Monday, October 31, 2005

A Great Inheritance

Have you every fantasized about suddenly receiving an inheritance from some long lost relative? We tend to think money will solve all our problems and make life better, but believers have an inheritance that is far better!

Ephesians 1:11 tells us that those who are in Christ have obtained an inheritance. Verse 13-14 says that the Holy Spirit is given as a pledge, or down payment, or guarantee, of this inheritance. We have God Himself living inside of us, and that is only the down payment! Verse 18 speaks of the riches of the glory of this inheritance. This is no small matter.

1 Peter 1:4 tells us more about our inheritance--it is imperishable, undefiled, it will not fade away, and it is reserved(or kept or guarded) in heaven for you. What a blessing! While an earthly inheritance may be helpful, it can't compare with heavenly treasure that is eternal. And this is a treasure we don't need to fantasize about, it is real, and it is for every believer. If I am to fully appreciate my inheritance, I need to obey Paul's exhortation in Colossians 3:1-2:

If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.