An Inheritance is a privilege or right, given to someone, to receive (property, title, and so on) from an ancestor by legal possession or Will. 

It is also defined to mean, receiving by bequest of legacy or to receive as one’s portion or come into possession of property.

 

For centuries, the subject of inheritance has played a very important role in the life of men. Parents strive to gather wealth in other to bequeath same to their children and dependent family members.

 

In many cases, those who die intestate (without a will) leave a trail of disputes and turmoil as dependants struggle to claim what they feel is rightfully theirs.  Even for those who leave a Will, there is still the risk of the Will being disputed by interested parties. There have been many cases of people losing their right of inheritance over a legal technicality.



As Christians, we are children of God and by right; we have an inheritance in Christ.  This is an inheritance that cannot be disputed by anyone. There is more than enough to go round! That is why Jesus categorically said, ‘There are many rooms in My Father’s house. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going away to make a place for you’  (John 14:2) No dispute is necessary when there is more than enough to satisfy everyone.

There is a massive difference between earthly inheritance and our inheritance in Christ.

 

Our inheritance is incorruptible, it never fades nor loses value. 1 Peter 1:3-4 declares that we have been born again into,  ‘an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you’. Earthy inheritance loses value over time and there have been many cases of children refusing to claim their inheritance because the possessions had become valueless and will cost them more money than they have to give it some semblance of value.

 

Our inheritance is reserved for us.  Earthly inheritance is not certain. Wills are made and changed. Wills can be invalidated if it does not conform to the laws of the state. There is no guarantee about the provisions of a will until it is executed successfully. On the contrary, we have the sure assurance of God, whose word never changes and whose promises are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Our Inheritance allows us to draw some benefits now – Although we have an inheritance on heaven, when Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, some benefits were released to us immediately.  These benefits include, Divine healing, Deliverance from evil, Divine provision and so many other promises contained in the scriptures. We receive all these because of the death of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

 

“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan” Ephesians 1:11-14. (Emphasis mine)

 

Salient points to note from this passage;

-   It is human nature to make and break promises. This happens among politicians, parents to children, between friends and business relationships.

 

-   Some promises are broken due to circumstances beyond the control of the promisor while other promises are made deceitfully just to curry favours.

 

-   We can be thankful that we have a God who not only makes promises but also makes sure that whatever He promises, He fulfills.

 

Many of us may not have parents rich enough to leave possessions of wealth and property for us to inherit but we can be confident that we have an inheritance that never fades, reserved for us in heaven and no one, absolutely no one, can take it away from you.

 

Even now, you can begin to enjoy the benefits of that inheritance by searching the scriptures for the promises that God has made concerning you.

 

You have an inheritance!

 

Steve Popoola is the editor of Biblepraise Newsletter and the founder of  the Biblepraise Fellowship Online at  http://www.biblepraise.org. He lives in Kent, United Kingdom, where he works as an IT Professional. He currently serves as a Worship Leader, Home Group Leader and Bible Teacher  in his local church. He also speaks at invited events. He can be reached through His email address,  steve@biblepraise.org