Ministry Resources

Adoption Repositions Us for an Inheritance

“May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled [qualified] you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.” Colossians 1:11b-13 

It was unexpected. In an early visit to my new In-Love’s house (y’all heard me right), I mentioned that their creamy yellow hutch was lovely.

Without hesitation, my Mother-in-Love responded something to the effect of, “Well, just write your name on it. If no one else’s name is on it, then you can have it when we die. ”Freeze. I didn’t expect my new parents to talk so freely about dying and giving away furniture to whomever gets their name on it with black sharpie.

This was an inheritance distribution method I had never heard of.

(In case you were wondering, the hutch was already claimed by my Sister-in-Love. But I received this sensational, vibrant mandarin orange china tea set, in advance! So come on over for some tea!)

Inheritance. The thought of it can send chills down your spine. Or up it!

“May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled [qualified] you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:11b-13).

God has qualified us through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Qualified us, as his children, to receive an inheritance. Though scripture isn’t crystal clear on all that our biblical inheritance entails, it does paint a picture of part of it. Let’s dive in.

  1. We inherit salvation. More specifically, an eternal and joyful existence with God in heaven (Heb. 1:14).
  2. We inherit the world to come. Jesus, as God’s son, is heir to all things (Heb. 1:2). And we, as God’s adopted children, are therefore siblings and co-heirs with Christ. We will share in Christ’s inheritance to come (Rom. 8:17). A-mazing!
  3. We inherit a reward (Col. 3:24). Scripture does not spell this out but does specify it is of priceless worth and stored for us in heaven where nothing can spoil it (1 Pet. 1:4).
  4. We will inherit the kingdom of God. We receive God’s truth, love, power, and presence as demonstrated in the life of Christ. The deposit of God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, gives us a little bit of heaven here on earth. In essence, the Holy Spirit is like a down payment of all to come. “The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance . . . ” (Eph 1:14).

Being adopted into God’s family, being a royal daughter of the King means we have an inheritance beyond comprehension. Despite our sinful and selfish origins, he gives us his identity, himself, his riches, and his Kingdom. What do you say to that? It is quite unexpected.

Dad, you are the giver of all good things. Every good and perfect gift is from you (James 1:17). What wondrous love you have for us that you call us your children and lavish us with more than we can comprehend. Help us to fully receive all you pour out on our lives. Fix our broken receivers that we may fully receive your love for us and extend it to others. Love, Your Daughters

Visit ErinNicoleThompson.com for the Daughters Series videos and workbook.