JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST
What a mountain peak of grace is found in these words: “And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).
The believer is not merely forgiven. He is not merely rescued from wrath. He is brought into the family of God and given a share in the inheritance of the Son Himself.
The poorest saint who trusts in Christ possesses riches that no king can count and no thief can steal.
The world may see a weak and struggling Christian, but heaven sees an heir of God.
Consider who Christ is. He is the beloved Son, the One whom the Father has appointed heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2).
The stars belong to Him.
The angels worship Him.
The nations are His inheritance.
And then the Bible declares that those who are united to Christ share in what belongs to Him.
We are not standing outside the palace gates hoping for crumbs from the King’s table. We have been brought into the household itself. Through grace we sit at the table as sons and daughters.
This inheritance was not purchased by our goodness. Had it depended upon our works, we would possess nothing but shame.
The title deed was secured by the blood of Christ.
At Calvary our Lord paid every debt and removed every charge against us. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
Because the Son is accepted, all who are in Him are accepted also. Because He lives, they shall live. Because He reigns, they shall reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).
Yet the apostle adds a solemn word. “If indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:17).
The road to the inheritance passes through a world that rejected its rightful King. The servant is not greater than his master (John 15:20).
If we bear His name, we should not be surprised when we share in His reproach.
But every tear shed for Christ is a seed of coming glory. Every burden carried for His sake will one day be exchanged for a crown that does not fade away (1 Peter 5:4).
How often believers live as spiritual paupers while possessing heavenly wealth!
A prince who has forgotten his identity may wander in rags though an inheritance awaits him.
In the same way, many Christians spend their days focused on earthly losses while neglecting eternal riches.
The word of God calls us to lift our eyes above the dust of this age. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).
Our inheritance is reserved in heaven, untouched by decay, protected by the power of God (1 Peter 1:4-5).
One day faith will become sight. The heirs will enter fully into what has long been promised. The redeemed shall stand with Christ in His heavenly kingdom. They shall see His face and share His joy.
The Lamb who was slain will receive the reward of His suffering, and His people will rejoice with Him forever (Revelation 22:3-5).
No sorrow will follow them there. No sin will trouble them there. No grave will threaten them there. The inheritance will be enjoyed without end.
Therefore, child of God, take courage. You may feel forgotten by the world, but you are remembered by your Father.
You may possess little in this life, yet you are an heir of everlasting riches.
Let your heart rest in Christ.
The inheritance is certain because it rests not upon your strength but upon His finished work.
The day is coming when all that is promised will be revealed, and the joint heirs shall rejoice with their glorious Savior forever.
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Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us into Your family through Jesus Christ. Help us to live as heirs of Your grace and not as slaves to fear. Lift our eyes above the troubles of this world and fix our hearts upon the inheritance that awaits us. Keep us faithful through every trial until we stand in the presence of Christ and rejoice in the fullness of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BDD
