Salvation places us in a new position where we are no longer outsiders but members of God’s family with full inheritance rights. According to Romans 8:17, we are children, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Our salvation gives us a new identity as children of God. John 1:12 says, “To all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God.” We do not earn it through performance. It is given by grace.
Salvation is also meant to lead to transformation – the jewels of salvation. Philippians 2:12 encourages believers to work out their salvation with “fear and trembling”. This does not mean working for salvation but allowing the reality of what God has done to shape how we live. The crown represents our identity, and the jewels represent the visible fruit of that identity. Jewels are seen in our character, our choices, our responses, and our growth.
So, the question becomes:
Is our crown of salvation adorned with the jewels that reflect a transformed life?
Inheritance Should Produce Fruit
If we are co-heirs with Christ, then our lives should increasingly reflect the character of God. Jesus explained this in John 15:16: “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.” Salvation changes our identity. Fruit reflects our participation in that new life. Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are not optional extras but evidence — the jewels — of a life shaped by the Spirit.
A person may have salvation but still struggle to enjoy peace, walk in forgiveness, or live with spiritual maturity. This is often not because the inheritance is lacking, but because it has not yet been fully tapped into.
Growth Is Part of the Journey
Romans 8:17 reminds us that sharing in Christ’s inheritance involves sharing in his path: “…if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” 1 Peter 1:7 explains that trials can refine faith so that it becomes genuine and mature. It is possible to know we are saved but still be growing in areas that do not fully reflect our new identity — in other words, wearing a crown with jewels not fully secured.
Paul addressed this in Romans 6:1–2, where he pointed out that, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” Grace does not simply rescue us; it also empowers change. As we grow, our lives begin to reflect Christ more clearly. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “We… are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.” This transformation is the practical outworking of our inheritance.
So the question becomes not whether we are saved, but how deeply our lives are being shaped by what salvation provides.
Are we growing in love?
Are we developing patience?
Are we learning trust?
Are we reflecting Christ’s character?
Being a child of God is both a position and a journey. Salvation gives us the crown. Spiritual growth begins to fill it with jewels — visible evidence of a life being shaped by Christ.
Glory!!