Believers, Heirs of God

The concept of inheritance in the Bible is a profound and multifaceted theme encompassing both spiritual and eschatological dimensions. In the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul, the notion of inheritance is richly developed. This blog post explores the theological depth of the doctrine of believers' inheritance as articulated in Colossians 1:9-12 and Ephesians 1:18, and as demonstrated in John 14:2, with additional insights from related scriptures. Through an evangelical lens, we will examine how these passages elucidate the nature of our inheritance in Christ and its implications for our faith and practice.

Inheritance in Colossians 1:9-12

In Colossians 1:9-12, Paul prays for the believers, asking God to fill them with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that they may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way. This prayer culminates in verse 12, where Paul expresses his gratitude to the Father, "who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light" (Colossians 1:12, ESV).

Paul's use of the term "inheritance" here is significant. It denotes the believers' share in the eschatological blessings promised to God's people. This inheritance is described as being in the "light," which signifies purity, truth, and divine revelation. It contrasts sharply with the "domain of darkness" from which believers have been delivered (Colossians 1:13).

The qualification for this inheritance is not based on human merit but on God's gracious act. Through Christ's redemptive work, believers are made fit to partake in this divine inheritance. This inheritance is not merely a future hope but has present implications, as it influences the believers' conduct and spiritual growth.

Inheritance in Ephesians 1:18

In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays that the eyes of the believers' hearts may be enlightened so that they may know "what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18, ESV). This verse, along with verses 13-14, provides a comprehensive view of inheritance from two perspectives: the believers' inheritance in God and God's inheritance in the believers.

In verses 13-14, Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as the 'guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it' (Ephesians 1:14, ESV). The Holy Spirit, as the third person of the Trinity, is God's presence in the believers' lives, assuring them of their future inheritance. This inheritance is the eternal life with God, His gift to us. The promise of the Holy Spirit underscores the certainty and security of the believers' eschatological hope.

However, in verse 18, Paul shifts the focus to "His inheritance in the saints." This phrase reveals a profound truth: believers themselves are considered God's inheritance. In some mysterious way, God views His people as His cherished possessions. This dual aspect of inheritance—believers' inheritance in God and God's inheritance in believers—highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people.

Psalm 149:4 declares, "For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation" (ESV). This pleasure that God finds in His people is not based on their performance but on His gracious love. Similarly, Psalm 16:11 states, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (ESV). Believers are a source of joy and delight to God, a truth that should profoundly impact their self-understanding and spiritual walk.

Inheritance is Demonstrated in John 14:2

In John 14:2, Jesus comforts His disciples with the promise of an eternal dwelling place. He says, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:2, ESV). This promise assures the believers of their future inheritance in the presence of God.

The imagery of the Father's house with many rooms conveys the idea of abundant provision and eternal security. Just as a house with many rooms can accommodate a large family, God's house has room for all believers. The preparation of a place for His followers by Jesus indicates the certainty of their eschatological hope. This inheritance is not only kept for the believers, but they are also kept for it, as Jesus later assures them that He will come again and take them to Himself (John 14:3).

This promise aligns with Peter's description of the believers' inheritance as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4, ESV). The security and permanence of this inheritance underscore God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Theological Implications

The doctrine of inheritance has profound theological implications for believers' lives and faith. First, it underscores the gracious nature of salvation. Believers do not earn their inheritance; it is a gift from God, secured through the redemptive work of Christ and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. This reality should foster a deep sense of gratitude and humility.

Second, the concept of inheritance highlights believers' eschatological hope. The promise of an eternal inheritance provides comfort and encouragement amid trials and sufferings. It reminds believers that their ultimate home is with God, where they will experience the fullness of joy and pleasure in His presence.

Third, understanding that believers are God's inheritance emphasizes their value and worth in His eyes. This truth should inspire a sense of dignity and purpose. On days when believers struggle to find pleasure in their behavior or potential, they can find solace in knowing that they are a source of pleasure and joy to God.

Finally, the doctrine of inheritance calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. As Paul prays in Colossians 1:10, they are to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (ESV). The certainty of their inheritance should motivate them to pursue holiness and spiritual growth.

Additional Scripture References and Insights

To further enrich our understanding of believers' inheritance, we will explore additional scriptures that complement and deepen the insights provided by Colossians 1:9-12, Ephesians 1:18, and John 14:2.

Inheritance in Romans 8:16-17

Romans 8:16-17 provides a powerful affirmation of the believers' inheritance as children of God. Paul writes, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him" (ESV).

This passage highlights the intimate relationship between believers and God, established through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. As children of God, believers are both heirs and co-heirs with Christ. This relationship means they share in the same inheritance Christ Himself receives from the Father. The inclusion of suffering in this context serves as a reminder that the path to glory often involves trials and tribulations. However, the ultimate reward—glorification with Christ—is assured.

Inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-5

In 1 Peter 1:3-5, the Apostle Peter offers a profound description of the believers' inheritance. He writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (ESV).

Peter emphasizes several characteristics of the believers' inheritance: imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. These attributes highlight the eternal and unchanging nature of the inheritance, contrasting it with this world's temporal and perishable things. Furthermore, this inheritance is kept in heaven for believers, underscoring its security and divine origin. Believers are also guarded by God's power through faith, ensuring they receive the promised inheritance.

Inheritance in Hebrews 9:15

The Epistle to the Hebrews also addresses the theme of inheritance. In Hebrews 9:15, the author writes, "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant" (ESV).

This verse highlights the role of Jesus Christ as the mediator of the new covenant, through which believers receive the promised eternal inheritance. The reference to redemption from transgressions committed under the first covenant underscores the transformative power of Christ's sacrificial death. The eternal inheritance promised to believers is a direct result of Christ's mediation and the establishment of the new covenant.

Conclusion

The additional scripture references in Romans 8:16-17, 1 Peter 1:3-5, and Hebrews 9:15 further illuminate the richness and depth of the believers' inheritance. These passages affirm the believers' status as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, the imperishable and secure nature of the inheritance, and the central role of Christ's redemptive work in securing this inheritance. As believers meditate on these truths, they can gain a deeper appreciation of their eschatological hope and profound value in God's eyes.

The Biblical doctrine of inheritance, as articulated in Colossians 1:9-12, Ephesians 1:18, and John 14:2, and further enriched by additional scriptures, reveals the multifaceted nature of the believers' inheritance. This inheritance encompasses both present spiritual blessings and future eschatological promises, secured by the redemptive work of Christ and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. It highlights the gracious nature of salvation, provides comfort and encouragement, affirms the believers' worth, and calls them to live in a manner worthy of their calling. As believers reflect on these truths, they can find joy, motivation, and hope in their spiritual journey, knowing they are both recipients of God's inheritance and His cherished possession.