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

Kept by God

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When the Apostle Peter described what kind of inheritance the believers will be obtaining in 1 Peter 1:4-5

, we cannot help but be amazed on the terminologies he used. These terms can never refer to temporal things. “..imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,...who are protected by the power of God…”

 

But one very significant truth that he mentioned is the reality of that last phrase…”protected by the power of God”. It is a military term that refers to something being continuously guarded (literally garrisoned) so as to protect it from danger or hostile intent. And no one else is guarding it except the omnipotent God Himself.

 

But the further implication of such term is not just referring to the “inheritance” per se, but including those who will inherit it. It is not only the inheritance that will receive constant protection but also those whom God willed to obtain such amazing inheritance. The believers who are regarded as heirs (Gal. 4:7; Rom. 8:17) are also recipients of such faithful protection.

 

This is a humbling truth to know for every genuine child of God. If believers are to be left alone to figure out how to live their lives before God, not a single soul would remain. In our human frailty and limitations, we could never make it apart from Christ. Because the only reason why we are able to make it this far is the fact that God is the ONE who has kept us by His mighty power…just as He promised. (Phil. 1:6; 2 Tim. 1:12; 4:18)

 

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;

When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.

I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path;

For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;

For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.

-Matt Merker

 

24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude-NASB)

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