Christian Writers Circle

Joint Heirs with Christ
by Judy Hitson

Romans 8:17 NKJV and if children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

The impact of this word hit me to the core reading this verse in the Passion Translation, And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has. We will experience being co-glorified with him provided that we accept his sufferings as our own.

Does that blow your mind as it does mine to realize as children of God we are joint heirs with Christ and will inherit all that he is and all that he has?

Think about this a moment.

Now be impacted with the condition we read to that promise. We read in the New King James  Version, “if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. In the Passion translation we read, “provided that we accept his sufferings as our own.”   

Do you identify with the suffering of Christ?

There were some dramatic changes in my life after I received the Holy Spirit. These changes affected relationships and financial income. Within the first year, I quit work as a nurse to be a stay at home Mom. I left the denomination my parents raised me in from birth to join a new denomination. It was painful and difficult in many ways. Yet choosing Christ and His ways for my life, I will never regret.

When we identify with the cross of Christ, life changes for us. Our priorities change as we learn God’s word and His ways.

In the hymn, “Jesus Paid it All,” the line, “Find in Me thine all in all,” speaks volumes for our lives in Christ. In Col. 3:11 we read the phrase, “Christ is all.”

Are you finding in Christ, your all in all?

Are you finding in your life, Christ is all?

To think of being joint heirs with Christ is amazing and wonderful but realizing the cost Christ paid, we must count the cost to follow Him. My experiences are minimal compare to those who suffer far greater persecutions. Some experience death for the sake of Christ.

Prayer: Father in heaven thank You that we are Your children. Help us fully follow Christ by Your Spirit. Help us accept His sufferings as our own and enjoy the promise of being joint heirs with Him. Amen.