“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, 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—to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Imagine what the child of a King might inherit. Let’s say this King had conquered the whole world, and He loves you immensely. Plus, you are a chosen favorite, marked as special, and highly esteemed. What might you expect from such a King? “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).
Can you visualize the picture? God chose and marked you with His Holy Spirit. He views you in a special way. He sees you through the eyes of His only begotten Son. He refuses to focus on your flaws, failures or sinfulness. Instead, He sees the perfection that comes from the One who makes you perfect. You can count on blessings beyond your imagination. “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10ff).
Heaven is the inheritance. We will walk arm in arm with the saints from all times. The Sustainer of life will share with us the wisdom of the ages. It’s not enough that Peter, James, and John are there; Jesus will greet us with outstretched arms. “To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it” (Revelation 2:17ff).
Heaven will be home. Whatever tears we bring will be wiped away by our Father’s love. The Spirit of holiness will encompass us eternally. Our praise will be echoed by angels. The chorus will send chills through our immortal bodies. The love we receive will melt away any fleshliness that might otherwise corrode us. “He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.” (Revelation 3:5). You see, I just want God to hold us close and say “Its okay, welcome home.”