Romans 8:17 Now if we are children then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

The Apostle Paul is being very forthright with us in this passage. The concept of being an heir usually congers up in our minds a windfall of money or possessions which would come to us on the passing of someone to whom we are related. Somewhat overlooked however is the status of an heir apparent, i.e. while the would-be benefactor is still alive.

While an heir apparent may enjoy a level of respect not personally earned, he is expected to show a sense of responsibility, sometimes to the point of sharing in the day-to-day administration of the estate. That means he shares in the shame of its failure or the joys of its success.

Being an heir then is the result of relationship. So Paul is telling us that we, as children of God, are his heirs and co-heirs with Christ. Christ, through obedience and suffering, has attained or inherited the glory which is his.  We should therefore not expect to be exempt from suffering but process it as a part of our identity as children of God. Paul continues: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18).

What else besides salvation are we heirs of since Christ has died? We have access to God, freedom from condemnation, the presence of the Holy Spirit, the joy of the Lord which gives us strength, hopefulness, peace with God, provisioning for our daily lives. What is the glory? “Dear Friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2). To be in his presence, joy unspeakable!