Inheriting, within the biblical context, refers to the act of receiving an inheritance, which can be both physical and spiritual. The concept of inheritance is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, encompassing the transfer of property, blessings, and promises from one generation to another. It is a significant theme that reflects God's covenantal relationship with His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, inheritance primarily pertains to the land and possessions passed down through family lines. The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel is a prominent example. In Numbers 26:52-56, God instructs Moses on how the land is to be apportioned among the tribes: "The LORD said to Moses, 'The land is to be divided among them as an inheritance based on the number of names.'" . This inheritance was not merely a matter of wealth but a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7).

The laws of inheritance were also established to ensure the continuity of family lineage and property within the tribes. For instance, the daughters of Zelophehad appealed to Moses for their right to inherit their father's property, leading to a divine ruling that allowed daughters to inherit if there were no sons (Numbers 27:1-11).

Spiritual Inheritance

Beyond physical possessions, the Old Testament also introduces the concept of spiritual inheritance. The Levites, for example, did not receive a portion of the land because the LORD Himself was their inheritance (Deuteronomy 10:9). This highlights a deeper understanding of inheritance as a relationship with God and participation in His promises.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of inheritance takes on a more spiritual dimension, emphasizing the believers' inheritance in Christ. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of this spiritual inheritance, which includes eternal life, the kingdom of God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul writes, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." .

This inheritance is not earned but is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is described as imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for believers (1 Peter 1:4). The New Testament also emphasizes that this inheritance is available to all who are in Christ, regardless of ethnic or social background, as seen in Galatians 3:29: "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise." .

Inheritance and the Kingdom of God

The concept of inheriting the kingdom of God is central to Jesus' teachings. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5). This promise extends beyond the physical realm, pointing to the future reality of God's kingdom where righteousness dwells.

Moreover, inheriting the kingdom is linked to living a life that reflects God's values. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul warns that certain behaviors are incompatible with inheriting the kingdom: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." .

Conclusion

The biblical concept of inheriting encompasses both the tangible and intangible, reflecting God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire for His people to partake in His eternal kingdom. Through Christ, believers are assured of a spiritual inheritance that transcends earthly possessions, rooted in the hope of eternal life and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Inherit.

(Of Marriages among Blood-Relations, and of those who are Born of ...
... who spring from them. Secular laws, again, call such persons infamous,
and interdict them from inheriting. And we too, following ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/iv of marriages among blood-relations.htm

'A Time to Plant'
... reap.'. And let me remind you that that law of inheriting the fruit of our
doings is by no means exhausted by the experience of life. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a time to plant.htm

All Saints' Day and Other Sermons
... Title Page. ALL SAINTS' DAY AND OTHER SERMONS "Inheriting the zeal And from the
sanctity of elder times Not deviating; -- a priest, the like of whom If ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/title page.htm

Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer
... giving. We must never forget that God has put the conquering, inheriting
and expanding forces of Christ's cause in prayer. "ask ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/v jesus christ the divine.htm

The Beginnings of Church Reform
... was an imminent danger that the ecclesiastical order would shortly lapse into an
hereditary social caste, and that the sons of priests inheriting their fathers ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter i the beginnings of.htm

The Service Common to Two or More Monks.
... Now that ye are enjoying the food, surrounded with the light and inheriting the
life eternal, do deliver those who have recourse unto you, from dangers ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xiii the service common.htm

Introduction
... his works"amongst the rest, to the flesh or body of man; affirming that it could
not rise again, and that the soul alone was capable of inheriting immortality ...
/.../tertullian/on the resurrection of the flesh/introduction.htm

Means Employed by the Enemies of Jesus for Carrying Out their ...
... Others there were whose friends he had cured, and who had thus been disappointed
in their expectations of inheriting property; debauchees whose victims he had ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter iv means employed by.htm

God's Inheritance and Ours
... So, in this context, the Apostle seems to be haunted with that thought of 'inheriting'
and 'inheritance,' and he recurs to it several times, but sets it at ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/gods inheritance and ours.htm

Suffering with Christ, a Condition of Glory with Christ
... Christ. But unless there be sonship, there is no possibility of inheriting
God; discipline and suffering will be of no use at all. ...
/.../suffering with christ a condition.htm

Inheriting (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Inherit. Multi-Version
Concordance Inheriting (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 6:12 that ye ...
/i/inheriting.htm - 6k

Levite (43 Occurrences)
... When the Israelites left Egypt, the ancient manner of worship was still observed
by them, the eldest son of each house inheriting the priest's office. ...
/l/levite.htm - 26k

Inheritance (263 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act or state of inheriting; as, the inheritance
of an estate; the inheritance of mental or physical qualities. ...
/i/inheritance.htm - 45k

Inheriteth (2 Occurrences)

/i/inheriteth.htm - 7k

Inheritor (1 Occurrence)

/i/inheritor.htm - 6k

Primogeniture
... Thus in England the right of inheriting the estate of the father belongs to the
eldest son, and in the royal family the eldest son of the sovereign is entitled ...
/p/primogeniture.htm - 13k

Promised (150 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 6:12 that ye may not become slothful, but followers of those who through
faith and patient endurance are inheriting the promises. (See NIV). ...
/p/promised.htm - 37k

Brother (402 Occurrences)
... died without male issue, he should take the widow to wife, and "raise up seed unto
his brother," the firstborn of the new marriage inheriting the deceased ...
/b/brother.htm - 47k

King (25505 Occurrences)
... Daniel sees the rise and progress, the decline and fall of many mighty empires,
but beyond all he sees the Son of man inheriting an everlasting kingdom (7:13). ...
/k/king.htm - 64k

Husband's (19 Occurrences)
... died without male issue, he should take the widow to wife, and "raise up seed unto
his brother," the firstborn of the new marriage inheriting the deceased ...
/h/husband's.htm - 13k

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Inheriting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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