An heir in the Bible refers to someone who inherits or is entitled to inherit property or a title upon the death of another. The concept of inheritance is central in Scripture, as believers are described as “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). Here is a 9,000 word overview of what the Bible teaches about heirs:
Old Testament Background
In the Old Testament, inheritance laws and customs were an important part of Israelite society. Property, wealth, and leadership positions were passed down from fathers to sons as a birthright. The firstborn son had the right of primogeniture, meaning he would receive a double portion of the inheritance and would succeed his father as head of the household (Deuteronomy 21:17).
Daughters could inherit if there were no sons, but their inheritance would pass to their husbands upon marriage (Numbers 27:1-11). Inheritances were intended to keep tribal lands and property within the same families and tribes from one generation to the next (Numbers 36:1-13).
The promised land itself was the ultimate inheritance for the people of Israel. God promised to give Canaan to Abraham and his descendants as an “everlasting possession” (Genesis 17:8). After the Exodus from Egypt, the land was divided among the 12 tribes. Tribal allotments were passed down within each tribe from generation to generation according to inheritance laws and customs (Joshua 13-22).
Kings also passed down their royal dynasty and throne to their sons as a hereditary right. God’s covenant with David established his house and kingdom would endure forever, culminating in the eternal reign of the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Heirs in the New Testament
In the New Testament, these Old Testament concepts take on new spiritual meaning for believers in Christ. Jesus is the ultimate heir and fulfillment of God’s covenant promises. Believers become “fellow heirs” with Christ through faith in Him.
Jesus as the Heir
Jesus is the heir par excellence. As the Son of God, He is “heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2). Jesus is the rightful heir to God’s kingdom, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about a coming king from David’s line (Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32-33).
As the Messiah, Jesus also fulfills and inherits all the Old Testament promises, covenants, and prophecies (2 Corinthians 1:20). Believers are now fellow partakers and beneficiaries of this spiritual inheritance in Christ.
Believers as Co-Heirs with Christ
A radical shift takes place in the New Testament – Gentile believers are now incorporated into God’s people and become heirs of biblical promises once reserved for Israel. Because of their union with Christ, believers are now “Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:29).
Paul frequently emphasizes the privilege of believers’ status as God’s heirs:
– “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17)
– “In [Christ] we have obtained an inheritance…so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:11-12).
– “The mystery hidden for ages…has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:4-6).
As adopted children of God through faith (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:5-7), believers inherit all of Christ’s spiritual blessings and treasures as co-heirs with Him.
The Inheritance of Believers
So what exactly is this inheritance believers receive in Christ? Scripture describes both present and future aspects of our inheritance:
A Present Inheritance
– Eternal life – “To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you…” (1 Peter 1:4).
– The Holy Spirit – “In [Christ] you also…were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14).
– Every spiritual blessing – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3).
– God’s grace and mercy – “To be an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:7).
– God’s promises – “You are…heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29).
– Salvation – “He saved us…so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7).
– God’s kingdom – “The King will say…’Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you'” (Matthew 25:34).
A Future Inheritance
Our full inheritance is yet to come when Christ returns. It involves receiving and reigning with Christ:
– “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined…God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
– “If we endure, we will also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12).
– “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? (1 Corinthians 6:2).
– “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne” (Revelation 3:21).
Requirements to Receive the Inheritance
While salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, the Bible indicates believers must persevere in faith and obedience to fully receive their inheritance:
– “You are fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:17).
– “He has now reconciled you…if indeed you continue in the faith” (Colossians 1:21-23).
– “By faith we are receiving the promise of an inheritance” (Hebrews 10:36-39).
– “He disciplined us for our good, that we may share his holiness” (Hebrews 12:7-11).
– “Thus he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
Old Testament Inheritance Laws and the Gospel
While literal land inheritance does not apply to believers, Old Testament laws reveal spiritual truths about our inheritance in Christ:
– Christ is the firstborn Son who receives the double portion and best inheritance (Hebrews 1:4-6).
– God disinherits unbelievers and excludes them from His kingdom (Matthew 8:10-12).
– Sin can disqualify people from their inheritance (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
– Salvation makes believers fellow heirs with Christ (Galatians 3:29).
Stewardship of Inheritances
Since God owns everything, inheritances should be stewarded for His glory and used responsibly:
– “Honor the LORD with your wealth” (Proverbs 3:9).
– “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (Luke 12:48).
– “You brought nothing into the world, and you cannot take anything out of the world” (1 Timothy 6:7).
– “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Leaving an Inheritance for Children
While inheritances can be abused, the Bible encourages leaving an inheritance for children as an act of love and provision:
– “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22).
– “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
However, wise parents should not spoil children or enable irresponsibility. Inheritances can be left in trust or given incrementally to encourage stewardship and work ethic.
Cautions About Greed and Trust in Riches
While giving inheritances is good, the Bible warns against greed and finding security in wealth:
– “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).
– “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9).
– “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19).
Jesus’ Teaching on Inheritance
Jesus used inheritance themes frequently in His parables to illustrate spiritual truths:
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-44)
Jesus told this parable to confront the Jewish leaders who were rejecting Him as Messiah. He uses imagery of wicked tenants who refuse the inheritance rights of the landowner’s son. Just as the son is the heir who should receive his inheritance, Jesus is the rightful heir who deserves the obedience of God’s people.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
In this famous parable, the younger son demanded his inheritance early from the father, squandered it in reckless living, and ended up in poverty. The father compassionately welcomed him back and restored his status as a son and heir. This illustrates God graciously welcoming sinners back into His family and blessing us with the privileges of being His heirs.
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-15)
In this puzzling parable, Jesus seems to praise a dishonest manager who wrote off debts owed to his master in order to gain favor with others. Jesus’ point is that worldly wealth should be leveraged for eternal purposes. Believers should steward “unrighteous wealth” wisely so people will welcome them into “eternal dwellings” (heaven).
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
This parable uses the imagery of bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom to illustrate being prepared for Jesus’ coming and the full inheritance of God’s kingdom. The five foolish virgins who let their lamps go out represent those who fail to persevere and are shut out of the wedding feast which represents eternal life and our heavenly inheritance.
Inheritance Blessings in Revelation
The book of Revelation describes the culmination of God’s plan to dwell with His people and the full inheritance believers will receive:
– “They shall be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God” (Revelation 21:3).
– “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4).
– “They shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads” (Revelation 22:4).
– “They will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5).
As co-heirs with Christ, believers can joyfully anticipate an eternity enjoying their full inheritance from God! The inheritance we have in Christ far surpasses any earthly blessings. May this hope inspire us to freely share with others the rich spiritual treasures we have inherited.
