What does the Bible mean when it refers to believers as “heirs of God” and “co-heirs with Christ”? Specifically, I’m interested in understanding the implications of this concept within the context of salvation, sanctification, and our future inheritance. Are we talking about inheriting material possessions, spiritual blessings, a restored earth, or something else entirely? How does this “co-heirship” impact our relationship with God and Jesus? Does it imply some level of shared authority or responsibility? I’d also like to know how different theological perspectives (e.g., Calvinism, Arminianism) interpret this concept. Finally, are there specific biblical passages that best illustrate and explain the meaning of being an “heir of God” and “co-heir with Christ”?
Answer
The Bible uses the phrase "heir of God" and "co-heir with Christ" to describe the status and inheritance believers receive through faith in Jesus Christ. This inheritance is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual blessings, a transformed relationship with God, and future glory.
Heir of God:
Being an heir of God signifies that believers are adopted into God’s family as his children. This adoption, made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice, grants believers the rights and privileges that naturally belong to children of God. The concept is rooted in the Old Testament promise of blessing and inheritance to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:3, 15:5). Through faith in Christ, Gentiles, who were formerly excluded from this covenant, are now included in this family.
The inheritance implied is not primarily material wealth but spiritual riches:
- Relationship with God: As heirs, believers have direct access to God, can call him "Father" (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6), and experience his love and care.
- Spiritual Blessings: This includes forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and a new nature enabling them to live a life pleasing to God (Ephesians 1:3-14).
- Eternal Life: Believers are promised eternal life in God’s presence, escaping the judgment and condemnation that awaits those who reject him (John 3:16).
- Righteousness: They are declared righteous in God’s sight, not based on their own merits, but on the imputed righteousness of Christ (Romans 5:17-19).
- Purpose and Meaning: Believers find their identity and purpose in God, understanding their role in his plan for the world.
The concept is mentioned explicitly in Romans 8:17 and Galatians 4:7. Galatians 3:29 also touches on the idea, stating that believers are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Co-heir with Christ:
This phrase amplifies the concept of being an heir of God, emphasizing the shared inheritance with Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the close union and shared destiny believers have with Christ. The primary passage discussing this is Romans 8:17: "and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
Being a co-heir with Christ means that believers participate in the same inheritance that Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses. This includes:
- Glory: As Christ was glorified after his suffering and death, believers will also share in his glory (Romans 8:18). This glory refers to the ultimate transformation and perfection they will experience in God’s presence.
- Dominion: Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and believers will share in his reign (Revelation 5:10, 2 Timothy 2:12). This implies a future participation in the administration of God’s kingdom.
- The Kingdom of God: Christ inherits the kingdom, and believers will also inherit the kingdom (Matthew 25:34). This refers to the eternal reign of God, where believers will live in perfect harmony with him.
- Participation in the Divine Nature: 2 Peter 1:4 mentions that believers become partakers of the divine nature, meaning that they share in God’s qualities and character, reflecting Christ’s image.
- Suffering: The passage in Romans 8:17 also mentions suffering with Christ. This is a crucial aspect of being a co-heir. It implies that believers will experience trials and tribulations similar to those Christ endured. This suffering is not a requirement for salvation but a consequence of living a life devoted to Christ in a world opposed to God. However, this suffering leads to the shared glory with Christ.
The "co-heir" aspect highlights the mediatorial role of Christ. It’s through his sacrifice and resurrection that believers gain access to this inheritance. It also underscores the unity between Christ and his followers, suggesting that their destinies are intertwined.
Implications:
Understanding these concepts has several practical implications for believers:
- Confidence and Assurance: Knowing that they are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ gives believers confidence in their relationship with God and assurance of their salvation.
- Motivation for Holy Living: The prospect of future glory motivates believers to live a life that is pleasing to God, striving for holiness and righteousness.
- Endurance in Suffering: The shared inheritance with Christ provides strength and encouragement to endure trials and tribulations, knowing that these sufferings are temporary and will ultimately lead to greater glory.
- Love and Compassion: Understanding the grace and mercy extended to them inspires believers to extend love and compassion to others, sharing the gospel and serving those in need.
- Eternal Perspective: This understanding shapes their worldview, focusing on eternal values rather than temporary, earthly pursuits.
In summary, being an "heir of God" and "co-heir with Christ" signifies a profound transformation in believers’ relationship with God, granting them spiritual riches, eternal life, and a shared destiny with Christ in his glory and kingdom. It emphasizes both their adoption into God’s family and their intimate union with Christ as they navigate their earthly lives.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before you today, humbled by the profound truth that through your Son, Jesus Christ, we are called heirs of God and co-heirs with Him. We confess that we struggle to fully grasp the immensity of this gift.
What does it truly mean, Lord, to be an heir of God? Is it simply inheriting eternal life? We believe it is so much more. Help us to understand the depth of your love, the richness of your grace, and the vast inheritance of spiritual blessings that are ours in Christ. Open our eyes to see the authority, the peace, and the joy that you have lavished upon us.
And what does it mean to be co-heirs with Christ? To share in his glory, his power, and his unending kingdom? To be bound to him in such a profound and inseparable way? We pray that you would reveal to us the responsibility that comes with this privilege. Help us to live lives worthy of our calling, reflecting your love and grace to a world desperately in need of hope.
Strengthen us, Father, to walk in the light of this inheritance, to embrace the challenges that come our way with courage and faith, and to use the gifts you have given us to further your kingdom on Earth. Help us to live not as paupers, but as princes and princesses of the Most High God, reflecting the royalty of Christ in all that we do.
We thank you for this incredible gift, this unimaginable grace. Help us to live in constant gratitude for the salvation and inheritance we have received through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
In His name we pray, Amen.
0 Comments