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I. THE GROUND OF HEIRSHIP.

1. It does not follow from ordinary creation. It is not "if creatures, then heirs."

2. Neither is it found in natural descent. It is not "if children of Abraham then heirs" (Romans 9:7-13).

3. Nor can it come by meritorious service. It is not "if servants, then heirs" (Galatians 4:30).

4. Nor by ceremonial observances. It is not "if circumcised or baptized, then heirs" (Romans 4:9-12).

5. Our being born again of God by His Spirit is the one ground of heirship. Let us inquire —

(1)  Have we been born again (John 3:3)?

(2)  Have we the spirit of adoption (Galatians 4:6)?

(3)  Are we fashioned in the likeness of God (Colossians 3:10)?

(4)  Have we believed on Jesus (John 1:12)?

II. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE HEIRSHIP. "Children, then heirs."

1. The principle of priority as to time cannot enter into this question. The elder and the younger in the Divine family are equally heirs.

2. The love of God is the same to them all.

3. They are all blessed under the same promise (Hebrews 6:17).

4. They are all equally related to that great First-born Son through whom their heirship comes to them. He is the first-born among many brethren.

5. The inheritance is large enough for them all. They are not all prophets, preachers, apostles, or even well-instructed and eminent saints; they are not all rich and influential; they are not all strong and useful; but they are all heirs. Let us, then, all live as such, and rejoice in our portion.

III. THE INHERITANCE WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF HEIRSHIP. "Heirs of God."

1. Our inheritance is Divinely great. We are — Heirs of —

(1)  All things (Revelation 21:7; 2 Corinthians 3:21).

(2)  Salvation (Hebrews 1:14).

(3)  Eternal life (Titus 3:7).

(4)  Promise (Hebrews 6:17).

(5)  The grace of life (1 Peter 3:7).

(6)  Righteousness (Hebrews 11:7).

(7)  The kingdom (James 2:5).

2. Whereas we are said to be "heirs of God," it must mean that we are heirs of —

(1)  All that God possesses.

(2)  All that God is. Of His love; for God is love. Hence heirs of all possible good; for God is good.

(3)  God Himself. What an infinite portion!

(4)  All that Jesus has and is, as God and man.

IV. THE PARTNERSHIP OF THE CLAIMANTS TO HEIRSHIP. "And joint heirs with Christ."

1. This is the test of our heirship. We are not heirs except with Christ, through Christ, and in Christ.

2. This sweetens it all. Fellowship with Jesus is our best portion.

3. This shows the greatness of the inheritance. Worthy of Jesus. Such an inheritance as the Father gives to the well-beloved.

4. This ensures it to us; for Jesus will not lose it, and His title-deed and ours are one and indivisible.

5. This reveals and endears His love. That He should become a partner with us in all things is love unbounded.

(1)  His taking us into union with Himself secures our inheritance.

(2)  His prayer for us attains it.

(3)  His going into heaven before us prepares it.

(4)  His coming again will bring us the full enjoyment of it.

6. This joint heirship binds us faster to Jesus, since we are nothing, and have nothing apart from Him.Conclusion —

1. Let us joyfully accept the present suffering with Christ, for it is part of the heritage.

2. Let us believe in the ultimate glorification and anticipate it with joy.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: 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.

WEB: 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 with him.