Romans 8:17

{Romans 8:17} and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ if indeed we Jointly suffer with him, that we may also be jointly glorified with him. -- Restoration Light Improved Version.

It appears that Paul is referring to two levels of relationship in this verse. The first is that of sonship, which makes one a general heir of God, but the second is that of being joint-heirs with Christ, which calls for more than that which is required to be a son. To be joint-heirs with Christ means one receives the highest reward, receiving a glory that is even greater than that of the angels. Such a high reward, however, requires suffering that is of the same level that Jesus himself suffered. Indeed, very, very few of God's children actually obtain this highest reward.

Titus 3:5 - Saved Through Mercy

Not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. -- Titus 3:5

The term, “works of righteousness” in our text, appears to reflect works under the Law Covenant, or possibly by works of conscience by which some would seek to justify themselves. Jewish believers in Christ, before they became believers, were seeking justification according to Law. Paul reported of the Gentiles, although without the Law, have a law to themselves, by which many sought justification by their works. (Romans 2:13-15) Paul later says, however, that neither the Jew or the Gentile was justified by their works. (Romans 3:9) No one was actually justified, made straight, declared righteous, by means trying to keep the Law Covenant. (Ecclesiastes 1:15; 7:13; Acts 13:39; Romans 3:20,28; Galatians 2:16; 3:11,24; 5:4) The Law, being, weak due to sinful flesh, never, of itself, effected justification for anyone. (Romans 8:3) It is only as one is justified, regenerated, renewed by the Holy Spirit, that one, as a new creature in Christ, is made sinless, straight, just. For such, it is reckoned, or counted, that the old creation has passed away, and all things have been made new; by partaking of the powers of the age to come, it is as though the present age has already passed away. –  2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 6:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5.

Related:

The Right Foundation of Faith

Psalm 149:5 -- Let the Godly Rejoice

 {Psalm 149:5} Let the godly rejoice in glory. Let them sing for joy on their beds. -- RLIV.

"The godly" above in the Hebrew signifies ones with piety, having devotion to God. It is these that the Psalmist addresses with a call to rejoice in being honored to have the privilege of such devotion, as well as any special rewards that may eventually come those with such devotion.

A bed signifies a place to rest. The rest of those who belong to Christ is, of course, his faith in God and in the Lord Jesus. It is not, however, a passive rest but the Psalmist tells us to "sing" while upon our beds; this, we believe, refers to actively telling others about God and His Son, what they have done and will do for us and the whole world of mankind.