Heirs with Christ – What Do We Inherit?

Romans 8:17 says “and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

What does that verse mean for us? What exactly is an heir anyway?

Webster’s dictionary gives the following definitions:
1:  one who inherits or is entitled to inherit property
2: one who inherits or is entitled to succeed to a hereditary rank, title, or office     <heir to the throne>
3: one who receives or is entitled to receive some endowment or quality from  a parent or predecessor

If we apply all of those definitions to our relationship with Christ the implications are quite remarkable!

Colossians 1:15 says “He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” Jesus is the firstborn son and entitled to all that God has. If we understand that we are co-heirs with Christ then we find that we have inherited some amazing things.

First, according to Webster’s first definition, we have access to ALL of God’s property. That would be…the entire Universe. But God’s riches are so much more than tangible things. The riches of His glory are beyond our comprehension.

Then, according to Webster’s second definition, we are entitled to the authority that comes as a result of being royalty. 2 Tim 2:11-12 says “It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him;” If we are heirs, then we will rule with Christ.

And finally, according to Webster’s third definition, we will inherit character qualities from our Heavenly Father! If we are heirs, then we have been blessed with the same character qualities that God gave to His son, Jesus Christ. We can be like him! We can represent Him to a dying world and show them what our God is like.

What an amazing inheritance we have been given!