As believers, we have been transformed by the grace of God and have become part of the family of God. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:17, talks about the two key principles of true religion: the supposition that we are children of God, and the glorious conclusion that we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
Romans 8:17 – “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (ESV)
This powerful scripture reminds us of the immense privilege and responsibility that we have as believers in Christ. Through our faith in Him, we have been adopted into God’s family and are now co-heirs with Christ, inheriting all of the blessings and promises that come with being children of God.
As joint-heirs with Christ, we share in His sufferings and also in His glory.
We have been given the incredible opportunity to participate in the work of God’s kingdom, to be His ambassadors on earth, and to spread the good news of salvation to all who will hear.
The Important Supposition – “If Children”
The statement “If children” refers to those who have been transformed by the grace of God and have become part of His family. We are the children of God, and as His children, we possess certain characteristics.
- Regenerated by His Spirit and Word: We have been born again of the Spirit and the incorruptible seed of the Word. John 3:5-8, 1 Peter 1:23. Being born again is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. We become new creations, and our old lives pass away, giving way to new life in Christ.
- Renewed in the Divine Likeness: As children of God, we bear His holy image. The image of sin has been erased, and we have been created anew to do good works. We are being transformed from glory to glory to become like Jesus Christ.
- Members of His Family: We are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of God. Galatians 4:4-7 says that God sent His Son so that we could receive adoption as sons. We are now part of God’s household and have access to Him as our Father. We can cry out to Him, “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15).
- Called by His Name: God says in 2 Corinthians 6:18, “I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me.” We are the Lord’s seed, His portion, His friends, and His beloved.
- Conscious of Our Identity: As children of God, we are conscious of our identity. We know that we have passed from death to life, that we are of God, and that we have believed in Him. We have the witness of the Holy Spirit that we are children of God.
The Glorious Conclusion – “Then Heirs”
Heirs of God, and Joint-Heirs with Christ” As children of God, we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
- Heirs of God As heirs of God, we have a right to His inheritance. We are interested in the paternal state, and though we are currently in our minority, we are expectants of the blessed inheritance. We are provided with sufficient supplies until the time of our majority arrives. God supplies all our present needs out of the riches of His fullness in glory.
- Heirs of God’s Blessings God’s inheritance is infinite and rich. He is our exceeding great reward, and we are heirs of His light, life, love, happiness, kingdom, riches, glory, and all that He is of a communicable nature. What a sublime, infinite, immutable, satisfying, and eternal inheritance!
- Joint-Heirs with Christ. As joint-heirs with Christ, we share in His inheritance. By receiving Christ, we become interested in all the new covenant-blessings that He has procured for us. We are heirs of the same blessings with Christ. What a great privilege to share in the same inheritance with Christ!
Conclusion
In conclusion, as children of God and joint-heirs with Christ, we have access to an inheritance that is beyond compare. We are privileged to share in the same blessings as Christ and have access to all the spiritual resources we need to live a victorious life.
However, it is important to note that this inheritance is not automatic, but rather something we need to actively pursue and claim through faith.
One of the key ways we can access our inheritance is by spending time in God’s Word and prayer. Through these spiritual disciplines, we can deepen our relationship with God and gain a greater understanding of the blessings that are available to us.
Additionally, we can seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who can help us to discern God’s will and give us the strength we need to live out our faith.
Another important aspect of claiming our inheritance is by living a life of obedience to God’s commands. This involves not only avoiding sin but also actively seeking to do what is pleasing to God.
As we obey His commands, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of His blessings and to be used by Him to accomplish His purposes in the world.
Ultimately, our inheritance in Christ is a gift that we do not deserve but have received through faith in Him.
As we walk in obedience and seek to grow in our relationship with God, we can experience the fullness of this inheritance and be a blessing to others as we share the love and truth of Christ with them.
