What role does faith play in claiming nations as an inheritance from God? The Royal Invitation in Psalm 2:8 “Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.” (Psalm 2:8) Faith—The Essential Response • The verb “Ask” presumes trust. Only faith dares petition the Almighty for something this vast. • Faith takes God’s promise at face value, expecting literal fulfillment. • Without faith, the promise remains unopened. With faith, it becomes a present-tense reality (Hebrews 11:33). Old Testament Patterns of Faith Claiming Territory • Abraham believed, and God said, “I have made you a father of many nations” (Romans 4:17). • Joshua crossed the Jordan, acting on God’s pledge that “every place on which the sole of your foot treads I have given you” (Joshua 1:3). • Each victory was secured when someone trusted what God had already spoken. Christ, the Heir, and the Great Commission • “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-19). • Acts 1:8 links Spirit-empowered witness to “the ends of the earth,” echoing Psalm 2:8. • Revelation 5:9 shows the promise fulfilled: redeemed people from every nation surrounding the throne. Our Share as Co-Heirs • “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). • “Those who belong to Christ…are heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). • Through faith-union with Jesus, we participate in His inheritance of nations, advancing His kingdom by gospel proclamation. Practical Ways Faith Claims Nations Today • Intercession—asking boldly for entire people groups. • Evangelism—speaking the gospel with expectation of harvest. • Disciple-making—teaching obedience that multiplies. • Sending and supporting missionaries—partners in the same promise. • Cultural engagement—letting biblical truth permeate every sphere. Guardrails to Keep Us Grounded • This promise targets gospel advance, not political domination. • Faith trusts God’s timing; some results appear now, others at Christ’s return. • Victory is secured by Christ’s authority, not human strength. Encouragement to Stand Firm God’s Word is sure. He has pledged nations as an inheritance. Faith simply lays hold of what He already intends to give, pressing on until every tribe and tongue joyfully acknowledges Jesus as Lord. |
    |