SUNDAY August 9, 2020

Joint Heirs with Christ

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Romans 8:16-17

Underline this verse in your Bible. It is important to know that the Holy Spirit dwells in a Christian, and that He bears witness with their spirit to verify that they are indeed a child of God. Seriously, I believe a person knows if they are in Christ or not because the Spirit verifies it to them. As we are led by the Spirit, we have an assurance of our salvation and enjoy a life of victory.

Christians have been adopted by God. As His children, they become heirs of the kingdom of God with Christ. Since they have been adopted, they are no longer to live their lives dominated by the desires of the flesh––no possible way! God is holy. He cannot fellowship with someone while they are willfully practicing sin––sin will separate them from God––it distances them (Isaiah 59:2). In love, what did Jesus say to the Samaritan woman who was living a life of sin? “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

The Spirit commences the work of God in a person’s life. God encounters a person right where they are in life. He loves them while they were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), but He meets them in the realm of His Spirit––not in the flesh. When a person accepts Christ and repents of their sins, they are born of the Spirit, and fellowship with God begins (John 3:1-16). God becomes their “Abba, Daddy.” He cares about them and will always be there for them!

It is true that this life is filled with problems, and as Christians we shall suffer. We live in an imperfect world, but one day we shall be perfect––glorified.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God. Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
~Fanny Crosby~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!