The dictionary defines “inheritance”<\/strong> as receiving property after the death of its owner. In Scripture, too, inheritance often rests on the principle that ownership transfers only after death, either literally or symbolically (as in a covenant or will). Thus, an heir may manage or steward an inheritance ahead of time, but only after the \u201ctestator\u201d (the one giving) dies does the inheritance legally (and fully) become theirs.<\/p>\n In a spiritual sense, this parallels what the Bible teaches: God made a covenant with His people, promising them an inheritance that becomes theirs through Christ\u2019s death and resurrection.<\/p>\n Hebrews 9:16\u201117 (NIV)<\/strong> says:<\/p>\n \u201cIn the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living<\/strong>.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Here the author of Hebrews is arguing that the New Covenant\u2014the inheritance God promises us\u2014could not take effect until Christ died. Without the death, there is no legal transfer of what is promised. In theological terms, Christ\u2019s death is the \u201cprice\u201d or the \u201cguarantee\u201d (KJV: \u201cwithout the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins,\u201d Hebrews 9:22) for the inheritance.<\/p>\n In Hebrews 9:15 (NIV)<\/strong> the inheritance promised under the New Covenant is described as \u201ceternal redemption\u201d<\/em> and a \u201cpromised eternal inheritance\u201d for those called and cleansed by Christ\u2019s blood.<\/p>\n When Paul prays in Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)<\/strong>, he asks that believers might know \u201cthe hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The heirs are those who are in Christ<\/em>, those who have trusted in Him, been regenerated by the Spirit, and live in covenant relationship with God. Paul refers to them variously as saints, God\u2019s children, co-heirs with Christ. The promise of inheritance is tied to faith and to Christ\u2019s finished work.<\/p>\n To understand why Christ\u2019s death is central to inheritance, it helps to consider:<\/p>\n This inheritance is both already<\/strong> and not yet<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Because wording sometimes affects nuance, here are a few version-related notes:<\/p>\n
\nBiblical Foundation: Death, Covenant, and Final Inheritance<\/h2>\n
\nWhat Is the Inheritance? Who Are the Heirs?<\/h2>\n
The Inheritance<\/h3>\n
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The Heirs: The Saints<\/h3>\n
\nTheological Richness: Covenant, Predestination, Redemption<\/h2>\n
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\nThis suggests that the inheritance was planned by God before time (i.e. before the foundation of the world), and believers are brought into it by grace.<\/li>\n
\nEschatological (End Times) Fulfillment<\/h2>\n
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\nVersion Notes & Translation Variations<\/h2>\n
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\nApplication<\/h2>\n
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