What does "inheritance from the Lord" mean in Colossians 3:24? The Context of Colossians 3:24 • Paul is addressing household relationships (3:18–4:1). • Verse 24 is specifically aimed at slaves, yet its principle applies to every believer: “You know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” • Earthly masters might never repay faithful service, but Christ will. What “Inheritance from the Lord” Is Not • Not wages earned by human merit—salvation itself is by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Not limited to earthly perks—Paul writes to people who owned nothing. • Not a vague wish; it is a guaranteed promise backed by God’s oath (Hebrews 6:17-18). What “Inheritance from the Lord” Is 1. Eternal Life and Kingdom Citizenship • “And if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). • The promised “kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). 2. A Share in Christ’s Glory • Faithful servants “will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12). • “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4). 3. Rewards for Faithful Work • “Each will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8). • Even unnoticed tasks done “for the Lord” will be openly honored (Matthew 6:4). 4. An Imperishable Possession • “An inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). • Unlike Old Testament land allotments that could be lost or defiled, this one is eternally secure. Why This Matters in Daily Work • Motive check: every chore becomes worship when done “for the Lord.” • Hope infusion: earthly injustice cannot cancel heavenly reward. • Identity anchor: we belong to Christ, not to circumstances or employers. Living in Light of the Inheritance • Work wholeheartedly (Colossians 3:23) knowing Christ notices every effort. • Endure setbacks; “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing” (Romans 8:18). • Set travel plans: fix eyes “not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Key Takeaways • The inheritance is literal, future, and guaranteed by Christ. • It encompasses eternal life, kingdom authority, and personal rewards. • Every believer—regardless of social rank—will receive it directly from the Lord they serve today. |
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