Our Inheritance

“He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (I Peter 1:3-4).

I’m certain that for many of us, the end of the year is a time to reflect upon the past and look ahead to the coming year. Now I have absolutely no idea what lies ahead in 2012. But there is no uncertainty about what lies ahead for us in eternity. Peter outlines what we have to look forward to. 

First, he tells us that we have an inheritance awaiting us. When we think of inheriting something, the first thing that comes to mind is that a relative has left something to us. The Bible tells us that’s not a bad analogy because Paul calls us “sons of God” in Galatians 3:26. As such, our heavenly Father has left us an inheritance. The word “inheritance” means something received as a birthright, something not earned. Isn’t that exactly what God’s gift of eternal life is; a gift not earned by us, but earned for us by Christ? 

Then he goes on to tell us that our inheritance is imperishable, undefiled and unfading. These are powerful words. Taken together, they mean that our inheritance can never decay because it’s uncontaminated and will never pass away or diminish in any manner. And further, our inheritance is kept for us by God himself. It’s reserved, guarded from loss, and held fast by God’s never-fading care and concern. Now, that’s something to look forward to, don’t you think?

Let me tell you how these thoughts should bless our hearts as we meditate on our inheritance. There are no doubt stretching times ahead. I don’t know what the next year might bring our way. However, I do know that God is sovereign, and whatever comes will have passed through His hand of goodness and grace. And if what lies ahead causes us tears and sorrow, it’s important to recall our inheritance kept safely in heaven for us. This means that as we think of our inheritance, the things of this world will assume their proper place in God’s providence and plan.

How much time do you spend thinking about your heavenly inheritance? No matter what your answer, you would benefit from more time considering all that God has planned for you; don’t you agree? I’ve determined to meditate and think deeply about heaven during 2012. Ask me how it’s going. My hope is that you will do the same. 

The hymn writer wrote, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” That’s what heaven is, the unveiled glory and grace of Jesus Christ, and it’s waiting there for you.