Made to be Heirs of God

The child of God holds his or her status because of God’s love in adoption (Rom 8:15, 23; 9:4; Gal 4:5; 5:10; Eph 1:5; 1 Jn 3:1). He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will (Eph 1:5).

As recipients of adoption, the beloved children of God are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17). All that belongs to God, belongs to Christ, and those having the faith of Abraham, share in the promise of covenant blessings, secured by Christ’s perfect obedience. All the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places, in Christ, belong to us (Eph 1:3).

The Greek word, employed to speak of the blessed inheritance of Christ, is kleronomos (Rom 4:13, 14; 8:17; Gal 3:29; 4:7; Titus 3:7; Heb 1:2; 6:17; 11:7; Jas 2:5). The inheritance, being allotted, is typified in the apportionment of the promised land during the conquest of Canaan. The tribes of Israel received their division of land, and the tribe of Levi was given their portion, without land, being the recipients of temple service. They received the tithes of the other tribes, in order to operate the temple and live as priests unto Yahweh.

The inheritance of the saints, royal priests in the holy nation of God’s chosen people, is an eternal inheritance (Heb 9:15; 1 Pet 2:9). What is eternal other than God? For this reason, we rejoice in the indescribable gift of Christ Jesus, who is Himself our inheritance (2 Cor 9:15).

Being justified by God’s grace, we are made heirs, which is according to the will of God, who adopted us as sons of God (Rom 8:15, 23; Eph 1:5). This is to show the glorious riches of His grace toward us (Eph 2:7). Elect believers are adopted sons, having legal status as the children of God. Our position is in Christ (1 Cor 1:30). What applies to Him, in the inheritance of God, applies to the saints (Rom 8:17; Eph 1:3).

God’s will cannot change because God cannot change (Heb 6:17). What has been eternally decreed will not fail, nor will it be changed because the eternal counsel of God is perfect (Jer 5:22; Eph 3:11).

Christians draw great comfort from true doctrine because the promises of God are yes and amen, to the glory of God through us (2 Cor 1:20). The promises of God, including the children’s inheritance, are contained in the covenant of grace (Eph 1:11). This covenant, cut in the blood of Christ, is eternal, too. It cannot change, nor is there any need for it to change (Heb 13:20).

Our transgressions prevent us from the blessings of God, but in the new covenant, Christ redeemed His people from the consequences of their iniquities (1 Thess 1:10). As God calls the elect from every nation (Rev 5:9), they receive adoption and the promise of the eternal inheritance (Heb 9:15), reserved for them in heaven (1 Pet 1:4).

Whereas the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire (2 Pet 3:7), the heirs of God await what is reserved for them in the heavenly kingdom of God. For this reason, the joint heirs with Christ must follow in His steps (1 Pet 2:21).

Suffering in this world is not to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Rom 8:18). Christians must press on toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14). We serve our God, as slaves of Christ, in this world (Eph 6:6). We join with Paul and all our brethren, who have suffered for the Gospel according to the power of God (2 Tim 1:8).

Our labor of love, albeit as unprofitable servants (Lk 17:10), merits nothing with God, who is willing and doing His good pleasure in us (Phil 2:13). Christ in you, the hope of glory, is at work, but Christ in heaven has gone to prepare a place for you — mansions of glory (Jn 14:2–3). Soon you will walk the streets of gold (Rev 21:21), but nothing will compare to the glory of your inheritance, who is Christ the Lord. What must you do to secure this inheritance? Wait on the Lord and watch as His will is done. His will is your sanctification, and then your inheritance. You were made for this…rejoice!

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

October 3, 2021