Ephesians 1:11 – Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. (NLT)

Mine wasn't sizable, but it seemed enormous at the time, especially when I had no idea that I even had an inheritance in the waiting.

I was fifteen and doing what many teens do — lying on my bed, trying to escape my parents. But when I heard the phone ring, I somehow knew why. My maternal grandfather had died. Strokes had pummeled him frequently, each one leaving him more disabled than the previous one — until he was finally bedridden. My grandmother tended to him faithfully, to her own exhaustion.

After his death, his six grandchildren each received an inheritance of $1,000. To some, that amount wouldn't be considered much — and it wouldn't go far now — but in 1975, for a teenager, it was enormous. I eventually used it as a down payment on a new car.

My wife and I currently have three of our four parents still living — none from whom we anticipate receiving a sizable inheritance. Nor do we have any wealthy aunts or uncles to bequeath money to us. So, unless something changes, we will live until we die as we do now: modestly.

When I die, however, I expect a sizable inheritance.

As God's adopted child, I own everything that His Son does — and that's everything. But I don't possess it yet. After death, I'll enjoy what I can only read about now in His Word. The joys of heaven are indescribable, and God's Word hints at what I can expect.

Occasionally, a will — and the stated inheritance therein — is challenged by a disgruntled family member. The inheritance that the deceased wished to leave to a relative might be diminished or even taken away. Not so with our future inheritance — it is as sure as the Word of God, which cannot be changed or overruled.

Although our salvation experience begins when we choose to surrender to Christ, it is not finalized until we reach heaven. We've been saved from the penalty of our sins, but how wonderful it is to know that we'll eventually be delivered from the presence of sin.

Do you have a spiritual inheritance in the waiting?

Prayer: Father, we praise You for our rich inheritance through faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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