Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
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.
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
2007-04-11 22:58:43 · 8 answers · asked by mormon_4_jesus 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
allow me to clarify:
What does it mean, to you, to be an heir of God and joint heir with Christ?
2007-04-11 23:54:17 · update #1
The Holy Ghost testifies with us what the truth is.
Joint heirs with Christ in salvation.
2007-04-13 11:26:16 · answer #1 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In any confrontation, contradiction between any apostle and Jesus, Jesus wins.
That means, if at any time St. Paul or St. Peter or St. I-Just-Got-Here said something that goes against the teachings of Christ, the toss always goes to Christ.
In the above passages, the references to the 'heirs of God' is meant to be metaphorical. It is important to note that he said "if so be that we suffer with him", and this is important because one is only a joint-heir of Christ if one is willing to suffer. The suffering and the glorifying cannot be seperated.
In the second passage, "thou art no more a servant" is meant to be that one is no more a physical servant. Jesus himself said "Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest; whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all." Thus, those who keep and bear the covenant of Christ (including his teachings) become heirs. That doesn't mean that they are not servants in the sense that they do not serve or administer in their duties, but that their deeds will ensure that they will be recognized as heirs in the after-life, while the heirs of this life will be recognized as servants.
There is an implicit understanding in these two passages that St. Paul is assuming that the "Christians" are actually practicing/implementing the teachings of Christ ("if so be that we suffer with him...") IF we are following the teachings of Christ, then Christ himself has said that we will be amongst the heirs. The 'if' in Romans is what qualifies the statements and keeps from contradicting the passage in the Gospels.
2007-04-12 06:18:10 · answer #2 · answered by Khnopff71 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Romans 8:16
To me that means we are all God's children with all the responsibilities, sufferings and joys that come with that.
Galatians 4:6
Similar really. we are God's children. If we accept that and call God our Father then we will inherit His kingdom like every other child of God. However, it also depends on us being 'good' children. Acting responsibly, making wise choices and treating our fellow man with respect.
A servant/master relationship is one of power and force. One that is based on fear as opposed to love. A parent/child relationship is more caring, loving and understanding.
2007-04-12 06:06:42 · answer #3 · answered by Searching 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
#1 it means I am His child, I am offspring of the most high God. How wonderful is that?!
#2 It means that I have the potential to become like Him.
I do not know of a better gift our Heavenly Father can give us.
2007-04-12 16:58:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
That we are written in the book and meant to suffer like Jesus.
2007-04-12 06:16:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To PROPERLY interpret scripture, the whole chapter must be read; not just a few verses.
2007-04-12 06:10:45 · answer #6 · answered by yahweh_is_the_lord 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's just nonsensical gibberish to me.
2007-04-12 06:05:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are their any endnotes?
2007-04-12 06:08:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋