Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Heirs of Salvation" is a significant title attributed to the saints, reflecting their privileged status and future inheritance in the kingdom of God. This designation underscores the believers' relationship with God as His children and their assured participation in the eternal blessings promised through Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of believers as "heirs" is deeply rooted in Scripture, emphasizing the familial relationship between God and His people. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul articulates this idea in his epistle to the Romans: "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him" (
Romans 8:17). This passage highlights the dual aspect of being an heir: sharing in both the sufferings and the glory of Christ.
Similarly, in Galatians, Paul reiterates this truth: "So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God" (
Galatians 4:7). Here, the transition from slavery to sonship signifies the transformative power of the Gospel, granting believers a new identity and inheritance.
Inheritance of SalvationThe inheritance promised to the saints is primarily spiritual and eternal. The author of Hebrews refers to angels as "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation" (
Hebrews 1:14). This salvation is not merely a future hope but a present reality, secured through faith in Jesus Christ. It encompasses deliverance from sin, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life.
Peter further elaborates on this inheritance, describing it as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you" (
1 Peter 1:4). This assurance of an incorruptible inheritance provides believers with hope and motivation to persevere in their faith amidst trials and tribulations.
Adoption and SonshipThe title "Heirs of Salvation" is intrinsically linked to the doctrine of adoption. Through Christ, believers are adopted into God's family, becoming His children and thus heirs. Paul explains this in Ephesians: "In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will" (
Ephesians 1:5). This adoption is a testament to God's grace and love, elevating believers to a status of honor and privilege.
Implications for BelieversAs heirs, believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting their identity in Christ. The knowledge of their inheritance should inspire a life of holiness, gratitude, and service. Paul exhorts the Colossians: "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward" (
Colossians 3:23-24).
Moreover, the assurance of being heirs of salvation provides comfort and encouragement in the face of suffering and persecution. The promise of future glory far outweighs present afflictions, as Paul reminds the Romans: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" (
Romans 8:18).
In summary, the title "Heirs of Salvation" encapsulates the profound truth of the believers' identity and destiny in Christ. It affirms their status as God's children, their present salvation, and their future inheritance, motivating them to live faithfully and expectantly as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
On Rational Natures.
... Now the titles of these beings have to be explained ... our first inquiry may begin with
the names themselves, let us ... prince of Tyre was amongst the saints, and was ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter v on rational natures.htm
The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm
Wisdom and Revelation.
... 2. THE APPEAL. The names and titles of God are ... Adopting, then, the second of these
interpretations, the saints belong to God and are precious in His sight. ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm
They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour. ... As Christ bears the saints' names upon his
breast, so they ... and damnatory sentence should pass upon the heirs of promise ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm
The Blood of the Covenant
... We could not say to all the saints, "after this manner pray ye," for they would
not ... Other names may have small significance, but in the titles of Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm
Effectual Calling
... God blots out His people's sins, but not their names. ... This is what the saints will
stand wondering at ... worldly grandeur, his ease, plenty, and titles of honour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm
To John the Oeconomus.
... But this common use of titles gives no offence to ... of the Church, however, constantly
used the names of the ... Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." [2120] And ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm
English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... that 'in the books of the Kings, the names and books ... although they be set out with
goodly titles, as though ... which gives too much honor unto the saints in heaven ...
/.../english version of the second.htm
Subject Index
... English equivalents of the Greek names, [4]316. ... His titles in Scripture, [409]190,
[410]262. ... the saints having suffered in, shall received their rewards in, [922 ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm
On the Ten Points of Doctrine.
... and "eleven," and differ also in the special titles and numeration ... of Sun and Moon
under various names was almost ... [686] The same Old Testament saints are named ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture iv on the ten.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus