199. Heirs of God.

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. - Romans 8:17.

THIS chapter is like the Garden of Eden, which had in it all manner of delights. If one were shut up to preach only from the eighth of Romans, he would have a subject, which might last a lifetime. Every line of the chapter serves for a text. It is an inexhaustible mine. Paul sets before us a golden ladder, and from every step he climbs to something yet higher: from sonship, he rises to heirship and from heirship to joint-heirship with the Lord Jesus.

I. THE GROUND OF HEIRSHIP. "If children, then heirs."

1. It does not follow from ordinary creation. It is not written—"if creatures, then heirs?"

2. Neither is it found in natural descent. It is not written—"if children of Abraham, then heirs" (Rom. 9:7-13).

3. Nor can it come by meritorious service. It is not written—"if servants, then heirs" (Gal. 4:30).

4. Nor by ceremonial observances. It is not written—"if circumcised or baptized, then heirs" (Rom. 4:9-12).

Our being regenerated or born again unto God by his Holy Spirit is our one ground of heirship.

Let us inquire ---

· Have we been born again (John 3:3)?

· Have we the spirit of adoption (Gal. 4:5)?

· Are we fashioned in the likeness of God (Col. 3:10)?

· Have we believed on Jesus (John 1:12)?

II. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE HEIRSHIP. "Children, then heirs."

1.The principle of priority as to time cannot enter into this question. The elder and the younger in the divine family are equally heirs.

2.The love of God is the same to them all.

3.They are all blessed under the same promise (Heb. 6:17).

4.They are all equally related to that great Firstborn Son through whom their heirship comes to them. He is the Firstborn among many brethren.

5.The inheritance is large enough for them all.

They are not all prophets, preachers, apostles, or even well-instructed and eminent saints. They are not all rich and influential, they are not all strong and useful, but they are all heirs.

Let us, then, all live as such and rejoice in our portion.

III. THE INHERITANCE WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF HEIRSHIP.

"Heirs of God."

Our inheritance is divinely great. We are—

· Heirs of all things. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things" (Rev. 21:7). "All things are yours" (1 Cor. 3:21).

· Heirs of salvation (Heb. 1:14).

· Heirs of eternal life (Titus 3:7).

· Heirs of promise (Heb. 6:17).

· Heirs of the grace of life (1 Pet. 3:7).

· Heirs of righteousness (Heb. 11:7).

· Heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5).

Whereas we are said to be "heirs of God," it must mean that we are—

1. Heirs of all that God possesses.

2. Heirs of all that God is: of his love, for God is love. Hence, heirs of all possible good, for God is good.

3. Heirs of God himself. What an infinite portion!

4. Heirs of all that Jesus has and is as God and man.

IV. THE PARTNERSHIP OF THE CLAIMANTS TO HEIRSHIP. "And joint heirs with Christ."

1. This is the test of our heirship. We are not heirs except with Christ, through Christ, and in Christ.

2. This sweetens it all. Fellowship with Jesus is our best portion.

3. This shows the greatness of the inheritance. Worthy of Jesus. Such an inheritance as the Father gives to the well-beloved.

4. This ensures it to us, for Jesus will not lose it. His title deed and ours are one and indivisible.

5. This reveals and endears his love. That he should become a partner with us in all things is love unbounded.

· His taking us into union with himself secures our inheritance.

· His prayer for us attains it.

· His going into heaven before us prepares it.

· His coming again will bring us the full enjoyment of it.

6. This joint heirship binds us faster to Jesus, since we are nothing and have nothing apart from him.

Let us joyfully accept present suffering with Christ, for it is part of the heritage.

Let us believe in the glorification which is sure to follow in due time, and let us anticipate it with immediate rejoicing.