As we continue our reflection on the Gospel, it would be inaccurate and a little disingenuous to not acknowledge that there are blessings as a result of believing the Good News. At the same time, it would be inaccurate to make the blessings of faith the reason for calling people to a relationship with God. The blessings are the byproduct of the relationship. They should not be the catalyst for it.
Today we will look a the Gospel’s Blessing. In particular, we will consider the ultimate expression of that blessing in our lives. The easiest way of thinking about the Gospel’s ultimate blessing is to recognize that we have been received, through a spiritual adoption, into the family of God.
Due to this adoption, we have all been given an eternal inheritance. It is an inheritance of eternal life. It is promise of eternal fellowship with God. This inheritance will be shared by all how have placed their truth in the work of Jesus on the cross.
What’s more, this inheritance has been guaranteed by the power of God. The protector of this inheritance is God himself, in the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Paul in his letter to the Ephesians gives some of the most encouraging reminders in the New Testament about our promised inheritance. The work of God to safeguard what he has promised is not inconsequential. It is an essential reason by which we can have confidence in what the Gospel Promises. Let’s look at what Pauls said to the Ephesians.
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:13-14 NKJV
A little later on in the same letter, Paul offers a warning against grieving the Holy Spirit. Against grieving the one who is constantly protecting what Jesus purchased with his own blood on the cross. What makes this statement remarkable is that, in offering the caution, he couches the warning within the promise of inheritance we have.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30 NKJV
We have been saved through faith in the Gospel and we have been sealed by the Spirit of God as a way of protecting what God is doing in our lives.
This truly is one of the most glorious blessings. That we have an inheritance from God and that God will make sure that it will never be wasted or lost.
Add Comment