What An Inheritance!
Romans 5:1-2
New International Version
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
For Encouragement
Funerals have become Ghana’s biggest public celebrations and venues for business, lobbying, political campaigning, public displays of wealth and status, fashion parades, and, sadly, fundraising for some churches. After many funerals, family feuds and inheritance litigation begin. The family unity and peace that prevailed before the deceased’s passing quickly disappear. Chaos ensues, affirming the truth that human peace is temporary.
Not only is human peace temporary. History affirms that it is very elusive. Just recall the numerous wars and declarations of peace treaties that have broken down, sometimes within hours after the signatories walked away. A careless comment or a woman’s anger in a bedroom can spark a degrading family war.
Fortunately, a peace treaty exists that no one can break. It is a peace treaty signed in the blood of the Son of God, who gave His life as a ransom for the sinner (Mk. 10:45). The blessed Redeemer of God’s elect from the domain of sin and death, Jesus Messiah, does not go back on His word. He is the faithful God, whose immutability has guaranteed our freedom and peace. God the Father has purchased you at too high a price in Jesus Christ to take back His benefits and privileges at a whim. The exchange of His righteousness for our sins is permanent (2 Cor. 5:21). It has permanently ended the feud between the sinner and God that destroyed the harmony in God’s creation; that enmity ended when Christ died on the cross (Jn. 19:30) and rose in victory over death (Matt. 28:5-7). O, the grace that kissed mercy for our redemption!
Christ paid the penalty for sin and rose to usher His redeemed into new life in Him (Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17). Christ reconciled His redeemed to God and ushered in everlasting peace. We are justified in Christ with no condemnation before God (Rom. 8:1).
Jesus has fulfilled His promise of inheritance after His death: peace and eternal access to God’s presence (Jn. 14:27; Rom. 5:1-2).
The flaming swords of the Cherubim at the entrance to Eden that shouted, “No access” (Gen. 3:24) have now been replaced with the salvation signpost, “Access guaranteed” in Christ. The Gospel declares this and gives the redeemed the sandals of peace for a confident walk with our Savior (Eph. 6:15).
Do you have peace with God that alone guarantees access to Him, or are you still struggling to enter heaven on your own terms? If you haven’t made peace with God through Jesus, the Cross of Calvary still drips with the redeeming blood to wash away your sins if you repent and believe in the Savior who died on it. His invitation into His kingdom still stands (Matthew 11:28).
The invitation is not to a funeral. The One who died, was buried, rose, and ascended to heaven is still alive. He is forever seated at the right hand of God the Father with power and authority to receive you into His kingdom (Lk. 22:69).
Will you accept this divine invitation?
Pray with Me
I thank you, Father, for making peace for me with you in Christ Jesus and giving me access into your presence forever. Please sustain me with this truth and give me the joy that flows from it. Amen.
