As children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, we have an incredibly rich inheritance. The Bible teaches that when we put our trust in Christ, we become heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). This means that all of the blessings and promises of God now belong to us through Christ. Here are some of the key aspects of our inheritance in Christ according to Scripture:
Eternal Life
One of the most fundamental parts of our inheritance is the gift of eternal life. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The moment we believe in Christ we pass from death into life (John 5:24). Physical death no longer has power over us, because our spirits live eternally joined with Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:10). This eternal life begins the moment we believe and will continue for all eternity in God’s presence when Christ returns.
Adoption into God’s Family
When we trust in Christ, we are adopted into God’s family as His children (Ephesians 1:5). We become heirs and receive a spirit of sonship allowing us to cry out “Abba Father” (Galatians 4:6-7, Romans 8:15-17). We are no longer slaves, but cherished children who have intimate access to the Father. He pours out His love upon us and treats us as His very own sons and daughters.
The Indwelling Holy Spirit
All believers in Christ are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within us (Acts 2:38-39, Romans 8:9). The Spirit guides us into truth, convicts us of sin, comforts us, helps us pray, and enables us to produce spiritual fruit in our lives (John 16:13, John 14:26, Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit also guarantees our future resurrection and gives us strength in our inner being (Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 3:16).
Righteousness
When we trust in Christ, His perfect righteousness is credited to us (Romans 3:22, Romans 5:17). Though we are sinful, God declares us righteous in His sight because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are clothed in His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). This enables us to boldly approach God’s throne to receive grace and mercy (Hebrews 4:16).
Every Spiritual Blessing
The Bible says that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places through Christ (Ephesians 1:3). These include things like redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, grace, sanctification, and inclusion into God’s people. All of these spiritual blessings become ours when we belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 3:21-23).
Freedom from Sin’s Domination
Sin no longer has mastery over us, because we have been freed from sin’s dominion and now belong to righteousness (Romans 6:14,18,22). Christ broke the power of sin at the cross so that it need not dominate our lives any longer. We now have power through the Spirit to overcome our sinful desires and to reflect Christ’s character (Romans 8).
Confidence in Prayer
Because of Christ, we can approach God’s throne boldly and with confidence when we pray (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus grants us direct access to the Father, so we can make our requests known and find grace and help in time of need.
A Clear Conscience
The sacrifices of Christ purify our consciences from the guilt of sin (Hebrews 9:14). When our lives are hidden in Christ, we do not have to carry shame or regret. Instead, we have freedom to draw near to God with a cleansed conscience and assurance of faith.
Hope
Our inheritance includes a living hope and eternal inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:3-4). This hope is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and our own future resurrection. It enables us to rejoice even in suffering because we know our trials are temporary.
Citizenship in Heaven
Though we live on earth, our true citizenship is now in heaven (Philippians 3:20). We belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). Jesus is preparing a place for us and He will return to take us there (John 14:2-3). Our home is no longer on earth, but in heaven where our Father waits.
Rewards
As heirs with Christ, we will also share in His glory. There are eternal rewards promised to those who are faithful in serving Christ in this life (Colossians 3:24, Matthew 5:12). Our work for the Lord is never in vain, but results in rewards laid up for us in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:58).
A New Body
When Christ returns, we will be raised with new resurrection bodies that are imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). We will no longer suffer under the curse of the fall – sickness, pain, and death. Our new bodies will be perfectly suited for life in God’s kingdom.
The Desires of Our Heart
God promises to give us the desires of our heart according to His will (Psalm 37:4). As we delight ourselves in Him, He shapes our desires to align with His perfect will. When our desires match God’s desires, we receive them according to His wise and loving plan.
Victory
Christ has overcome the world, and therefore we share in His victory (John 16:33, 1 John 5:4). Though we face trouble in this life, Christ has conquered sin and death on our behalf. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now works in us to overcome every obstacle.
Intimacy with God
As dearly loved children of God, we can experience deep intimacy with Him through Christ (John 15:15, James 4:8). We are united to Christ through the Spirit and share in a relationship of love with the Father as His precious child.
Peace
Though the world is full of tribulation, we have peace in Christ (John 16:33). This peace guards our hearts and minds, enabling us to be content and joyful no matter our circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7).
Access to God
We have access through the Spirit to come directly into God’s presence (Ephesians 2:18, Ephesians 3:12). Jesus opened up a new and living way to enter the Most Holy Place by the power of His blood (Hebrews 10:19-22). We do not need a human priest to intercede for us, but can approach the throne of grace with confidence.
Partnership in the Gospel
We are fellow workers with Christ in spreading the gospel and building God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 3:9, 2 Corinthians 6:1). It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with sharing the good news of salvation with others.
Strength for Suffering
When we face various trials, we have the assurance that Christ will strengthen us and help us persevere (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). His grace is sufficient to help us endure any hardship we face in this life. He enables us to use our suffering for eternal gain.
The Ministry of Angels
Angels are appointed as ministering spirits to care for each believer. They help protect us and guide us at God’s direction (Psalm 91:11, Hebrews 1:14). As children of God, we have His powerful angels watching over us.
These are just some of the amazing aspects of our rich inheritance as children of God. Everything that belongs to Christ now belongs to us through His mercy and grace. We are abundantly blessed “with every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3) so that we might live for the praise of His glory.
