Titus 3 Heirs Part 36

Titus 3:7

"So that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

It's amazing how so much can be packed into such a short sentence. In our text Paul says, "that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." We've already taken a look at justification but, now, let's look at what it means to be heirs of God. On several occasions, in the Bible, we are called heirs of God and even co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). What does this mean for us? It is a promise of much but, also, an obligation; both of which should have a great impact on our lives. Jesus said, "My Father's house has many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" As Heirs, we have the promise of a home with God. We can also look forward to a feast as Jesus often spoke about a heavenly banquet. There are also verses in the Bible that tells us we will reign with Christ, and, if we turn to Revelations 3:21 it tells us, "To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with my Father on His throne." Even more than this, we will be immortal; our bodies, and even the whole earth, will be renewed and regenerated! Revelations 21:4 says, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." So, as heirs, with Christ, we can look forward to a heavenly home, a throne at God's right hand, a feast, and a living relationship with God forever, in perfection, without pain or sorrow. God sent His Son to die for us so that the Spirit might live in us. What the Son procured by His death, the Spirit applies to our lives. As children of God we are drawn out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light so that, like Christ, we might be a light in this dark world. The Spirit works in us so that we might strive to live Christ-like lives. Romans 8:17b-18 says, "If indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Part of being an heirs of God, with Christ, is that we will suffer in this life because we are God’s children.  The world hates God and also His children.  The beauty of being an heirs is that even amidst the suffering we can eagerly look forward to the many benefits we will receive as heirs of God in eternal life. So do not let the troubles of this life overcome you, but eagerly and confidently look forward to the glory that is to come!

1. Jesus gave many parables in His time on earth. Looking in the Bible find one of the parables about a banquet. What does this tell us about our future and what can we learn from this?

2. Where in the Bible does it say we will reign with Christ?

3. Where in the Bible does Jesus speak about the kingdom of heaven? What can we learn from His words?

4. Turn to 1 Peter 1:1-12. What can we learn about eternal life and when Christ will return?

Gracious God and heavenly Father, I come before You in humble gratitude for the many wonderful gifts You have blessed me with. Thank You for adopting me and making me an heirs with Christ. Help me to know what this all means and how to live like Christ. Forgive me when and where I fall short, in Jesus name alone, Amen.