The Authority of the Believer: Heirs - Joint Heirs to The Kingdom of God
The next few writings will cover the “The Authorities of The Believer”
Let's talk about being heirs!
The Walton family is one of the wealthiest families in the world and the heirs to the Walmart empire. Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in 1962, and today, it is the largest retailer in the world, with over 11,000 stores in 27 countries. The Walton family owns approximately 50% of Walmart's outstanding shares, making them one of the richest families in the world.
The late Sam Walton's three surviving children, Rob, Jim, and Alice Walton, are the primary heirs to the Walmart fortune. As of 2021, their combined net worth was estimated to be over $200 billion. Rob Walton served as the chairman of Walmart's board from 1992 to 2015, while Jim Walton is the CEO of Arvest Bank and the chairman of the board of Community Publishers, Inc. Alice Walton is a philanthropist and the founder of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
The Mars family is another wealthy family that inherited a candy fortune. The Mars family's candy company, Mars, Inc., was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars, who created the Milky Way candy bar. Today, Mars, Inc. is one of the largest privately held companies in the world, with annual revenue exceeding $35 billion.
The Mars family is known for its secrecy, and little is known about their personal lives. The Mars siblings, Forrest Jr., John, and Jacqueline, inherited the family fortune after their father's death in 1999. As of 2021, their combined net worth was estimated to be over $90 billion. Forrest Jr. is the chairman of Mars, Inc., while John is the CEO of Mars, Inc. Jacqueline is a board member of Mars, Inc. and a philanthropist.
As believers in Christ, one of our authorities is being an heir to the Kingdom of God. Not only are we heirs, but we are also joint-heirs with Christ Himself. Romans 8:17 (AMPC) says, "And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory." This means that as believers, we share in the inheritance of the Kingdom of God alongside Jesus Himself.
The benefits of being an heir and joint-heir with Christ are numerous and incredibly significant.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Firstly, we have the assurance of eternal life. John 3:16 (AMPC) says, "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." As heirs to the Kingdom of God, we know that we have a place secured for us in heaven, where we will spend eternity in the presence of our Lord and Savior.
Secondly, we have a relationship with God that brings us peace and joy. In Romans 5:1 (AMPC), it is written, “THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Our relationship with God is not just a distant or abstract concept, but a living reality that brings us daily comfort, strength, and hope.
Thirdly, we have access to the fullness of God's blessings both in this life and in the life to come. Ephesians 1:3 (AMPC) says, "May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ With every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!" This includes the forgiveness of sins, healing, provision, protection, and guidance.
Fourthly, being an heir to God's Kingdom means that we have a sense of security and stability. In John 10:28-29 (AMPC), Jesus said, "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand." This gives us the confidence and assurance that nothing in this world can separate us from God's love or take away our inheritance in Him.
I can hear people now….”Yeah, those are great especially for the spiritual realm, what about the here & now?” Well let's take a look at that too!
The Holy Spirit: As believers, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, who guides us, comforts us, and empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God. Jesus promised His disciples in John 14:16-17 (AMPC), "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.” Having the Holy Spirit in our lives is an incredible blessing that enables us to live a life that is full of purpose, joy, and peace.
Divine Protection: God promises to protect His children from harm and danger. Psalm 91:11-12 (AMPC) says, “For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” This promise gives us the assurance that we are not alone in this world and that God is always with us to protect us from harm.
Provision: God promises to provide for our needs. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This means that we can trust God to supply all our needs, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. And just so you understand, in Deuteronomy 8:18(AMPC) it is written, “But you shall [earnestly] remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” And as God told Abram, in Genesis 15:1(AMPC) whom we share a covenant and heir-ship with God “...the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram, I am your Shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great.” Provision for the here and now.
Wisdom: God promises to give us wisdom to navigate life's challenges. James 1:5 (AMPC) says, If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or fault finding, and it will be given him. As heirs to the Kingdom of God, we can seek God's wisdom in all areas of our lives, knowing that He will guide us in the right path. I must admit I frequently have to dip into that well!
Healing: God promises to heal our physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. Isaiah 53:5(AMPC) says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.” This means that we can seek God's healing for our bodies, minds, and souls, knowing that He has already paid the price for our wholeness.
So understand, being heirs to the Kingdom of God comes with numerous earthly blessings that impact our lives in this present age. We’ve only talked about some of them to include the Holy Spirit, divine protection, provision, wisdom, and healing. We can certainly trust God to provide for our needs and guide us in all areas of our lives, knowing that He has our best interests at heart. In fact that trust is the underlying principle of faith, as the bible in Hebrews 11:1 (AMPC) clearly says, “NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].” (Notice: NOW, confirmation & title deed!)
While the heirs to the Walmart, Mars, and other fortunes enjoy immense wealth and influence, their inheritance pales in comparison to the benefits and privileges of being a joint-heir with Christ to the Kingdom of God. As joint-heirs with Christ, we have access to the limitless resources of God Himself, the assurance of eternal life, and a relationship with God that brings peace and joy.
Summary
The concept of being an heir, particularly in the context of Christian faith, carries profound implications for believers. It speaks to the inheritance we have in Christ, which encompasses both spiritual and earthly blessings. This teaching is rooted in the idea that as believers, we are not just followers of Christ but are also children of God, and therefore, heirs to His Kingdom. This inheritance is far more valuable than any worldly wealth, as it is eternal and divinely secured.
Heirs in the Worldly Sense: A Comparison
To understand the magnitude of being an heir to the Kingdom of God, it's helpful to consider worldly examples. The Walton and Mars families, among the wealthiest in the world, have inherited vast fortunes through their family businesses, Walmart and Mars, Inc., respectively. Their financial wealth affords them influence, security, and a legacy that impacts generations. However, despite their immense riches, their inheritance is limited to this world and cannot compare to the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ.
Spiritual Inheritance: Heirs and Joint-Heirs with Christ
Romans 8:17 (AMPC) reveals that as believers, we are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ." This means that our inheritance is shared with Jesus Himself, encompassing all the spiritual riches of God’s Kingdom. This inheritance is not just for the life to come but has implications for our lives here and now.
Eternal Life: One of the primary benefits of being an heir is the assurance of eternal life. John 3:16 (AMPC) declares that through faith in Jesus, believers receive everlasting life. This promise of eternity with God is a foundational aspect of our inheritance, providing hope and purpose that transcends earthly existence.
Peace and Joy Through Relationship with God: As heirs, we have a direct and personal relationship with God. Romans 5:1 (AMPC) emphasizes that we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. This peace is not just the absence of conflict but a deep sense of well-being and security that comes from being in right standing with God. It is a source of joy that sustains us through life’s challenges.
Access to God's Blessings: Ephesians 1:3 (AMPC) reminds us that God has blessed us with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm." These blessings include forgiveness, healing, provision, and protection. As heirs, we have access to the fullness of God’s resources, enabling us to live victoriously in this life while anticipating the fullness of our inheritance in the next.
Security and Stability: Jesus’ promise in John 10:28-29 (AMPC) assures us that as heirs, we are eternally secure in God’s hands. No one can snatch us away from Him, and nothing can separate us from His love. This security is a cornerstone of our faith, giving us confidence in God’s unchanging promise.
Earthly Benefits of Our Spiritual Inheritance
While our inheritance is primarily spiritual, it also has significant implications for our lives on earth.
The Holy Spirit: One of the greatest gifts to believers is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus promised in John 14:16-17 (AMPC), the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Guide, and Helper, empowering us to live lives that honor God. The Spirit’s presence within us is a constant source of strength, wisdom, and peace.
Divine Protection: Psalm 91:11-12 (AMPC) assures us of God’s protective care. As heirs, we are under the watchful eye of God, who commands His angels to guard us. This divine protection provides peace of mind, knowing that we are never alone or defenseless.
Provision: God’s promise to provide for our needs is an integral part of our inheritance. Philippians 4:19 and Deuteronomy 8:18 (AMPC) affirm that God supplies our needs and even empowers us to prosper. This provision is not limited to material wealth but includes everything we need for life and godliness.
Wisdom: As heirs, we have access to God’s wisdom, which is freely given to those who ask. James 1:5 (AMPC) encourages us to seek divine wisdom, which guides us in making decisions that align with God’s will.
Healing: Isaiah 53:5 (AMPC) proclaims that through Jesus’ suffering, we are healed. This healing extends beyond physical ailments to include emotional and spiritual restoration. As heirs, we can confidently seek God’s healing power in every area of our lives.
The Superiority of Our Spiritual Inheritance
When compared to the wealth of the Walton or Mars families, our inheritance as believers is immeasurably greater. The riches of this world are temporary and limited, but the inheritance we have in Christ is eternal and all-encompassing. As joint-heirs with Christ, we share in the unlimited resources of God’s Kingdom, including the assurance of eternal life, a personal relationship with God, and the manifold blessings that flow from being His children.
Moreover, our inheritance is not just for our benefit. As heirs, we have the responsibility and privilege of sharing the love and truth of Christ with others. We are called to be ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, using our inheritance to make a difference in the world. This involves living out the peace, joy, and abundance that come from our relationship with God and extending His grace to those around us.
The authority of the believer as an heir and joint-heir with Christ is a powerful and transformative truth. It reminds us of the incredible inheritance we have in God’s Kingdom—an inheritance that includes eternal life, peace, joy, divine protection, provision, wisdom, and healing. While the world’s wealthiest families enjoy immense financial resources, their fortunes pale in comparison to the spiritual riches available to us as God’s children. As heirs, we are called to live in the fullness of this inheritance, both in this life and in the life to come, and to share the blessings of God’s Kingdom with others.
If You Have Ears To Hear It, Then Hear It!
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