Eternal Inheritance

In His Name Devotionals
ETERNAL INHERITANCE

“The Father...has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Colossians 1:12 NIV)

Perhaps you have had the disappointing and annoying experience of receiving in the mail an envelope that identifies you are the winner of a large sum of money or some other fantastic prize, only to open it and discover you had not won anything at all. It was simply a ploy to get you to enter a contest or purchase a product.

In a world filled with deception and unfulfilled expectations, it is wonderful to know that God’s truthfulness and integrity never waver. Not only has He promised you an eternal inheritance, but He also has qualified you to share in it.

The Greek word translated “qualified” in Colossians 1:12 means “to make sufficient” or “to authorize.” “Share” speaks of receiving an allotted portion. The idea is that God has authorized you to receive a portion of the blessings that belong to all who love Him.

In Ephesians 1:3, Paul says that your inheritance consists of “every spiritual blessing” in Heaven. It is a glorious inheritance of which the Holy Spirit Himself is the pledge (vs. 14, 18). In Colossians 3:24, Paul calls it an inheritance “from the Lord.”

In Colossians 1:12, he further describes it as an inheritance “in light,” which refers to its overall character or quality. In the New Testament, “light” is often used metaphorically of truth and purity. “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Believers are those who walk in the light (v 7). So, an inheritance in light is a godly, true, and pure inheritance—one that is reserved in Heaven, where He Who is the Light dwells (1 Peter 1:4; Revelation 21:23).

Your eternal inheritance is no empty promise. God has secured it by delivering you from the domain of darkness and transferring you to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom you have redemption, the forgiveness of sin (Colossians 1:13-14). Rejoice in God’s grace. Live today as a child of light!