“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 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.” Romans 8:15-17 (KJV)
One of the most awesome things that took place at the cross and then in Jesus resurrection and ascension into heaven was the fact that we become joint-heirs with Christ . We have been made partakers of all that it represents. Our inheritance has the eternal aspect – Titus 3:7 “…that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Our inheritance consist of the here and now. Ephesians 1:13-14 “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the the Holy Spirit of promise. Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchase possession. To the praise of His glory.”
You can never partake of something until you believe that it is yours to partake of. We possess our inheritance first by believing. Ephesians 1:18-19 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that: ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.”
Begin a joint-heir with Christ means that we actually begin to partake of His blessings right now.