| Christian Life and Doctrine | January 1968 |
Heirs of God
IN ROMANS 8:17 the members of the body of Christ are called “heirs of God.” Then we read in Galatians 4:1,2, “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.” This suggests that the manner in which an heir to an earthly throne is reared and prepared for his calling may contain valuable illustrations of the manner in which an “heir of God” is developed. To facilitate such a consideration, we first present an allegory:
A royal prince is born in a kingdom of this world, and the entire nation rejoices. There is an heir at last, a prince of the blood! There are days of celebration. The babe is cherished and most carefully reared. Particular care is taken of his diet, so that he may grow up strong and sound; and even before he can walk or talk, the task of molding what is called “the royal character” has begun. He is firmly, though kindly, disciplined from the very beginning, so that he may learn obedience. He is set apart, and his training in every respect is minutely planned and supervised.
As a young boy he is surrounded by just the right people, including some children his own age. Great pains are taken to see that he is not “spoiled.” Even though he is a prince he cannot have everything he wants; and, although constantly watched over, he is often treated in a way which might be called “wholesome neglect,” so that he might develop self-reliance. Every decision is not made for him; but basic principles are. Laid down, and he is often placed in a position where he must consider the circumstances and decide for himself what he will do. If his decision is wrong, he may be allowed to suffer the consequences of his own unwise acts, to a degree. In this way he learns and matures.
But he always has access to his father, the king. If he has a problem which seems important to him, even though it may be a childish problem, and he seeks his father’s guidance, the king will interrupt even a cabinet meeting of the realm in order to counsel his son.
A normal family life is maintained as much as possible. He eats at his father’s table, and is surely corrected if he complains of the food served to him there. He freely associates with his brothers and sisters, without affecting superiority; and, just as in any family, friction sometimes develops. His reaction to this is considered an important part of his training for rulership. His quickness to forgive and make peace is especially prized by the king, because these are royal virtues.
As he grows older he is particularly taught courtesy and consideration for others, because these qualities will endear him to the people he will one day be called upon to rule. And, because his high calling in life naturally tends to pride, the importance of humility is constantly impressed upon him to counteract this influence. Although the vast resources of the kingdom will some day be at his disposal, he is taught simplicity and self-denial, being given only a limited allowance of money. At the same time he is taught generosity to others, and is encouraged to give gifts to his companions and to those less fortunate than himself.
For his education, tutors and counselors are appointed by the king to instruct him. Experts in every line are ready to answer his every question and show him the right way. He eagerly avails himself of these helps and grows in knowledge and wisdom, accepting any necessary reproof and correction. He is always obedient and loyal to his father, never speaking against him or disputing his authority.
Very early in life he is assigned an “equerry,” a companion not necessarily of royal blood, but someone older and more experienced than he, to intimately serve him, watch over him, and preserve him. This equerry is directly responsible to the king himself for the safety of the royal child.
As his instruction progresses, the heir learns to think like his father, along the lines of the policies of the kingdom in which he will some day rule. He develops a sound mind, which pleases the king very much. He is taught the art of war and the use of armaments of defense and offense. He is taught who the enemies of the king are, the nature of the enemy, his wiles and stratagems, and the best ways of resisting and combating him. He is instructed in the objectives of the kingdom and how to attain them. At every opportunity he acts as an ambassador for his king, telling all the world about the wonders of the kingdom, and promoting good will for it wherever he may be sent. He is much in the public eye.
The time comes when he is mature and wise and fully indoctrinated in the policies of the kingdom, and ready to ascend to the throne. When his call to the higher service is delayed, he waits without impatience, being entirely willing, with all his might to serve his father in any capacity for as long as is necessary.
Finally his call comes, when he least expects it. Perhaps he is quietly summoned in the night to rise up quickly and go to the palace to assume his office of power and glory. But he is not surprised when the change comes, because this is what he was born for and what he has lived for all his royal life. This is his calling, and it is natural for him to assume it at last. And his reign is long, and peaceful, and prosperous.
That is the allegory. To use such an allegory to show our relationship to God and our future prospects is entirely justified by the Scriptures. There are so many texts which clearly identify us as sons of God. I John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” Hosea 1:10, “Ye are the sons of the living God.” John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” I John 3:1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” Hebrews 12:7, “God dealeth with you as with sons.”
Of course, no allegory is perfect. In the world, only one royal prince, the eldest son, is in line for the throne. But in God’s arrangement there are, associated with the eldest Son, many other sons who are also heirs of the kingdom. We read in Hebrews 2:10, “For it became him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory. …” And in 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. …”
And we are the heirs of no ordinary king. It is the Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who is our Heavenly Father and King, and of whom we are the sons and heirs. The kings of earth are as nothing compared to him; and each of his heirs is far more important than the crown prince of the greatest empire of this world. Consider Isaiah 40:15,17,22,23, “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance.” (In other words, not enough weight to be detected, not enough to sway the balance one way or the other.) “Behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.” “All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.” (Can you imagine how small “less than nothing” is?) “It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: that bringth the princes to nothing. …” Yes, compared with His heirs, the princes of this world are as nothing and less than nothing.
How is it possible that we are really heirs of the Almighty God? We are of the fallen human nature, the lowest order of intelligent creation. We are poor and lowly. The psalmist says that “we are dust.” (Ps. 103:14) How can such an honor be ours? Is it just another vain hope that will fade away? No, because we have the wonderful assurance of I Samuel 2:8, “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory.” And there are other texts that confirm it beyond a doubt; for example, I Peter 1:3-5, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy bath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God. …” So we are assured that this is a high hope “that fadeth not away,” as so many human hopes do. This is a hope that will not disappoint us, but will be ours in all its richness.
Lessons from the Allegory
When an heir is born to a throne of this world, there are great demonstrations of joy in the nation. But human joy has its limitations. It is of short duration. The pains and cares of this life soon dampen and quench any exuberance of human spirit, even over the birth of a prince. But how different are the heavenly joys! In Job 38:7, after reference is made to the creation of the earth and man upon it, we are told that “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” By this demonstration the angels exhibited a deep interest in mankind, and they have watched the affairs of earth with a fascinated interest ever since. You may be sure they were saddened by the fall of Adam, and then rejoiced at every promise that was given of future redemption. They did not always understand these prophecies, but they were tremendously interested just the same and wished they could understand. We know this because in I Peter 1:10-12 there is a reference to the prophecies, and then the statement: “Which things the angels desire to look into”; or, as the Diaglott renders it: “Into which things angels earnestly desire to look.”
For a long time there was not too much for the heavenly host to rejoice over on this earth, as the race sank deeper into sin and death. Then, one still night, they eagerly gathered near a country place called Bethlehem: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. … And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”—Luke 2:8-14
Yes, once again they could sing and shout for joy! The great Prince had been born on earth. The only begotten Son, the Heir of God, had come. The Savior of men had at last appeared!
Now we, too, poor unworthy humans though we still be, are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Rom. 8:17) This being the case, don’t you suppose there is joy in heaven when one of us is drawn by God “to be conformed to the image of his Son,” (Rom. 8:29) when such a one heartily responds to the call, is consecrated, justified, and sanctified, and promised a heavenly crown? Of course there is! The words of Jesus confirm it: “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:7,10) Yes, if the arrival of an earthly prince brings joy in the nation, how much more does the begetting of a heavenly heir cause rejoicing in heaven!
Proper Food
In the case of the earthly prince, great care is taken with the royal baby’s diet so that he may grow up strong and sound. We read of the babes in Christ: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (I Pet. 2:2) and Paul said to those immature in the truth: “I have fed you with milk.” (I Cor. 3:2) But the babe in Christ grows rapidly in the truth, becoming more and more skilful in the use of the Scriptures, both in correctly applying them to himself, and in using them to hold forth the Word of life to others. Paul describes this process in Hebrews 5:13,14, “For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat [or solid food—Diaglott] belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised.” “Full age” refers to maturity in Christ, and not necessarily age in years.
With the earthly prince, the molding of the royal character starts very early. The heir of God must also develop a royal character, a Christlike character. We are told in II Peter 1:5-11 to develop the characteristics of faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly-kindness, and love, with the assurance that if we do so we can make our calling and election sure to the everlasting kingdom. Every act is born in the mind. Thoughts mold character. We are told in Philippians 4:8 just what kind of thoughts to harbor in our minds—whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
As the earthly princeling is set apart that he may enjoy the special favors and training of his father, the king, we read in Psalm 4:3 regarding his spiritual counterpart: “But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself.”
The heir to an earthly throne is kindly but firmly disciplined, that he may learn obedience. Of us it is written in Hebrews 12:5-7 (Diaglott): “My son, slight not the discipline of the Lord, neither be discouraged when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he receives. If you endure discipline, God deals with you as sons; for is there any son whom a father does not discipline?” Yes, this discipline is a very important part of the training of an heir of God, and without submitting to it we can never inherit the throne. This is clearly stated in Revelation 3:19,21, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. … To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am sat down with my Father in his throne.”
The young earthly prince is not permitted to mingle indiscriminately with the outside world, but is segregated and carefully surrounded by just the right people. He associates with wholesome companions. Likewise, we are told in II Corinthians 6:17,18, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” The thought is not to be separate by deliberately isolating ourselves from one another, because we are advised in Hebrews 10:25 not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together; but our association or assembly should be with carefully selected companions, those of “like precious faith.”
Even though his father the king is extremely rich, the earthly prince cannot have everything he wants, but he is supplied with everything he needs, and more. And so are we, as Paul assures us in Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” However, our needs as new creatures are more than food, shelter, and clothing. Jesus expressed this in Matthew 4:4: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” This means a knowledge of the truth, and this need is abundantly and conveniently supplied to the heavenly heirs.
Every decision is not made for a prince of this world. He must often apply for himself the basic principles which have been laid down. He sometimes makes mistakes, which his father corrects; and it is in this way that he learns and matures. It is the same way with us, the spiritual heirs of the kingdom. The Lord does not tell us in detail exactly what to do in every little experience of life. But by a continual study of his Word we absorb something of his law, his principles, his wisdom; and when a crisis comes, or a decision has to be made, the Lord expects us to use what we have learned in deciding what to do. Thus he guides us indirectly, with his eye, so to speak. Psalm 32:8,9 says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle.” So we should not desire that the Lord always force us to take the right road, without using our own minds. How much better to be so sensitive to the Lord’s will, and so familiar with his ways, that just his glance will suffice to guide us.
The father of the earthly prince is never too busy when his son seeks direction and help in his problems. Similarly, we always have instant access to our Heavenly Father in prayer. Any time, day or night, his ears are attentive to our cry. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” (I Pet. 3:12) David put it so beautifully in Psalm 121:2-4: “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Thus we see that there is no affair in all the vast universe which will interfere with God’s attention to the needs of his children, his heirs. He says, in Isaiah 49:15,16, “Can a woman forget her suckling child? … yea, they may forget; yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”
The earthly king maintains a normal family life for his royal family in so far as possible. The prince eats at his father’s table, and he would not dream of complaining of the food served there. Neither will the child of God complain of “the meat in due season” provided in the Bible and served in such a flavorsome manner by a “faithful and wise servant,” whom his Lord hath made steward over his household.—Matt. 24:45
Sometimes there is friction in the king’s family, just as there sometimes is in any other family. Even here, misunderstandings arise between brothers and sisters. Regretfully, God’s family on this side of the veil is no exception. But the Lord especially loves those of his children who quickly forgive and make peace. The Christian’s daily prayer should be, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matt. 6:12) We are instructed in Ephesians 4:32, “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Indeed, by making peace we prove that we are in the family of God, because Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peace-makers; for they shall be called the children of God.”
The exalted position and prospects of an earthly prince naturally make him susceptible to pride. To counteract this, the king impresses upon his son the importance of humility. We, too, have an enormously high calling. If we are not watchful we, too, are susceptible to pride. Jesus said to the heirs of God, in Matthew 5:3,5, “Blessed are the poor in spirit [or humble-minded]: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Our great and high King values humility beyond measure: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit; to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isa. 57:15) We also read in Isaiah 66:1,2, “Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. … For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord; but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” So those who would dwell with God, as members of his household, must be of a humble spirit.
The heir of an earthly throne is allowed only a limited amount of money; and there are not many wealthy among us, either. Jesus said, in Matthew 19:23,24, “Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. … It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” In other words, divestment is required. A rich man may indeed come into the truth, but by the carrying out of the terms of his consecration, as a faithful steward, he will expend his funds as well as his energies in the Lord’s service.
The earthly prince is provided the most expert teachers and tutors available for his education; and what ample provision the Heavenly King has made for our instruction! Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Also II Timothy 3:16,17, “All scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” We are indeed having a royal education!
The heir to an earthly throne is loyal and never disputes the authority of his father the king; and we are told, in Philippians 2:14,15, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings; That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
The earthly heir is assigned an “equerry” by the king, to serve him and insure his safety at all times. As for us, the Lord assures us in Hebrews 1:14 that we too have specially assigned attendants: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
The careful education and training of the prince makes him a fearless and sound thinker, which pleases the king. Of us Paul said in H Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
The earthly prince is taught the art of war, the use of weapons, who the king’s enemies are, and how they may be combated. We, the spiritual heirs of God, are also taught to fight. Psalm 144:1 says: “Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” But we do not shed blood. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringeth into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”—II Cor. 10:3-5
As to the enemy of God, and our enemy, Satan the Devil, “We are not ignorant of his devices.” We are skilled in weapons of offense and defense, and we are able to battle mightily. Ephesians 6:10-17: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Also Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.”
The earthly crown prince acts as an ambassador of his father. Wherever he goes, he promotes good will for his father’s kingdom. II Corinthians 5:19,20 says that God “hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.”
The heir of an earthly throne is very much in the public eye, and always acts circumspectly so as not to bring dishonor upon his father the king. Of us it is written, in I Corinthians 4:9, “We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” Realizing how much even the angels are interested in us, how careful we should be in our daily walk!
The time comes when the earthly royal heir is strong and mature and wise, and qualified to ascend to the throne and wear the crown. The spiritual heir also reaches that point, as we read in Colossians 1:11,12 (Diaglott), “Being strengthened with all strength according to his glorious power, for all patience and endurance, with joy; giving thanks at the same time to that Father who called and qualified us for the portion of the saints’ inheritance in the light.” And Paul said, in II Timothy 4:6-8, when he had reached this point: “The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
In the allegory, it is a sad day when the heir at last achieves the crown, because the king will have died. But not so in the reality, because our King is “The King eternal, immortal.” (I Tim. 1:17) And if there was joy when man was created, and when Jesus was born, and when the heirs of God are selected, what fulness of joy there will surely be in heaven when 144,000 kings and priests are crowned! Jude speaks of this happy time, saying: “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.”—Jude 24,25
When earthly kings are enthroned, the cry is, “LONG LIVE THE KING!” And the kings and priests whom God has enthroned shall live and reign long indeed. Revelation 20:6 says, “They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”