What is a Christian's inheritance in Christ?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In the Bible, an inheritance refers to something given based on relationship. Christians are described as heirs of God because they belong to His family through faith in Christ (Romans 8:17). This inheritance includes the promise of salvation, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life (Ephesians 1:13–14; 1 Peter 1:4–5).

The New Testament speaks of both a present and future inheritance. Believers already have peace with God and access to His grace, but we still await the full experience of what He has promised (Colossians 1:12; Titus 3:7). These blessings come through Christ and are shared with all who are united to Him by faith.

Note that Scripture does not teach that Christians receive every promise made to Israel. Some Old Testament promises—like the land given to Abraham’s descendants—remain tied to national Israel. But the spiritual inheritance promised to all of God’s people is made available in Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament often describes inheritance in connection with the land God promised to Abraham’s descendants. After the exodus, God led the people into Canaan and gave each tribe a portion (Deuteronomy 4:21; Joshua 14:1–5). This land was their inheritance.
• However, the idea of inheritance in the Old Testament is not limited to land or other physical blessings. In Psalm 16:5–6, David says that the LORD is his portion, showing that fellowship with God was a greater blessing than physical territory. Other psalms reflect a similar theme. Psalm 73:26 calls God “the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
• Isaiah 54:17 speaks of the “heritage of the servants of the LORD” which includes righteousness, peace, and protection. These promises prepared the way for a fuller understanding of inheritance—one that includes spiritual blessings rooted in relationship with God.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament explains that believers in Christ are called heirs, and that they share in the spiritual blessings God gives to His people. This inheritance includes forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), eternal life (Titus 3:7), and the presence of God forever (Revelation 21:3–4). It is grounded in our union with Christ (Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29).
• In Ephesians 1:11, Paul says that in Christ, we have obtained an inheritance. Later in the chapter, he adds that the Holy Spirit is given as a pledge, or down payment, guaranteeing that believers will receive what has been promised (Ephesians 1:13–14).
• Romans 8:17 teaches that believers are “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” This inheritance is closely tied to our identity as children of God. Because we are in Christ, we are counted as part of God’s family and included in what He gives to His own.
• 1 Peter 1:4–5 describes this inheritance as being kept in heaven—undefiled and secure. Colossians 1:12 adds that God has made believers fit to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. All of this points to a spiritual reality rooted in grace, not law, and centered on Christ.
• Note that while the New Testament uses “inheritance” language, it does not teach that the Church replaces Israel or takes over the land promises given to the Jewish people. Instead, it emphasizes the spiritual blessings given to all who are in Christ—blessings that are eternal and shared among God’s redeemed, Jews and Gentiles alike.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

A Christian’s inheritance is not a reward for good behavior. It is the result of belonging to Jesus. When someone believes in Christ, they are adopted into God’s family, and their future is secured. That inheritance includes forgiveness now, the Spirit’s presence today, and life with God forever.

If you belong to Christ, your future is secure. Your inheritance is not something you have to earn, and it’s not something anyone can take away. It’s already yours because you are part of God’s family. Right now, you have forgiveness, peace with God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. One day, you will see Him face to face and enjoy the fullness of what He has promised.

This gives you something solid to hold on to when life is uncertain. Success, money, or approval are all things that will disappear, but what God has given you in Christ will last forever. When suffering comes, you can keep going, knowing that the hardships of this life are temporary—and what’s coming is worth the wait!

Your inheritance also changes how you live today. You don’t have to live like this world is all there is. You can give freely, love sacrificially, and follow Jesus with joy, even when it’s costly. Why? Because you already have the greatest treasure—Christ Himself. And if you have Him, then everything God has promised is already on its way.

UNDERSTAND

• A Christian’s inheritance is eternal life, forgiveness, adoption, and the Holy Spirit’s presence, received by faith in Christ.
• Our inheritance is both a present reality and a future promise secured through union with Jesus.
• Christian inheritance is spiritual, eternal, and unearned.

REFLECT

• How does knowing your inheritance in Christ affect the way you face challenges or suffering in life?
• How does the assurance of your spiritual inheritance influence how you live and make decisions?
• How does understanding your identity as God’s heir change your sense of belonging and purpose?

ENGAGE

• How do the Old Testament and New Testament views of inheritance together deepen our understanding of what it means to belong to God’s family?
• What impact does the promise of a secure, eternal inheritance have on how we view material success or earthly possessions?
• How can the reality of our inheritance in Christ motivate us to live differently in community and service to others?