Topical Encyclopedia In Christian theology, the concept of salvation is central, encompassing the deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ. A significant aspect of this salvation is the inheritance promised to the saints, those who are sanctified and set apart by God. This inheritance is both a present reality and a future hope, deeply rooted in the promises of Scripture.Biblical Foundation The New Testament frequently speaks of believers as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. This inheritance is not merely a future reward but is also a present possession, secured through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, articulates this truth: "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" (Romans 8:17). This passage underscores the intimate relationship between suffering with Christ and the glory that believers will share with Him. Nature of the Inheritance The inheritance of the saints is described in various ways throughout the New Testament. It is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for believers (1 Peter 1:4). This inheritance includes eternal life, the kingdom of God, and the fullness of salvation. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Ephesians, prays that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened to know "the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18). This inheritance is not only a future reality but also a present assurance, as believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing what is to come (Ephesians 1:13-14). Adoption as Sons and Daughters The concept of inheritance is closely tied to the believer's adoption as sons and daughters of God. Through faith in Christ, believers are adopted into God's family, becoming His children and thus heirs. Paul emphasizes this in Galatians: "So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God" (Galatians 4:7). This adoption is a transformative act of grace, conferring upon believers the rights and privileges of sonship, including the inheritance of eternal life. The Role of Faith Faith is the means by which believers receive this inheritance. The writer of Hebrews highlights the importance of faith in inheriting the promises of God: "And we desire each of you to show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Hebrews 6:11-12). Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a living trust in God and His promises, demonstrated through perseverance and obedience. The Kingdom of God The inheritance of the saints is often associated with the kingdom of God. Jesus, in His teachings, frequently spoke of the kingdom as an inheritance for the righteous. In the Beatitudes, He declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). This promise points to the eschatological hope of the new heavens and the new earth, where righteousness dwells and where the saints will reign with Christ. Conclusion The inheritance of the saints is a profound aspect of salvation, encompassing both present realities and future hopes. It is a testament to God's grace and faithfulness, assuring believers of their eternal destiny as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Through faith, adoption, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are secured in this glorious inheritance, awaiting the full realization of God's promises in the age to come. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Concerning the Honour Due to the Saints and their Remains. Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth. The Perseverance of the Saints Departed Saints Fellowservants with those yet on Earth. How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest. Your Own Salvation The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Salvation of the Lord The Impossibility of Failure. God Alone the Salvation of his People Resources Questions about Salvation (All) | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can I stop questioning my salvation? | GotQuestions.org Salvation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salvation is Deliverance From: Enemies Salvation is Deliverance From: Eternal Death Salvation is Deliverance From: Sin Salvation is Deliverance From: The Devil Salvation is Deliverance From: This Present Evil World Salvation is Deliverance From: Uncleanness Salvation is Deliverance From: Wrath Salvation is Far off from the Wicked Salvation is of the Appointment of God Salvation is of the Patience of God Salvation is of the Purpose of God Salvation is Through Faith in Christ Salvation of Israel, Predicted Salvation of the Gentiles, Predicted Salvation: All the Earth Shall See Salvation: Announced After the Fall Salvation: Came to the Gentiles Through the Fall of the Jews Salvation: Christ: Appointed For Salvation: Christ: Brings, With Him Salvation: Christ: Came to Effect Salvation: Christ: Died to Effect Salvation: Christ: Exalted to Give Salvation: Christ: Mighty to Effect Salvation: Christ: Raised up For Salvation: Christ: The Author of Salvation: Christ: The Captain of Salvation: Confession of Christ Necessary To Salvation: Final Perseverance Necessary To Salvation: from Generation to Generation Salvation: from Sin, to be Worked out With Fear and Trembling Salvation: God is Willing to Give Salvation: Godly Sorrow Works Repentance To Salvation: Illustrated by a Cup Salvation: Illustrated by a Helmet Salvation: Illustrated by a Horn Salvation: Illustrated by a Lamp Salvation: Illustrated by a Rock Salvation: Illustrated by a Shield Salvation: Illustrated by a Tower Salvation: Illustrated by a Victory Salvation: Illustrated by Chariots Salvation: Illustrated by Clothing Salvation: Illustrated by Typified by the Bronze Serpent Salvation: Illustrated by Walls and Bulwarks Salvation: Illustrated by Wells Salvation: Ministers are a Sweet Savour of Christ to God, in Those Who Obtain Salvation: Ministers: Give the Knowledge of Salvation: Ministers: should be Clothed In Salvation: Ministers: should Endure Suffering That the Elect May Obtain Salvation: Ministers: should Exhort To Salvation: Ministers: should Labour to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: should Use Self-Denial to Lead Others To Salvation: Ministers: Show the Way of Salvation: No Escape for Those Who Neglect Salvation: Preaching the Word is the Appointed Means of Salvation: Reconciliation to God, a Pledge of Salvation: Regeneration Necessary To Salvation: Revealed in the Gospel Salvation: Saints are Heirs of Salvation: Saints: Appointed to Obtain Salvation: Saints: Ascribe, to God Salvation: Saints: Beautified With Salvation: Saints: Clothed With Salvation: Saints: Commemorate, With Thanks Salvation: Saints: Daily Approach Nearer To Salvation: Saints: Earnestly Look For Salvation: Saints: Evidence, by Works Salvation: Saints: Have a Token of, in Their Patient Suffering for Christ Salvation: Saints: Have, Through Grace Salvation: Saints: Kept by the Power of God To Salvation: Saints: Praise God For Salvation: Saints: Pray for a Joyful Sense of Salvation: Saints: Pray for the Assurance of Salvation: Saints: Pray to be Visited With Salvation: Saints: Receive, As the End of Their Faith Salvation: Saints: Satisfied By Salvation: Saints: Welcome the Tidings of Salvation: Searched Into and Exhibited by the Prophets Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Earthly Power Salvation: Sought in Vain From: Idols Salvation: The Gospel is the Power of God To Salvation: The Heavenly Host Ascribe, to God Salvation: The Scriptures are Able to Make Wise To Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Salvation-having (1 Occurrence) |
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