Does Inheriting The Kingdom Mean Going To Heaven?
Understanding “Inheriting the Kingdom”: Is It the Same as Going to Heaven?
When Jesus and the apostles spoke about “inheriting the kingdom,” what exactly did they mean? Does this phrase simply refer to going to heaven after death, or is there a deeper and broader meaning in the biblical context? Let’s explore Scripture to understand this important question.
1. Defining “The Kingdom of God”
The term “kingdom of God” (or “kingdom of heaven” in Matthew) is central to Jesus’ teaching. It refers primarily to God’s sovereign rule—both His present reign in the hearts of believers and the future, consummated kingdom at Christ’s return.
Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel. - Mark 1:14-15 ASV
Jesus declared the kingdom was “at hand” (present), but also taught his disciples to pray for its coming (“Thy kingdom come,” Matthew 6:10 ASV), indicating a future fulfillment.
2. Inheriting the Kingdom: Present and Future Aspects
Believers are said to be transferred into the kingdom now (present spiritual reality), yet also to look forward to inheriting it fully (future hope).
Who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love. - Colossians 1:13 ASV
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. - Matthew 25:34 ASV
Thus, “inheriting the kingdom” refers to fully receiving all the blessings and realities of God’s reign—now through new birth (see John 3:3 ASV) and ultimately when Christ returns.
3. Does Inheriting the Kingdom Mean Going to Heaven?
The Bible often uses “inheriting the kingdom” to describe the eternal destiny of believers. This certainly includes being with the Lord after death (“heaven”), but the phrase is richer. It encompasses:
- Entering eternal life (Matthew 19:29 ASV)
- Reigning with Christ in the new creation (Revelation 22:5 ASV)
- Full participation in God’s restored kingdom at the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:50 ASV)
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. - 1 Corinthians 15:50 ASV
Here, Paul ties “inheriting the kingdom” to the resurrection and transformation of believers, not just their souls going to heaven, but their whole being entering the new creation.
4. The Warning Passages
Paul warns that certain lifestyles are incompatible with inheriting the kingdom (see Galatians 5:19-21 ASV; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ASV). This is not teaching salvation by works, but that true faith is evidenced by a transformed life. Only those born again by the Spirit (see John 3:5 ASV) can enter and inherit the kingdom.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men...shall inherit the kingdom of God. - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ASV
5. Summary and Application
While “inheriting the kingdom” certainly includes the believer’s hope of being with Christ after death (“going to heaven”), it is even greater—it points to our full participation in Christ’s reign, the resurrection, and the new creation. It’s the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for His people. We are called to live now as citizens of this kingdom, longing for the day when we will fully inherit all that God has prepared for us in Christ.
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. - Romans 8:17 ASV