141. ROM 8:17. CHILDREN AND HEIRS OF GOD

Rom_8:17. Children and Heirs of God

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ"’97Rom_8:17.

True religion is founded in an entire change of character; and those who truly belong to the Christian family, have been brought from a state of alienation and slavery, to be the children of God, and of the household of faith. True religion is associated with real dignity, for every disciple of Jesus is a king’s son, an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ. These two important principles are included in the text’97wherein, I. We have an Important Supposition.’97"If children." And, II. A Glorious Conclusion.’97"Then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ."

I. We have an Important Supposition.

"If children." The apostle is keeping in view his observations in Rom_8:14-15 and Rom_8:16, respecting those who are led by the Spirit being the sons of God, having the Spirit of adoption, and also having the witness of the Spirit, that they are the children of God. Now the children of God,

1. Have been regenerated by his Spirit and word.

Born of the Spirit; born again of the incorruptible seed of the word; John Rom_2:3-8, 1Pe_1:23. The children of Sod,

2. Have been renewed in the divine likeness.

They resemble God’97bear his holy image’97image of sin effaced’97old things all passed away’97created anew, to good works. The children of God,

3. Are members of his family.

Not slaves; but sons. Hence, they cry: "Abba, Father!" Adopted into the divine household.

4. They are called by his name "I will be a Father unto you; and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord." They are the Lord’s seed, portion, friends, beloved, &c. Now, those who are children,

5. Are conscious of it.

"We know that we have passed from death unto life," &c. "I know in whom I have believed," &c. "We know that we are of God," &c. 1Jn_1:3; 1Jn_3:14, 1Jn_3:19, &c. Observe, in the text,

II. A Glorious Conclusion.

"If children, then heirs," &c. God’s children,

1. Are heirs.

(1) As children interested in the paternal state.

(2) At present in their minority; expectants of the blessed inheritance.

(3) Possessing sufficient supplies, until the time of their majority arrives. God supplies all their present need, out of the riches of his fulness in glory, &c.

2. Heirs of God.

What an inheritance! The infinitely rich and blessed God! God says: "I am your God." "I am your exceeding great reward." Sometimes said to be "heirs of the promises;" "heirs of the kingdom;" "heirs of all things;" Heb_6:12; Rev_21:7. But here, all are included: "Heirs of God"’97of his light’97of his life’97of his love’97of his happiness’97of his kingdom’97of his riches’97of his glory’97of all that he is of a communicable nature. What a sublime, infinite, immutable, satisfying, and eternal inheritance’97"Heirs of God!"

3. Joint-heirs with Christ.

(1) Heirs in and by Christ’s right and title. By receiving Christ, we become interested in all the new covenant-blessings procured by him.

(2) Heirs of the same blessings with Christ. Christ, had promised to him rest, honor, joy. and dominion. These all saints participate of with Christ. Sit on his throne’97partake of his glory’97share in his triumphs’97and drink of his joys; Joh_17:5; Rev_3:21.

Application

1. Let believers be careful to have a clear title to, and grow in meetness for, this inheritance. 2. Let all God’s children rejoice in their high and heavenly calling. Who so rich, so dignified, as the children of God? Besides, their inheritance is certain, unbounded, and everlasting. Then riches endure forever and ever. 3. Invite poor wretched sinners to come, and by faith lay claim to God’s gracious promises For this inheritance is not lessened by the number of coheirs. Each child of God shall have God for his portion, and the lot of his inheritance forever.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS