Expert: Paul Walker - 10/13/2004

Question
Paul,

When the New Testament talks about the believer's "inheritance", do you think the inheritance is going to heaven, or is it what the believer will receive as a reward IN heaven (which might be more or less depending on that person's faithfulness to God right now...)?

Thanks!
--S.  

Answer
Dear Steven,

I do not think it is salvation or going to heaven itself, but that might be a part. But most, I think, is our rewards according to our works after salvation.

         Colossians 3:23-25 KJV And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily,
    as to the Lord, and not unto men; (24) Knowing that of the
    Lord ye shall receive THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE: for ye
    serve the Lord Christ. (25) But HE THAT DOETH WRONG SHALL
    RECEIVE FOR THE WRONG WHICH HE HATH DONE: and there is no
    respect of persons.

The Bible says that our inheritance is reserved in heaven, so heaven in this sense would not be it.

    1 Peter 1:4 KJV  To an inheritance incorruptible, and
    undefiled, and that fadeth not away, RESERVED IN HEAVEN for
    you,

Hope this helps,

Your Serv't in Christ,
Paul Walker
www.aficj.org