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The Epistle has been hitherto occupied with prefatory observations. Here Paul enters upon his principal theme.

I. THE OPULENT INHERITANCE PROVIDED FOR THE GOOD.

1. It is a present and prospective possession.

(1) The saints even now "walk in the light as He is in the light." They have a measure of knowledge, but it is dimmed by many obscurities: of purity, but it is surrounded with imperfections: of joy, but it is moderated by sorrows. The prospective knowledge shall be unclouded, purity unsullied, joy uninterrupted.

2. It is a possession provided for the good. Not for the impenitent, the worldly. It is an inheritance where only the pure in heart can dwell.

3. It is a possession freely given. The legal heir has no need to work for his inheritance: he enters by right of succession, or testatorial bequest. The saint enters upon his inheritance of righteousness, not by natural descent, or self-constituted right.

II. THE SPECIAL MEETNESS FOR THE INHERITANCE. This is —

1. Absolutely necessary. A monarch can raise the barest slave to a dukedom, but he cannot give him fitness for its duties. He may change his state, but cannot change his nature.

2. Consists in the loving conformity of the human will to the Divine. The celestial spirits find their highest glory and blessedness in this.

3. Is a Divine work.

(1) God provides the inheritance, gives the title, confers the moral fitness. None but the Almighty Father could do this.

III. THE DUTY WE OWE TO THE GENEROUS DONOR Gratitude.

1. Practical.

2. Fervent.

3. Constant.

(G. Barlow.)

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KJV: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

WEB: giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;