Our Inheritance and Divine Purpose

"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, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory." - Ephesians 1:11-12 (NKJV)

Paul tells us that "we have obtained an inheritance." This isn't something we might get someday if we're good enough - this is something we already possess right now as believers in Christ. We have obtained it. It's ours.

But notice how we obtained this inheritance - we were "predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will." This means our inheritance wasn't an accident or an afterthought. It was part of God's eternal purpose and plan.

When I was dating Lydia, I worked for months to save money for an engagement ring. I actually had to put it on layaway, paying a little bit at a time. When I gave her that ring and asked her to marry me, that ring represented my commitment and my promise of what was to come. But God's inheritance to us is different - it's not something we're paying for over time. It's something He has already secured for us through Christ.

The purpose of this inheritance is clear: "that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory." Our very existence as believers brings glory to God. When people see how God has transformed our lives and witness the inheritance we've received in Christ, it brings praise to His glory.

Think about what this means practically. You're not hoping to maybe inherit something from God someday. You already have an inheritance. You're not working to earn God's favor - you already have it. You're not trying to become someone special to God - you already are.
This inheritance includes all the spiritual blessings mentioned in this passage: being chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. These aren't future hopes; these are present realities for everyone who has trusted in Christ.

When you understand that you have already obtained an inheritance according to God's eternal purpose, it changes how you live. You don't live like a spiritual pauper hoping for God's scraps. You live like an heir to the King of the universe, which is exactly what you are.

Reflection Question: How does knowing that you have already obtained an inheritance from God according to His eternal purpose change the way you view your present and future?

Heavenly Father, help me to live in the reality of what You have already given me rather than constantly striving for what I think I need to earn. Thank You that this inheritance was part of Your eternal purpose and plan, not an accident or afterthought. Help my life to be lived in such a way that it brings praise to Your glory. When I feel insignificant or unworthy, remind me that I am an heir according to Your divine purpose. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from: "Sealed by the Spirit" (Ephesians 1:11-14): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/2jry7yd/5-secured-by-the-spirit-eph-1-11-14