The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are sons of God. So this being sons of God is not a theological nicety, but something that we actually know in our innermost being, in our heart of hearts. The Holy Spirit is not a force, but is the person of God. He communicates to us our relationship with God.
We are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. We have an amazing inheritance. We were created to share in all that God has. See what God said right back in Genesis 1. He gave us dominion over the earth, we were to subdue the earth and fill it.
Why are God's standards so strict (at least as some see it)? It is because of the high calling there is on our lives. If you are going to play for the top sports team you expect a strict training regime and for the coach to insist that you play your best. If you are going to get a top job you expect to need the best qualifications and to perform to the highest level. So it is with God. We are being groomed for the top!
Then Paul adds "provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him". This really knocks a lot of the so-called prosperity gospel nonsense on the head. Christ is the example and the pioneer of our faith. He is the way, the truth and the life, and that way included going to the cross. We are called to share in the work of Christ here on earth.
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