In Jesus we have an inheritance
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
Word Study: The word counsel in greek is the word “boule” which means an inward thought process leading towards a decision or a result based on an inner deliberation.
Comment: In Him, Jesus Christ, we have obtained an inheritance. What is this inheritance, eternal life. Another spiritual blessing that God has blessed us with in Jesus. Peter says it is an inheritance which is imperishable and unfading which is kept for us in heaven. This inheritance we are receiving through Jesus Christ. Paul, continues to say God having decided beforehand based on an inward deliberation, inward thought process that led to His will, He chose the Jews to be first to hope in Jesus so that through them, He might be glorified. Again, Paul highlights that the choosing of the Jews to be the first ones to hope in Christ was based solely on an inward deliberation or though process by God and not on anything that the Jews did or were going to do. Paul also highlights that it was God’s plan all along.
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Comment: Another blessing poured this time on the gentiles, was that when they heard the word of truth, which is the good news that they also can be saved, those who believe in Jesus, that is those who put their trust in Jesus and obey, those who believe in Jesus, are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. When the gentiles who believe receive the Holy Spirit, they are sealed. To be sealed means to be identified with God. You are marked as belonging to God. So, when the gentiles put their trust and obey Jesus Christ, this leads to them being marked as belonging to God. This Holy Spirit that the gentiles receive, also serves as a guarantee of their inheritance until they acquire possession of it so that in the end God may be glorified. When you put your trust in Jesus and obey Him, God says you now belong to me and I will give you internal life as an inheritance and I guarantee that with the Holy Spirit that I now pour over you.