The stark reality that is facing the Church is that many Christians are unaware of their inheritance in Christ.

According to the English dictionary, an inheritance is property, money, and rights that someone receives after a person died. In other words, you become an heir or heiress.

As a result of Christ death and resurrection, God willed us an inheritance that we are all free to receive.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)

What is our inheritance?

The inheritance that we received are the promises, blessings, rights, property, and wealth that God gave to Abraham.

The Lord promised Abraham that:

• His descendants would become a great nation and would be as plentiful as the stars in the heaven.
• His name would be great and become a blessing to others.
• Those, who blessed Abraham, would be blessed, but those who cursed him would be cursed.
• As a result of Abraham’s obedience, all the families of the earth would be blessed. (Genesis 12:1-3)
• God would give him a fertile land for his descendants
• Abraham and his wife Sarah would have a child to be their heir.
• Abraham would be exceedingly fruitful, kings and nations would come from his loins.
• He would become a father of many nations (Genesis 17).

  

The Lord also promised Abraham that the covenant is everlasting between him and his descendants and it became established in Abraham’s life because of his obedience. (Genesis 17:7).

The Lord swore by His name because there was no one greater to confirm the covenant with Abraham. God confirmed His Word with an oath to end all dispute thus ensuring that His heirs receive the inheritance of Abraham.

How did God make the oath with Abraham?

After Abraham defeated the enemy and rescued his nephew Lot, Melchizedek king of Salem met him with bread and wine. Melchizedek was described as a priest of the Most High.

The Bible states that he was without father, mother or genealogy. He had no beginning or end of life but was made like the Son of God and remains a priest forever.

It was the first time that Abraham met Melchizedek. He just appeared and blessed Abraham in the name of the Most High God, possessor of the heaven and earth. (Genesis 14:18-20)

The priest brought bread and wine with him, so naturally, he shared them with Abraham. God sent His High Priest, who represented Jesus Christ, to perform the first communion with Abraham.

The bread and wine represented the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who made atonement for our sins.

Thus, God sealed His covenant with Abraham by the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Consequently, the covenant is a surety and is unbreakable.

Melchizedek also gave thanks to God, who had delivered Abraham from the enemies. Abraham recognized the significance of the Priest’s blessings, and he showed his gratitude not only in words but deeds.

How did Abraham show his gratitude to God?

Abraham gave the priest a tithe or a tenth of all his possessions. Abraham demonstrated the tithing principle even before it was made a law under Moses.

Does this principle still stand? Is it necessary to pay tithes in the Church?

Related: Is Tithing Necessary?