The passage above is often presented as meaning that by making a statement of belief in Jesus Christ we have a ticket to Heaven, and how we behave can have no critical effect on our eternal destiny. While this interpretation may not always be stated as succinctly as we have presented it, in many instances it is the impression that is left.

Perhaps this understanding of the passage has been helpful in the past in leading people to Christ. But today the interpretation is counterproductive since it tends to keep the believers in a state of eternal babyhood.

Let us examine the context of the two verses. I think the context will reveal that the prevailing interpretation is not suitable. We shall start with Ephesians 1:18 to see what Paul meant by "by grace you have been saved." We also will keep in mind other parts of the Book of Ephesians.

To begin:

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18—NIV)

The inheritance works two ways. We are God's inheritance and God is our inheritance.

We are reminded of God's exhortation to the Israelite priesthood of the old covenant. God told the priests they would not have the same inheritance as the rest of the Israelites because He Himself was their inheritance.

We saints need to realize that God Himself is our inheritance. The eyes of our heart must be opened to this fact. There is so much self-centered talk today in Christian circles about what we can get God to do for us. How disappointing to the Lord is this attitude. Don't we realize what an incredible gift we have in that God has called us to be saints, to be holy ones, to dwell in His Presence and always be with Him?

God is our inheritance. We certainly will inherit many other relationships, things, environments, opportunities for service, wealth of all kinds, authority, and power. But all of these are as nothing compared with God Himself. Until we realize this we are coming short of the Glory of God and probably are guilty of idolatry. Let us pray about this until our heart is single toward the Lord.

It also is true that we are God's inheritance. Never before has God had sons, brothers of Jesus Christ, a royal priesthood, saints transformed into the image of Christ and dwelling in untroubled union in Christ in Himself. For eternity we shall lift up holy hands and bless the Lord. In God's eyes this is an inheritance of indescribable value.

Can you see how we are beginning to build to a proper understanding of Ephesians 2:8,9?

And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, (Ephesians 1:19—NIV)

To be continued.