A Son and an Heir

Rom. 8:1-17

What a glorious passage! First we read there is no condemnation for us because we are in Christ Jesus. He satisfied the righteous requirement of the law when God put upon Him the sin of the world when He died on the cross. He paid the price for all sin. But still not everyone has availed themselves of His gift of freedom. Christ did not stay on the cross. He was buried and rose again. This resurrection life makes us new in Christ. To have what Christ offers, we must believe in Him and even be in Him. 

As a believer we are no longer people of the flesh. Christ has severed our bondage to sin and flesh. Our new spirit is life and peace. Consequently, we are not enslaved to the flesh, but now we live according to the Spirit which means that we put to death the deeds, thoughts, and emotions of the flesh. 

If we are led by the Spirit of God, we are Sons of God!! For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. How unbelievable is this! Not only have we been freed from our bondage to the flesh, but we have been given new life, a life that includes son-ship as well as heir-ship. We become a fellow heir with Jesus Christ! The Spirit of God teaches us that this is true because He lives within us and is our constant companion and guide. However, v. 17 throws in a little catch. Provided we suffer with Him! To be made new in Christ must include suffering as well. We can't be in Christ without walking where He walked, and that includes suffering and sometimes death. 

Father,

You have given me so very much! Jesus and Your Spirit, new life in Christ, grace, peace, truth, love, eternal life, a hope to anchor my faith, a future with You. For all these and so much more, I thank You. For letting Your Spirit live within me, I praise Your name.

In Jesus name,

Amen