Romans 8:17

and if children, &c. Here St Paul reasons onward from the primary fact, witnessed to by the Spirit, of the Christian's sonship. He has in view now, more than ever yet in the Epistle, the hope of eternal Glory, when in the fullest sense the saints shall possess the Kingdom of God. This possession he views as an Inheritance by virtue of Birth into the Family of God. For the figure, cp. Matthew 25:34; Act 20:32; 1 Corinthians 15:50; Galatians 4:7; Ephesians 1:14; James 2:5; 1 Peter 1:4; &c., &c.

joint-heirs with Christ The Divine and Human Eldest Brother (Romans 8:29.)

if so be Same word as Romans 8:9. St Paul reminds his readers of the great fact and principle that the path of obedience and self-denial is the one path to Heaven. And he chooses phraseology (see note on "if so be," Romans 8:9,) which suggests to the reader's soul the self-enquiry whether the will is really brought into "the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ." (Philippians 3:10) To "suffer with the Lord" is not only generally to follow Him in patience and meekness; but specially to bear, in loving fidelity, the pains of that conflict (outward, or inward, or both,) against sin, to which we are inevitably called by the fact of our union to Him as His brethren. Such "sufferings," in one form or another, are never out of date.

that we may be, &c. "Suffering with Christ" is the necessary antecedent to "glorification with Him;" by way, not of merit, but of preparation. The eternal bliss is a giftin the most absolute sense; (Romans 6:23, &c., &c.,) but the capacity to enjoy it is, certainly in a great measure, imparted only in the school of trial. See, for an illustration of this passage, 1 Peter 1:5-7.

together i.e. "together with Him;" in His eternal presence, and as sharers in the joy and dignity of His eternal kingdom. Before the throne of the Lamb, His servants "shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5.) See too Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 4:13; 1 John 3:1-2; Revelation 3:21.