What is substance? The dictionary defines substance as "substantial or solid character or quality". "... that I may cause those who love Me to inherit SUBSTANCE; and I will fill their treasures." (Proverbs 8:21)

     So for those who love Jesus, He will cause to inherit "substantial or solid character or quality". And to boot, Jesus will fill our treasures. That means: completely, fully, without lack. To a maximum degree. Plentifully. Abundantly. Substantially.

     What else can we say about substance? Inheriting substance means we transform from common dust, being something without substance, devoid of shape, being something entirely without form, nor character nor quality, into the substance and character and quality of a vessel of honour (2 Timothy 2:21). It means that we are promoted. It means we are elevated. It means we become something substantially more than we ever were before. Substance also conveys the impression of weight. Of being solid. Our qualities and our character take weight. They are heavy with substance. They assume a state of bulkiness. They take upon their being both form and function. They are attired with essence. We transform from that which is as indeterminable and nondescript as the poverty of dust into the bountiful boon of material significance. From that which is indistinguishable, we inherit immaculate distinction. From that which is shapeless, we take on an orderly arrangement, having now sudden structure and specific meaning.

     By comparison, as dust, however, it is impossible to distinguish one part of dust from the next. Can we, with accuracy and certainty, call out one part of dust as being singularly distinct from the next? Are we even able to call one out from the other by individual name? But now stand up that same dust with the water of the Spirit as a pot of polished clay, as a vessel of honour, made by the supreme hand of the master potter, and it now declares its presence and identity before all of creation and its Creator. Whereas dust prostrates itself meaninglessly and weightlessly upon the ground, in its place, a forged and framed vessel stands up, noticeably upright, solid and definite by obvious contrast. It elevates both above and from its prior indeterminate station. It now serves an unquestionable and certain purpose. It becomes the expression and accomplishment of divine form and function. From being "dust", we become as "living stones", being built up into spiritual temples (1 Peter 2:5). "Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself" (Ephesians 2:20). We inherit a place of permanent standing, and belonging, and with it, a quintessential relationship of both quality and substance.

     What else do we inherit? We inherit a name. "To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it" (Revelation 2:17). We become identified "by" and "with" Christ. We inherit identity. And with that identity, we will be granted both legal tender and right of passage to ALL that pertains to our "full and abundant inheritance" in Christ Jesus. For He goes before us all to prepare a place for us in His Father's house (John 14:2). And of this place, we can most emphatically be assured, "No eye has seen nor ear has heard, nor has mind conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9).

    As for me, though, I don't think I could ask for much more than being one of “character and quality”. I do so deeply and desperately desire to have, through Christ, character and quality. As long as I inherit the incomparable "substance of Christ", my soul will be richly satisfied. For THAT is the real treasure and the fat of substance. "For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.” (Ephesians 5:30).

     But before this, and more so than this, I desire to first know my God, and to love my God, with all my heart and all my mind and all my soul and all my strength. And to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

     As for the name my Lord sovereignly decrees fitting to thereafter give unto me on that treasured and promised day, I look eagerly forward to that wonderful announcement, with both substantial hope and faith, and with immense joyful anticipation.