PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE INHERITANCE
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:12). The term “meet” in this passage is a powerful one—it means “to qualify” or “to make competent.” Think about that for a moment: God Himself has qualified you. You didn’t earn this privilege through your own merit or effort; instead, it was bestowed upon you by the sovereign will of the Father. He has opened the door for you to step into the fullness of an inheritance that belongs to those who walk in the radiant Kingdom of Light.
This inheritance isn’t a vague or distant promise—it’s a present reality for every believer. As a child of God, you’ve been invited to partake in something extraordinary, something that transcends the limitations of this earthly existence. The question is: Do you truly grasp the magnitude of what’s been given to you? If you did, it would transform the way you think, live, and approach every circumstance. This is why the scriptures urge us to renew our minds and align our perspective with the abundance of God’s Kingdom. You’re not a pauper scraping by in a world of scarcity; you’re a royal heir, a child of the King of kings, with access to everything that belongs to Him.
A Mindset of Abundance
When you begin to see yourself as a partaker of this divine inheritance, it shifts your entire mentality. The world often conditions us to think in terms of lack—there’s never enough time, money, or resources to go around. But that’s not the reality of the Kingdom you’ve been brought into. As a child of God, you’re not meant to live with a scarcity mindset; you’re called to embrace a mindset of abundance. Why? Because everything that belongs to your Heavenly Father—and by extension, to Jesus Christ—belongs to you as well. The Psalmist declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). If the earth and all its fullness belong to God, and you are His heir, what could you possibly lack?
This truth is reinforced in Romans 8:16-17, where the Apostle Paul writes, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” Pause and let that sink in. The Holy Spirit Himself testifies to your identity as a child of God. This isn’t a mere suggestion or a hopeful wish—it’s a divine confirmation. And because you’re a child, you’re an heir. Not just any heir, but a joint-heir with Christ. This means that the privileges, authority, and blessings that belong to Jesus are extended to you as well. You’re not a secondary beneficiary or an afterthought in God’s plan; you’re a co-inheritor with the Son of God Himself.
Understanding Joint-Heirship: A Practical Analogy
To grasp the depth of what it means to be a joint-heir with Christ, consider a simple analogy from everyday life: a joint bank account. Imagine two people who share such an account. Everything in that account—every dollar, every asset—belongs to both individuals equally. Neither can make a withdrawal or a decision about the funds without the other’s involvement. The account isn’t divided into “his portion” and “her portion”; it’s a shared resource, fully accessible to both parties. Now, apply this to your relationship with Christ. As a joint-heir, everything that belongs to Him—His righteousness, His authority, His victory, His provision—belongs to you in full measure. There’s no separation, no partial ownership. What’s His is yours, and what’s yours is His.
This analogy, while imperfect, helps us see the intimacy and equality of our inheritance with Christ. Jesus doesn’t hoard His blessings or keep them out of reach; He shares them freely with us because we’ve been united with Him through salvation. When He triumphed over sin and death, you triumphed too. When He was seated at the right hand of the Father, you were seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). This is the reality of your inheritance—a limitless, overflowing abundance that flows from your union with Christ.
The Scope of Your Inheritance
What exactly does this inheritance entail? The Bible gives us a glimpse of its vastness. Psalm 24:1 tells us that the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord. That includes the mountains, the oceans, the stars in the sky, and every resource hidden within creation. As a joint-heir with Christ, you have a stake in this divine estate. But it goes beyond material provision. Your inheritance encompasses spiritual blessings as well—peace that surpasses understanding, joy unspeakable, eternal life, and the power to live a godly life. In fact, 2 Peter 1:3 declares, “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue)” (AMPC).
This verse is a cornerstone of understanding your inheritance. Notice what it says: God’s divine power has already given you all things that pertain to life and godliness. This isn’t a future promise; it’s a past-tense reality. The moment you were born again, you received everything you need to thrive in this life and to reflect God’s character. Whether it’s strength to overcome temptation, wisdom to navigate challenges, or provision to meet your needs, it’s already yours. The key to accessing this inheritance lies in the next phrase: “through the knowledge of Him.” Your ability to walk in the fullness of what God has given you is directly tied to your understanding of who He is and what He’s done for you.
The Role of Knowledge in Claiming Your Inheritance
Here’s where many believers stumble: they live far below their privileges because they don’t know what’s theirs. Imagine inheriting a vast estate but never exploring it because you didn’t realize it belonged to you. You might live in a tiny corner of the property, unaware of the sprawling fields, flowing rivers, and grand mansion just beyond your sight. That’s how some Christians live—unaware of the riches of their inheritance in Christ. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to your spiritual inheritance; it’s a barrier that keeps you from experiencing God’s best.
This is why the Word of God is so vital. Acts 20:32 tells us, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” The word of God’s grace—His unmerited favor and truth—is your guidebook to discovering and claiming your inheritance. It builds you up, strengthening your faith and renewing your mind. It reveals the promises that are yours and equips you to stand firm in them. Without immersing yourself in scripture, you risk missing out on the fullness of what God has prepared for you.
For example, Ephesians 1:11 says, “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.” This verse highlights the intentionality of your inheritance. It’s not an accident or an afterthought; it’s part of God’s eternal plan for you. Before the foundation of the world, He predestined you to receive this inheritance. It’s yours by divine design, secured through your union with Christ. The more you study verses like these, the more your eyes are opened to the reality of who you are and what you possess as a child of God.
Living in the Fullness of Your Inheritance
So, how do you move from merely knowing about your inheritance to living in it? It starts with faith. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith is the currency of the Kingdom—it’s how you access what’s already yours. When you believe God’s Word and act on it, you begin to see the tangible manifestation of your inheritance. If the Bible says you have peace (John 16:33), claim it in the midst of chaos. If it says you’re more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37), stand victorious over every challenge. Your inheritance isn’t just a theological concept; it’s a practical reality meant to shape your daily life.
Next, cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude. Colossians 1:12 begins with “giving thanks unto the Father.” Gratitude keeps your heart aligned with God’s goodness and reminds you of His faithfulness. When you’re thankful, you’re less likely to focus on what you lack and more likely to celebrate what you’ve been given. Thank Him for qualifying you, for making you a joint-heir, for providing all things that pertain to life and godliness. A grateful heart is a magnet for God’s blessings.
Finally, grow in your knowledge of Him. 2 Peter 1:2-3 ties grace and peace to the “knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” The more you know Him—through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word—the more you’ll experience the multiplication of His grace in your life. Knowledge isn’t just intellectual; it’s relational. Spend time with God, listen to His voice, and let His Spirit illuminate the scriptures. As you do, you’ll discover new dimensions of your inheritance and walk in greater confidence as His child.
Exploring the Further Study Verses in Context
- 2 Peter 1:3 (AMPC) – “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).”
This verse underscores the completeness of your inheritance. God hasn’t left anything out—everything you need for a flourishing life and a godly character has been provided. The phrase “through the knowledge of Him” emphasizes that this isn’t automatic; it requires pursuit. As you deepen your relationship with God, you unlock the treasures of His provision and power. - Acts 20:32 – “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders highlight the transformative power of God’s Word. It’s not just a collection of stories or rules—it’s a living force that strengthens you and positions you to receive your inheritance. The “sanctified” are those set apart for God, and as one of them, you’re entitled to the blessings of His Kingdom. - Ephesians 1:11 – “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.”
This verse ties your inheritance to God’s sovereign purpose. It’s not a random gift; it’s part of His eternal plan. Knowing that your inheritance is secure in His will gives you confidence to stand firm, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. It’s yours because He decreed it.
Conclusion
You are a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light—a co-heir with Christ, qualified by the Father to enjoy the fullness of His Kingdom. This inheritance is vast, encompassing every spiritual and practical need. Through faith, gratitude, and growing knowledge of God, you can live in the reality of this truth every day. Let the Word build you up, let the Spirit guide you, and let your life reflect the abundance of your divine heritage. Hallelujah!