Posted on 01/16/2023 4:55:15 AM PST by metmom
"In [Christ] also we have obtained an inheritance" (Eph. 1:10-11).
As a member of God’s family, you have obtained a future inheritance that has many present benefits.
An inheritance is something received by an heir as a result of a will or legal process. It's a legacy one receives from family connections.
As a member of God's family, you are an heir of God and fellow heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17). As such you have obtained an inheritance that Peter called "imperishable and undefiled . . . reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet. 1:4). It cannot perish, fade away, or be defiled because heaven is timeless and sinless. It is a secure inheritance.
In Ephesians 1:11 Paul refers to it in the past tense ("have obtained"). That's significant because the fullness of your inheritance won't be revealed until you are glorified in God's presence (1 John 3:2). But your inheritance is so sure, Paul refers to it as if it was already in hand.
Although its fullness is yet future, your inheritance has present benefits as well. In addition to inheriting Christ and the Holy Spirit, you also inherit peace, love, grace, wisdom, joy, victory, strength, guidance, mercy, forgiveness, righteousness, discernment, and every other spiritual benefit. Paul sums it all up in 1 Corinthians 3:22-23: "All things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God."
Nowadays many Christians are so preoccupied with acquiring material goods that they miss many of the present benefits of their spiritual inheritance and the joy of anticipating its future fulfillment. Don't fall into that trap!
Looking forward to your eternal inheritance will help you maintain a proper perspective on temporal things and motivate you to praise and adore God.
Suggestions for Prayer
Praise the Lord for the incredible inheritance that awaits you in heaven. Thank Him for the present benefits of your inheritance, which are yours to enjoy daily. For Further Study
One precious aspect of your eternal inheritance is God's mercy. Psalm 136 reflects on the mercy God demonstrated toward Israel. Read that psalm, noting the manifestations of mercy that relate to your life.
From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
In addition to inheriting Christ and the Holy Spirit, you also inherit peace, love, grace, wisdom, joy, victory, strength, guidance, mercy, forgiveness, righteousness, discernment, and every other spiritual benefit.
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This is what really matters in life. Thank you Lord Jesus!
Every day, every second, we move closer to this.
Maranatha!
Our earthly inheritance as U.S. citizens has been stolen from us. Thank God for our heavenly inheritance.
Did you see that John had been hospitalized and is recovering?
Yes.
I did keyword it with GTY.
But thanks for letting me know anyways. I often miss stuff.
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