AN INHERITANCE IN CHRIST

AN INHERITANCE IN CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 1:11

Key Verse:
“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” — Ephesians 1:11 KJV

Supporting Texts:
Ephesians 1:13-14, 18; Romans 8:16-17; Galatians 3:26-29; Colossians 1:12-14; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 9:15; Revelation 21:7.

Description:
This message reveals the spiritual inheritance believers have received in Christ and teaches us how to value, access and live according to our inheritance as children of God.

INTRODUCTION

An inheritance is something received because of a relationship, usually from someone who has the legal right and ability to give it. In the natural world, children can inherit property, wealth, family possessions and privileges from their parents. In the spiritual realm, believers have received something far greater: an inheritance in Christ. Ephesians 1:11 declares, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance.” This means that salvation has brought us into a covenant relationship in which we have access to divine blessings and eternal promises.

Our inheritance in Christ is not based on our natural background, financial status, education or social position. It is based on our relationship with Jesus Christ. We do not receive it because we are naturally qualified; we receive it because Christ has made us heirs. The moment we become children of God through faith in Christ, we become beneficiaries of what God has prepared for His family.

Many believers live below their spiritual inheritance because they do not know what belongs to them in Christ. A person may possess an inheritance legally but live as though he has nothing. In the same way, Christians can have tremendous spiritual privileges while living in fear, defeat, ignorance and spiritual poverty. God wants us to understand our inheritance, believe His promises, walk in obedience and confidently appropriate what He has provided through Christ.

1. OUR INHERITANCE COMES THROUGH OUR UNION WITH CHRIST

Ephesians 1:11 begins with the words, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance.” Our inheritance is found in Christ. Outside Christ, humanity remains separated from the covenant promises, but in Christ we become partakers of God's family and blessings.

The greatest blessing is therefore not merely what Christ gives us; it is Christ Himself. When we have Him, we have access to everything God has ordained for us according to His will.

a) CHRIST MAKES US HEIRS OF GOD [Romans 8:16-17]
The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs. Our inheritance flows from our identity as God's children.

b) CHRIST BRINGS US INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD [Galatians 3:26]
Through faith in Christ Jesus, we become children of God. Spiritual inheritance is connected to spiritual relationship.

c) CHRIST MAKES US PARTAKERS OF THE PROMISE [Galatians 3:29]
If we belong to Christ, we are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. God's covenant blessings are made available through Christ.

d) CHRIST IS THE GUARANTEE OF OUR INHERITANCE [Hebrews 9:15]
Christ is the Mediator of the new covenant so that those who are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Our inheritance rests on His finished work.

Biblical Example:
The prodigal son left his father's house and wasted his inheritance, but his elder brother remained in the house and was reminded that everything belonging to the father was available to him (Luke 15:31). This shows the importance of recognising and properly valuing what belongs to us.

2. OUR INHERITANCE IS ACCORDING TO GOD'S PURPOSE

Ephesians 1:11 says that we have been given an inheritance according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His own will. Our inheritance is not the result of chance. It is part of God's eternal purpose.

God knew what He was doing when He called us into Christ. His plans for us are connected to His larger kingdom purpose.

a) GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE [Jeremiah 29:11]
God's thoughts towards His people are thoughts of peace and a future with hope. Your life has divine meaning.

b) GOD WORKS ALL THINGS ACCORDING TO HIS WILL [Ephesians 1:11]
God is sovereign over His creation. Circumstances may change, but His ultimate purpose cannot be defeated.

c) GOD'S PURPOSE IS GREATER THAN YOUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES [Romans 8:28]
God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Your current season is not the complete story.

d) GOD'S PURPOSE WILL STAND [Isaiah 46:10]
God declares the end from the beginning and says His counsel shall stand. What God has purposed cannot ultimately be cancelled by human opposition.

Biblical Example:
Joseph experienced betrayal, slavery and imprisonment, but God's purpose for his life remained intact. Eventually, he recognised that God had used the difficult journey to preserve many lives (Genesis 50:20).

3. OUR INHERITANCE INCLUDES SPIRITUAL RICHES

The inheritance believers receive in Christ is far greater than material possessions. It includes spiritual blessings, eternal life, divine fellowship, peace, grace, wisdom, righteousness and access to God's presence.

Earthly possessions can disappear, but spiritual inheritance has eternal value.

a) WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE [John 3:16]
The greatest inheritance is eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is an everlasting relationship with God that begins now and continues beyond this life.

b) WE HAVE FORGIVENESS AND REDEMPTION [Ephesians 1:7]
Through Christ, we have redemption and forgiveness. We no longer have to live under the guilt and condemnation of our past.

c) WE HAVE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS [Ephesians 1:3]
God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Our spiritual inheritance is already established in Christ.

d) WE HAVE ACCESS TO GOD'S PRESENCE [Hebrews 10:19-22]
The blood of Jesus gives us boldness to enter God's presence. Fellowship with God is itself one of the greatest treasures of our inheritance.

Biblical Example:
Moses chose to identify with God's people rather than enjoy the temporary treasures of Egypt. He understood that eternal spiritual value was greater than temporary earthly wealth (Hebrews 11:24-26).

4. OUR INHERITANCE IS SECURED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

God has not merely promised an inheritance; He has given believers the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of what is to come. The Holy Spirit is God's seal and earnest of our inheritance.

This gives the believer confidence that God's promises are not empty words. God has already begun the work and will complete it.

a) THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SEAL OF OUR SALVATION [Ephesians 1:13]
After believing in Christ, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. A seal signifies ownership and authenticity.

b) THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE EARNEST OF OUR INHERITANCE [Ephesians 1:14]
The Spirit is the earnest, or guarantee, of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. God has given us a foretaste of what is coming.

c) THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US ASSURANCE [Romans 8:16]
The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. This inner witness gives confidence in our relationship with God.

d) THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US LIVE AS HEIRS [Galatians 5:16]
Walking in the Spirit helps us overcome the works of the flesh and live according to our new identity in Christ.

Biblical Example:
The early disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and were empowered to become witnesses of Christ. What Jesus promised was fulfilled through the coming of the Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4).

5. OUR INHERITANCE MUST BE RECEIVED AND APPROPRIATED BY FAITH

Knowing that an inheritance exists is not the same as enjoying its benefits. The believer must know God's promises, believe them and walk in obedience to God's Word.

Faith enables us to take hold of what God has provided while obedience positions us to experience the practical benefits of His promises.

a) FAITH RECEIVES GOD'S PROMISES [Hebrews 11:1]
Faith gives substance to things hoped for and evidence of things not seen. We believe God's promises before we see their full manifestation.

b) THE WORD REVEALS OUR INHERITANCE [Acts 20:32]
Paul commended believers to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build them up and give them an inheritance. God's Word teaches us what belongs to us.

c) OBEDIENCE POSITIONS US FOR FRUITFULNESS [Deuteronomy 28:1-2]
God's Word repeatedly connects obedience with the experience of His covenant blessings. Obedience demonstrates that we trust His wisdom.

d) SPIRITUAL MATURITY HELPS US HANDLE OUR INHERITANCE [Galatians 4:1-2]
An heir who is immature may have legal rights but lack practical authority. God wants us to grow into spiritual maturity so that we can responsibly represent Him.

Biblical Example:
The Israelites had been promised the land of Canaan, but an entire generation failed to enter because of unbelief. Joshua and Caleb believed God's promise and eventually entered the inheritance (Numbers 14:6-9; Joshua 14:6-13).

6. OUR INHERITANCE IS ETERNAL AND CANNOT BE DESTROYED

Earthly inheritances can be stolen, lost, destroyed or consumed. But the inheritance believers have in Christ is eternal. It is reserved in heaven and secured by God's power.

This should give us hope when temporary circumstances are difficult. What God has prepared for us cannot be cancelled by earthly trouble.

a) OUR INHERITANCE IS INCORRUPTIBLE [1 Peter 1:4]
Peter describes the inheritance as incorruptible, undefiled and unfading. It does not decay like earthly possessions.

b) OUR INHERITANCE IS RESERVED IN HEAVEN [1 Peter 1:4]
God has reserved our inheritance in heaven. Its security does not depend upon unstable earthly systems.

c) GOD'S POWER KEEPS THE HEIRS [1 Peter 1:5]
Believers are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. God is able to preserve those who belong to Him.

d) THE FAITHFUL WILL INHERIT GOD'S KINGDOM [Revelation 21:7]
God promises that the one who overcomes shall inherit all things. The ultimate inheritance is eternal fellowship with God in His kingdom.

Biblical Example:
Abraham lived as a pilgrim, looking beyond temporary possessions to the city whose builder and maker is God. He understood that God's ultimate inheritance was greater than earthly territory (Hebrews 11:9-10).

CONCLUSION

In Christ, you have obtained an inheritance. You are not spiritually homeless, forgotten or without a future. Through faith in Christ, you have become a child of God and an heir of His promises. Your inheritance includes salvation, forgiveness, eternal life, the presence of God, spiritual blessings, divine promises and the glorious hope of eternal life with Christ.

Therefore, know your inheritance, value it and walk in it. Do not allow ignorance, fear, unbelief or disobedience to keep you from enjoying what God has provided. Study the Word, walk by faith, follow the Holy Spirit and remain faithful to Christ. What God has prepared for His children is greater than anything the world can offer, and your inheritance in Christ is secure.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for making me an heir of Your kingdom through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, open my eyes to understand the full riches of my inheritance in Christ, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from every ignorance that is preventing me from appropriating my spiritual inheritance, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me strong faith to believe and receive every promise You have made concerning my life, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let every blessing assigned to me in Christ become evident in my life according to Your will, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let the Holy Spirit continually guide me into the fullness of my inheritance, in Jesus name.

7. Father, give me grace to live as a mature son and faithful heir of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let every power attempting to steal, delay or frustrate what You have ordained for me be defeated, in Jesus name.

9. Father, preserve my faith until I receive the fullness of everything You have promised me, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my life become a testimony of the riches and faithfulness of my inheritance in Christ, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ; therefore, you shall not live as a spiritual orphan.

2. Your eyes shall be opened to understand the riches, privileges and responsibilities of your inheritance in Christ.

3. Every power of ignorance, unbelief and spiritual blindness limiting your enjoyment of God's promises shall be broken.

4. You shall receive grace to appropriate every legitimate blessing God has ordained for you according to His will.

5. Your inheritance shall not be transferred to another; what God has appointed for you shall remain secured in Christ.

6. Every good thing God has ordained for your life shall come into manifestation at the appointed time.

7. The Holy Spirit shall guide you into deeper spiritual maturity and enable you to walk confidently as an heir of God.

8. You shall not lose your eternal inheritance through temptation, deception or spiritual carelessness.

9. Your faith shall remain strong until you possess and enjoy everything God has promised concerning your life.

10. You shall finish your earthly journey faithfully and inherit the everlasting kingdom prepared for you in Christ Jesus.