The inheritance of promise is both a physical land given to Israel and a spiritual inheritance of eternal salvation through Christ.
The inheritance of promise refers to both the physical land given to Abraham's descendants and the spiritual inheritance of eternal salvation that it typifies. In Joshua 1:10-11, Israel is commanded to enter and possess the land that has already been given to them by God. This physical inheritance is symbolic of the greater spiritual inheritance that has been granted to God's elect people in Christ before the foundation of the world. The land flowing with milk and honey represents the abundant spiritual blessings found in true faith and union with Christ, which is fulfilled in the New Covenant.
Joshua 1:10-11, 2 Timothy 1:9, Galatians 3:16-18
God's promises are unbreakable and certain to be fulfilled, as seen in His covenant with Abraham.
God’s faithfulness to His promises is a central theme in the Scriptures. In Joshua 1:3, God reassures Joshua that every place his feet tread has already been given to Israel. This reflects God's unwavering commitment to His covenant made with Abraham (Genesis 13:15), guaranteeing the land as an inheritance for his descendants. Furthermore, 2 Timothy 1:9 states that grace was given in Christ before time began, emphasizing that God’s promises are rooted in His eternal purposes. The fulfillment of these promises is assured not upon human merit but on God’s faithfulness and immutable nature, which cannot fail.
Joshua 1:3, Genesis 13:15, 2 Timothy 1:9
Valuing the inheritance of promise signifies our understanding and appreciation of both physical and spiritual blessings from God.
For Christians, valuing the inheritance of promise is essential for recognizing the depth and breadth of God's grace. It highlights our need to appreciate both the physical promises given to Israel and their fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance through Christ. In this sermon, it is emphasized that the inheritance has already been given and must be possessed by true believers. Ignoring the significance of such an inheritance disrespects God's sovereignty and grace, as it overlooks the eternal salvation granted to His elect before creation. Valuing this promise also compels believers to rest in the assurance of their salvation in Christ, motivating them to live in a way that honors God’s glory.
Hebrews 11:1, Galatians 3:27-29
The physical inheritance serves as a type or foreshadowing of the spiritual salvation found in Christ.
The physical inheritance of the land in Canaan given to Israel is a type that points to the spiritual inheritance of eternal salvation through Christ. This is evident in the way the land is described – it is a promised land, flowing with blessings, and serves as a picture of the spiritual rest and fulfillment found in the gospel. The apostle Paul refers to this relationship in Galatians 3, noting that the promises made to Abraham find their ultimate realization in Christ. Thus, the physical possession of the land symbolizes the deeper spiritual reality of believers possessing salvation and eternal life in Christ, who is the promised seed. Understanding this link enhances our appreciation of God’s redemptive plan throughout history.
Galatians 3:16-18, Hebrews 4:1-11
Possessing the inheritance means that believers actively embrace and live in the reality of their salvation already granted by God.
The concept that the inheritance must be possessed indicates that while the promise of salvation is secure, it requires active faith to realize its benefits in the life of a believer. This is demonstrated in Joshua’s command for the Israelites to prepare to take possession of their land, reflecting that while the promise was already given, an active response was necessary to experience it. Similarly, Christians must exhibit faith in accepting the salvation provided by Christ, as seen in the command of Joshua in Joshua 1:10-11. The obligation to possess the inheritance is not a work-based system but rather a response in faith to God’s grace, which leads to assurance and communion with Him.
Joshua 1:10-11, Romans 10:9-10, Hebrews 4:1-3
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