God’s Estate Plan

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.

Ephesians 1:18 NIV

The reading of a deceased person’s will is a stereotypically comic event seen less often in real life than in the movies. The deceased is absent, the heirs are nervous and competitive, and the content of the will is unknown. Not a happy scene—and totally removed from the joy of a Christian’s spiritual inheritance.

Christians are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). And there is great joy in heaven whenever one lost soul turns to God and receives his inheritance (Luke 15:10). God, the benefactor, has joy. Christians, the heirs, have joy as well.

Our inheritance is clearly spelled out. But the joy of our inheritance extends beyond this age to the “ages to come” (Ephesians 2:7). God’s “estate plan” makes provision for us to enjoy Him, and for Him to enjoy us, forever. Never doubt whether there is anyone who longs to be with you. God does, and He plans to spend eternity with you, His heir.

Being an heir of God means that the Benefactor, heir, and inheritance are not separated but united in mutual joy forever.