Why are believers called heirs of God?
Saving faith makes a person a true child and son of God, and sonship carries full heirship. This heirship is not from an earthly benefactor but is tied to being joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Scripture grounds it in that spiritual relationship, making the inheritance far greater than any human estate.
Les explains from Romans 8, verse 17, that if believers are children and true sons of God by saving faith, then they are heirs—heirs of God, not of some rich grandfather or corporation president with millions of shares. The inheritance is far greater. It is also joint heirship with Jesus Christ. Les illustrates joint heirs as two owners of a home or property: both have rights to it, and if one passes away, the property belongs to the one left behind regardless of which one goes first. That joint heirship is part of the Christian experience: believers are heirs of God because they are joint heirs with Jesus Christ, which may mean suffering with Him and also experiencing glorification with Him. Galatians agrees, saying the believer is no more a slave but a son, one in full heirship, 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.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
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.
What kind of heirs are believers in Christ?
If we are children, then we are heirs, and specifically joint heirs, not merely heirs waiting down the line for a portion of the inheritance.