How does Galatians 4:30 connect with the theme of inheritance in Scripture? Scripture snapshot: Galatians 4:30 “But what does the Scripture say? ‘Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.’” Hagar and Sarah: Two Mothers, Two Inheritances • Sarah (the free woman) represents the covenant of promise—God’s supernatural provision through Isaac. • Hagar (the slave woman) represents the covenant of human effort—humanly conceived Ishmael. • The expulsion in Genesis 21:10 (quoted here) dramatizes that God’s inheritance comes only through the line He ordains, not through human scheming. Key observations from the verse • “Inheritance” is singular and exclusive—only one line receives it. • The command to “expel” underscores a decisive break: law-based striving cannot coexist with grace-based promise. • Paul applies the historical event allegorically to believers: those in Christ are children of promise, not of slavery (Galatians 4:31). Inheritance thread running through Scripture • Genesis 12:7—Land promised to Abraham’s offspring. • Numbers 26:53—The land allotted by tribe, showing God’s orderly distribution. • Psalm 37:29—“The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” • Isaiah 54:17—Heritage of the servants of the Lord. • Luke 1:32-33—Jesus receives David’s throne, an eternal inheritance. • Hebrews 9:15—Christ mediates a new covenant “so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” New-covenant fulfillment in Christ • Galatians 3:29—“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” • Romans 8:17—“And if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” • Ephesians 1:11—“In Him we were also chosen as God’s own possession.” • 1 Peter 1:4—An inheritance that is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven.” Practical implications for believers • Rest—Inheritance is received, not earned. • Identity—We are forever sons and daughters, never slaves. • Separation—Legalistic systems must be “expelled” from our thinking; grace reigns. • Hope—Our inheritance is eternal, secured by Christ’s finished work. |
    |