December 7

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance. - Ephesians 1:11.

TO whom does the apostle here refer? Unquestionably to the Lord Jesus; for what is there we have not in him? When it is said, “In whom we have obtained an inheritance,” the meaning is, by whom. It comes entirely by him: he procured all for us on the cross, and bestows all upon us from the throne; he “loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and makes us kings and priests unto God and his Father,” and we are “blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” This is true; but we think it does not reach the full meaning of the expression, “In whom we have obtained an inheritance.” The apostle refers to our union with Christ.

We must be in him, in order to obtain the blessing. There is safety in a refuge, but we must be in it in order to enjoy security. There is sap in a tree, and the branch partakes of it; but then it must be in it. If it be separated from the tree, it derives no nourishment from it. This leads us to remark, concerning the Christian’s union with Christ, of which the Scripture speaks so much, that it is twofold,-visible and vital. There is a great distinction between these. Persons may be professedly in him and yet be unfruitful and perish. But all his own people are vitally united to him. They are united by the Holy Spirit, and by a living faith, so that they are one with him. It is only those, therefore, who are vitally united to Christ,-not those who merely profess his name, but those who are vitally united to him,-that can use these words, “In whom we have obtained an inheritance.” And we here also see they were persuaded of this.

They spake not of it by way of conjecture, or opinion, or as a probable thing, but as actually certain. They spake without hesitation or doubt in this matter. Not that all who are united to Christ can use this language. A child may be heir to an inheritance and not know it, from the tenderness of his years or the weakness of his age: still, he is a real heir. So is it with Christians, with all who are vitally united to Christ. All of them have this inheritance, though they cannot all at present speak of their interest in it without hesitation. Yea, there are some among them who write bitter things against themselves, as if they had neither part nor lot in the matter, and as if their hearts were not right in the sight of God. But though all cannot adopt this confident language, yet it may be realized; or where is the propriety of the admonition, “Prove your own selves, examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith,” “giving all diligence, make your calling and election sure”? And in numberless instances it has been actually realized.

Though all do not possess this assurance, yet all desire it. This we believe is essential to grace; not the knowledge of it, but the desire of it. And this is attainable. So also it is useful and profitable. Oh, how will this holy, humble assurance revive the Christian! how will it wean him from the world! how will it smooth the rugged way of life and sweeten the bitter cup of affliction! how does it gild with glory the darkness of the grave! it will remove the fear of death, and make the believer “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

May we therefore always be able to say, with Thomas, “My Lord and my God,” and with David, “Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.”