Eternal Children of God
Scripture Reading — 2 Peter 3:1-13
In his great mercy he has given us new birth … into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
1 Peter 1:3-4
The promise of a great inheritance of money can give us a sense of security and peace. But any stability created by the world’s wealth is always temporary. In the end, the notions of financial peace and economic security are false substitutes for real, fulfilling life with God.
When we allow riches to fill the place in our hearts that should be given to God, we eventually learn that the results are not satisfying. As John D. Rockefeller said, “I have made millions, and they have brought me no happiness.”
But the problem is not in wealth itself. Instead, the problem is in our tendency to attribute to this world what is rightly reserved for the new heaven and new earth. The world’s treasures quickly perish, spoil, and fade. They are powerless to offer any lasting hope. All earthly treasures will eventually be destroyed.
The Lord alone grants eternal peace and security. Through his Holy Spirit he affirms that we are his children, secure in his love, and citizens of his eternal kingdom! Only God is able to deliver on the promise “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
There is only one way to receive this eternal inheritance—by following Jesus, “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Will you receive him today?
Dear Lord, forgive us for pursuing false security and empty hopes. By your Holy Spirit fill our minds with your truth and our hearts with your peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Calvin Hoogendoorn
Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn serves as senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Previously he served two churches in Illinois. He and his wife, Carla, have three daughters.
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