What does being a joint heir with Christ mean for the believer's life?
Being a joint heir with Christ means the believer is an heir of God alongside Jesus, sharing full rights to that inheritance. It is not an earthly inheritance from a wealthy relative or corporation, but something far greater. This joint heirship also means the believer may suffer with Him and experience glorification with Him.
Les teaches from Romans 8:17 that if we are children and true sons of God by saving faith, then we are heirs—heirs of God, not of some rich grandfather or corporation president with millions of shares, but something far greater. He then brings it tighter: we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Les illustrates joint heirship with owning a home or property together: both owners have rights to that property, and if one passes off the scene, the property belongs to the one left behind, regardless of which one goes first. He says the whole concept of joint heirship is part and parcel of the Christian experience, that we are heirs of God because we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. That may mean we will suffer with Him, and we may also experience that glorification with Him. He connects this to Galatians, where we are 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.
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What does it mean that believers are joint heirs with Jesus Christ?
Believers are not only heirs of God but joint heirs with Jesus Christ.