Today’s reading: 1 Peter 1:2-23
“To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” (v. 4)
“An inheritance” in general refers to any asset that an individual passes down to a loved one after he passes away. The asset may include: cash, property, investment, jewellery, title, etc. It is something inherited. No wonder the scripture in Prov. 13:22 says a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children. The Old Testament is full of stories about inheritances, especially among the children of Israel.
Biblical inheritance from God refers to an irrevocable gift from God, who is the giver (benefactor), to a recipient who is a believer (saint). Unlike the worldly inheritance described above here, the benefactor (God) does not die, but freely gives the gifts (inheritance) to His recipients – his children who are believers. The scripture refers to the believers as heirs and joint-heirs with Jesus (Rom. 8:17). In the Old Testament days, the children of Israel, who are God’s chosen people, were given inheritances by him in the land He promised them in Canaan. Since He is the God who cannot die, the same in the past, today and forever (1Tim. 6:16), He didn’t have to have died before giving the inheritances to the Israelites. Also, since He is same today and forever, He has reserved inheritances for his own children, all believers, whom in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).
It is important to point out that, while the earthly inheritances are perishable assets (properties, jewelleries, etc), the heavenly inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away (1 Peter 1:46). It is not subject to decay, corruption, being stolen or any form of destruction, including death. It is rich (Eph. 1:18), and it is heaven itself. It is the believer’s portion and heritage. They were born into it and have since been kept in heaven for them(v4). Specifically, the heavenly inheritance includes: eternal life; crowns (5); glory of God; the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1); everything the saints have and have been promised by Jesus. Paul spoke in Col. 3:24 that saints will receive from the Lord the reward of the inheritance. These include: salvation, which is loaded with gifts of justification, sanctification, and glorification. Forgiveness of all sins and redemption are his gifts resulting from being saved.
The question is, how does one acquire or receive the inheritance reserved in heaven by God?
It is important to know that this heavenly heritage is God’s purpose and his will for mankind, and in particular, for those who have become his. You become God’s own by receiving Jesus Christ his Son, whom he sent to the world to make the sacrifice to redeem mankind from the adamic sin inherited. By hearing the word of truth and believing in Christ, after confessing the sins, receiving forgiveness, then you are born again and receive the promise of the inheritance (Eph. 1:13). Also, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from Christ, who is a guarantee of the inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14). Then all listed above become your portion as an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ.
How are believers expected to hold on to this reserved inheritance until the manifestation, when Christ returns to take them with him to enjoy the inheritance in heaven? Some of the ways include: focusing one’s gaze and on things above in heaven, being heavenly minded (Col. 3:1); focus on the promises of God while working out the salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12); fix your eyes not on things seen but on things not seen, because they are eternal (2 Cor. 14:18); keep looking forward to the eternal inheritance (1 Cor. 2:9); keep delighting in the inheritance, like David did (Ps. 16:5-6); be ready to share in Christ’s suffering, through persecution, so that you will share in his eternal glory (Rom. 8:17); hold on to the eternal life you have been given, so no one snatches it from you (Matt. 6:20); be thankful and joyous always.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, we thank you for the inheritance you have reserved for us in heaven.
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your life and the inheritance that qualifies us for the Father’s inheritance in heaven.
Father, help us to live for you, to be worthy of the inheritance you have ear-marked for us.
Father, open the eyes of the church to teach and encourage the congregation to work towards the inheritance reserved for them in heaven.
Father, send your Holy Spirit to bring revival to our nation, so that the harvest of souls will be great.
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