Repentance and the Gift of Inheritance in Christianity
Repentance and the Gift of Inheritance in Christianity
Repentance is a fundamental concept in Christianity, closely tied to the idea of receiving an inheritance from God. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, repentance is commanded by God and is a prerequisite for receiving the gift of salvation [2]. The biblical basis for this concept is found in various passages, including Acts 17:30, where it is written that God "commands all people everywhere to repent".
The gift of inheritance is described in the New Testament as a spiritual benefit and eternal salvation promised to God's people. In Ephesians 1:14, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the "pledge of our inheritance" [1]. This inheritance is further described in 1 Peter 1:4 as "incorruptible" and reserved for those who have been "begotten again" as children of God [12].
The connection between repentance and the gift of inheritance is rooted in the biblical understanding of salvation. According to Romans 5:15-16, the gift of salvation is not like the result of one man's sin, but rather it is a gracious gift from God that brings justification [3, 4]. Repentance is a necessary step in receiving this gift, as it involves a change of mind and purpose, turning away from sin and towards God [7].
In Christian tradition, the concept of inheritance is closely tied to the idea of being children of God. As stated in Romans 8:17, believers are "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" [5]. This inheritance is not limited to earthly benefits but includes spiritual and eternal blessings. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, emphasizes the importance of repentance in receiving the gift of salvation and inheritance [9].
The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, also highlights the significance of repentance in the context of God's gifts and calling. According to Clarke, God's gifts and calling are irrevocable, and repentance is a crucial aspect of maintaining a right relationship with God [10].
The gift of inheritance is not only a future hope but also a present reality for believers. As stated in Colossians 3:24, believers will receive the "reward of the inheritance" because they serve the Lord Christ [6]. This inheritance is a key aspect of the Christian life, and repentance is a necessary step in receiving it.
The biblical concept of inheritance is rooted in the Old Testament, where it referred to the land of Israel and God's presence with his people. In the New Testament, this concept is expanded to include spiritual and eternal blessings [8, 11].
Sources
- Ephesians “Ephesians 1:14 (NASB) — who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Repentance — What it is -- Isa 45:22; Mt 6:19-21; Ac 14:15; 2Co 5:17; Col 3:2; 1Th 1:9; Heb 12:1,2. Commanded to all by God -- Eze 18:30-32; Ac 17:30. Commanded by Christ -- Re 2:5,16; 3:3. Given by God -- Ac 11:18; 2Ti 2:25. Christ came to call sinners to -- Mt 9:13. Christ exalted to give -- Ac 5:31. By the operation of the Holy Spirit -- Zec 12:10. Called repentance to life -- Ac 11:18. Called repentance to salvation -- 2Co 7:10. We should be led to, by The long-suffering of God. -- Ge 6:3; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9. The goodness of God. -- Ro 2:4. The chastisements of Go”
- Romans “Romans 5:16 (BSB) — Again, the gift is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment that followed one sin brought condemnation, but the gift that followed many trespasses brought justification.”
- Romans “Romans 5:15 (DRC) — But not as the offence, so also the gift. For if by the offence of one, many died: much more the grace of God and the gift, by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.”
- Romans “Romans 8:17 (BBE) — And if we are children, we have a right to a part in the heritage; a part in the things of God, together with Christ; so that if we have a part in his pain, we will in the same way have a part in his glory.”
- Colossians “Colossians 3:24 (Geneva1599) — Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receiue the reward of the inheritance: for ye serue the Lord Christ.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Repentance — There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance. (1.) The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3). (2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. Evangelical”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 1:12: 1:12-13 always thanking the Father: Humble gratitude to God for salvation is a powerful antidote to the lure of false teaching (see also 2:7; 3:17; 4:2). • The inheritance is what God has promised his people (e.g., see Deut 3:28; Ps 33:12; Ezek 44:28). In the New Testament, the inheritance consists of salvation and final deliverance (see also Eph 1:11; Titus 3:7; Heb 9:15).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 53.2: 64:7 66:24 Jeremiah 4:31 5:8 5:28 7:4 7:4 9:1 10:23 10:24 10:24 11:21 17:1 17:5 18:16 19:6 19:8 22:24 22:28 25:9 25:13 25:18 28:10 28:11 30:11 31:15 43:2 48:2 50:11 Lamentations 1:7 2:5 2:8 3:29 Ezekiel 15:3 16:26 20:11 20:24 20:25 26:2 26:14 37:1 43:15 43:15 47:11 Daniel 5:28 5:30 5:31 7:10 7:17 8:20 Hosea 1:7 6:4 8:14 9:6 13:3 Joel 1:13 2:13 2:23 2:28 Amos 1:3 3:6 4:1 4:1 5:10 5:19 8:11 Micah 1:3 1:11 2:11 7:9 7:16 Nahum 3:8 Habakkuk 2:1 2:1 2:1 2:2 3:2 3:2 3:13 Zechariah 9:14 13:4 14:3 Malachi 1:4 1:11 4:2 Matthew 2:14 3:12 3:12 3:12 3:12 ”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 11:29: For the gifts and calling of God, etc. - The gifts which God has bestowed upon them, and the calling - the invitation, with which he has favored them he will never revoke. In reference to this point there is no change of mind in him; and therefore the possibility and certainty of their restoration to their original privileges, of being the people of God, of enjoying every spiritual blessing with the fullness of the Gentiles, may be both reasonably and safely inferred. Repentance, when applied to God, signifies simply change of purpose relative to some declarations ”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 1:4: 1:4 The language of inheritance frequently refers to what God has promised his people. Originally applied to the land of Israel (see Deut 3:28), the inheritance came to mean the people of God and God’s presence with them (see Ps 33:12; Ezek 44:28). In the New Testament, the inheritance is the spiritual benefit and eternal salvation that God promises to his people (see Eph 1:11; Heb 9:15).”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 1:4: To an inheritance--the object of our "hope" (Pe1 1:3), which is therefore not a dead, but a "living" hope. The inheritance is the believer's already by title, being actually assigned to him; the entrance on its possession is future, and hoped for as a certainty. Being "begotten again" as a "son," he is an "heir," as earthly fathers beget children who shall inherit their goods. The inheritance is "salvation" (Pe1 1:5, Pe1 1:9); "the grace to be brought at the revelation of Christ" (Pe1 1:13); "a crown of glory that fadeth not away." incorruptible--not”