JOINT-HEIRS WITH CHRIST

Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.

In the verse preceding the lesson text, Paul wrote to the Roman Christians that if they continue to live after the flesh, that is, under the laws of sin, ye shall die. Since physical death is the end of all mortal beings, both righteous and unrighteous, then the death referred to in this passage must be eternal death. This verse continues to teach us that if one puts to death, or mortifies the deeds of the body, (they) ...shall live. Again, since all men and women have physical lives on earth, to live, as used here, means to live eternally. Our eternal destiny depends on which set of laws govern our lives here on earth. Under the law of sin, that is, to be carnally minded is death. However, under the law of God, that is, to be spiritually minded is life and peace (See Vs. 6 above).

The lesson text speaks of the life after physical death as an inheritance. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was the Son of God. He lived a mortal life on earth, was crucified on the cross of Calvary, buried in a tomb, conquering death, arose to life, and ascended back to His Father, thus inheriting heaven - the very heaven from which He came. Heaven is His eternal home. It is this same heaven that is promised to all children of God. As His children, they are privileged to become heirs of God, and joint-heirs (of heaven) with Christ.

An heir is one that is legally entitled to receive, or derive the benefits from, that which belongs to another. This can result from a legal contract, or will, which describes the disposition of property. However, in the lesson text, it refers to that which can be, or is received, by the natural laws of succession innate to children. As the lesson text indicates, those that are in the body of Christ are God's adopted children, and enjoy the same privileges as natural-born children. References in God's word to this Father/son, or Father/child relationship are numerous. The apostle John wrote, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:1-2).

Here are just two of the many references made by Paul that well express this relationship between God and His Christian children. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26-28). Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (2 Cor. 6:17-18).

From the reference in Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia, noted above, we know that to be a child of God and a joint-heir of heaven, one must have sufficient faith in Christ Jesus to have been baptized into Christ, that is, to have put on Christ. However, pay close attention to the last part of verse 17 of the lesson text. It reads, if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. We know the great benefit of being an heir of God is eternal salvation. This passage says salvation is not assured, but is conditional. We must suffer with Him. With the same attitude of commitment to our heavenly Father as demonstrated by the Son of God during His persecution, we must be willing to successfully bear the trials and tribulations of life. In order to be glorified together, that is, to inherit eternal life in heaven as joint-heirs with Christ, we must, without complaint, but with determination, bear whatever crosses that life has to offer, emulating the spirit with which our Savior bore the cross of Calvary. To be joint-heirs with Christ, we must deny our own selfish wills, take up our cross, and follow the example of our Savior (See Matt. 16:24).