We are heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ. Fellow-Heir is defined as “one who has a share of an inheritance, which is to be divided among two or more” heirs.¹

“The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God. And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.” ~Romans 8:16-17 AMP

Advantage One – Adoption

God’s Son, Jesus, is the Father’s rightful heir.

“[But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order].” ~ Hebrews 1:2 AMPC

As adopted sons and daughters, we have full rights to receive the Father’s inheritance. And though Jesus is the rightful heir, we find Jesus is the very One Who made a way for us to be His fellow-heir.

“Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond-servant), but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God [through Christ].” ~Galatians 4:7 AMP

“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” ~Ephesians 2:13 NASB

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” ~John 1:12-13 NASB

Jesus Christ offered Himself as the wage for sin and death; made a way for our forgiveness before the Father through His blood; and invited us to be brothers and sisters (fellow-heirs) with Him before our heavenly Father.

“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly though Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” ~Titus 3:4-7 NASB

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” ~1 John 3:2 NASB

Advantage Two – Everlasting Inheritance

Jesus’ gift is complete. His gift lacks nothing before the Father. If we believe and receive His gift of love, we find life.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.” ~John 14:6 WEB

“And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent.” ~John 17:3 AMPC

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~Romans 6:23 AMP

This gift of love is eternal life which is imperishable and undefiled.

“For now that you have faith in Christ you are all sons of God. All of you who were baptized “into” Christ have put on the family likeness of Christ. Gone is the distinction between Jew and Greek, slave and free man, male and female—you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, you are true descendants of Abraham, you are true heirs of his promise.” ~Galatians 3:29 Phillips

“Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (God’s people) in the Light.” ~Colossians 1:12 AMP

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” ~1 Peter 1:3-4 NASB

This gift of life is an everlasting inheritance, that is, it never ends.

“But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.” ~John 1:12 AMPC

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” ~John 3:16 AMPC

Advantage Three – Fellow-Heirs in Life

Yes, God’s love provides a way for us to experience eternal life after we die, but He also provides a way for us to experience His abundant life here on earth. As fellow-heirs, we experience His life as His Holy Spirit bears fruit through us.

“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” ~Galatians 5:22-23 AMP

“For He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].” ~2 Timothy 1:9 AMP

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, makes a way for us to know His peace. His peace is not based on circumstances, but on Who we belong to – Him! His peace guards our hearts and minds.

“And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:7 AMPC

As we love God and express His love to others, we find our lives being a living offering, a fragrant aroma to Him by the power of His Holy Spirit.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” ~2 Corinthians 5:17 WEB

“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.” ~Galatians 2:20 WEB

“Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.” ~Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP

He is alive! And He lives through us – making us living stones in His spiritual house, a chosen and holy race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His people of mercy, fellow-heirs, and a light shining in the darkness.

“You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” ~1 Peter 2:5 NASB

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” ~1 Peter 2:9-10 NASB

Recommendations:

How to Examine the Soil of Our Hearts – Strength with Dignity

Be Still: 5 Amazing Bible Verses for Hope in God – Strength with Dignity

3 Targeted Steps for Intentional Death to Unlock Life – Strength with Dignity

References:

¹ Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. Retrieved September 26, 2022, from Websters Dictionary 1828 – Webster’s Dictionary 1828 – Coheir

100 Bible Verses about Co-Heir with Christ. Published by Open Bible. Retrieved September 26, 2022, from What Does the Bible Say About Co-heir With Christ? (openbible.info)

Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible, Classis Edition (AMPC) Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.

J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS). The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.

New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

What Does It mean to be Co-Heirs/Joint-Heirs with Christ? Published by Got Questions. Retrieved September 26, 2022, from What does it mean to be co-heirs/joint-heirs with Christ? | GotQuestions.org

World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.

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