Our Inheritance Awaits Us in Heaven

"Our true and genuine wisdom can be summed up as the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves."  -John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

In our Bible studies we frequently discuss mercy, grace, salvation, and justification. However, there is something else, equally as important, that gets either minimal attention, or is skipped over altogether.

What is it? Our inheritance in Christ! For example, Ephesians 1:11 (KJV) says that, "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:" We can also find mention of it in Colossians 3:24 and Hebrews 9:15, as well.

What is this "inheritance" that is indicated to us here? Perhaps a little background check on the word is needed before we go on. The Greek word for inheritance is: kléronomia (klay-ron-om-ee'-ah). It's a feminine noun derived from the masculine noun kléronomos (klay-ron-om'-os) which means: an heir, or an inheritor.

Kléronomos is used in the Old Testament when speaking about the gift of God to His chosen people; this gift being the Promised Land. Thus, it is an inheritance, or an heritage. Kléronomia is used in the New Testament. This refers to an inheritance, possession, or share, either in the present sense or in the future; and is the form we will be focusing on today.

In respect to the question above, the "inheritance" is "heaven." This is everything God has promised you and I in salvation. We can even take this a step further by saying that we have been born again to an inheritance that can never die, decay, or dim. And, it awaits us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).

The apostle Peter points out four important qualities about our inheritance. Due to time and space considerations, I will very briefly present them to you, with the hope that you might wish to explore this topic of our inheritance in Christ further on your own. Now, with that being said, let's continue!

First, our inheritance in Christ is permanent and enduring. It can never be subject to corruption or waste away (Matthew 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:23). Secondly, our inheritance in Christ is perfect and unblemished. Unlike what we know here on Earth, it is free from any imperfection or flaw (Hebrews 7:26; Revelation 21:27).

Thirdly, our inheritance in Christ is everlasting. It is a never-ending possession. We are familiar with the way things dim or deteriorate over time. Since our inheritance is not of this temporal plane it is not subject to this (Revelation 21:5).

The fourth quality of our inheritance in Christ is stored away. It is being held in Heaven for us. We each have a crown of glory being kept in Heaven with our name on it. Our true inheritance is reserved for us in our true home (Hebrews 11:10; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14).

Having been "adopted" by God, we are all part of His family. As such, we've been guaranteed, or promised an inheritance from Him. Thus, it is this heavenly heritage that is both His purpose and will for us (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:11). How do we receive the "promise" of our inheritance? It's received by hearing the word of truth and believing in Christ (Ephesians 1:13).

It may be hard to believe, but there are many who don't give any of this much thought. Once we understand and appreciate the glory that waits for us, we are better prepared to withstand whatever storms may blow in our lives. We can then offer God praise during our darkest days because of His assurance that we will receive everything He has promised (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24; Acts 20:32; Titus 3:7; Hebrews 1:2; 1 Peter 1:3

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the blessings you have presented in my life. You've provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. To You I give my praise always. Amen

Have a blessed day!

J.J.