Friends, we have an inheritance in Christ

I once heard a story about a man who endured years of poverty, not knowing that he had a sizable inheritance from a distant relative. For a long stretch of time, this man battled addiction and mental health issues while living on the streets. The police knew about the man's problems and were genuinely concerned for his welfare. They tried several times to locate him in order to inform him about his newfound freedom from the grips of poverty. But the man, thinking that the police were after him for some other reason, avoided them at all costs, even to the detriment of his health and well-being. Finally, the man got the message.... His name was in a wealthy man’s will. He accepted the inheritance and his life was completely changed.

Doesn't it sound like something you'd see in a movie? But what if I told you that we, as believers in Christ, have a far greater fortune in Christ than anything the world could offer? Friends, in Christ, we have a net worth that far exceeds any earthly wealth. And the good news is; this wealth we have never depreciate - never finishes.

In Ephesians 1:11, Paul reminds us that we have obtained an inheritance in Christ, not just in the future but truly here and now. And what does this inheritance entail? That we have been adopted as sons of God and that the riches of the Godhead that dwells in Christ beyond measure is now in us and for us.

What, then, does this inheritance look like?

• It starts with our new identity in Christ. We no longer base our identity on past mistakes, failures, or beauty, financial status, or even our earthly family. We are adopted as children of God, heirs to his kingdom (Romans 8:17). This adoption gives us a new purpose and value that the world cannot touch. We are God’s masterpiece in Christ.

• Peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) is part of our inheritance, as well as a joy that comes from knowing we are loved by God. This isn't the kind of happiness that depends on circumstances but a deep, abiding joy that remains even in tough times.

• We have victory over sin and death as well. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, we are no longer captives of sin (Romans 6:14). This means that we have the ability to overcome the tempting struggles that used to keep us bound. We are now free to live a life that always and only is an act of freedom. This freedom is what true freedom is, not what a political party promises.

• What is more, our inheritance includes the promise of eternal life. This eternal life isn't just about living forever; it's about experiencing the fullness of God's presence and love for all eternity. It's a promise that transforms how we view our present circumstances and future hopes. With this assurance, we can face life's challenges with unwavering confidence, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ.

To live in this inheritance means to accept and to believe what God says about us. We are not to be like that man who lived in poverty while having access to great wealth because he was ignorant of what was his through the suffering of another man. We are to embrace by faith the fullness of our inheritance through Christ, who qualifies us as heirs of God. These are treasures we have access to in this life through faith in Christ and that changes everything.