S1P6 – Heirs to the kingdom
Eph. 1: 11-12
In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will, So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!
One of the richest themes in this series’ scripture is that of adoption. In Part 3 of this series, we learned that we are adopted as God’s own children through Jesus Christ. Here, the word tells us that we obtain an inheritance from God for the purpose of “liv[ing] for the praise of His glory.” This all points to one irrefutable conclusion. God does not bring us into his family as anything other than His children as Christ is His child. We are not step children, foster children, or any other non-blood relation. The almighty God has grafted us into His family bloodline through His only begotten son, children now worthy of an inheritance normally reserved for the natural child.
For the orphan awaiting a family, there are distinct differences between foster care and adoption. The first is temporary in nature; the second carries with it commitment. Adoption also brings a new identity as you partake in a new family name. Of all the things a person can claim to possess in this life, one’s name is arguably the single article that no one can take. Names carry more than a meaning; they carry history and reputation.
When a king adopts a son, that son becomes a prince. He is now royalty, afforded every advantage and inheritance given to the natural born prince. When we were saved, God made us His heritage and bestowed on us a royal inheritance. We are now royalty in God’s kingdom as Christ is royalty in that same kingdom. Confess your identity as a child of God, a member of His royal priesthood, one who carries His name and reputation. When our enemy tries to remind you of who you once were, remind him of the royalty God has caused you to become, and remind yourself of the inheritance that awaits you in His kingdom.