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Joint Heirs with Christ

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 31, 1907

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 44.

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Joint Heirs with Christ

By W. S. Hyatt

W. S. HYATT
“BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1. The Lord calls upon all to behold his love. Love can be seen by its results, and the Lord calls upon all to behold the love that would make a race of prodigals “the sons of God.” The world lies in wickedness, but now and then a prodigal comes to himself, and says, “I will arise and go to my Father.” The Father saw him while he was yet a great way off, and ran to meet him. Love for the erring covered the sins of ingratitude, and the wanderer is made to realize that he is truly a son, and not a servant, although unworthy of the least of this parental affection.
We may behold this manner of love, but not understand it; we may enjoy its blessings, but not comprehend its greatness. How it is possible for a race of rebels to be transformed into sons of God will be the mystery of this life, and only eternity can reveal it to us. Nevertheless, it is a truth to the believer, for “to them gave he power to become the sons of God,” and they are adopted into the royal family (Gal. 4:5), and loved the same as the only begotten Son. John 17:23. Thank God for an “adoption” that makes the prodigal to realize that he is not a servant, but a son; and, also, for the spirit of true sonship whereby he can look up with a filial confidence and say, “Father, Father.”
The conditions by which we may become sons of God are clearly stated. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor. 6:17, 18. And again he says, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Rev. 21:7. Now listen to the promise whereby this may be accomplished: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12. Truly this is a wonderful privilege to the believer. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.” Rom. 8:17. Language fails us when we attempt to express the greatness of theseblessings. But the reader will note that these children are to “inherit all things.” The inheritance is not to be divided among the members of the family, for he says to each and every one who overcomes, “He . . . shall inherit all things.” These children are joint heirs with Christ, and in his love for them the Father grants to them the same privileges to the inheritance that he does to his son Jesus. Together “the whole family in heaven and earth” enter upon this inheritance and enjoy it forever.
Such love, such condescension, can be found only in the wonderful love of God, and is worthy of our “beholding.” Should not every child of God join in showing “forth the praises of him who hath called” us? Men love to extol the virtues of those who are their friends. Therefore the believer should never lose an opportunity to speak God’s praises and show forth his virtues. Truly we may join in the words of praise, “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, . . . glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
Cape Town, South Africa.