Have you ever received something so precious, so undeserved, that it changed your whole perspective? That’s what happened the day I inherited my grandmother’s Bible—worn, marked up with her notes, filled with her prayers. It wasn’t valuable in the world’s eyes, but to me? Priceless. In Ephesians 1, Paul reminds us that every believer in Christ has received something far more precious: a guaranteed, eternal inheritance.
Scripture focus: Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV) “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.”
1. Seeing the Truth
Paul writes to a Roman world where inheritance was everything—your identity, your future, your security. To the Ephesian believers, that word carried deep weight. And Paul says, “In Him, we have obtained an inheritance.”
This isn’t just a future hope. It’s a present reality. If you are in Christ, you already belong to Him, and what is His is yours. This inheritance is no earthly windfall. It is salvation in all its fullness—past, present, and future.
We have been saved (justification), we are being saved (sanctification), and we will be saved (glorification). This promise is sealed with the Holy Spirit and will one day culminate in resurrected bodies, a new heaven and earth, and eternity with Jesus.
2. Grasping the Heart
Why does God give us such an inheritance? Not because we earned it. Not because we performed well enough. But because we are in Him.
“In Him” is Paul’s drumbeat throughout Ephesians. This inheritance is secure because Jesus Himself secured it. God predestined us according to His purpose, not our performance. Our assurance isn’t grounded in our feelings or our faithfulness—but in His eternal counsel and unwavering will.
Friend, this means your salvation isn’t shaky. It’s as firm as the throne of God.
3. Living It Out
If our inheritance is certain, how should we live?
With joyful freedom. With confident humility. With our eyes on eternity, and our feet grounded in today.
When you know your future is secure, you don’t have to grasp for the world’s approval. You can serve freely. Love deeply. Worship boldly.
And here’s the ultimate purpose: “…to the praise of His glory.”
We don’t live for applause. We live to echo the worth of the One who saved us. We are walking testaments to the grace of God, trophies of mercy, heirs of glory. Let that shape your today.
Take-home truth: In Christ, your inheritance is not just promised; it is already yours—secure, eternal, and all for His glory.
Reflection questions:
- What does it mean to you that your inheritance in Christ is already secured?
- Are there areas of your life where you’re still trying to earn what Jesus has already given?
- How can your life reflect the glory of God today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that in You, I have a glorious inheritance. Help me rest in that truth, live for Your glory, and reflect Your grace in all I do. Amen.
