Monday, February 28th – HEIRS Of The Inheritance

We are all accustomed to contracts. We are often required to sign them, whether with a build- er to construct our house or with the department store when we purchase an appliance. Con- tracts, formal or informal, specify what happens if one of the parties fails to live up to an agree- ment.

When we put our trust in Christ for salvation, however, we do more than sign a contract. We enter into a binding relationship with God whereby He makes us His children by the new birth and by adoption (1 Peter 1:23; Ephesians 1:5). Because of this close family relationship, we are permanent heirs of an eternal inheritance reserved in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4).

Contracts can be broken if one of the parties fails to keep his part of the promise. Fortunately for us, our eternal destiny is based on more than some legal agreement we make with God. Rather, we are secure because of our family relationship with Him. If a youngster fails to show up for dinner, the parent’s obligation isn’t canceled. The parent starts a search for the child. One member’s failure doesn’t cancel the relationship.

Paul says the Spirit Himself gives evidence to us that we are children of God. No second hand provider here! God becomes our personal witness so we never have to doubt who we are, to whom we belong too or where we are going. What better witness could you call on to verify your identity? The one, who testifies on your behalf never lies, deceives or tempts. He never sleeps or slumbers and He serves as your personal defender and justifier.

Paul writes, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justi- fies.”

How thankful we can be that eternal life is based on our relationship with God through Christ. We are heirs of God not merely by contract, but by birthright.