Inheritance of heaven

Believers inherit the kingdom of heaven

Their inheritance is secure

Matthew 25:34 KJV 1900

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

See also Lk 12:32; Lk 22:28–29; Jas 2:5

The value of their inheritance is beyond human calculation

1 Corinthians 2:9–10 KJV 1900

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

See also Ac 20:32; Eph 1:18; Eph 2:6–7

As those adopted into God’s family they are heirs of God and Christ

Romans 8:17 KJV 1900

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

See also Ga 4:7; Tt 3:7; Heb 6:17

The nature of the heavenly inheritance

It is inviolable

1 Peter 1:3–5 KJV 1900

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

See also Re 21:25; Re 21:27

It is a response to faith and love

James 2:5 KJV 1900

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

See also Col 1:12; Col 3:24; Heb 11:7

It is for overcomers

Revelation 21:7 KJV 1900

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

See also 1 Jn 4:4; 1 Jn 5:3–5; Re 2:7; Re 2:11; Re 2:17; Re 2:26–28; Re 3:5; Re 3:12; Re 3:21

The heavenly treasure is to be sought

Matthew 6:19–21 KJV 1900

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

See also Mt 13:44; Mt 19:21; Lk 12:33; 2 Co 4:18; Php 3:8; 1 Ti 6:18–19; Re 3:18

Heavenly rewards

Service will be rewarded in heaven

1 Corinthians 3:11–14 KJV 1900

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

See also Mt 5:12; Re 22:12

The prospect of heavenly rewards should be a spur to present service

Philippians 3:14 KJV 1900

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

See also Heb 11:26

Rewards will vary

Matthew 16:27 KJV 1900

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

See also Da 12:3; Mt 25:20–23; 1 Co 3:8; 2 Co 9:6; Re 22:12

Endurance for Jesus Christ’s sake will be specially rewarded

Matthew 5:10–12 KJV 1900

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Rewards for service include crowns signifying position and authority

1 Peter 5:4 KJV 1900

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

See also 1 Th 2:19; 2 Ti 4:8

The redeemed will share Jesus Christ’s position in glory

Ephesians 2:6 KJV 1900

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

See also Jn 14:3; Jn 17:24; 1 Jn 3:2; Re 22:4

The resurrection body as a heavenly inheritance

Philippians 3:20–21 KJV 1900

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

See also 1 Co 15:42–44; 2 Co 5:1–4