August 14

And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. — Rom 8:17 BSB

Oh, the blessedness of being a child of God! Can we even begin to grasp or express the depth of grace and glory, the safety, happiness, honor, and bliss that comes from being an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ? Soon enough, we will put off these mortal bodies, lie down in the grave, and enter the unseen world. So it’s worth asking ourselves, what are our prospects for eternity? Where will our inheritance lie? Will it be one of endless misery and regret, or will it be the joy and pleasures that are at God’s right hand forever?

Do we have any evidence or testimony that we are truly children of God? Has the Spirit ever given us direct or indirect witness to our adoption, to our belonging in His family? As we look back over our spiritual experiences, can we find marks of grace, signs of being heirs of God, and co-heirs with Christ? Can you recall that first season when God convicted your conscience and made you aware of your sins? Or the time when Christ was revealed to your heart in love? Or in a time of trouble when a sweet promise of His love and blood was sealed upon your soul with divine power?

It’s not enough to lean on the testimony of others or hold onto empty hopes that may spring from a self-righteous or deceitful heart. The true assurance comes from the witness of the Spirit within us, shining the light of God’s presence and love into our hearts. This alone can satisfy a child of God, confirming that we are indeed partakers of grace and heirs of the glory that will be revealed when the Lord Jesus comes.