It Starts Small

¹¹ In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, ¹² so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

¹³ In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:11-14

In Him we have obtained an inheritance

Here is yet another of the incredible spiritual blessings we possess in Christ! Countless individuals spend their entire lives relentlessly pursuing wealth. They pour years into grueling overtime and endure immense stress. All of this is done in the hope of fattening their nest egg. Yet, in the end, none of that material gain can accompany them on their journey! What they’ve toiled for is left behind for their children, who may or may not cherish it wisely.

But when a person comes to Christ, they become the rightful heir of a glorious heavenly inheritance! Imagine this inheritance as a magnificent treasure. It is held in a divine trust account. It awaits the perfect moment for its full revelation. Just as a minor receives their inheritance in stages, so too do we, the believers, experience this wondrous gift. We have already tasted the riches of the Holy Spirit and eternal life. We experience the incredible power to triumph over sin. We also rejoice in our glorious adoption as cherished sons and daughters of the King. Yet, oh, how thrilling it is to realize that our inheritance is not yet fully unveiled! One breathtaking day in the future, we will be handed the “keys” to our eternal home. Our very bodies will transform into a glorious version 2.0—perfect and without sin!

Thoughts to Ponder: Every individual who inherits a legacy faces a profound responsibility. They must be wise stewards of those valuable assets. We are urged to cherish the incredible gifts that the Lord has entrusted to us. We should manage these resources wisely. Reflect deeply—what unique resource has God blessed you with? How can you fervently dedicate this to Him and exemplify true stewardship?

Having been predestined

³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.

Romans 8:30

As we dive into the opening verses of this chapter, we are overcome with the profound truth that God has actively predestined believers for adoption! In Ephesians, we witness this magnificent journey unfold. It is a glorious predestination to adoption, intricately woven through the rich tapestry of redemption, all stemming from His amazing grace. And then, oh, the wonder of receiving an inheritance, forever sealed by the Holy Spirit! This same magnificent process is brilliantly outlined in Romans 8:29-30.

²⁹ For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.

Romans 8:29-30

From the very inception to the glorious conclusion, God takes the initiative. He undeniably pours out His love and purpose with unwavering passion.

¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.

John 15:!6

Jesus passionately declared to His disciples in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” This profound truth reveals that God’s love and selection came first. People often ponder, “What practical value does the doctrine of predestination hold?” The answer is overflowing with significance—“A lot!”

Firstly, it is an incredibly comforting doctrine! Knowing that God did not choose us based on our own good deeds fills us with confidence. We can rest assured that He will never abandon us in our moments of weakness. There is no reason to fear God’s forsaking hand! His decision to adopt us was made before the dawn of creation. His unchanging heart guarantees that His love for us is steadfast and unwavering.

Secondly, it is a profoundly God-exalting doctrine! The ultimate purpose of humanity is to glorify God and revel in His presence forever. Our very existence is designed to uplift His glory! The doctrine of election serves as a magnificent testament to God’s glory, showcasing His sovereignty, unparalleled power, and boundless grace.

That we might be to the praise of His glory

Why did God do this for us? He loves us fiercely. Without a doubt, He desires to bless us abundantly. But here we uncover the profound truth: it is for His glory! Our very mission in life is to passionately proclaim God’s holiness and splendor. When we ask others to praise us or boast about our greatness, that is pride. Yet, God invites this constantly!

How can a perfect God seek His own glory?

This is a good question. Sooner or later, most Christians will ask it. I answered with an illustration give to me.

Let’s imagine I am an author, pouring my heart and soul into thousands of hours crafting a masterpiece. It’s a brilliant book. I’m proud of it. Yet, just before it reaches the world, someone audaciously steals my manuscripts! They have the gall to brandish it as their own, basking in the glory and financial gain of my labor. As the rightful creator, what am I to do? Should I stand idly by, or should I fiercely confront this injustice? Absolutely, I must! I have every right to march into bookstores or a courtroom, brandishing irrefutable proof of my authorship. This is not mere pride—it is a matter of justice! It is my work, my life’s creation, and it is undeniably my right to receive the credit I am due. Meanwhile, the thief is performing an egregious act of deception. They are committing a sin. It is an affront to all that is fair and just in this world. They seek to claim what is undeniably mine, and that is simply unacceptable!

This revelation ignites a desire in us to understand why God eagerly seeks our praise and glory. We seek to grasp the profound reason for all His magnificent works. He is not just the Creator; He is the Redeemer, the Sovereign King! He is utterly worthy of the glory bestowed upon Him for everything He has accomplished. When anyone tries to claim that glory for themselves, it is unjust. It is a grave robbery of God’s rightful honor. We pursue personal accolades for our successes and achievements. In doing so, we must realize we are taking that glory away from its true and deserving Owner—God Himself!

⁸ I am the Lord. That is my name,
and I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.

Isaiah 42:8

Sealed with the promised Holy Spirit

A seal held immense power for ancient kings. It served as an emblem of their authority. The seal was a means to issue decrees that shaped the course of history. It’s a vivid reminder. When Jesus was laid to rest in the tomb, the Roman Empire sealed it. They marked it as a sacred space, fiercely protected and off-limits. The weight of that seal carried the undeniable threat of retribution. Anyone daring to defy its warning faced this threat. It was a testament to the Empire’s unwavering resolve to guard what they deemed invaluable.

Here we see that God seals us, echoing the unwavering authority He possesses! He is seated majestically on His heavenly throne (Isaiah 6). From there, He wields divine dominion over our salvation. He decisively chooses to decree our redemption even before the dawn of creation. To demonstrate His deep commitment to safeguarding our salvation, He bestows upon us the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit passionately seals our salvation, boldly declaring that we are untouchable by Satan and his malevolent demons. Absolutely no tampering allowed! Those predestined and lovingly adopted as God’s children are never left to navigate this world alone. We dwell securely under His mighty protection, and it truly is a magnificent place to be!

The Holy Spirit is our strongman, protecting us from spiritual attacks.

¹⁹ Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Paul heard of the Ephesians’ testimony

The testimony of the Ephesians’ unwavering faith resonated far and wide, igniting passion wherever it reached. Their strength blossomed in an all-encompassing love for the saints that shone brilliantly. These verses reveal a profound truth: since Paul’s departure, the Ephesians have been flourishing with relentless growth. Their vibrant testimony not only uplifted them but inspired countless others to embrace the transformative power of faith.

Thoughts to Ponder: Not every church is a beacon of hope; indeed, the Corinthian church faced tumultuous challenges. How often do we hear the lament that Christians are hypocrites? They serve as a stumbling block for those hesitating to embrace Christ. This perception is profoundly unjust! We must strive to reflect the love and authenticity that Jesus embodies, shattering the barriers of cynicism and doubt.

What is your testimony? How will the people around you remember you? What words would your family choose to describe you? What about your classmates? What would your coworkers convey about you? Let us strive to live so that our good deeds glorify God. May they also draw people irresistibly towards Him rather than push them away.

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Cross References On inheritance:

• Colossians 3:24
• Acts 20:32

On the Holy Spirit giving to us as a deposit:

• Romans 8:23
• 2 Corinthians 1:22
• 2 Corinthians 5:5

Reflective Questions:

• What is our inheritance?
• How can we be to the praise of His glory?
• What is the Holy Spirit’s role?
• How can He seal us?
• Paul says, “for this reason.” For what reason?

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