Our Inheritance in Christ
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:17
God spoke to our forefathers through His prophets, but now He speaks to us through His Son (see Hebrews 1:1). Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, as revealed by the seven following descriptive statements in verses 2-4 about Him. First, Jesus has been appointed heir of all things (see Romans 8:17). Second, through Jesus, the universe was made (see John 1:3; Colossians 1:18). Third, Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory (see John 1:14,18). Fourth, Jesus is the representation of the Father (see John 14:9; Colossians 1:15). Fifth, by His powerful word, Jesus sustains all things (see Colossians 1:17). Sixth, Jesus provided the purification of our sins (see Titus 2:14; Hebrews 7:27). Seventh, Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (see Hebrews 8:1; 10:12).
The destiny of Christians is bound up in the destiny of Jesus. “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have [died]” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Jesus was the first to receive the birthright. As born-again believers, we also have a birthright because we are all children of God. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). All this is possible because we are spiritually alive “in Christ.”
Paul writes, “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6-7). As grateful believers we say, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (1:3).
According to Ephesians 1:4-14, our inheritance in Christ includes being chosen in Christ before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless; predestined to be adopted as His sons and daughters through Jesus Christ; redeemed through Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of sins; knowledgeable of the mystery of His will; chosen and predestined according to His plan; included in Christ when we heard the word of truth; and marked in Jesus with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.
According to God’s Word, we have a rich inheritance in Christ. The problem is many Christians do not know it or fail to comprehend this incredible truth about being a joint heir with Jesus. So Paul prays that we would know God better and that our hearts would be enlightened in order that we may know the riches of our inheritance in Christ (see Ephesians 1:17-19). God’s promises need to be claimed, and His truth needs to be believed in order for it to be effective in our lives.
As you close your study today, make this your prayer: “Glorious Father and God of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I ask that You would give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may know You better. I pray also that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and Your incomparably great power that You have extended to all of us who believe. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
questions to consider:
Review Hebrews 1:1-4. What are some of the statements the author makes to show that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God?
What have we received because we are a new creation in Christ? What has God promised to us since we are no co-heirs with Christ?
According to Ephesians 1:4-14, what are some of the things our inheritance in Christ includes?
Take a moment to reflect on your physical heritage in comparison to your spiritual inheritance? Can you explain the difference?
What are the practical implications for knowing that you are a joint-heir with Christ?
Neil T. Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He began the ministry in 1989 and continues to spread the message of freedom to this day.