Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Heirs of the Kingdom" is a profound designation for the saints, reflecting their privileged status and future inheritance in the divine realm. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament and is integral to understanding the identity and destiny of believers in Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe notion of believers as "heirs" is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic writings. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (
Matthew 5:3). This pronouncement sets the stage for understanding the kingdom as an inheritance for those who follow Christ.
The Apostle Paul elaborates on this theme, emphasizing the believers' status as children of God and, consequently, heirs. In
Romans 8:16-17, Paul writes, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 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" . This passage underscores the intimate relationship between believers and God, highlighting their future glorification alongside Christ.
Inheritance and IdentityThe concept of being "heirs of the kingdom" is not merely about future reward but also about present identity. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their inheritance.
James 2:5 reminds the faithful, "Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised to those who love Him?" . This verse emphasizes that the kingdom is promised to those who love God, indicating a present commitment to faith and obedience.
The Nature of the InheritanceThe inheritance of the saints is both spiritual and eternal. It encompasses the fullness of salvation, eternal life, and the unending presence of God. Peter speaks of this inheritance as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you" (
1 Peter 1:4). This description assures believers of the certainty and glory of their future inheritance.
Living as HeirsAs heirs of the kingdom, believers are called to reflect the values and character of the kingdom in their daily lives. This includes living in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (
Romans 14:17). The assurance of their inheritance motivates them to persevere through trials and to remain steadfast in their faith.
ConclusionThe title "Heirs of the Kingdom" encapsulates the hope and promise bestowed upon the saints. It is a reminder of their divine adoption, their present calling, and their future glory. Through faith in Christ, believers are assured of their place in God's eternal kingdom, a truth that shapes their identity and purpose in this life and the next.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
James 2:5Listen, my beloved brothers, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Effectual Calling
... God blots out His people's sins, but not their names. ... This is what the saints will
stand wondering at ... worldly grandeur, his ease, plenty, and titles of honour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm
Wisdom and Revelation.
... The names and titles of God ... If we take it in the former sense it will mean that God
is the inheritance and we are the heirs; that the saints now possess ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm
Psalm LXXXIII.
... the congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... nation or people of God, or
His saints, who know ... enemies of Christ, under certain proper names of nations ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm
The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm
They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour. ... As Christ bears the saints' names upon his
breast, so they ... and damnatory sentence should pass upon the heirs of promise ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm
The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... Mark, Luke, and John, by
their right names, but must ... By grace alone could the saints in Rome call God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm
To John the Oeconomus.
... was called Jesus and Christ, receiving the names from the ... But this common use of
titles gives no offence ... idols the divine name, while the saints have received ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm
The Blood of the Covenant
... We could not say to all the saints, "after this manner pray ye," for they would
not ... Other names may have small significance, but in the titles of Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm
A Discourse
... light that is so indeed;[8] but the saints will not ... she turns again, and pleads by
her titles, her features ... as also the many petty divisions and names amongst us ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm
Subject Index
... English equivalents of the Greek names, [4]316. ... His titles in Scripture, [409]190,
[410]262. ... the saints having suffered in, shall received their rewards in, [922 ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm
Resources
What are the different names and titles of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the names and titles of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different names and titles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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