Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Adoption into God’s family brings the benefit of inheriting God’s promises in Christ. Christ is the unique Son of God, but believers get to share in his inheritance of glory. Sharing in Christ’s glory includes resurrection and eternal life. A condition to be met in sharing this glory is also to share in Christ’s sufferings. Walking with the Spirit through suffering and in fellowship with Christ makes us strong, builds our character, and keeps the hope of glory ever before us (5:3-5). The most challenging part of this is to consider what it means to “share in his sufferings.” This is the path of the cross. Jesus came to the place in the Garden of Gethsemane of forsaking any offer of comfort give by the world and choosing to truth the Father’s promises of new life after death. Jesus had to face the pain of ridicule and rejection. He faced misunderstanding and false accusation. We too may face these types of trials as part of sharing in the suffering of Christ.
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