“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 3:29)

Here is the end of chapter three. A summation of sorts. There is a big if in this summation but the results of the “if” are amazing.

One, you are a descendant of Abraham. In the ancient world, especially among Jews, this was a signal honor. Abraham was singled out by God to be the father of the Jewish nation and the recipient of God’s wonderful covenant. This is not just about physical lineage because Paul is not even talking about physical bloodlines. This category of Abraham’s descendants is far greater than mere blood lineage or family history. This is God’s family’s history. Being a part of the family of God is way more important than being able to trace your physical family back to Abraham. Jesus could, but He could trace it back beyond that, beyond Adam even.

No, you are a descendant of Abraham through the promise given to Abraham. The promise was made to Abraham for all his physical descendants but also for all those who were linked to him by faith. The promise was a result of Abraham’s faith, not his personal family tree. Same thing for all the rest who would be able to claim him as their father by faith.

Those of the promise are therefore heirs. In Biblical times the oldest son was considered the heir and received the greater portion of the estate. God changes that custom for His children as He made Jesus heir and then all the rest of the children joint heirs. All of the children of God have a share in the blessings of heaven. All of God’s children will receive the promised reward. Those who are faithful receive the crown of life and will live forever with God and His glorious Son.

There is, of course, the big “if.” This wonderful news about being heirs according to the promise is only for those who belong to Christ. Paul has been talking about being in Jesus and he has emphasized that Son-ship is directly related to being in Christ. We are all Sons of God in Christ. The blessings of the promise are in Christ. Salvation is in Christ. And how do we get into Christ? We are baptized into his death and resurrection. Our life is then hidden in Christ. We are in Him and He is in us.

Task for Today: If you want to be an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ then you must be in Christ. Remember, that the offspring of Abraham are designated by faith. Believe in Jesus today and be buried into his death by baptism. Let your faith be a saving faith, a faith that causes you to do what He commands you to do. Grace is a wonderful gift and is available for every person on this earth but we know that not everyone will accept the grace. Unfortunately, many will not believe and even among those who believe many will not act. That don’t become members of the “by faith they” group. Don’t let that happen to you. Believe, act, by faith, obey.