Romans 8:17

Yet this last is involved, for “if children, also heirs”. Cf. Galatians 4:7 where κληρονόμος is relative to υἱὸς; and all the passages in which the Spirit is regarded as “the earnest” of an inheritance: 2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:14. It is from God the inheritance comes, and we share in it with Christ (Mark 12:7). For what it is, see 1 Corinthians 2:9 f. The inheritance attached to Divine sonship is attained only on the condition expressed in the clause εἴπερ συμπάσχομεν ἵνα καὶ συνδοξασθῶμεν. On εἴπερ, see Romans 8:9. “Romans 8:17 gains in pathos, when we see that the share of the disciples in the Master's sufferings was felt to be a fact of which there was no question.” Simcox, Language of N.T., p. 171. Paul was sure of it in his own case, and took it for granted in that of others. Those who share Christ's sufferings now will share His glory hereafter; and in order to share His glory hereafter it is necessary to begin by sharing His sufferings here.