HEIR TO ETERNITY

Galatians 4 (New American Standard)

1 Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. 3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba ! Father !" 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son ; and if a son, then an heir through God. 8 However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again ? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain. 12 I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong 

  How would you like to find out that you are the heir to a huge fortune? How would it change your life? Would you act the same way, or even do the same things? Many of us would change for the worse.  Scary thought, to think that money or possession's could change you in that way! I can not tell you how I would act, but I can tell you that we have all been rewarded something even greater.

  When you accept Christ in your life, you instantly win the ultimate reward. It says in verse 7-  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son ; and if a son, then an heir through God. Unlike worldly heirships, your heavenly reward will never pass away, run out, or have the opportunity to be stolen. Before God, you are enslaved to your sin. After you receive Christ in your life, you are free from the bondage of sin.

  So if we are an heir to all that God has, and we are no longer a slave to sin, why do we care so much for the material things of this world?  Back to my previous question: How would it change your life? Well, you should look forward to your eternal reward that God has promised you. 

Romans 12:2 (New American Standard)

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

  Will you change if you were told you were heir to a fortune? In this case, you should change. Knowing that you are called a son, or daughter of God should change the way you act, think, speak, and do things. The scripture says to be transformed, not to conform. You need to be different than everyone else. Why, if God has forgiven you of your sins, would you continue to be enslaved by them? This is a choice we make, because it is easier for us to conform, than to let God transform us. We would rather have rewards here on earth, than receive the rewards God has for us; that last an eternity. Glory the fact that you are an heir of Christ. Ask for forgiveness, and let God's grace transform your life.

   Focus on what you have for eternity, not what will pass away one day. Try to be a light in the lives of others today, so they can be called heirs and son's of God also!