Question 1

What is my heritage as a child of God?

Accepted Answer

Ephesians 1:11, 13-14, 18Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. . . . And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. . . . I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.The spiritual legacy of Christ—his sinless life and sacrifice for our sins—gives us the opportunity for a wonderful future with a lavish inheritance beyond our wildest dreams. All we have to do is allow him to adopt us into his family.1 John 3:1-2See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! . . . Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.We will become like Jesus, not equal to him in power and authority, but equal to him in perfection.Psalm 91:14-16The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”We have an ongoing relationship with God today and forever. Our relationship with God is personal, not merely a philosophical recognition of God. His love is the core of that personal relationship.Romans 8:32Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?God gives us everything he has. He gave to us from a heart of love. We give back in response to his love.Matthew 25:34“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.’”We will inherit all that comes with the Kingdom of Heaven. If we were heirs to a wealthy earthly kingdom, hopefully we would feel greatly privileged. How much more privileged to be heirs of God’s eternal Kingdom!Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.Our faithful predecessors are part of our spiritual heritage. Their legacy of faith shows God’s faithfulness and work in the lives of his people for generations.Proverbs 3:35The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!Romans 8:17Since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.We will inherit honor. Inherited honor comes from a person of honor.

Question 2

How can I leave a spiritual heritage for those who come after me?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 112:1-3Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.Proverbs 20:7The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.2 Timothy 1:5I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.We can pass on a spiritual heritage by living our lives exemplifying faith, obedience, and integrity. Those who watch and respect us will follow in our footsteps.Acts 16:14-15One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.Acts 16:30-34Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.We can pass on a spiritual heritage by encouraging others in our family to experience a personal relationship with God, beginning with salvation through Jesus Christ.1 Thessalonians 2:11-12You know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.We can leave a spiritual heritage by encouraging our children to live godly lives. A positive example and gentle encouragement increase the likelihood that they will grow in their own relationship with Christ.2 Chronicles 20:13All the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children.Nehemiah 12:43Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.We can pass on a spiritual heritage by worshiping God together as a family. The joy experienced through united worship echoes far into the future.Proverbs 4:1-10My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions. For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child. My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.” My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.Proverbs 6:20-23My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.Proverbs 22:6Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.2 Timothy 3:14-15You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.We can pass on a spiritual heritage by giving our children godly instruction based on Scripture. Someday, they will bless us for our efforts.Proverbs 13:24Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.Proverbs 22:15A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.Hebrews 12:11No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.We can pass on a spiritual heritage by disciplining children. This can be unpleasant for all involved, but the momentary pain of discipline will bring long-lasting joy of discipleship.Exodus 10:2“I’ve also done it so you can tell your children and grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them—and so you will know that I am the Lord.”Exodus 12:26-27“Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’ And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’”Deuteronomy 6:20-24“In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the Lord our God has commanded us to obey?’ Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand. The Lord did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, . . . And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day.’”Psalm 145:4-7Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.Isaiah 38:19Only the living can praise you as I do today. Each generation tells of your faithfulness to the next.Isaiah 59:21“And this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!”Joel 1:3Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation.We can pass on a spiritual heritage by telling our children about God. That’s our responsibility. We should take every opportunity to pass on our own stories of God’s faithfulness in our lives.

Question 3

What is the value of a strong spiritual heritage?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 100:5For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.Psalm 103:17-18The love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!Psalm 119:90Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.God’s faithfulness continues for generation after generation. The blessings received by one generation often flow over to the next.Psalm 44:1-3O God, we have heard it with our own ears—our ancestors have told us of all you did in their day, in days long ago: You drove out the pagan nations by your power and gave all the land to our ancestors. You crushed their enemies and set our ancestors free. They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them.Psalm 71:5-6, 17-18O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! . . . O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.Our spiritual heritage can foster our personal hope in God and encourage us to love him more. Our spiritual heritage reminds us to give God credit for our successes.Psalm 78:1-7We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.Our spiritual heritage can serve as a spiritual foundation and inspiration for further spiritual growth.Hebrews 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.Our spiritual heritage encourages us to focus on following Jesus Christ.Numbers 14:24“But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land.”1 Kings 11:9-13The Lord was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the Lord’s command. So now the Lord said to him, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants. But for the sake of your father, David, I will not do this while you are still alive. I will take the kingdom away from your son. And even so, I will not take away the entire kingdom; I will let him be king of one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, my chosen city.”We are the beneficiaries of certain blessings because of our spiritual ancestors.Proverbs 17:6Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.2 John 1:4How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living according to the truth, just as the Father commanded.3 John 1:4I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.A rich spiritual heritage produces joy in family relationships.

Question 4

What are some of the dangers of heritage?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 8:11-12“And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”Luke 3:8“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.”Luke 19:9-10Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”A rich spiritual heritage can never substitute for a personal relationship with God.2 Kings 17:41So while these new residents worshiped the Lord, they also worshiped their idols. And to this day their descendants do the same.Jeremiah 16:11-12“Then you will give them the Lord’s reply: ‘It is because your ancestors were unfaithful to me. They worshiped other gods and served them. They abandoned me and did not obey my word. And you are even worse than your ancestors! You stubbornly follow your own evil desires and refuse to listen to me.”An ungodly heritage can also be passed on to the next generation.Jeremiah 2:5-8This is what the Lord says: “What did your ancestors find wrong with me that led them to stray so far from me? They worshiped worthless idols, only to become worthless themselves. They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord who brought us safely out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness—a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and death, where no one lives or even travels?’ And when I brought you into a fruitful land to enjoy its bounty and goodness, you defiled my land and corrupted the possession I had promised you. The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord?’ Those who taught my word ignored me, the rulers turned against me, and the prophets spoke in the name of Baal, wasting their time on worthless idols.”Jeremiah 3:16“And when your land is once more filled with people,” says the Lord, “you will no longer wish for ‘the good old days’ when you possessed the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant. You will not miss those days or even remember them, and there will be no need to rebuild the Ark.”Ezekiel 18:14, 16“But suppose that sinful son, in turn, has a son who sees his father’s wickedness and decides against that kind of life. . . . He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them. He gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy.”Our spiritual heritage—or lack of it—may be clear to everyone, but it does not determine our future. We can choose to start a new kind of heritage.

Question 5

What if I didn’t have a strong spiritual heritage?

Accepted Answer

Ezekiel 18:20“The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.”Regardless of our ancestors’ lives, we must take responsibility for our own relationship with God. Ours can be the generation that starts a godly heritage.Nehemiah 9:2Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors.Psalm 106:6Like our ancestors, we have sinned. We have done wrong! We have acted wickedly!Our ancestors sinned and so have we. We can recognize, confess, and repent of our own sins, just as our ancestors needed to do.Psalm 119:111-112Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.Acts 20:32“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.”We should immerse ourselves in God’s Word to build the foundation for the next generation’s spiritual heritage.Deuteronomy 5:2-3“The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Mount Sinai. The Lord did not make this covenant with our ancestors, but with all of us who are alive today.”Psalm 27:10-11Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.Regardless of our heritage, God can start his covenant relationship with us. He is able to teach us how to live for him, whether our ancestors were godly or ungodly.2 Chronicles 33:9-16Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations that the Lord had destroyed when the people of Israel entered the land. The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. So the Lord sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. . . . But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God! After this Manasseh . . . tore down all the altars he had built on the hill where the Temple stood and all the altars that were in Jerusalem, and he dumped them outside the city. Then he restored the altar of the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings and thanksgiving offerings on it. He also encouraged the people of Judah to worship the Lord, the God of Israel.Manasseh had a strong spiritual heritage because his father, Hezekiah, was a godly king. So we can see that a positive spiritual heritage is not a prerequisite for a good relationship with God. The opposite is also true, which we can see from godly King Josiah (Manasseh’s grandson) whose father, Amon, was an evil king (see 2 Chronicles 33:21–34:2) But even those who have rebelled against their spiritual heritage can repent and turn to God, regardless of their past.

Question 6

How does God manage my heritage?

Accepted Answer

Ephesians 1:11Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.Colossians 3:24Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.Hebrews 9:15That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.God has planned and promised our inheritance, so we can be confident we will receive it.Psalm 31:19How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.Matthew 25:34“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.’”1 Corinthians 2:9-11That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit.God has prepared our inheritance—something glorious beyond human understanding.Psalm 61:5You have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.1 Peter 1:4We have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.God offers an inheritance to all who love him.

Heritage