Inheriting God’s kingdom…what does that mean? Let’s walk it through.

21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.

This verse is true for Adam and Eve. They doubted God and His love for them, and took matters into their own hands. Alas, just like Adam and Eve, we get in a hurry and doubt God’s love, His concern for us, and His plan, and take matters into our own hands.

Nevertheless, Christ offers us God’s kingdom! Our sin debt has been canceled and we are invited to join Christ in the development of His kingdom. We are ambassadors to the world inviting all people to join us in this kingdom. What are the prerequisites? Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 6:9-11,

⁹ Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men ¹⁰ nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Why will wrongdoers not inherit the kingdom of God? Because they have made the same mistake as Adam and Eve, which was to not trust God, His love and His plan. Out of this mistrust come all the actions mentioned in the passage. I also believe that Paul was just being nice when he said, “And that is what some of you were.” It’s actually all of us who fall into one or more of the categories that Paul mentions. The deception is strong–but the presence and message of Christ are stronger!

Verse 11 is where we live. We were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have His Spirit in our lives connecting us to God the Father. We are one with the Trinity! If we keep the message of this verse ever-before us, we will inherit all of the Spirit’s traits, we will grow in righteousness and godliness, and we will lead a procession into the kingdom of God. Why? Because our lives will be so attractive to people that they will want to join us!

Abba, thank You for such a great salvation and for restoring us to the place of sonship (see Luke 15:22-24). May we grow in You as we seek to become just like You. May others see the joy and peace in our lives and join us in our march to Zion. Amen.