We have obtained an Inheritance

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

We have acquired an inheritance, being predestined according to His will. What does it mean to be predestined? The Greek word is “proorizo,” and it means to mark out or determine beforehand. Another word would be foreordained, which is to ordain in advance, according to Merriam-Webster. These are events beyond an individual’s control. Events that are ordained by God’s will that you should walk in His love and peace.

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” Ephesians 1:5

Look at what the apostle Paul said about predestination. We are predestined to adoption as children of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should know God’s will and testament as it is written in the Holy Bible. Many people were involved in the translation of the Bible, and God has brought it through many generations. Biblical archaeology has affirmed its historical accuracy, despite efforts to discredit it. The debate continues today due to unbelief and doubt. Let us consider what it would be like not to have the Bible and know the story of man [Adam & Eve] fallen from their own desire to be something else than what God had planned them to be, rulers over the earth.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27

Man is a law unto themselves. They choose what they desire in their heart to do good or evil. Those who have ruled have not all been good. Friedrich Nietzsche was an influential German philosopher, and it is interesting to note that he commented on why people do not want to hear the truth, because it would destroy their illusions. They do not want to face their own fears or demons in their own life. However, the stories written in the Bible are about men who must face the reality of their own fears and or demons in their own lives. Maybe that is why David exclaimed, “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults, [see Psalms 19:12]. What secret faults do you have? Ask the Lord to cleanse you of those faults in the name of Jesus. This is what the Apostle Paul talked about, the desires of our own flesh and fulfilling those desires that are in the sons of disobedience [see Ephesians 2:3]. Those desires are not easily given up without divine intervention. The grace of God brings salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, and when we confess, he is faithful to forgive us all our sins.

We are acquainted with our own sins and secret faults. If not our own, we know about others who have sins and secret faults. We like to point the finger, but remember what Jesus said to those who accused the women of adultery: He said, “he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her,” [see John 8:7]. The realization that God is acquainted with all our ways is astounding. My substance was not hidden from God when I was made in secret, and there is a book where all my members were written in [see Psalms 139]. All parts of my body that were formed were written in a book. What book is David talking about in Psalms 139:16? Can it be the Book of Life? Did you know about the books that were opened in Revelation 20:12? When you are wondering about your life and how you have come so far from spiritual death, a light begins to dawn that our future is in the very hands of God. Even when we cannot conceive it ourselves, we are given an inheritance that was sealed in a book.

We also have the down payment of our inheritance. When we have believed in the word of truth concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise [see Ephesians 1:13-14]. This seal of the Holy Spirit marks the transaction of ownership and brings about the believer’s adoption into the position of a child of God. This is a divine decision of foreknowledge that is mind-boggling to many people, especially to new believers. Therefore, as a believer in Christ, one must ask God to open up the eyes of our understanding in revealing the scriptures. As a child of God, the believer begins to gain understanding of who they are in Christ. Paul states in Romans 8:16-17 that the Spirit bears witness that we are the children of God. As the children of God, we have become joint heirs with Christ. We were redeemed from under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons, [Galatians 4:5]. I remember a song that was sung with gusto in church when I was a young adult, called “The Family of God.” The song meant something to me since I wanted to belong to something and be loved. When I got saved, I realised that I belonged to God.

I’m so glad I’m a part

Of the family of God

I’ve been washed in the fountain

Cleansed by His blood

Joint heirs with Jesus

As we travel this sod

For I’m part of the family

The family of God

The Family of God by Bill & Gloria Gaither

If you are a believer, you are joint heirs with Jesus [see Romans 8:17]. Do not take this lightly. Think about the book you are written into. God has given everyone free will to choose life or death. We are called the “sons of God” in 1 John 3:1. Listen and sing it within your heart. We have obtained an inheritance through Christ, and this is something to rejoice in.