God’s Inheritance & Its Implications
Does the Biblical concept of inheritance impact our daily lives? We often regard this matter of our faith as something of a future blessing. It’s about Heaven after all and therefore we look forward to it while not considering its immediate implications. Yet, when considered appropriately, we recognize the practical effects this Biblical truth produces beyond the confidence and encouragement it brings. Consider the following:
First, we find in Colossians 3:24 that this truth affects our work ethic. The 1st Century practice of slavery was certainly a cultural obstacle for early believers. How were they to respond to such circumstances especially when they were slaves? As Paul provided instruction to those in various roles within the family, he also counseled those who were slaves and masters. What’s interesting in light of our current topic is that he mentioned our inheritance as an appropriate motivator regarding work ethic. He states, ‘Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve’ (Col. 3:23, 24). Paul’s instruction to believing slaves involved properly motivated service to their earthly masters in light of their ultimate service to Christ who blesses them with the ‘reward of the inheritance.’ In this, we understand that believers, even when in less that charitable circumstances, are to serve Christ as the recipients of an eternally glorious inheritance.
Second, we find that issues of division are addressed when the Body of Christ understands Biblical inheritance. We are God’s inheritance, a concept mentioned in numerous texts of the Old Testament (see: Dt. 4:20; 32:8, 9; Joel 3:2; Jer. 51:19; etc.) as well as in the text of Ephesians (1:11, 14, 18; 3:6). Paul established this point clearly in part to highlight the relationship enjoyed by all believers both Jew and Gentile. The ‘mystery’ spoken of by Paul is the work of God in redeeming a people for Himself from every nation, tribe, and tongue that would make up the Bride of Christ, the Temple of God, the Body of Christ, etc. No division existed any longer between those who previously knew nothing but animosity. In Christ they had together become God’s ‘possession,’ ‘heritage,’ and ‘inheritance.’
We also find this practical implication in James 2:5, 6. Favoritism was a problem in the early experience of believers worshiping in the synagogue. The wealthy and influential were preferred over the poor and lowly. Though this was consistent with the culture of the day, it was antithetical to the gospel and therefore to Christian relations. How did James deal with this problem? He dealt with it similarly to Paul’s approach in his letters to both the Romans and the Ephesians. Addressing them as ‘beloved brothers,’ James chastised them for their partiality which, rather than reflecting the nature and plan of God, reflected the nature and ways of the world. They needed the reminder that God did not grant the inheritance of the kingdom according to the patterns of the world. He graciously blessed across the boundaries of man and included even the poor. Therefore, they were to honor God’s work by resisting the divisive ways of man.
Third, we find yet another implication of Biblical inheritance in Christian marriage. Husbands and wives were encouraged by Peter during an extremely volatile time. In 1 Peter 3:7, Peter called husbands to loving consideration for their wives, and this because of their status as fellow heirs. Christian marriages ought to be affected by the fact that both spouses share the same inheritance of God.
Christians ought to approach life differently because they have collectively experienced the inheritance of God. We enjoy the privilege of being joint-heirs with Christ. We are blessed of God as His inheritance. Both of which are reflections of the corporate reality of the Christian faith. This reality does indeed affect our perspective, motivation, service, and relationships.