The Heirs

Galatians 1:3-14

Campo is a tiny town in the very southeast corner of the state of Colorado. At one time much of the land was farmed, but due to a very dry climate, and no major sources of water, most of the country has been returned to grass lands.

One of the old timers, a single man with no known surviving family had accumulated many thousands of acres of land. When he died it was learned that he had designated nearly a million dollars for the construction of an indoor swimming pool in Campo. He also set up a trust fund to provide for it’s future maintenance, and for swimming lessons for people who had never been in water up to their knees.

The pool that was built is larger and nicer than those of many much larger towns, and better maintained. Since the local school is too small for a football or baseball team, swimming has become one of the major local sports. It provides a place where many older citizens can obtain needed exercise in a safe and enjoyable manner, and as such is a blessing in a town where the median age is nearly sixty.

Just as that man provided the pool, and everything to care for it, including heating, maintenance , and swimming lessons for the people of Campo, God has provided everything for our Christian life, for now and for eternity.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6)

Every person who lives in Campo or the surrounding area is predestined to be able to enjoy the swimming pool the man donated simply by living in the area. They were provided better equipment than any other pool in the area, by the man’s decision. By his will, he made sure that the pool would be received.

God has acted in a similar manner to ensure that we would be received as his children, because it pleased him to do so. We are fully equipped as his children to live for him. Paul describes it in I Corinthians 1:4-7. “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:” We are not only acceptable, we are accepted in him.

The people in Campo received the pool because the man paid for it and a lot more. It cost the people nothing, although it was very expensive. It was not received until the time of the donor’s death however. Our salvation is much the same.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:7-12)

Christ made payment for our sin, when we were unable to do so. He went far beyond merely paying for our sin, however, providing for our entering heaven at the proper time. He established an inheritance for us, and gave us the knowledge to enjoy that salvation. The results will be seen in our lives as a result.

The pool benefits all who go and use the facilities. Salvation benefits everyone who receives what God has done for them. By trusting Christ, we obtain salvation. This results in our receiving the Holy Spirit.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1`:13-14)

The Holy Spirit is the earnest or proof of our salvation. Romans 8:9 tells us “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Like a corporate seal, his presence shows that we have official standing and approval, and are qualified to obtain what he has promised.