Bible Study

Title: Your Lasting Inheritance
Date: Aug 25, 2010
Topic(s): Other
Scripture: Revelation 21:1-7, Romans 8:17, Revelation 5:9-10, Matthew 25:34, Galatians 4:4, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 1:13-14, Galatians 4:6, James 2:5, 1 Peter 1:3-5

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A destitute young man's famous uncle left him a fortune in his will. On the day the uncle died, his nephew made this short note in his journal: "Today, my uncle and I passed into a better life."

If you are like most of us, you probably won't inherit a pot-of-gold in this life. Those who do inherit this world's wealth often take the route of the prodigal son.

Isn't there something better? Absolutely!

What Does God Say?

In the Scriptures, much is said about inheritance. The apostle Peter makes the following joyful statement about the Christian's inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-5 (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, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

• What words or phrases does Peter use to describe the believer's inheritance?
• Using your own words, how would you describe a Christian's inheritance?

Now, let's look at some other Bible references containing thoughts about your spiritual inheritance in Christ.

• According to Galatians 3:26, what position does every believer have in Christ?
• Ephesians 1:13-14. After you heard God's Word and believed in Christ, what else happened to you? Who guarantees your inheritance until you actually receive it?
• In Galatians 4:4, 6, what two persons did God "send forth"? Where did He send them?
• What two positions do you have in God's family as a believer (Galatians 4:7)?

My Thoughts

You may wonder, Then what is my inheritance? If I am an heir, how does that affect my personal life now and in eternity?

One blessing of being in God's family is, according to Romans 8:17, you are a joint-heir (KJV) or a fellow heir (ESV) with Christ. You share His eternal life and all the riches that God has prepared from the foundation of the earth (Matthew 25:34).

Another facet of your inheritance is that you will rule with Christ. You are "an heir of the kingdom" of Christ (James 2:5). Revelation 5:9-10 tells you about your reign upon the earth with Christ. The redeemed from every tribe and tongue and people and nation will reign as co-rulers with Christ. Joint inheritance means joint rulership.

You may read of other benefits of your inheritance in Revelation 21:1-7. Note especially verse 7.

My Part

Rejoice that Christ the Savior came into the world to save you, make you His brother in the family of God, His co-heir and co-ruler with Him. Spend some time today thanking Him for making you a part of His eternal family.

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