The concept of inheritance within the context of the Church is deeply rooted in biblical theology, reflecting both spiritual and eschatological dimensions. Inheritance, as understood in the Scriptures, often pertains to the blessings and promises bestowed upon the people of God, both in the present age and in the age to come.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of inheritance is first introduced in the Old Testament, primarily in relation to the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Genesis 12:7 records God's promise to Abram: "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.'" This promise is reiterated throughout the patriarchal narratives and becomes a central theme in the history of Israel. The land of Canaan is described as an inheritance for the tribes of Israel, a tangible sign of God's covenantal faithfulness (Joshua 14:9).

Inheritance in the Old Testament also carries a spiritual dimension, as seen in the Psalms and the Prophets. Psalm 16:5-6 declares, "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my inheritance is beautiful to me." Here, the psalmist speaks of the Lord Himself as the ultimate inheritance, transcending material possessions.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of inheritance is expanded and fulfilled in Christ. Believers are described as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, a status that is secured through faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16-17 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him."

The inheritance promised to believers is both a present reality and a future hope. Ephesians 1:13-14 speaks of the Holy Spirit as "the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." This inheritance includes eternal life, the kingdom of God, and the fullness of salvation.

The Church as Heirs

The Church, as the body of Christ, collectively shares in this inheritance. 1 Peter 1:3-4 describes it as "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This inheritance is not based on ethnic lineage or adherence to the law but is granted through the grace of God to all who are in Christ, Jew and Gentile alike.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the unity of believers in this inheritance, as seen in Galatians 3:28-29 : "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise."

Eschatological Hope

The full realization of the Church's inheritance is eschatological, pointing to the future consummation of God's kingdom. Revelation 21:7 promises, "The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son." This future inheritance includes the new heavens and the new earth, where believers will dwell with God eternally.

In summary, the concept of inheritance in the Church encompasses the present spiritual blessings in Christ and the future hope of eternal life and glory. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ.Psalm 28:9
Save your people, and bless your inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 19:25
Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.
Nave's Topical Index

Our Inheritance
... this inheritance. But, my dear brother and sister, our Saviour had also another
purpose in view in this stupendous sacrifice. He gave himself for the church, ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter v our inheritance.htm

"Give Heed unto Me," the Church Says unto You; Give Heed unto Me ...
... 7. "Give heed unto me," the Church says unto you; give heed unto me, whom ye see ...
Thee; demand of Me and I will give Thee nations as Thy inheritance, and as Thy ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /7 give heed unto me.htm

The Presbyterian Church of England.
... the call of the Gospel; and that He abides with the Church, dwelling in ... abiding in
them, the witness to their sonship, and the earnest of their inheritance. ...
/.../the presbyterian church of england.htm

Psalm LXI.
... the boundaries of the earth." [2338] This therefore Christ's possession, this Christ's
inheritance, this Christ's Body, this Christ's one Church, this the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxi.htm

Effects of the Destruction of Jerusalem on the Christian Church.
... the Old Testament revelation. The church, on the contrary, entered into the
inheritance of Israel. The Christians appeared as genuine ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 39 effects of the.htm

What is Sanctification?
... of faithful ministry in that city, upon the solemn event of his departure from them,
among his last words he reminds the church of the "inheritance among all ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter i what is sanctification.htm

Methodist Church Union in England.
... 1. The Methodist Church claims and cherishes its place in the holy Catholic Church,
which is the Body of Christ. It rejoices in the inheritance of the ...
/.../methodist church union in england.htm

On the Catholic Church, Her Parts and Relations
... The Catholic Church is "ONE," because, under one God and Father, who is above all ...
in the same word, through a similar hope of the same inheritance, and through ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation liv on the catholic.htm

The Unity of the Church.
... Amid all the changes of this world, the Church built upon St. ... that there has been
this perpetual succession, this unforfeited inheritance, is sufficiently ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xvii the unity of.htm

The Inheritance.
... small it may then prove to be in its proportion, of the inheritance of the ... taken,
a blessed promise compared with the notion of a continuous church-going! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the inheritance.htm

Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.org

What was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? | GotQuestions.org

Is there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.org

Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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