Jesus: The Believer’s Inheritance

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  It is fascinating to observe when people talk about inheritance, ones mind would immediately cater properties, wills, houses, jewelries, and other material things. All of which are centered on material temporal things.   In 1 Peter 1:4 , although The Apostle Peter used the term “inheritance” once in his letter, Apostle Paul on the other hand, mentioned this term in his letters several times. ( Eph_1:14 , Eph_1:18 , Eph_5:5 , Col_3:24 ,) But what is so significant about this particular emphasis of Peter? After all, he made a brief description of the inheritance (verse 4-5) a believer will obtain now that he is part of God’s family.   The term “inheritance” is not something new among Jewish ears. Going back to the OT, when God divided the promised land among the 12 tribes of Israel, every tribe received a portion of the land as their inheritance, except for the tribe of Levi…”the priestly tribe”. They were the only tribe that didn’t get one. God’s reason for doing so is interesting. Th

How closely does God control the universe, especially moral creatures?

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universe slide

After creating the universe, God did not leave His creation to run its own course. The Lord, who is sovereign, continues to be actively involved in the universe, even in the affairs of men. As seen in many passages, the Lord declares His ownership of the earth and all that is contained in it (e.g. Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 89:11; 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26).

Furthermore, in Scripture we see God asserting His rightful ownership of all humanity (Ezekiel 18:4); Israel (Leviticus 20:26; Ezekiel 16:8; Isaiah 43:1); and the church (John 17:6, 9; 1 Corinthians 3:23; 2 Corinthians 10:7; Galatians 5:24). Man, whom God created to become His image bearers, was also given the ability to choose. Hence, man is accountable for his decisions.

One example of this is Nebuchadnezzar. He was warned beforehand by Daniel that if he does not acknowledge the sovereign God, there will be consequences. Unfortunately, his pride went to his head and he lived like an animal for seven years (Daniel 4:31-33). The angel said to Nebuchadnezzar that his punishment will last only for a certain period and until he recognizes that God is sovereign and is in control in the affairs of mankind (4:32). God then graciously restored to him his kingdom after he acknowledged God (4:34-37).

Moreover, Scripture tells us that God directs man’s ways (e.g. Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 16:9; 20:24; Jeremiah 10:23-25). It is when we trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him that our steps will be blessed (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 

 

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