Topical Bible: Redemption: Subjects of The Inheritance

◄ Redemption: Subjects of The Inheritance ►

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In the Christian theological framework, redemption is a central theme that encompasses the deliverance from sin and its consequences through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This redemption is not only a release from bondage but also an entry into a new inheritance, a promise of eternal life and a restored relationship with God. The subjects of this inheritance are those who have been redeemed by Christ and are thus considered heirs to the promises of God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of inheritance in the Bible is deeply rooted in the promises made to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham. In Genesis 12:7, God promises Abraham, "To your offspring I will give this land." This promise is not merely about physical land but symbolizes a broader spiritual inheritance that is fulfilled in Christ. The Apostle Paul elucidates this in Galatians 3:29, stating, "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise."

Heirs of God and Co-heirs with Christ

The New Testament further expands on the idea of believers as heirs. Romans 8:17 declares, "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." This passage highlights the intimate relationship between believers and God, emphasizing that through Christ, believers are not only redeemed but also adopted into God's family, sharing in the inheritance of His kingdom.

The Nature of the Inheritance

The inheritance promised to believers is both present and future. Ephesians 1:13-14 speaks of the Holy Spirit as a "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." This indicates that while believers experience aspects of this inheritance now—such as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit—the fullness of the inheritance is yet to be realized in the eschatological future.

Inheritance as Eternal Life

The ultimate inheritance for the redeemed is eternal life. In Titus 3:7, Paul writes, "so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life." This eternal life is not merely an unending existence but a quality of life that is in perfect communion with God, free from sin, suffering, and death.

Inheritance and the Kingdom of God

The inheritance also pertains to the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 25:34, Jesus speaks of the final judgment, saying, "Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.'" This kingdom is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where the redeemed will reign with Christ.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the means by which believers become subjects of this inheritance. Hebrews 11:8-10 recounts the faith of Abraham, who "by faith made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country." Similarly, believers are called to live by faith, trusting in the promises of God and looking forward to the inheritance that is secured through Christ.

Conclusion

The subjects of the inheritance in the Christian doctrine of redemption are those who, through faith in Jesus Christ, have been adopted into the family of God. They are heirs to the promises made to Abraham, co-heirs with Christ, and recipients of an eternal inheritance that encompasses eternal life and the Kingdom of God. This inheritance is both a present reality and a future hope, guaranteed by the Holy Spirit and rooted in the redemptive work of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 1:14
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Full Redemption
... will have the whole of the lost inheritance of his ... you know this morning whether
you are subjects of that ... The redemption shall be complete; "not a hoof shall ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/full redemption.htm

Plenteous Redemption
... redeemed the bodies of his people; he has redeemed the original inheritance which
man ... the souls of none other men were in that sense subjects of redemption. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/plenteous redemption.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Abtalion, saying of, i.128. Academics, subjects of study in, i.232; ... Inheritance,
Jewish law of, ii.243, 259; ... His circumcision and redemption, 193-197; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

The Hope of the Calling
... the first and the second of these subjects of the ... it is fixed; 'the glory of the
inheritance'; then the ... the world if the results of that redemption, as they ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the hope of the calling.htm

The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... the Book and the Lamb, and their relation to two great subjects, Creation (chap. ...
That object is the redemption of the forfeited inheritance. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm

The Glory Song.
... titles take in His earthly life, His redemption work and ... He comes "whose right it
is" and claims His inheritance. ... in which we are to be subjects and governed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the glory song.htm

On Christian Liberty
... cause is the ransom, or the price of redemption, and the ... (Galatians 4:6.) Its subjects
are all ... but is himself capable of managing his inheritance, of being his ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 20 on christian liberty.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... rightful owner of the world, and whose inheritance has been ... God, and around Him are
the subjects of His ... the successive steps in the great plan of redemption. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

The Controversy Ended
... rightful owner of the world and whose inheritance has been ... of God, and around Him
are the subjects of His ... the successive steps in the great plan of redemption. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 42 the controversy ended.htm

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... SEVERAL SERMONS UPON THE MOST IMPORTANT SUBJECTS OF PRACTICAL ... a ransom for him, for
the redemption of their ... seek an eternal and sure inheritance, sure mercies. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix seek first the.htm