ELTBefore Final Shin
The *final Shin* (שׁ) is a unique letter in Hebrew, which resembles a Shin with three returning *ז* (Zayin) on the sides. This form is not used in any words, but symbolically it represents the doctrine of our intimate union with God, particularly as co-heirs with Christ. This deep intimacy with God could lead to a temptation to think of ourselves as divine, were it not for the crucial need to declare God alone as the one true God. The hidden doctrine of our co-heirship with Christ is a profound truth that is often hidden from men, as it carries the potential for misunderstanding and misapplication.
The idea that believers will be co-heirs with Christ and share in His glory is both a deep mystery and a potential source of pride or temptation. However, Scripture is clear that while we share in Christ’s inheritance, we must continually acknowledge God’s supremacy and the truth that He alone is God.
Here are some scriptures that reflect this profound truth of being co-heirs with Christ and the temptation that could arise if we did not declare God alone as God:
**Co-Heirs with Christ and the Temptation of Divine Intimacy**
1. ▸ ± Romans 8:17
*"Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."* - This verse affirms the doctrine that believers are co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory and inheritance, which is a profound and hidden mystery.
2. ▸ ± Galatians 4:7
*"So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."* - This passage speaks to the believers' status as heirs of God, not just servants, further deepening the mystery of our shared inheritance with Christ.
3. ▸ ± Ephesians 3:6
*"This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."* - The mystery of our inheritance in Christ, which was hidden for ages, is now revealed, showing the intimate union we have with God, both as His children and co-heirs with Christ.
4. ▸ ± Philippians 2:6-7
*"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."* - Though we are co-heirs with Christ, we are reminded that Jesus, in His humility, did not claim equality with God as something to be exploited. This serves as a warning to avoid the temptation of self-exaltation.
5. ▸ ± 2 Peter 1:4
*"Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."* - Believers are invited to participate in the divine nature, a mysterious and intimate sharing in God’s life. This privilege is a hidden doctrine, but it comes with the necessity of guarding against temptation and remaining humble.
6. ▸ ± 1 John 3:2
*"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."* - This verse speaks of our future glorification, where we will be like Christ. The deep intimacy of this relationship with God could lead to a temptation to think of ourselves as divine, were it not for the declaration that Christ is alone God.
7. ▸ ± Revelation 22:9
*"But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.'"* - Even in the face of the great glory of God, we are reminded to worship God alone, reinforcing the truth that our intimacy with God must never lead us to idolatry or a false view of our divinity.
**Conclusion**
The *final Shin* (שׁ) symbolically represents the doctrine of our co-heirship with Christ and the intimate relationship we have with God. This doctrine, while profoundly true, carries with it the potential for misunderstanding and temptation. We must always remember to declare God alone as God, acknowledging our intimate relationship with Him while resisting the temptation to exalt ourselves. The mystery of being co-heirs with Christ should lead us to humility and worship of the one true God, rather than to self-exaltation.
