What Is The Inheritance Of Believers In Christ?
The Inheritance of Believers in Christ: A Bible Study
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals a consistent theme: God promises an inheritance to those who belong to Him. For believers in Jesus Christ, this inheritance is rich, multifaceted, and secured by God Himself. But what exactly does this mean, and how should it shape our lives today? Let’s explore the biblical teaching on the inheritance of believers.
1. The Foundation: God’s Promise of Inheritance
The concept of inheritance is rooted in God’s covenants. In the Old Testament, God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land (Genesis 17:8 ASV). This earthly inheritance pointed forward to a greater, spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ.
And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. - Genesis 17:8 ASV
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from land to a spiritual inheritance for all who are “in Christ.”
2. The Nature of the Believer’s Inheritance
The inheritance promised to believers is described as:
- Imperishable – It cannot decay or be destroyed.
- Undefiled – It is pure and untainted by sin.
- Unfading – It will never lose its value or beauty.
to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, - 1 Peter 1:4 ASV
This inheritance is not merely a future hope. It begins now, as believers are adopted into God’s family (Romans 8:16-17 ASV) and experience spiritual blessings in Christ.
The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. - Romans 8:16-17 ASV
3. What Does the Inheritance Include?
The New Testament outlines several aspects of our inheritance in Christ:
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Eternal Life: The gift of unending life with God is central to the believer’s inheritance.
And this is the promise which he promised us, even the life eternal. - 1 John 2:25 ASV
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The Kingdom of God: Believers will inherit the kingdom prepared by God.
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
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All Spiritual Blessings: In Christ, believers already possess every spiritual blessing.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: - Ephesians 1:3 ASV
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The New Heavens and New Earth: The ultimate inheritance is the renewed creation, where God dwells with His people.
But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. - 2 Peter 3:13 ASV
4. Secured by Christ
The believer’s inheritance is not earned by works, but received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This is made possible by Christ’s redemptive work:
in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, - Ephesians 1:7 ASV
The Holy Spirit is given as a guarantee—a “down payment”—of this inheritance:
who is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory. - Ephesians 1:14 ASV
5. Living in Light of Our Inheritance
The knowledge of our inheritance should lead to hope, perseverance, and holy living. Paul prayed that believers would know “the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18 ASV), so that we would live with gratitude and confidence, seeking to honor Christ in all things.
Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. - Colossians 3:2 ASV
Conclusion
The inheritance of believers in Christ is far greater than anything this world can offer. It is a secure, eternal, and glorious reality, guaranteed by God’s promise and Christ’s work. As children of God and co-heirs with Christ, let us live today in light of the hope and riches that are ours in Him.