Colossians 1:12

giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;

'GIVING THANKS' -Gratitude is. prominent theme in this letter (Colossians 2:7; Colossians 3:15; Colossians 4:2). Eadie notes, 'such joy is no romantic enthusiasm, for it is based upon experience.' (p. 31) 'Patience, perseverance, and joy should continually be accompanied by. thankful spirit. In Christianity, it has been well said, theology is grace, and ethics is gratitude. If God's action and attitude toward his people have been characterized by grace, their response to him, in life and conduct as well as in thought and word, should be characterized by gratitude. Nothing less is fitting.' (F.F. Bruce p. 49) (Ephesians 5:4)

People often will say, 'Never lose your sense of humor'. Let it also be said, 'May you never lose your sense of gratitude towards God.'

'UNTO THE FATHER' -Where Paul has us direct our gratitude (Ephesians 5:20).

'MADE US MEET' -2427. hikanoo hik-an-o'-o; from 2425; to enable, i.e. qualify: -make able (meet).

-'fitted us' (Con); 'qualified us' (Mof); 'who has qualified us' (NASV). 'to make sufficient, to make competent, to qualify' (P.P. Comm. p. 6). 'Who made us fit or adequate for.' (Robertson p. 476)

Point to Note:

Since everyone doesn't have an inheritance in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13), and yet God desires that all be saved (2 Peter 3:9) it must be assumed that certain conditions need to be met before God "qualifies" one (John 1:12). Those conditions are hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17); faith (John 3:16); repentance (Acts 17:30); confession (Romans 10:9); and baptism (Mark 16:16).

And note, since God "made us meet", such conditions as faith and baptism are not to be viewed as human attempts to merit or earn salvation. Both are part of God's gracious provisions for our salvation, that we must simply submit to (Ephesians 2:1).

'PARTAKERS OF THE INHERITANCE' -'to share the lot of those who are living in the light' (Phi).

Points to Note:

1. 'For his holy people, the people of his choice, God in earlier days provided an earthly inheritance,. land which they might enter and possess. But the inheritance in view here belongs to. higher plane and. more enduring order than any terrestrial Canaan.' (F.F. Bruce p. 50)

2. Thus Christians, Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ, the church now constitutes the "people of God" (Galatians 3:26; 1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 2:11).

3. The "inheritance" stressed in the N.T. isn't the land of Canaan, rather it is heaven itself (1 Peter 1:4). The Premillennialist is wrong on. number of counts: (a) Physical Israel no longer has any role in the plan of God. (b) No land remains to be inherited by the people of God, if it does, then it belongs to Christians! The true seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:26).

4. This inheritance involves all the present and future blessings which come from being "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:7).

'OF THE SAINTS IN LIGHT' -Need not be limited to future glory. Christians who are alive walk "in the light" as well (Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:10).

No matter "who" you are. If you are. Christian, then God has qualified you to receive the inheritance that is reserved for every faithful Christian! You, even plain ordinary you, can go to heaven too!