Expert: Dr Eddy Cheong - 8/17/2009

Question
Hello Dr. Eddy,

Can you please let me know what is 'heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,' Romans 8:17. What do we inherit?

Thanks
Dinocatty

Answer
Rom 8:15-17
15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 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.
NIV

When we receive Christ as our Lord and Saviour in true repentance and faith we inherit what the bible calls the title 'Sonship' and become adopted children of God. Unlike Jesus who is and was the Eternal Son of God, ours is an adoption process. Jesus is both Man and God and through His sufferings on earth he purchased the inheritance of Eternal Life for us. Mankind must however appropriate this Gift of Eternal Life through repentance and faith. As for the (apparent) minus side, becoming Children of God also means that we have to fulfil the calling that God has called for us and in this process we may have to undergo trials, tribulations, suffering and even possibly matyrdom as Christians. Obeying God's Word (Rhema and Logos) is not an easy task for the Christian's daily walk. So Sonships so to speak brings rewards but also sufferings and persecutions along the way.