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As Christians, you may have heard at a sermon or while reading your Bible, about our inheritance in Christ, but what does it really mean and how does it impact our earthly lives?
we read in 2 Corinthians 4:16–18:
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, – 1 Peter 1:3-4
Our inheritance in Christ has four beautiful and important qualities:
Four Qualities of Our Inheritance in Christ
- Our Inheritance in Christ is Imperishable.
What we have in Christ cannot go away. It can’t be corrupted or fade or decay. While everything on earth decays, dies or falls apart, our inheritance in Christ, remains solid and eternal.
We are reminded of this in the book of Matthew:
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. – Matthew 6:19–20 (ESV)
As believers, we are “not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; – 1 Peter 1:23
2. Our Inheritance in Christ is Unspoiled.
What we have in Christ is free from anything that would deform, debase, or degrade. Nothing on earth is perfect. Even the most beautiful things of this world are flawed; if we look closely enough, we can always find an imperfection. But Christ is truly perfect. He is”
“high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:26), and our inheritance in Christ is also holy, blameless, exalted, and pure. No earthly corruption or weakness can harm or remove what God has bestowed.
In speaking about the New Jerusalem (heaven), Revelation 21:27 says:
But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. – Revelation 21:27 (ESV)
- Our Inheritance in Christ is Unfading.
On earth, things fade, paint, flags, sunshine – you get the picture. But, our inheritance in Christ is unfading. It is an enduring possession. It never decreases in value. It’s excitement never wanes, and it has a glorious intensity will never diminish.
God says, “And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”!” – Revelation 21:5 (ESV)
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. – Matthew 6:20 (ESV)
- Our Inheritance in Christ is Reserved.
What we have in Christ is being kept safely in heaven for us. Your crown of glory has your name on it. Although we enjoy many blessings as children of God here on earth, our true inheritance—our true home—is reserved for us in heaven.
Like Abraham, we are:
…looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God – Hebrews 11:10 (ESV)
The Holy Spirit guarantees that we will receive eternal life in the world to come.
On the day you first believed, we were marked with a seal.
and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee – 2 Corinthians 1:22 (ESV)
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:13-14
Jesus prayed for His followers, His believers. He said:
“…Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” – John 17:11
We are secure, being guarded by the Almighty Himself, and surely our inheritance is equally secure. No one can steal it from us.
” I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” – John 10:28–29: (ESV)
We have been adopted by God and are His children. Therefore, we have been assured an inheritance from our Heavenly Father.
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. – Romans 8:17
This heavenly heritage is God’s purpose and will for us.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, – Ephesians 1:11 (ESV)
We receive the promise of our inheritance by hearing the word of truth and believing in Christ.
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, – Ephesians 1:13 (ESV)
One day, we will take possession of our portion, our heritage, our full inheritance.
It is important, as Christians, to understand and value the glory that awaits us, so we are better able to endure whatever comes our way in this life. We can give God praise even during trials because we have His guarantee that we will receive all He has promised.
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” – 2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV)
When you think of our inheritance in Christ, what do you picture? When you think of heaven, how do you imagine it?
In Revelation 21:4, we get a glimpse of what it will be like. I find this verse so encouraging:
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4 (ESV)
We will enjoy fellowship with God, and everything will be made new. New Jerusalem will be our new and beautiful home.
The river of life will come forth from God’s throne. The healing tree of life with twelve kinds of fruit will grow there, too. There will be no night, no darkness, because the eternal light of the Lamb will fill the new heaven and earth and shine upon all the heirs of God.
David, who loved God with all his heart wrote:
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. – Psalm 16:5-6 (ESV)
Write these words on your heart. Memorize them. Remember them when life is rocky.
Remember to “look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Ephesians has many verses which describe our inheritance in Christ. You may wish to check out my course Ephesians: Kneel before the Throne: Exploring Ephesians with Verse Mapping and Bible Study
You may also enjoy this sermon by Pastor Charles on our inheritance in Christ:
Or, one of these recommended resources
Do you have any special Bible verses relating to our inheritance in Christ? Share them below – or your thoughts. I love to hear from you.
Because He Lives,
Sue