Romans 8:17
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 (KJV)
Context
In Romans 8, Paul explores the assurance of salvation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This assurance rests on the work of the Holy Spirit, who bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16).
Meaning
Paul begins by emphasising our relationship with God. He refers to believers as “children.” Through faith in Jesus Christ, we become part of God’s family, adopted as His sons and daughters. As children of God, we receive the privileges and blessings that come with being part of His family.
Paul continues by explaining that as God’s children, we also become heirs. This inheritance includes the promises, blessings, and benefits that come from being in a relationship with God. It encompasses both present and future blessings, such as eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and a share in God’s kingdom.
The verse goes on to mention that we are joint-heirs with Christ. The Greek term for “joint-heirs” (sugkleronomos) emphasises that believers share the same inheritance as Christ, not a separate or lesser portion. As believers, we are united with Christ in a special way, and we share in His glory and the blessings that come from our union with Him.
The verse also highlights an important condition for being glorified together with Christ. It says that if we suffer with Him, we will be glorified together. Suffering here refers to sharing in the trials and difficulties that come with being a follower of Christ. Just as Jesus endured suffering for the sake of the gospel, we may also face trials and opposition. However, these sufferings are not in vain but serve a purpose in God’s redemptive plan.
This suffering is not a separate path but is sharing in Christ’s own sufferings. It is not a means of earning glory but a mark of genuine sonship; those who are truly children of God will share in Christ’s sufferings, and therefore also in His glory. The verse does not specify the exact nature of the suffering, but it is clear that it is “with him,” indicating a participation in Christ’s own experiences. The verse should not be interpreted as teaching that all suffering is redemptive or that suffering is a requirement for salvation; rather, it is a description of the path that all true children of God will walk, following their Lord.
The verse concludes by stating that if we suffer with Christ, we will be glorified together with Him. This speaks of the future hope we have as believers. Just as Christ was resurrected and glorified, we too will experience the fullness of God’s glory in eternity. Our suffering in this present age will pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us in Christ. The glory mentioned is future, but it is certain for those who are in Christ. The assurance of glory is grounded in the certainty of our union with Christ, not in the quality or quantity of our suffering.
Application
Romans 8:17 reminds us of our privileged position as children and heirs of God. Through our union with Christ, we share in His inheritance and future glory. However, this participation also involves sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Our present sufferings are not meaningless but serve to prepare us for the future glory that God has prepared for His children. The inheritance is not merely future but is tied to our present union with Christ, as believers already possess the Spirit as a down payment of what is to come.
