Biblical Inheritance

“To come into possession of or receive, especially as a right or divine portion. ‘Every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters … for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and eternal life’ (Matthew 19:29, RSV).” This is the first meaning provided by Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, for the word “inherit.”

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Every possession that God has provided through His divine plan of the ages, either for His intelligent creation or Himself, can be considered an “inheritance.” Life on any plane of existence, earthly or spiritual, and a relationship with God, are all part of one’s inheritance.

This issue of the Herald focuses on the various inheritances offered by God and identified in the Scriptures. These inheritances, when considered collectively, describe the essence of God’s divine plan of the ages.

“Crowned with Glory and Honor” describes the original inheritance given to our first parents, Adam and Eve, and how they lost it through disobedience. The next article, “Granted by Means of a Promise,” examines the inheritance God promised to Abraham in reward for his life of faithfulness and obedience to God. This inheritance provided an outline of God’s plan of salvation for Israel and all mankind.

“A Heritage to His People Israel” considers the inheritance God gave to the descendants of Abraham, Israel, and how that nation struggled to claim, and eventually lost, that inheritance due to disobedience. Next, “Every Knee Shall Bow” examines what Jesus did to satisfy divine justice to ensure recovery of man’s earthly inheritance, and what Jesus received as his own personal inheritance for being faithful unto death.

“Called to Glory and Service” reviews the present and future inheritance of the followers of Jesus, his Church, and how they will work with Christ to restore man’s inheritance. The next article, “They Are My People,” considers the future inheritance promised to Israel under a New Covenant and how that inheritance will result in them becoming God’s people.

“Let Him Take the Water of Life Freely” describes the inheritance offered by Christ and his Church to the world of mankind in Christ’s earthly kingdom. Finally, “God’s Inheritance” shows that God’s divine plan of the ages, when complete, provides Him with an everlasting inheritance.

This issue will provide greater insight into the inheritance God has made or will make available through His divine plan of the ages, both to His intelligent creation and to Himself.