In Christ we are heirs of glory — we get a foretaste of the inheritance now, and the fullness of it in eternity.

In our journey through Ephesians 1, discovering the good things we have in Christ, we now arrive at this verse:

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. (Ephesians 1:11)

When we were chosen by God, we obtained an inheritance. When we were adopted, we became sons and heirs. This inheritance is both a present reality and a future hope, and understanding it helps us live with purpose and joy as we follow Jesus.

An Inheritance Now and Later

In the Old Testament, the promised land of Canaan was the inheritance of God’s people, a tangible place where they could live in blessing, a land flowing with milk and honey. This is a prophetic picture that points us to what we have in Christ as God’s new covenant people. We can begin to enjoy our inheritance now, not as heaven itself, but as a foretaste of God’s kingdom in the present age.

Yet much of the language of inheritance looks forward to the age to come: the ultimate coming of God’s kingdom in its fullness, the final resurrection, and the eternal life that we will share with Christ (Matt. 25:34; Col. 3:24; 1 Pet. 1:3-5). Because the kingdom has already broken into this age through Jesus’ resurrection, we live in a tension: we enjoy a foretaste now and wait expectantly for the fullness of our inheritance.

Pressing On to Receive

Our inheritance is not simply something we passively wait for; we are called to take hold of it now. Paul encourages us to give thanks for what we already have and to actively live out the riches of our inheritance in the present (Col. 1:3-5, 12-13). Looking forward to what is coming inspires and even enables us to experience more of it today.

Aspects of Our Inheritance

The inheritance God has prepared for us is vast and multifaceted:

• It is the kingdom itself (1 Cor. 15:50) and eternal life (Titus 3:7).
• It includes salvation and specific rewards for faithful service (Heb. 1:14; Col. 3:24).
• It encompasses the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:23-24) and the full display of God’s glory through us (Eph. 1:11-12).
• Ultimately, it leads to life in the new heaven and new earth and eternal communion with the Lord (Rev. 21:1-7; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).
• And through it all, this inheritance can never spoil, fade, or be taken away (1 Pet. 1:3-5).

We Are God’s Inheritance

There is another beautiful twist in this truth: we are also God’s inheritance. Once slaves to sin, we are now sons of God, called to reflect his glory in the world (Eph. 1:18). Everything Jesus endured on the cross, the ultimate act of love and sacrifice (Isaiah 53:10-11; Heb. 12:2), was for the purpose of making this possible: to bring us into the inheritance of his glory.

More From the Bible

Take time to read and meditate on these Scriptures about our inheritance in Christ:

• Ephesians 1:11–14 – We have obtained an inheritance, sealed by the Spirit as a guarantee.
• 1 Peter 1:3–5 – An inheritance kept in heaven for us, unfading and secure.
• Colossians 1:12–14 – Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints.
• Romans 8:16–18, 23 – We are heirs of God, awaiting the redemption of our bodies and the glory to come.

Questions For Reflection and Discussion

1. What parts of your inheritance in Christ do you find easiest to enjoy, and which are harder to believe or take hold of?
2. How does the promise of your future inheritance give you hope or courage in your daily life?
3. Are there ways you might be limiting yourself from experiencing the full blessings God has given you?

Putting It Into Practice

1. Meditate on the reality that you are a child of God and an heir of his promises. Let this shape your identity and daily choices.
2. Look for ways to enjoy the inheritance you have now—through prayer, worship, serving others, and living in the freedom Christ provides.
3. Live with hope and anticipation for the full inheritance to come. Let the promise of future glory inspire you to faithful living today.

Remember This:

“We are not simply saved from sin, but saved to glory; we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.” (A W Tozer)

Further Resources:

The Message of Ephesians, John Stott