Eternal Inheritance

Romans 8:14-25

An heir is someone who is legally entitled to the property, or title of another, upon that person’s death. An heir also inherits and continues the legacy of one who preceded him or her. Typically, gaining an inheritance requires no work, and the beneficiary receives all claims after the death of the predecessor. As children of God, believers are heirs to the Father, and joint-heirs with Christ. The Greek word ‘heirs’, klēronomeō, means a receiver of an inheritance, or beneficiary. If we are children of God, then we are receivers of His inheritance as well. In the same way the child of a wealthy parent does nothing to receive what’s left for them except live to accept it, the inheritance we possess in Christ, is not based on works either. Although the children of God must endure suffering, as Christ did (to some capacity), their groans and toils will soon be rewarded with the adoption, and redemption of their bodies. All who are in Christ Jesus will someday be changed from mortality, to immortality, then all God’s people will spend eternity enjoying the wonderful inheritance of God their Father.

Entering the Sanctuary by Jesus’ blood

Hebrews 10:19-25

The death of Jesus on the cross may have been misunderstood by some, and unappreciated by others, but His act of sacrifice was responsible for allowing access to the most amazing benefit anyone could desire. Just as a child born into a wealthy family, by default, inherits all their father possesses, men and women born into the family of God receive full access to all the Father owns as well.

In our text, the apostle Paul helps the church understand the terms by which we have been granted full access to Heaven. It’s because of the blood of Jesus, believers can boldly enter the holiest place in Heaven, any time they desire. Having the liberty to draw near to God by our new high Priest (Jesus Christ), we are able to come with a pure conscience, clean bodies, and unwavering faith. Sin had once stained us, and caused separation between men and God, but now we are reunited with our Creator, and it feels so good 🎵🎶.

The body of Christ has also been admonished to put others before themselves to avoid harboring a selfish spirit, make gathering among the Saints a healthy habit, and exhort one another daily. During these days, some might have forsaken Christian gatherings, possibly because of the persecution mentioned in the succeeding verses. It’s high time that believers encourage one another in the faith, seeing that Christ is soon to come. We should no longer fight and bicker among ourselves, but should build up and edify each other, because time is drawing near when we’ll soon leave this place. Satan desires nothing more than to keep as many as he can from making it into the Kingdom of Heaven, so we should do all we can, not to help him succeed.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, and allow His love to guide your ways and actions. Before allowing the cares of this dying world to bring your emotions under evil subjection, use your access granted by Christ, to come to God with all your cares and troubles, and let Him give you what you need to become better. What sense does it make to be in financial need and have access to a bank account with unlimited funds, yet you refuse to access it? Never forget that the earth belongs to God, and everything in it, and Heaven is His dwelling place. He alone has unlimited resources that are reserved for all who come to receive them, but you must “come boldly before the throne of grace, so that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Walk in love,

Ell

God blesses Ishmael and his Descendants

Genesis 21:8-13, 25:17-18

Hagar was the victim of Sarah’s impatient, and ill-advised plan to help God fulfill His word to Abraham. Sarah allowed her lack of faith in God’s word to cause her to make a careless decision to give her handmaid to her husband, so that their promised son could be birthed. But when God gives a word, He only blesses according to the word He had given. Hagar did conceive a son, but this act was outside of the parameters of God’s designed plan. There’s no doubt Abraham and Sarah made attempts to have a child, but it was assumed that Sarah was barren, and unable to conceive. But God specializes in doing the miraculous in these types of situations.

God’s word eventually came to pass, and the promised Isaac was born. But what happened to the little boy who was born from Hagar? One of the things I love about God is that He never forgets those who have been used and abused. God sent an angel to Hagar while she was in a state of distress, to present to her, words of comfort. The angel told her that God heard her affliction, and even gave a name to her unborn child. God also promised Abraham that Ishmael was blessed, and that He would make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. Although Ishmael wasn’t the son of promise, he was indeed the son of God’s prophet.

As promised, Ishmael lived a long life, according to today’s life expectancy, and had twelve sons who’s nations occupied the Arabian peninsula from Egypt, to the Euphrates.

You may have began life in an unfavorable position, but this doesn’t mean you have to live without purpose. We no longer live under the law, but by grace. God gave His only begotten Son, so that He could adopt as many sons (and daughters) as would come unto Him. Ishmael wasn’t the son of promise, but God made sure that his life was taken care of. Many today were conceived from various occurrences. Some were birthed from situations of rape, or forced intercourse, whereas others were unexpected surprises. However you were blessed to be birthed in this life, God already had a plan in place to make your life great.

Never look down on those who didn’t start life in the typical family situation as you may have been. It’s a blessing just to be alive. So embrace those whose backgrounds may be different from yours, because God has the same love for them, as He does for you.

Seek peace,

Ell