What are believers called since they are children of God in Romans 8:17?
Since believers are children of God, they are called heirs—specifically joint heirs with Jesus Christ. They are not merely heirs waiting far down the line for a partial inheritance; they are placed as full heirs, sharing equality with Christ, so what is His is theirs.
Les explains that at salvation believers are born into the family of God by the work of the Holy Spirit, but God also performs another act that places them as a full heir with Jesus Christ. Using the idea of adoption, he says this means being placed as a full son and full partner with the Father, not merely one born into the family or legally taken from another family. So when Romans 8:17 says that if we are children, then we are heirs, the point is that believers are not just heirs hoping for a small inheritance somewhere down the line. They are joint heirs, and a joint heir implies equality: what is His is theirs, and vice versa. This position is received the moment one believes, not after years of striving.
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.
More Questions
What kind of heirs are children of God?
If we are children of God, we are heirs, and specifically joint heirs with Christ, not just ordinary heirs hoping for a small portion of the inheritance.
If believers are God's children, what do they inherit in Christ?
Because believers are children of God, they are heirs—specifically joint heirs with Christ—just as a son is the heir of his parents' estate.