Heirs of God
Peter informs us that we have an eternal inheritance, not because of our worth or merit, but according to God’s abundant mercy (1 Peter 1:3,4 ). Paul also declares this in very unmistakable terms, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5).
Think of it. We who were law breakers, we who were His enemies have now had mercy bestowed on us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and are not only pardoned but given an inheritance in heaven. He emphasizes that we have been redeemed not with silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:19). Now we are “heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.” Bankrupt sinners by nature, nothing to pay, lost and without hope, then rescued by divine mercy and made rich in Christ. No wonder the songs of heaven will perpetually proclaim, “Thou art worthy…for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God.”