Dr. Micah Mitchell
Romans 8:16–17 declares a powerful truth:
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.”
As sons of God, we are not just members of His family—we are co-heirs with Christ. This isn’t a future promise waiting to be fulfilled; it’s a present reality. Everything the Father has given to Jesus is already ours. Let that truth settle in your spirit for a moment: we walk in the fullness of His inheritance.
Pay attention to the word “testifies.” The Spirit is actively bearing witness, confirming with evidence that we belong to Him. It’s not a whisper or a fleeting thought—it’s the atmosphere of His presence collaborating with our spirit, announcing that we are His. This is authority and dominion in action. We are seated with Him in heavenly places, operating from a position of victory. The authority granted to us is supernatural, and it’s active in our lives right now.
When I think about this, I’m reminded of Psalm 8, which shows us God’s original intention for humanity. The psalmist marvels at the honor and authority God has given us:
“What is man that You think of him, and a son of man that You are concerned about him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! You have him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put everything under his feet.” (Psalm 8:4–6)
God created us in His image to reflect His glory and demonstrate His authority on the earth. This was His original design, but our fall into sin broke that connection. Jesus came to restore it. We are co-heirs because of His finished work on the cross. Romans 8:16–17 reminds us that through Jesus, we are adopted into the family of God and brought into the fullness of our inheritance. What was lost in Adam has been redeemed in Christ.
Matthew 28:18–20 further reveals this truth. Jesus declared:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Jesus didn’t just extend His authority to us; He gave it to us. It’s a gift—a permanent transfer of power that cannot be revoked. When He said, “Go,” it wasn’t a suggestion; it was a command backed by the full weight of heaven’s authority. That authority wasn’t loaned to us temporarily—it’s ours as co-heirs. It’s a gift rooted in His finished work, ensuring that as we step out in obedience, we carry the same power and authority He walked in.
Being a co-heir also means we have unrestricted access to the Father. The veil that once separated us was torn, granting us bold entry into His presence. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” Confidence means we can come to Him boldly, freely, and openly. We don’t have to hide or sugarcoat our words—we can be real with God. As we approach Him in prayer or worship, we can speak plainly and share our hearts because He loves us so much.
You were created for this kind of relationship. God didn’t make you to be distant or disconnected—He made you to reflect His unique expression. You are His masterpiece, designed to show the world something specific about who He is. That’s why you are made uniquely, with a purpose and identity that only you can fulfill.
Authority is another dimension of being a co-heir. We carry His power to bring heaven’s reality to earth. This authority isn’t theoretical; it’s active. It’s what allows us to stand firm, to declare healing, to release hope, and to watch heaven move in alignment with God’s will.
And then there’s the inheritance. Being a co-heir means we already possess everything we need to fulfill His purpose. Ephesians 1:11 reminds us, “We have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will.” This inheritance is not something we strive for or hope to one day receive. It’s done. It’s ours. We walk in it now.
Living as a co-heir with Christ is not about striving—it’s about knowing. It’s about the confidence that we are fully equipped and supported by heaven. It’s the assurance that we operate from victory, not for it. It’s the reality that we aren’t scraping by; we are walking in the abundance of His promises and provision.
Let this truth settle in your heart: You are a co-heir with Christ. You have full access to the Father, the authority of His Kingdom, and the inheritance of His promises. You were created to reflect His glory, to show the world His heart, and to live as an expression of who He is. You’re not striving or waiting—you’re positioned in Him. Stand in that confidence, live from that truth, and walk boldly as a son of the Most High.