What does it mean to be “co-heirs with Christ”? What do we inherit? Think about Jesus. What might He inherit from the carpenter Joseph?19 Woodworking tools and, as the oldest son, a major share of any workshop or property His poor father might own.20 Thus Jesus becomes “the carpenter” of Nazareth.21
Now think of wealthy people in Ephesus. The most prominent citizens are called Asiarchs (some of whom befriend Paul).22 Their children might inherit the exclusive “Slope Houses” built into the side of Mount Coressus. The wealthiest might inherit businesses on Curetes Street near the famous Pollio Fountain. The point is that heirs receive whatever their parents own, whether counted in a few tools or many houses.
Now think about God. What does He own? As Creator, He owns everything that exists. This makes His Son the “Heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2). The rebellion of spirits and men, however, stains this creation and causes it to groan in pain. God plans, therefore, to “release” the present creation in a way similar to the death and resurrection of our mortal bodies.23 He will completely destroy the heavens and the earth with fire,24 then rebuild them as “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:7-13).25 Revelation 21 describes the glory of this “new heaven,” “new earth” and “new Jerusalem,” totally free from groaning, pain and death.26 How much of this do we inherit? Listen to the Father’s gracious reply:
The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son (Revelation 21:7). M
The Son inherits all things. Therefore those who continue in Him inherit all things.
Of course, “all this” outshines anything our present earth has ever known. The new City of God needs no sun or moon, for the Father and His Son shine in splendor that never sets.27 Old forms of glory like Moses’ tabernacle and Solomon’s temple – not to mention false facades like the temple of Ephesus – all crumble to dust compared with the new Temple.
“And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb” (Revelation 21:22).
Flesh and blood bodies can neither see nor enter such awesome, infinite Glory. Therefore divine power changes our bodies to be like the risen King’s glorious body.28
No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, …and they will reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:3-5).29
21. Mark 6:3; the absence of Joseph after Luke 2 may indicate that he died during Jesus’ youth.
24. Research subject – Destruction of the earth: Psalms 102:26; Isaiah 51:6; Matthew 5:18; 24:3,35; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Hebrews 1:11; 12:29; 2 Peter 3:5-7,10-11; Revelation 20:11; 21:1
25. John 14:1-3; Isaiah 65:17; 66:22
26. Revelation 21:4; 20:10-15; 7:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:26; Isaiah 25:8; 35:10; 51:11; 65:19
27. Revelation 21:23-25; 22:5; Isaiah 60:19
28. Research subject – The human body will change: 1 Corinthians 15:47-58; Philippians 3:20-21; Romans 8:29; Exodus 33:20; 1 Timothy 6:16
Picture: Ephesus was the fourth largest city in the Roman world (after Rome, Alexandria and Antioch). Its wealth may still be seen in Curetes Street’s wide sidewalk, made of expensive mosaics.