What Does It Mean To Inherit The Kingdom Of God?
Understanding What It Means to Inherit the Kingdom of God
The phrase “inherit the Kingdom of God” appears frequently throughout the New Testament and carries profound theological significance. For believers, it points not just to a future hope, but also to a transformed present life. Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about this inheritance, who receives it, and its implications for our faith and daily living.
1. The Promise of Inheritance
The concept of inheritance in the Bible is rooted in God’s covenant promises, first made to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:7 ASV). In the New Testament, this inheritance is revealed as the Kingdom of God, a gift given to those who belong to Christ.
But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name. - John 1:12 ASV
Being a child of God is directly linked to being an heir of the Kingdom. Paul explains this in his letter to the Romans:
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
2. Who Inherits the Kingdom?
The Bible is clear that inheritance of the Kingdom is not earned by works, but is given by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized this when speaking to Nicodemus:
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. - John 3:3 ASV
Paul further clarifies that it is not by our own righteousness, but by faith in Christ:
For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8 ASV
Yet, this inheritance is also marked by a transformed life. Scripture repeatedly warns that those who persist in unrepentant sin will not inherit the Kingdom:
Now the works of the flesh are manifest... of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5:19-21 ASV
This does not mean salvation is by works, but rather that true saving faith results in a changed life by the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:22-23 ASV).
3. The Nature of the Kingdom
Inheriting the Kingdom of God is both a present and a future reality. Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom is at hand (Mark 1:15 ASV), yet the fullness of this inheritance awaits Christ’s return:
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
The Kingdom is the realm where God’s rule is acknowledged, experienced now through the new birth and ultimately consummated in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1 ASV).
4. Living as Heirs of the Kingdom
Those who will inherit the Kingdom are called to live in light of this inheritance. Paul exhorts believers:
Giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love. - Colossians 1:12-13 ASV
We are to reflect the values of the Kingdom—righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17 ASV)—as evidence of our new identity.
5. Assurance and Warnings
The assurance of inheriting the Kingdom rests on God’s promise and the finished work of Christ. However, the New Testament also includes sober warnings, calling for self-examination and perseverance in faith:
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived... and such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ASV
This shows the transformative power of God’s grace—He not only forgives, but changes those who are His.
Conclusion
To inherit the Kingdom of God is to receive, by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the full blessings of God’s rule—now in part, and fully in the age to come. It is a gift, a calling, and a hope that shapes every aspect of the believer’s life.