Adoption brings more than a new family. It brings a new inheritance. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” Romans 8:17. The Father does not adopt empty-handed. He gives His children what belongs to Him.

What is this inheritance?

First, we inherit the Father Himself. “The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep your words” Lamentations 3:24. The greatest gift the Father can give is Himself. To have God as your inheritance is to have everything. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you” Psalms 73:25.

Second, we inherit Christ. We are co-heirs with Christ. What belongs to the Son belongs to those who are in Him. His righteousness is ours. His resurrection life is ours. His glory will be ours. His kingdom will be ours. We do not merely admire Him from afar. We share His destiny.

Third, we inherit the Spirit. The Father gives the Spirit as the down payment and guarantee of our inheritance. “You were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession” Ephesians 1:13-14. The Spirit is both the first installment and the guarantee of the rest.

Fourth, we inherit a renewed creation. “The creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed” Romans 8:19. The new heaven and new earth are prepared for the Father’s children. We will not float as disembodied spirits. We will reign with Christ in a restored world.

Fifth, we inherit glory. “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” Colossians 3:4. The Father’s children will be glorified like the Son. Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

This inheritance is not earned. It is granted by adoption. It is not partial. It is complete. It is not temporary. It is eternal.

Memory Verse: Romans 8:17 — Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Action Step: List five things that are part of your inheritance as a child of God. Thank the Father for each one.

Exercise: Write a brief “last will and testimony” of your spiritual inheritance — what the Father has already given you and what He has promised to give.