Our Heavenly Inheritance

      "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:3-5).
            Note the surety of this inheritance. It is based on God’s mercy. It is validated by Jesus’ resurrection as the firstborn from the dead of many brethren (Rom. 8:29). It is incorruptible because the penalty for sin has been paid through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross on behalf of all mankind. Of course, if any person doesn’t believe in God and Jesus, then they forfeit this living hope.
         This inheritance is undefiled because evil shall be totally defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire forever at the final judgment. It does not fade away because God’s plan of redemption shall be fulfilled by the end of the 7th and last Day. It is reserved for every believer because we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit as our guarantee (2 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:5). This sealing functions much like a down payment in escrow for our future home.
            Note the timing of this truth. The astounding wonder of our salvation shall be fully revealed and experienced “at the last time.” The last time is the last great Day in God’s plan of redemption, the Day of the Lord. It is the dawning of the 7th Day when counting from creation and Adam. It is the 3rd Day when counting from Jesus’ earthly ministry.
            Note, too, that we can walk in this living hope now as well as for all eternity. It is guaranteed by the triune Godhead: God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t get any surer than that!