Your Inheritance Awaits You
By Anke Forberger, Editor-in-Chief
As children, we automatically become our parents’ heirs. We don’t become heirs through our own achievements, but through our relationship with them. It’s exactly the same with God. We become part of His family, and through that, God gives us a share of His inheritance.
Through what Jesus did for us on the cross, we have free access to the Father. We don’t have to knock on the door and hope that God is having a good day. As His children, we have a home with Him that we may enter at any time. Figuratively speaking, we may “go to the fridge” and share in everything our Father has in store for us.
In Galatians 3:29 (HFA), Paul writes: “But if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants. As his heirs, you receive everything God promised him.” As people who belong to Jesus, we share in God’s promises.
What is part of our inheritance?
The covenant God made with Abraham is an eternal covenant. Abraham was promised descendants, blessings, and a land. We, too, may apply these promises spiritually to our lives: We belong to God’s family, are part of His worldwide church, and are called to make His kingdom visible. We are blessed so that we may be a blessing to others (according to Genesis 12:2).
But our inheritance includes even more: for example, the forgiveness of our sins, fellowship with God, peace, hope, and eternal life. We are joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). The Father allows us to share in what belongs to the Son.
The Seal of Our Inheritance
As a pledge of this inheritance, God has given us His Holy Spirit. He is the down payment and guarantee that God’s promises will be fulfilled. The Holy Spirit testifies to our relationship with the Father (Romans 8:16) and sets His seal upon us: “heirs.” He comforts, guides, and strengthens us. Through Him, we are allowed to call God “Abba, dear Father.” At the same time, He grants us the authority and power to live as children of God.
Called to Freedom
When one thinks of great family dynasties, an inheritance often comes not only with privileges but also with pressure and a heavy burden. God’s inheritance is different.
We are “called to freedom” (Galatians 5:13). God leads us out of bondage and slavery. Our spiritual inheritance is not meant to weigh us down, but to set us free.
The Responsibility of an Heir
This freedom, however, does not mean indifference. Anyone who has experienced God’s love wants to pass it on.
Jesus calls on his followers to go out and make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). But it is important to note that our inheritance does not depend on how successful we are in this endeavor. It is based solely on faith and God’s grace. Sharing the Gospel is a natural outgrowth of a living relationship with God. For “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45; HFA).
Claim Your Inheritance
God invites every person to become part of His family. But just as with a worldly inheritance, you can accept or reject this offer. God does not force Himself on anyone.
Sometimes, even as children of God, we live as if we were completely unaware of our inheritance. It’s as if someone were to inherit a beautiful, spacious apartment but continue to live in their small one-room apartment. Wouldn’t that be a shame? God has promised us so much more than we often claim. We can already experience part of this inheritance today; other parts will only be fully realized when God’s kingdom is visibly completed.
Therefore: Claim your inheritance. Accept what He wants to give you. Your inheritance is ready and waiting.
