THE HOLY SPIRIT and SONSHIP Devotion 27 of 30 DANIEL'S PROPHECY Something of the greatness of being "joint heirs with Christ" was revealed to Daniel. Let these words sink down into your ears. "But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever yes, for ever and ever . . . until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom . . . Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him [them, NRSV]" (Dan 7:18,22,27, NIV). ABRAHAM'S SEED In confirmation of this blessed status, the Spirit reasons with us concerning the Lord Jesus and those who are in Him. This particular reasoning is found in the book of Galatians, and it is marvelous. "Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, 'And to seeds,' as of many, but as of one, 'And to your Seed,' who is Christ . . . And if you are Christ's, then YOU are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (3:16,29). – Tomorrow:
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 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 together." (Romans 8:12-17, NKJV)
" . . . and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ."
In confirmation of this blessed promise, a cry sounds from the heavenly throne room. It is intended to buoy up the spirit of the faithful, encouraging them to fight the good fight of faith and finish their course. "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son" (Rev 21:7).
The Lord Jesus alluded to this when he promised, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matt 5:5).
Throughout eternity, as it rolls its ceaseless cycles on, the saints will not be sitting on clouds and strumming harps. Indeed, they will be "joint heirs with Christ." Whatever He is doing, they will be doing. His activity will be their activity! The "world to come" will be given into their charge, as "joint heirs with Christ." In a poignant statement of Divine intention, the second chapter of Hebrews affirms the original purpose for man has not been abandoned. "For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him" (Heb 2:5-9, NKJV).
However, at this time, man does not have the dominion, even though some vainly boast that they do. Verse 9 continues, "But now we do NOT YET see all things put under him." The intended dominion is not presently experienced by man. The conferment of dominion has not yet occurred. However, while we do not see men with dominion, there is a Man we now see who DOES have the dominion – "the MAN Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:l5). He is a "Man" – the glorified Man – and He has dominion. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man" (Heb 2:9). His dominion is not primarily over nature – although He rules over it all. He is using "all power in heaven and earth" to "bring many sons to glory" (Heb 2:10).
In His present ministry, Jesus is preparing justified people to reign with Him – to assume the dominion God intends for them. His identity with us as "the Man" uniquely qualifies Him to do this. Furthermore, in the process, he is not ashamed of that identity. Thus it is written, "For both He that sanctifieth [Jesus] and they who are sanctified [the saints] are all of One [the Father]: for which cause He [Jesus] is not ashamed to call them [the saints] brethren" (Heb 2:11).
In their appointed role of "joint heirs," they will "judge the world," and even "angels" (1 Cor 6:2-3) – something that is challenging to consider. The saints, or those who are in Christ Jesus, are the "strong" with whom Jesus will divide the spoils. As it is written, "and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hath poured out his soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors" (Isa 53:12).
Salvation has forged a unity between Christ and the redeemed that is so close and so effectual they are counted as "Abraham's seed!" It is in that capacity that they are "joint heirs with Christ." A marvelous condition, indeed! Once this is seen, victory will be realized, and a high degree of confidence and boldness attained.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise and thank You through Jesus Christ for such a magnificent salvation and glorious hope.