Included In The Will! (part 1 of 2)

It seems that just about everyone in the world has either secretly or openly hoped they might have a rich relative somewhere who has included them in their will. Perhaps at least the thought has crossed our mind. Sometimes when an inheritance is ready to be distributed, relatives unheard of before arise to stake claim to their share. There are times when the claims of relationship are fraudulent. Then there are those who may have desired no relationship with the deceased until they found out there was money or property to be gained. How very sad it is when where we should see genuine love being experienced, greed raises its ugly head. There have also been times when people who were once included in a will have ended up being written out of it for one reason or another.

As the Hebrew writer compared the old covenant (through Moses) with the new (through Christ), he placed it in terms of that which was PUT INTO EFFECT through death. We read. . .

"(16) For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. (17) For A WILL TAKES EFFECT ONLY AT DEATH, since it is NOT IN FORCE AS LONG AS THE ONE WHO MADE IT IS ALIVE. (18) Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood." ( Hebrews 9:16-18 ESV)
As long as one lives, they have the choice and power to change the terms of a will. After death, the will of the one who has died is settled and carried out as written. The wishes are PUT INTO EFFECT.

Jesus' death was both a ransom (a sacrifice for sin) and a covenant offering (sealed it). His death PUT INTO EFFECT the conditions of the new covenant as it also redeemed us ( Hebrews 9:15), making it possible to be brought back into a right relationship with God. The Scriptures reveal what is promised, including what defines the relationship of those who will receive the inheritance. Through Jesus' death on the cross, His blood "inaugurated" (ESV) the new covenant as blood had done so with the old. ( Hebrews 9:18) We should then be encouraged that since HIS WILL IS IN EFFECT, we can know what we shall receive and be encouraged that it will not be changed, nor can it be challenged.

As Paul declared. . .
"(20) For ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD FIND THEIR YES IN HIM. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory." ( 2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV)

An inheritance is not worked for, but willingly granted by the one in whose possession it has been. Since Jesus loved us enough to die for us and provide us with a rich inheritance, let us respond in loving obedience to Him. May we continue to live ACCORDING TO HIS WILL so as to remain INCLUDED IN HIS WILL.

Have a great day LIVING AS AN HEIR OF CHRIST JESUS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Inheritance