11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
– Ephesians 1:11-14 (ESV)
Have you ever received an inheritance? If you haven’t, it may be easy to think of a scenario through the framework of a classic movie where a long lost relative leaves a large sum of money to a person they’ve never met. While the sensationalism of this plot tempts our minds to wonder, the chances of it happening are slim to none. And as they say “slim has done left the building.”
However, if we pause and consider receiving an inheritance from a more realistic perspective, we begin to see how significant and meaningful the gesture really is. Depending on your stage of life, the thought of leaving an inheritance might be closer to your reality than receiving one. Choosing an heir or being an heir is an overwhelming task. In either case, the giver and receiver of a heartfelt inheritance is an intimate and personal transaction. The level of love, trust, and appreciation demonstrated between the entruster and the entrusted is remarkable. Often, it’s not the resources themselves but the recognition of the relationship that means the most.
If we can begin to get our minds around the relational component of receiving an inheritance, it’s then that our hearts can begin to more fully appreciate the point of the passage above. Verse 11 says, “In Him (Jesus) we have obtained an inheritance.” Then again in verse 14 it says we have a “guarantee of our inheritance.” In both cases the inheritance is pointing to the relationship and the reward we have in Christ.
As you will hear tomorrow, the Sealing of the Holy Spirit is our seal, assurance, and “down payment” of our inheritance. He is the relational pledge of Christ’s presence in our lives today until we receive the full inheritance of living in His eternal presence forever. The Holy Spirit was given to awaken our spirits to the reality of Christ’s return that we might long for a day when we reign with him as joint heirs in all eternity. Oh friends, this truth is rich! God has personally chosen you to receive and become an inheritance in Christ. And the assurance of this reality is found in the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. Is He in you? Have you received Him as a guarantee? Come this Sunday and celebrate the reality of His presence in your life.
Here is the worship set to help you prepare your heart for this week's celebration.
Love you Church,
Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor