Since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you - Galatians 4:7 (NLT)
The moment you were spiritually born into God’s family, you were given some astounding birthday gifts : the family name, the family likeness, family privileges, family intimate access, and the family inheritance!
The New Testament gives great emphasis to our rich “inheritance.” It tells us, “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). As children of God we get to share in the family fortune. Here on earth we are given the riches of his grace, kindness, patience, glory, wisdom, power, and mercy.
But in eternity we will inherit even more.
Paul said, “I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people” (Ephesians 1:18 NLT). What exactly does that inheritance include?
· First, we will get to be with God forever.
· Second, we will completely change to be like Christ.
· Third, we will be freed from all pain, death, and suffering.
· Fourth, we will be rewarded and reassigned positions of service.
· Fifth, we will get to share in Christ’s glory.
What an inheritance! You are far richer than you realize.
The Bible says, “God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay” (1 Peter 1:4 NLT).
This means that your eternal inheritance is priceless, pure, permanent, and protected. No one can take it from you; it can’t be destroyed by war, a poor economy, or a natural disaster.
This eternal inheritance, not retirement, is what you should be looking forward to and working for. Paul says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV).
Rick Warren
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