4. Our Shared Inheritance
Ephesians 1:11-12
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, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
A shared inheritance is one of the primary marks of a family, and this was especially true in the ancient world. As Paul continues emphasizing the value of diversity without division, he explains that Jewish and Gentile believers share Christ’s inheritance. However, each group has unique hangups about this spiritual reality, so Paul addresses them separately—first, he’ll talk to Jews, then to Gentiles.
Righteousness and future hope are possessions of the Heavenly Father. Paul tells his Jewish readers they’ve “obtained an inheritance” (v.11a). This reward is bestowed upon them because they’ve been “predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will” (v.11). Initially, this would have been difficult for them to hear. Like many of us, they were in the habit of working to secure their futures through righteousness rituals. And the very idea of inheritance exposes this religious folly.
You see, an inheritance is only executed upon death. If there’s no death, there’s no reward. The possessions remain with the original owner. Paul says that through Christ's death, the trove of the Father’s righteousness and hope is bestowed upon us—Christ’s spiritual beneficiaries. It’s not rewarded to us because of our habits or hustle, but exclusively because our names are written in the will.
What does the fact that the Father has a will and an inheritance to offer us reveal about his character?
In what ways are you prone to securing your future?
How does the death of Christ ensure we have righteousness and future hope?
Heavenly Father …
Help me to rest in the gracious gift of your inheritance today.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
