OUR INHERITANCE

“… we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” Ephesians 1:11

       God’s plan was to redeem the lost thru the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.  His plan was established before the foundations of the world.  In other words, God foreknew what would take place and already knew how He would rectify the situation.  We, as Christians, always place special emphasis on the forgiveness we receive, as well we should, but there is more to be thankful for than just forgiveness.  We have been adopted as well.  Our inheritance is eternity with Christ.  Our inheritance is also all God’s promises fulfilled.  It is my belief that His choosing us from the beginning isn’t so much predestination, but the simple fact that the Lord knew in advance that man would fail, so He predestined that He would save all who would come to Him in response to the message of redemption. 

       Perhaps I have a basic misunderstanding of election and predestination, which is the crux of Calvinism.  It seems that it is God picking and choosing who will be saved and who will be lost.  That flies in the face of the scriptures that state that God has no favorites; “For God does not show favoritism.” Romans 2:11 and again, "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.…” Acts 10:34-35.  The Spirit draws, man responds. To be any other way removes man’s free will.

       The last portion of Ephesians 1:11 should be of great encouragement to all believers.  God has a plan for your life and He will make everything fall into place that needs to in fulfilling that plan He has foreordained.  Nothing can stop it from taking place because nothing is greater than Almighty God.  Whether trial or triumph, know that the Lord is in the midst of it working out His perfect will for your life.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: Asbury Bible Commentary; Zondervan; 1992.