We Will Also Reign

2 Timothy 2:11-13 ESV
The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.

The word "if" denotes our choice, our continuous choice of walking with Jesus. It is choosing and remembering Him, in obedience to His word.
This is the way of life eternal that is accomplished through death, by joining with Him in His death and resurrection. We now find life in Him, but it is life that will be fully realized when He comes again. We have life in the Spirit now, but we will receive resurrected bodies as well. God's plan for His
children will be complete.

There are numerous references in Scripture to our reigning with Christ. At the core of this understanding is that we are in Christ and filled with the same Spirit that descended upon Him at His baptism. We participate in that union of life in God, in communion with the Trinity via the Holy Spirit. It is that Spirit which will bring us to the throne of God. From there we will reign with Him.

One thing leads to another. Our sacrifice of self leads to life. Continuing in that life leads to our reign with Him.