Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the Church as the "Lot of God's Inheritance" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the profound relationship between God and His people. This idea is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the Church's unique position as a treasured possession and a chosen people set apart for God's purposes.
Old Testament FoundationsThe notion of God's people as His inheritance is first introduced in the Old Testament, where Israel is described as God's chosen nation.
Deuteronomy 32:9 states, "But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance." Here, the Israelites are depicted as God's special possession, a theme that foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the Church.
The inheritance imagery is further developed in passages like
Psalm 33:12 : "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance." This verse underscores the idea that God's people are not only chosen but also cherished as His own inheritance, a concept that carries forward into the New Testament.
New Testament FulfillmentIn the New Testament, the Church is seen as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises regarding God's inheritance. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, expands on this theme.
Ephesians 1:18 reads, "I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints." Here, Paul highlights the Church as the glorious inheritance of God, emphasizing the value and significance of believers in God's redemptive plan.
The Apostle Peter also echoes this sentiment in
1 Peter 2:9 : "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This passage reinforces the identity of the Church as God's possession, called to reflect His glory and proclaim His virtues.
Theological ImplicationsThe Church as the "Lot of God's Inheritance" carries profound theological implications. It signifies the intimate relationship between God and His people, marked by love, commitment, and purpose. This identity calls the Church to live in a manner worthy of its calling, reflecting God's holiness and grace to the world.
Moreover, the concept of inheritance implies a future hope and promise. As God's inheritance, the Church is assured of its place in God's eternal kingdom, a promise that provides comfort and motivation for believers to persevere in faith and obedience.
Practical ApplicationsUnderstanding the Church as God's inheritance has practical implications for Christian living. It calls believers to unity, recognizing that they are part of a collective body chosen and cherished by God. This identity fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, encouraging believers to live out their faith in community and service.
Additionally, the Church's role as God's inheritance underscores the importance of holiness and mission. As a people set apart, the Church is called to reflect God's character and engage in His redemptive work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and demonstrating His love to all nations.
In summary, the Church as the "Lot of God's Inheritance" is a rich biblical theme that highlights the unique and cherished relationship between God and His people. It calls the Church to live out its identity with purpose, unity, and a commitment to God's mission in the world.
Nave's Topical Index
Deuteronomy 32:9For the LORD's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
God's True Treasure in Man
... that privilege, like all Israel's privileges, for the Christian Church. ... He regards
as His 'portion' and 'the lot of His inheritance.' So that God is mine ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods true treasure in man.htm
Smith -- Assurance in God
... clear as it was to him, and the Church is divided ... God, he says, is all his happiness
and all his strength ... and of my cup; thou maintainest my lot." Whether poor ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/smith assurance in god.htm
Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... who have no portion in Israel, neither any lot in Jacob. ... to be used in the building
up of God's Jerusalem. ... out of the muster-roll of Christ's church,"will it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm
A Wise Desire
... divine, "It is one of the greatest glories of the Church of Christ ... which will lead
you to see clearly that verily God does choose our lot, and apportion ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a wise desire.htm
The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable ...
... could not be meant of the privileges of the Christian church upon earth ... lot in this
matter, (Acts 8:21,) has no part with God's chosen, nor any lot with his ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iv the necessity of.htm
On Attending the Church Service
... in holy things, with whom it has been my lot to converse ... Consult the history of the
church in every age, and you will find ... How hath God forgotten to be gracious ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 104 on attending the.htm
Psalm XVI.
... In that I say, "Mine," I include the Church: for where the Head is, there ... of my
possession have fallen in Thy glory as it were by lot, like as God is the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xvi.htm
Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... that God might tolerate"but a minister of the Church, then the ... For it is the lot
of the Word of God and ... more comforting is it to know that our God, our Lord ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm
"The House of Israel"
... of Righteousness, He was to arise upon His church, "with healing ... The days of Noah
and of Lot picture the condition ... To God's people it will be a night of trial ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm
Unwon but Claimed
... of Israel; only divide thou it by lot unto Israel ... has many applications to the work
of the Church in the ... God's promises are all conditional, and if we do not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/unwon but claimed.htm
Resources
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