“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20

What We Leave; What We Receive

I was thinking the other day about how, when we die, the stuff of our life goes to someone else. At the moment of death, we have no choice but to relinquish it all. All that stuff we bought, the couch we sat on, the sink we washed at, the car we drove, the refrigerator full of food we planned to eat, our grandmother’s ring, you name it, instantly becomes someone else’s property. (Unless, of course, we already gave it away!)

These things then become that other person’s inheritance. It’s now their problem, or perhaps their delight.

In the flesh, we have nothing left when we die. We take no belongings with us into eternity.

But for followers of Christ, when we die, we not only give an inheritance (to those left behind), we also receive an inheritance (for ourselves).

We inherit glory (Proverbs 3:35).

We inherit good (Proverbs 28:10).

We inherit the kingdom prepared for us from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34).

We inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).

We inherit all things (Revelation 21:7).

We inherit what is incorruptible and undefiled, that does not fade away. It is reserved for us (1 Peter 1:4). Waiting. Standing by. Already created, stored up for that day.

We inherit the Lord Himself (Psalm 16:5).

And how does this inheritance come to us? Colossians 1:12 tells us that the Father “has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” It is the work of God Himself through the shed blood of Christ. He alone qualifies us to be partakers. It has nothing to do with our own efforts. When He “qualifies” us, He “enables” us, “authorizes” us, and “entitles” us.

In Mark 10:17, the rich young ruler asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” This question showed that he thought eternal life was a reward for DOING something. But no, we cannot accomplish it. Jesus alone was able, and He already did it. “It is finished,” said our Lord and Savior (John 19:30).

Amazingly, we are allowed to begin enjoying many of the things we inherit while we are still alive. God blesses us with His riches, His presence, His goodness and kindness while we are on this earth, and these things will continue into eternity. Why can we enjoy these things while still alive? Because eternal life starts here and now: “And this is the testimony: that God HAS GIVEN us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11).

Mostly, when we think of our inheritance, we think of eternal life. Let’s grasp this concept from 1 John 5:20, quoted at the beginning. Eternal life, which we have already inherited, refers not only to duration of life, but to quality of life. It is a present life of grace and a future life of glory (taken from the Spirit-filled Life Bible).

Lord, Your presence is enough, yet You give so much more. Thank You.