Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

Romans 8:16-17, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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."

This morning, there are truths that we find in God's Word that are especially precious to us for the comfort that they bring to our souls. This text is one that is precious to us, for it lays out the promise of the life that is to come. It tells us of our current condition that we have been placed in by the free, unmerited favour of the Almighty and His grace to us. Many people query why the Old Baptists like Romans 8 so much. The simplest response I know is, "The chapter begins by saying, 'There is therefore now no condemnation' and ends by saying nothing 'shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'" It truly does not get any better than that, and everything in between is just as sweet.

Here the Apostle Paul plainly declares that we are the children of God. We are the Lord's family. If one inquires how we got there, John says that it is solely by the will of God. (John 1:13) It did not matter who our natural parents were, what our desire was, or what creed we were. God chose us based on the good pleasure of His will, and that is it plus nothing. He decided within Himself who would be a part of His family. Now, when someone is in a family, the only way that one can get out of that family is to be legally removed from it. When someone formally disowns a member of their family, the law must be invoked to rescind that relationship.

So, is it possible to be removed from God's family? One might think it a ridiculous question, and indeed it is. However, it is amazing that some espouse such a mistaken concept. Notice the language of our relationship. We are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Not only are we God's heirs, but we have everything that Christ has. My wife and I are joint-owners of all of our worldly possessions. That means that what is mine is hers, and what is hers is mine. We both do not own 50%, but we both own 800. It is the same with Christ and His brethren. Now, legally, the only way for my wife's and my possessions to be sold or given away is for both my wife AND I to sign off on them. With a joint relationship, every joint-heir or owner must sign for the legal effect to take place.

If there are 100 joint-heirs, 99 signatures are not good enough. One must have all 100. Now, eternally, we can never lose our inheritance, for it would take every joint-heir of heaven to sign off on the deed for you to lose it. Whether every single child of grace would do it or not, really it makes no difference. There is One who will NEVER do such an act. For, we are told that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Therefore, we can take consolation that as joint-heirs with Christ, there is not a chance in heaven, earth, or under the earth that we will fall out of that blessed promise. I am very thankful this morning that we serve a God of purpose and choice rather than chance and accident.

In Hope,

Bro Philip