Romans 8:17-18
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" highlights that our inheritance is not just from God, but that God Himself is our portion, and we share this infinitely valuable inheritance with Christ. This means our ultimate inheritance is intimately tied to His own status and joy, not simply a passive receiving of gifts.
Paul continues to explain the glorious inheritance believers have in Christ by unfolding the implications of their adoption as God's children. If we are God's children, we are assured heirs, not only of God's blessings now but ultimately of glory, sharing in Christ's own inheritance. This inheritance, however, is linked to a shared experience of suffering with Christ, a path that leads to future glorification alongside Him.
You're not just a follower; you're a child of God! But what does that really mean for your future?
From Child to Heir
Paul starts with a powerful assumption: if you're a child of God, you're automatically an heir. This isn't about earning your way in; it flows directly from your new identity in God's family. Think of it like this: being adopted into a royal family doesn't just give you a place at the table; it gives you a claim to the kingdom!
What's the Inheritance?
This inheritance is magnificent! It's not just earthly riches, but God Himself and the salvation and glory of His Messianic kingdom. It means sharing in His love, His grace, and ultimately, His very presence. It's the highest honor imaginable to have God as your portion and Father.
You're not just inheriting God's blessings; you're sharing in them with Christ himself!
More Than Just Co-Heirs
Paul doesn't stop at calling us heirs of God. He adds that we are 'joint-heirs with Christ.' This is incredible! It means our inheritance isn't separate from Christ's; we share in His very destiny. He is the ultimate heir, and because we are united to Him, we partake with Him.
The Connection Through Suffering
But how do we get there? Paul immediately links this joint-heirship to suffering. It's not that our suffering earns the inheritance, but rather, it's the divinely appointed path. Sharing in Christ's suffering prepares us to share in His glory. It's like being initiated into His kingdom through the same trials He faced.
Understand the original words
klēronomoi · Greek Noun
One who inherits property or spiritual blessings; in a biblical context, it refers to those who possess the promise of eternal life and the Kingdom of God through Christ.
doxazō · Greek Noun
The splendor, majesty, and radiant holiness of God, which will be fully manifest in the future kingdom and shared by believers in their resurrected state.
pathēmata · Greek Noun
The trials, hardships, and persecutions endured by believers in this fallen world as they follow Christ and await future redemption.
This passage directly parallels Romans 8:17 by stating that through adoption as children, we are no longer slaves but heirs, emphasizing the inheritance that flows from our relationship with God.
Philippians 3:10This verse illuminates the 'suffer with him' aspect of Romans 8:17, as it speaks of knowing Christ, the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death.
1 Peter 4:13This passage connects suffering with Christ to future glory, mirroring Romans 8:17 by encouraging believers to rejoice in their participation in Christ's sufferings, so that they may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
2 Timothy 2:11This verse offers a strong parallel to the suffering-then-glorification theme, stating 'If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him,' which resonates with the conditionality of suffering for future glory mentioned in Romans 8:17.
Revelation 3:21This verse fulfills the promise of joint-heirship and glorification by stating, 'To the one who conquers, I will grant a seat with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne,' highlighting the shared glory with Christ.
cambridgeRomans 8:17: "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."
17 . and if children , &c.] Here St Paul reasons onward from the primary fact, witnessed to by the Spirit, of the Christian’s sonship. He has in view now, more than ever yet in the Epistle, the hope of eternal Glory, when in the fullest sense the saints shall possess the Kingdom of God. This possession he views as an Inheritance by virt…
meyerRomans 8:17: "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."
Romans 8:17 . From the truth of the filial relation to God, Paul now passes over by the continuative δέ to the sure blissful consequence of it,—and that indeed in organic reference to the ζήσεσθε promised in Romans 8:13 . From our child ship follows necessarily our heir ship. Comp. Galatians 4:7 . Both are to be left perfectly general,…
The phrase "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" highlights that our inheritance is not just from God, but that God Himself is our portion, and we share this infinitely valuable inheritance with Christ. This means our ultimate inheritance is intimately tied to His own status and joy, not simply a passive receiving of gifts.
Paul continues to explain the glorious inheritance believers have in Christ by unfolding the implications of their adoption as God's children. If we are God's children, we are assured heirs, not only of God's blessings now but ultimately of glory, sharing in Christ's own inheritance. This inheritance, however, is linked to a shared experience of suffering with Christ, a path that leads to future glorification alongside Him.
Paul continues to explain the glorious inheritance believers have in Christ by unfolding the implications of their adoption as God's children. If we are God's children, we are assured heirs, not only of God's blessings now but ultimately of glory, sharing in Christ's own inheritance. This inheritance, however, is linked to a shared experience of suffering with Christ, a path that leads to future glorification alongside Him.
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Why does God allow suffering? This verse reveals it's not random, but a crucial part of preparing us for glory.
The Purpose of Present Trials
The verse makes it clear: suffering with Christ is the pathway to being glorified with Him. This isn't about enduring pain for pain's sake, but for the sake of a glorious future. The trials we face, when united with Christ's, are not wasted. They are forming us, shaping us, and building a capacity within us to fully receive and enjoy the glory that awaits.
Glorified Together
This shared glory isn't just about being in God's presence, but about being 'glorified together' with Him. It implies a shared joy, a shared reign, and a shared experience of His magnificent kingdom. Our present sufferings, though difficult, are temporary and are faithfully preparing us for this eternal, shared destiny. They are the 'school of trial' that equips us for the joys of heaven.
"and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the gl…" — The phrase "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" highlights that our inheritance is not just from God, but that God Himself is our portion, and we share this infinitely valuable inheritance *…
