If we are true sons of God through saving faith, what are we?
Those who are true sons of God through saving faith are heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Their inheritance is not from an earthly rich grandfather or corporation president but is far greater, shared with Christ, including suffering with Him and glorification with Him.
Les teaches from verse 17 that if we are children, and if we are true sons of God by virtue of our saving faith, then we are heirs. He emphasizes that this is not heirship from some rich grandfather or a corporation president with millions of shares; it is far greater. We are heirs of God, and more tightly, we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Les illustrates joint heirship with owning a home or property: both owners have rights to it, and if one passes away, it belongs to the one left behind. This joint heirship is part of the Christian experience. It may mean we will suffer with Him, and we may also experience glorification with Him. Galatians agrees: we are no more slaves but sons, heirs of God through Christ.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
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.