Spurgeon Morning and Evening January 30 PM

Biblical Context

The Epistle to the Ephesians, penned by the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment (likely in Rome around AD 60-62), is a profound theological treatise on the nature of the Church and the glorious spiritual blessings believers possess in Christ. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, a significant city in Asia Minor known for its temple to Artemis (Diana), emphasizing the radical shift from paganism to life in Christ. The first chapter, from which our scripture for today is drawn, opens with a magnificent doxology, praising God for His eternal plan of salvation and the countless spiritual blessings lavished upon believers.

Paul meticulously outlines God’s sovereign choice (predestination), adoption as sons, redemption through Christ’s blood, forgiveness of sins, and the revealing of His mystery. The overarching theme is the believer’s rich identity and secure position “in Christ.” Ephesians 1:11, specifically, reinforces the certainty of our spiritual inheritance, emphasizing that this inheritance is not earned but “obtained” through our union with Jesus, sealing our destiny within God’s eternal purpose.

Key Word Study

Inheritance (Greek: κληρονομία – klēronomía)

In classical Greek, klēronomía referred to the portion or share received by lot, an inherited property, or patrimony. In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), it often translated the Hebrew nachalah, referring to the land promised to Israel, a permanent possession passed down through generations. This concept carried significant weight, signifying a secure, divinely-appointed possession.

In the New Testament, and particularly in Ephesians 1:11, klēronomía transcends a merely earthly or material possession. It signifies the spiritual blessings, privileges, and eternal life that believers receive through their relationship with Christ. It is a divine inheritance, not earned by human effort, but granted by God’s grace and secured by Christ’s redemptive work. This inheritance includes salvation, the Holy Spirit, eternal life, a place in God’s kingdom, and all the glorious benefits of being God’s children. The use of “obtained” (κληροω – klēroō, meaning to be allotted or appointed) further emphasizes that this inheritance is not something we strive for but something divinely apportioned and secured for us in Christ, a testament to God’s sovereign and gracious will.

Our Joint Riches in Christ: The Inheritance Secured

The Apostle Paul’s declaration in Ephesians 1:11, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,” opens a vista into the boundless grace of God. Charles Spurgeon, with his characteristic profound insight, unpacks this verse, revealing the glorious truth that our entire spiritual existence is inextricably linked to and dependent upon Jesus Christ. This is not merely a theological concept; it is the very bedrock of our hope, assurance, and identity as believers.

Spurgeon commences by stating a radical truth: “When Jesus gave Himself for us, He gave us all the rights and privileges which went with Himself.” This is a statement of profound theological significance. The sacrifice of Christ was not just about atonement; it was about identification. By uniting us to Himself through faith, Jesus essentially transferred His own standing before God to us. He, as the Son, possesses inherent rights and privileges – heirship to all things, communion with the Father, unblemished righteousness. When He became our substitute, He did more than just take our sin; He imparted His life, His righteousness, and His privilege to us. We are now, by grace, co-heirs with Him, granted access to the divine through Him.

He clarifies this further by distinguishing Jesus’ dual nature: “although as eternal God, He has essential rights to which no creature may venture to pretend, yet as Jesus, the Mediator, the federal Head of the covenant of grace, He has no heritage apart from us.” As the eternal God, the second person of the Trinity, Jesus possesses attributes and rights that are incommunicable, utterly beyond creaturely comprehension or aspiration. Yet, in His role as the Mediator – the one who bridges the chasm between God and humanity – and as the federal Head, representing humanity in the covenant of grace, His destiny and ours are interwoven. His inheritance *is* our inheritance; His future *is* our future. This profound union means that every victory, every triumph, every blessing secured by Christ is shared with those united to Him.

This leads to the magnificent conclusion that “All the glorious consequences of His obedience unto death are the joint riches of all who are in Him, and on whose behalf He accomplished the divine will.” Christ’s perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was not a solitary act for His own benefit. It was a representative act, performed on behalf of His elect. Every drop of His blood, every moment of suffering, every act of submission to the Father’s will, was an investment in the spiritual treasury that is now open to all who believe. Our redemption, reconciliation, justification, and sanctification are not separate transactions but components of this vast inheritance – our “joint riches” with Christ.

Jesus, Our Forerunner and Advocate

To underscore this inseparable union, Spurgeon points to Christ’s post-resurrection and ascension ministry. Jesus did not enter glory to enjoy it in isolation, but as our representative: “See, He enters into glory, but not for Himself alone, for it is written, ‘Whither the Forerunner is for us entered.’ Heb. 6:20.” The title “Forerunner” (Greek: πρόδρομος – prodromos) is potent. Just as a scout goes ahead to secure a campsite, or an advance party prepares the way, Jesus has gone into heaven not merely to reside there, but to secure our place. He has blazed the trail, making it possible for us to follow. His entrance guarantees our future entrance.

Furthermore, His current position at the right hand of God is not passive. Spurgeon asks, “Does He stand in the presence of God?-‘He appears in the presence of God for us.’ Heb. 9:24.” This truth is immensely comforting. Christ is not a distant deity; He is our active intercessor, our advocate, constantly presenting the merits of His sacrifice to the Father on our behalf. He is perpetually before the throne, ensuring that the covenant of grace remains steadfast and that His people are continually covered by His righteousness.

Our Rights in Christ: A Gift, Not a Merit

This understanding radically transforms our perception of our own standing. Spurgeon challenges us: “Consider this, believer. You have no right to heaven in yourself: your right lies in Christ.” This is a crucial distinction. Human merit, self-righteousness, or good works can never earn us a place in God’s eternal kingdom. Our inherent sinfulness disqualifies us. Our only legitimate claim, our only “right,” is found solely in our union with Christ. He is our title deed to glory.

Spurgeon then meticulously enumerates the multifaceted ways Christ’s work secures our inheritance, addressing common spiritual needs:

• “If you are pardoned, it is through His blood.” Forgiveness of sins, the wiping away of guilt, is not a result of our repentance alone, but of the atoning sacrifice of Christ. His shed blood is the basis for our pardon.
• “If you are justified, it is through His righteousness.” Justification is not merely being forgiven, but being declared righteous in God’s sight. This forensic declaration is possible only because Christ’s perfect, active righteousness is imputed to us. We stand before God clothed in His flawless perfection.
• “If you are sanctified, it is because He is made of God unto you sanctification.” Sanctification, the ongoing process of being made holy and conformed to Christ’s image, is not something we achieve by sheer willpower. Christ Himself is the source and power of our sanctification. He progressively transforms us from within by His Spirit.
• “If you shall be kept from falling, it will be because you are preserved in Christ Jesus.” Our perseverance in faith, our ability to resist temptation and endure trials, is not due to our own strength. It is the sovereign work of God, who preserves us securely “in Christ Jesus.” He holds us fast.
• “And if you are perfected at the last, it will be because you are complete in Him.” Our ultimate glorification, our final arrival into perfect holiness and presence with God, is guaranteed because we are already “complete in Him” (Colossians 2:10). Our completeness is not a future state to be earned, but a present reality in Christ, which will be fully realized at His return.

Magnifying Jesus and Securing Our Inheritance

This grand symphony of salvation ultimately serves one purpose: “Thus Jesus is magnified — for all is in Him and by Him.” Every blessing, every privilege, every aspect of our redemption points back to Christ. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, the source and sustainer of all things pertaining to life and godliness. When we understand this, our praise naturally directs itself to Him.

Simultaneously, “thus the inheritance is made certain to us — for it is obtained in Him.” The certainty of our inheritance rests not on our fleeting emotions or fallible efforts, but on the immutable person and finished work of Christ. Because He is faithful, our inheritance is secure.

Moreover, “thus each blessing is the sweeter, and even heaven itself the brighter, because it is Jesus our Beloved ‘in whom’ we have obtained all.” The joy of pardon, the peace of justification, the hope of heaven – all are amplified when we recognize that they flow from the loving heart of our Savior. Heaven itself is not just a place, but the presence of the One in whom we have found everything.

Spurgeon then issues a powerful challenge, inviting us to contemplate the immeasurable wealth we possess: “Where is the man who shall estimate our divine portion? Weigh the riches of Christ in scales, and His treasure in balances, and then think to count the treasures which belong to the saints.” This is hyperbole designed to impress upon us the infinite nature of our blessings. The riches of Christ are unfathomable, and since His riches are ours, our inheritance is equally beyond human calculation.

He continues: “Reach the bottom of Christ’s sea of joy, and then hope to understand the bliss which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Just as the depths of the ocean are beyond human reach, so too is the boundless joy found in Christ. This joy is the wellspring of the bliss prepared for us, a bliss that transcends earthly comprehension.

Finally, he urges: “Overleap the boundaries of Christ’s possessions, and then dream of a limit to the fair inheritance of the elect.” The possessions of Christ are infinite; therefore, our inheritance, being intertwined with His, is also limitless. There are no boundaries to the grace, favor, and glory awaiting the elect.

Spurgeon concludes with a triumphant affirmation, echoing the Apostle Paul: “All things are yours, for ye are Christ’s and Christ is God’s.” (1 Corinthians 3:21-23) This declaration encapsulates the entirety of our inheritance. Because we belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God, everything that is God’s, by virtue of Christ, becomes ours. This is the staggering reality of our inheritance, secured in Him, enjoyed now and for all eternity.