1 Peter 1:4

1 Peter 1:4

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

a. inheritance [2817 * kleronomia] [Thayer: an inheritance, property received (or to be received) by inheritance, what is given to one as a possession, the eternal blessedness of the consummated kingdom of God which is to be expected after the visible return of Christ, the share which an individual will have in that eternal blessedness.] [Vine: "a lot", properly "an inherited property, an inheritance." "It is always rendered inheritance in NT, but only in a few cases in the Gospels has it the meaning ordinarily attached to that word in English, i.e., that into possession of which the heir enters only on the death of an ancestor. The NT usage may be set out as follows: that property in real estate which in ordinary course passes from father to son on the death of the former, a portion of an estate made the substance of a gift…]

b. Most Christians have the belief that our inheritance refers mostly to what happens after we die and no doubt some of it does, for instance, we will not walk on streets of gold till we get there. Yes our inheritance is “…incorruptible, and undefiled…” it will not fade away, because it is reserved in heaven for us, but that does not mean we can’t enjoy any of it in this life. Our inheritance though, covers a wide range of blessings, much of which can be received here in this live by faith. A close look at what the word “salvation” includes reveals it.

1). salvation (4991 * soteria) Scofield Reference Bible: “The Hebrew and Greek words for salvation imply the ideas of deliverance, safety, preservation, healing and soundness. Salvation is the great inclusive word of the Gospel, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes…”

c. A closer look at another Greek word that refers to our salvation also reveals a broader meaning. The Greek word, “sozo”, which is rendered “saved”

d. Paul was talking about this to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20.

1). Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

a). The inheritance is received only after the word of grace has built us up in faith, and we by faith receive and enter into it.