Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of an "inheritor" is deeply rooted in the themes of promise, covenant, and divine blessing. The notion of inheritance is not merely a transfer of material wealth or land but often signifies the reception of spiritual blessings and responsibilities bestowed by God.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, inheritance is closely tied to the Abrahamic Covenant. God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (
Genesis 15:18-21). This promise was reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing a lineage of inheritors who would receive God's blessings and the land as a perpetual possession. The land inheritance was a tangible sign of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in
Numbers 26:52-56, where the land was divided among the tribes of Israel by lot.
The concept of inheritance also extends to the Levitical priesthood. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a portion of the land. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, as stated in
Deuteronomy 18:1-2: "The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the offerings made by fire to the LORD, for that is their inheritance."
New Testament FulfillmentIn the New Testament, the idea of inheritance takes on a spiritual dimension. Believers in Christ are described as co-heirs with Him, sharing in the spiritual blessings and promises of God.
Romans 8:17 states, "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."
The inheritance promised to believers is imperishable and eternal, as described in
1 Peter 1:4: "and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This inheritance is not based on ethnic lineage or adherence to the Law but is granted through faith in Jesus Christ, as emphasized in
Galatians 3:29: "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise."
Spiritual ImplicationsThe role of an inheritor in the biblical sense carries significant spiritual implications. It involves not only receiving blessings but also embracing the responsibilities that come with being part of God's covenant community. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their inheritance, reflecting God's character and advancing His kingdom on earth.
The parable of the prodigal son (
Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the misuse and restoration of inheritance. The younger son's squandering of his inheritance serves as a cautionary tale, while his eventual repentance and restoration highlight God's grace and the joy of reclaiming one's rightful place as an inheritor in God's family.
ConclusionIn summary, the biblical concept of an inheritor encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms. It signifies the fulfillment of God's promises, the reception of divine blessings, and the responsibility to live in accordance with God's will. Through faith in Christ, believers are granted an eternal inheritance, becoming part of God's family and co-heirs with Christ in His kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) One who inherits; an heir.
Greek
4789. sugkleronomos -- a co-inheritor... a co-
inheritor. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: sugkleronomos Phonetic
Spelling: (soong-klay-ron-om'-os) Short Definition: a joint heir, participant
...2818. kleronomos -- an heir
... an heir. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kleronomos Phonetic Spelling:
(klay-ron-om'-os) Short Definition: an heir,inheritor Definition: an...
Library
Sermons on the Card.
... on this wise: I am of myself, and by myself, coming from my natural father and mother,
the child of the ire and indignation of God, the trueinheritor of hell...
Baptismal Regeneration
... Who gave you this name?" "My godfathers and godmothers in my baptism; wherein I
was made a member of Christ, the child of God, and aninheritor of the kingdom...
Names
... person. And baptism declares what that right state is"a member of Christ,
a child of God, and aninheritor of the kingdom of heaven....
The Inheritance.
... it may be without knowing that he knows it"which no one else knows; and that it
is every one's business, as one of the kingdom of light, andinheritor in it...
Introductory Note to Gregory Thaumaturgus.
... He was, evidently, theinheritor of moderate wealth; and, with his brother Athenodorus,
he was placed under an accomplished teacher of grammar and rhetoric...
Justification by Faith
... For if a child is not justified in being a member of Christ, a child of God, and
aninheritor of the kingdom of heaven, what is he justified in being?...
Boehme's Universe
... He was theinheritor of the vocabulary and symbolism of alchemy and astrology, and
he was obliged to force his spiritual insight into a language which for us...
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... of an ass." It was needful again, that he should make a public claim to be the Son
of David, and that he should claim to be the rightfulinheritor of David's...
Again the Council of the Covenant was in Session. ...
... His heart has suffered, feeling the wrongs of Israel. He has the voice of wrath,
the hand of power, and the claim of a just and naturalinheritor....
Zeal.
... and Empress of the East, my heart was like to burst with joy, but now that I have
been made a member of Christ, a child of God, and aninheritor of the Kingdom...
Thesaurus
Inheritor (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who inherits; an heir. Multi-Version
Concordance
Inheritor (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 65:9 I will
...Inheritors (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah aninheritor
of My mountains; and Mine elect shall inherit it, and My servants shall...
Inheriting (1 Occurrence)
Elect (32 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah aninheritor
of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall...
Inherit (98 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 65:9 I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah aninheritor
of my mountains; and my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell...
Resources
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