“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance…” Ephesians 1:11
“In Christ” is a term that describes our position of surrender to Jesus Christ, making us one with Him. This coupling union makes it possible for us to be reconciled back into relationship with God.
In Ephesians 1:11, Paul writes that in our union with Christ, we have obtained an inheritance. An inheritance is a possession received after a death. It is usually a portion of what once belonged to a deceased relative, an allotment to the children in the family. Jesus was not only a sinless man; He was also God. His inheritance was not in earthly possessions; His inheritance was heavenly. His inheritance included eternal life, the salvation of sin.
His inheritance also included the benefits of God’s life and the covenant God made with us. Some of the benefits of God’s life are found in Psalm 103. In verse 3 we see forgiveness of sins and healing from all diseases. In verse 4 is deliverance, lovingkindness and mercy. In verse 5 is renewal and strength. In Psalm 91 is protection.
One of my favorites of the inheritance is in Psalm 2:8 “Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance.” Because of the cross, redemption is available for all peoples. Winning the world to Christ is also part of our inheritance.
Jesus has received this inheritance, and in Him, we become joint heirs. Romans 8:16, 17 says, “… we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” To be in Christ, we need to surrender our own will and make Him Lord. As we die to ourselves, we will experience more and more of God’s glory and the inheritance that is ours in Christ.
Application: If we are saved, but we are not living a daily surrendered life, we will not be able to experience the fullness of our inheritance in Christ. If you are holding back a part of your life from God, then Jesus is not the Lord of your life. A person cannot be partially dead, and you cannot be partially surrendered. Either Jesus is totally Lord over your life or He is not the Lord of your life. His inheritance isn’t given based on the proportion of your life that is surrendered. His inheritance is available for those who are completely sold out to His love. Let go of anything that binds you and experience the life that God intends for you to have!