled the stormy seas, the disciples were even more scared because they soon realized they were in the presence of God who is more powerful than stormy seas. “Our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29). “. . .without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14)

But, something changed with Jesus!

In fact, it’s so great that we need to wear Christian T-shirts to share our faith with the world!

How did he make everything different?

God uses new terms to define our relationship. Romans 8:14-15 tells us three ways Jesus changed everything. When Jesus becomes Lord of our lives, we find amazing grace and blessings.
These two powerful verses are the key to understanding the Christian life.

First, we are sons of God (v. 14).
“. . . because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (8:14)

We are no longer led (or shepherded) by the law, but by the Holy Spirit of God now living within us. The Spirit leads us into holiness.

Secondly, as his children, our fear is replaced by the blessings of adoption (v. 15a).

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear.” (8:15a)

The New Testament letters (epistles) use the metaphor of adoption five times all by the Apostle Paul (Romans 8:15; Romans 9:4; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:5 and Galatians 4:5).

And finally, as His children, we have direct access to the Father (v. 15b).

“. . .but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (8:15b)

“Abba Father” Abba is the Aramaic and Father is Greek. They are placed together here to emphasize the closest of family relationships, indicating: intimacy, compassion, dependence and complete lack of fear. Some would say “Papa” or Daddy” (used reverently) would be a good understanding of “Abba Father.”

Pretty awesome, huh?