What if you found out you were written into the will of the King of the universe? That’s exactly what Paul describes in Ephesians 1. God’s plan before time began was to bless His people with an eternal inheritance—one that reveals His grace and brings Him glory.
“In Him we have obtained an inheritance… to the praise of His glory.” – Ephesians 1:11–14
Blessed to Belong
When Paul says, “In Him we have obtained an inheritance,” he’s describing something revolutionary. For centuries, the Jewish people saw themselves as God’s chosen nation. The Gentiles—everyone else—were outsiders. But through Christ, the dividing wall has been torn down. What was once “we” and “you” (Jews and Gentiles) has become “us” and we will enjoy together “our inheritance.”
God’s plan in Christ isn’t just to unite heaven and earth—it’s to unite people. In Him, there is no division, no favoritism, and no separation. Every believer, from every background, is part of one redeemed family.
Grace, Not Earning
An inheritance isn’t something you work for—it’s something you receive. You don’t earn it; you’re given it because of who you know.
That’s how it is with our salvation as well. Paul says we were chosen, predestined, and redeemed “according to His purpose and will.” We didn’t earn it, and we can’t add to it. Christ did all the work.
I have a fond memory of Paiton, our middle child, being intrigued with the concept of “helping” me as I did my best to assemble our Ikea purchases. One of those times it just so happened to be her dresser. She tinkered and watched, and handed me tools and pieces through each step as I needed it.
As she grew older, she continued her “intrigue” by actually doing the work. But as a 4-year-old, her “work” was to watch as I put each piece in its place until it was finished. She proudly ran into the kitchen and announced, “Look what we made!”. Now, in that moment, I felt no need to set the record straight. My joy came from her partnership and satisfaction. That’s how it is with God. Christ did the work; we receive and enjoy the finished product, and yet, there’s something He receives as well. More about that in a moment, but just one final part of the “dresser” analogy.
You see, just recently, we visited Paiton and her husband in their newlywed apartment. My wife and I were given the grand tour. And as we came into their bedroom, guess what was there? MY DRESSER! The dresser I paid for. The dresser I bought at IKEA in a box. The dresser I lugged into my house. The dresser I labored to put together. There it was, no longer mine, meeting the very need for which it was intended. It’s a beautiful picture of how we get to enjoy an inheritance in Christ that we did nothing to earn. God in His grace welcomes us to enjoy His riches forever.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” – Titus 3:5
An Inheritance Beyond Imagination
So what is this inheritance? It’s not wealth or anything of which we would normally think.
It’s an eternal inheritance. Peter writes that we have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4) It’s secure and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, who seals us until the day we take possession of it.
Our inheritance is relational. We are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:17) Everything that belongs to Jesus belongs to us—His kingdom, His peace, His joy, His eternal life. Our inheritance is more than we could ever imagine. All that is His is now and forever ours!
Imagine walking into the kingdom of God, not as a guest, but as an heir. The King’s riches are now ours because of His great love. It’s our Celestial City. We don’t ride in on His coattails; we get to wear the robe. We will be in shock and awe when we see Christ’s crown, but even more amazing: He gives us one too. Our inheritance is everything the King possesses.
Blessed for His Glory
But here’s the kicker: the purpose of our inheritance isn’t about us—it’s about Him. Remember when I said Christ did the work and we receive the benefits. He receives something from it as well: He gets the Glory! Paul says we were given this inheritance “for the praise of His glory.” Every blessing we receive is meant to draw out worship, gratitude, and awe.
When we step into eternity, every corner of the new creation will echo with praise. Every new experience of God’s grace will spark fresh wonder and worship. Forever, we’ll be discovering more of His glory—and forever, we’ll be responding with joy.
We are blessed—not for our comfort, but for His glory. Start allowing every day to be lived for the praise of His glory. That’s why you’ve been blessed. That’s what produces lasting joy. To the Praise of the His Glory!