Devotionals by Chris Jordan

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” (Ephesians 1:11).

There is a story told about a fellow who lived in Europe and heard about the exciting life that awaited brave, adventurous souls in the Americas. This man took every dollar he owned and purchased a ticket to get on the boat to the new world. He scrounged up as much bread and cheese as he could to sustain him for the journey. And so, when he watched the other passengers head to the galley to feast upon the sumptuous meals that had been prepared for them, he went into his own little room by himself and ate his stale bread and what soon became mouldy cheese. However, he was happy because he was on the boat, and looked forward to the beginning of his new life when he reached the other shore! As they finally reached America, and the man was disembarking from the boat, the captain said, “Excuse me, sir, but I was wondering if I had done something to offend you? Not once did I see you join us in the galley for our dining!” The man sadly replied, “Well, I spent all I had on the ticket for the journey, I didn’t have anything left over for meals.” The captain shook his head in astonishment. He said, “I’m so sorry that no one told you this, but when you paid for your ticket, all of the meals were included as well!”

Can you imagine if that had been you, how you would have felt? How much more could you have enjoyed the journey if you had only known what was yours! It’s the same with an inheritance. If someone you know dies and leaves you money or possessions in the will, if you don’t read the will, you won’t know what’s yours!

Well, the Bible-specifically the second half – is the last will and testament of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:16 says, “For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.” As Christians, we have been given an inheritance in Christ. The letters in the New Testament are full of Scriptures that talk about who we are in Christ. Every place where you see a verse that says, “In Christ” or “In Him” or “by Jesus,” it talks about our inheritance. Here is just a small sampling from the book of Ephesians:

1:4: “just as He chose us in Him…” Wow! The Bible says that God has chosen us. We didn’t choose him, but he chose us! I remember what it was like as a kid on the playground always getting picked last for teams to play games. But God chose you. He chose you first. You’re his favourite!

1:5: “having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ…” Not only has God chosen us, but he has also adopted us into his family. This is so good! As adopted children of God, we have a good, good father who loves us and has a good plan and purpose for our lives.

1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins…” Come on, this is shouting time! Not only are we chosen by God, and adopted into his family, but our inheritance

includes redemption and the forgiveness of sins. Our sins are forgiven – we are washed clean!

I want to encourage you to go through the following list that describes our inheritance in Christ. These are great affirmations for you to read every day to remind yourself that you are a child of God, he loves you, he is for you, you are more than a conqueror in him, and you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. This is our inheritance!