Ephesians 1:11: We Have an Inheritance

Ephesians 1:11

[11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, (ESV)

Imagine, if you will, that you have worked your whole life barely being able to financially survive.  For some of you it might not be too hard to imagine!  You have never been able to provide the finer things for your family.  Others eat steak.  You hope there is enough in your cupboards for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  The roof leaks.  The furnace is constantly broken. Your children's understanding of "new clothes" is when a relative gives them "hand-me-downs."  And then one day you go to the mailbox and open a letter that changes your future.  Your rich family member has given you their inheritance.  You are now rich beyond your wildest imagination.  Sounds great, doesn't it?

The Creator of the whole universe owns all things.  All riches and possessions are his.  And he is very generous.  He chooses to give his inheritance to poor, lowly, wretched sinners.  And that is what we are. In Him, we have obtained an inheritance. The Apostle Peter describes it for us in this way:

1 Peter 1:3–4
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (ESV)

We will have trouble in this life.  We may have to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the roof might leak.  In fact, we likely will have much harder struggles than these.  The Apostle Peter was put to death for his faith.  And so was Paul.  But they both lived with hope in the midst of their suffering because they were rich beyond their wildest imagination.  They had an inheritance in heaven. And so do you, Christian.

Are you overwhelmed with life?  Feeling poor?  If you belong to Jesus you are rich beyond your wildest imagination!  That inheritance is kept in heaven for you.  It will not fade or perish.  Live your life today with great hope in God's future for you.