About 60 times, the Bible uses the term “inherit” and about 190 times it mentions “inheritance.” That’s pretty significant. The topic immediately reminds us of what an older, loving family member leaves to the children in a will. When God uses those words, He wants us to take them seriously. His fundamental identity is “Father,” so He is prone to plan for His family’s needs.
We realize that the Lord first wants us to accept His Son’s substitutionary death on the cross. Salvation is the vital first step to enter God’s family. But there’s a big difference between salvation and “Kingdom Inheritance.” Jesus died for everybody’s sins, even those who don’t accept Him. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. No one is exempted from the opportunity for a spiritual regeneration regardless of past transgressions. Untold blessings flow from receiving Christ as Savior.
The unsaved, too, can certainly be blessed by a gracious God. His goodness extends to everyone. The Bible states: “It is the goodness of God that brings a man to repentance,” Romans 2:4b and “He makes His rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” Matthew 5:45b
But, there’s quite a difference between a blessing and an inheritance. Blessings are offered to anyone, but inheritance only goes to family. In the modern world, the patriarch often divides his estate equally among the children. In olden times, the first born would receive a double portion, but today that custom has faded. Or, an inheritance might be divided among various family members according to some level of devotion or loyalty or perhaps based on personal character. When it comes to inheriting His Kingdom – the government administered by His trusted Ambassadors — do you suppose there is some evaluation process that the Lord uses to bestow that inheritance? Let’s take a deeper look….
First, God extends an open invitation to His family to enter His Kingdom. Check out these verses:
“Giving thanks unto the Father, who has made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.“
Colossians 1:12
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
Matthew 25:34
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”
Revelations 21:7
“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”
James 2:5
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must first believe that he exists, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
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So, it appears we position ourselves for Kingdom inheritance by avoiding iniquity (self-will), operating by faith and remaining humble (poor in spirit).
BUT…….Is it possible to lose this wonderful inheritance? Yes, according to the Bible. Examine Paul’s warnings:
“Not everyone that says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but those who do the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 7:21
“For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a person is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
Ephesians 5:5
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:19-21
So it seems the Kingdom is offered to everyone in God’s family, but some of us either reject it or we lose it by lifestyle choices which perpetuate the sins Jesus died for. If that touches your conscience, it’s not too late. Press further in your spiritual maturity. Seek the transformation of your soul. We truly can grow in our faith as believers. God wants us to conform to the likeness (the character) of His beloved Son and He releases His inheritance to those who comply. “We move from faith to faith.” The Lord wants to expand His influence into the cultures and the “nations” of Earth. He wants us to be His faithful Ambassadors.
Jesus taught us to pray “Thy Kingdom come, on Earth, as it is in Heaven.” Matthew 6:10 There is something remarkable about this government of God which rests on the shoulder of His Son, Jesus. Seek the manifestation of God’s Kingdom and the righteousness of Christ, beloved friends. They come to us as an inheritance from our Father in Heaven.
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