Inheritance

<<legacy>>

What is passed on, normally to descendants. In the OT, the oldest son, because of the birthright, received a double portion of the inheritance (land and personal items) along with the father’s blessing and future family headship, while the land of Canaan was promised by God to Abraham and his descendants (Gen 17:7,8; Num 34:2; 1 Kgs 8:36). Jesus as the heir of God inherits all things (Heb 1:2).

As believers in Christ we have obtained an eternal inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works out all things according to the counsel of His will, with the Holy Spirit living within being a deposit guaranteeing it (Rom 8:17; Eph 1:11-14,18; Heb 9:15). The inheritance believers have received as adopted sons of God, “…can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you”. It includes many blessings on earth and, in the future, eternal life with Him, free from sin and wickedness (Mt 25:34; Act 20:32; 1 Pet 1:4,5). Salvation is more than just an entry pass into heaven. Are you aware of and utilizing now the riches of your inheritance in Christ? (Eph 1:18,19). We are to exercise authority ‘in His name’ to carry on doing His work on earth (Mk 16:15-18). We should be experiencing His peace in the midst of chaos (Jn 14:27; Phil 4:7).

John the Baptist shocked his listeners by saying that just because Abraham was their ancestor they were not automatically in right relationship with God (Lk 3:8). Similarly, no one can inherit eternal salvation because their parents

Input into the spiritual inheritance of others

were/are Christians. God only has children not grandchildren! The gift of salvation is received on an individual basis. “As many as receive Him to them He gives the right to be sons of God” (Jn 1:12). All humanity is invited to share in God’s gracious offer of salvation through Jesus Christ and enter into this inheritance too (Act 26:18). Although salvation is freely available on confession of sin, in other areas of the Christian life often there is the need to persistently press in through prayer besides protecting through spiritual warfare what has been gained. Our eternal inheritance will be enhanced by our attitude to and service for Christ in this life, often termed “Laying up treasure in heaven” (Mt 5:5, 6:19-21,19:29; Col 3:24; 1 Tim 6:18,19).

While it important to have a written will stating what you want done with your earthly possessions after you die, do not overlook the immense deposit of righteousness He has invested in you and continually pass this on to others now. What we have received from Him, we should in turn bless

What am I passing on?

others with (Lk 12:15-21). Conversely, God says He will punish future generations for the sin their fathers committed (Ex 20:5,6). What an incentive to deal with any sin issues in our lives and walk uprightly so we do not pass on what is not beneficial.