OH but we HAVE. Anyone who inherits something because of someone's death doesn't have to earn it. So right there your works righteousness theology fails the test.
Oh, friend... the Truth is you HAVEN'T yet inherited these promises. Nor have I. That's the point of the bulk of the New Testament letters... we have to attain to these. We have to be proven worthy, just as the Man Jesus, (not the Logos, but the physical Man), had to prove Himself worthy to God through obedience to
"become the Author of Eternal Salvation to those who obey Him." (Heb 5:9) Plus, Jesus is ALIVE, not dead, so that human understanding of "inheritance" is inaccurate.
Time & space do not permit here, but I've done a bit of teaching on the Biblical understanding of "inheritance", which is not the same as our modern English. First off, Jesus
"inherited the nations", not because God died, but because Jesus proved faithful. That is clear Bible. I have shared some on this understanding in the Romans 8 Study in the Bible Study section on this site, probably at least a dozen printed pages or so.
Again, as Paul the Apostle confessed -
"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind." - Phil 3:12-16
Remember, as well, that our "salvation" is not yet complete. Besides having to
"obey" Christ to receive that
"Eternal salvation" (Heb 5:9), the Scripture declares that Jesus is
"bringing salvation to those who are waiting for Him." (Heb 9:28) This is speaking to those who have been "saved", not to the heathen, so we can see that "we
have not yet attained." As Israel in the wilderness, whom God had "saved" from bondage, most failed to obtain their promised inheritance because they failed to obey and walk worthy. And Paul says in several places that the same is True for us. We
"will not inherit the Kingdom" if we allow sin to remain in our lives (1Cor 6:9-10, Eph 5:5, and Gal 5:21 are written directly to "Christians", not the world.) If we fail to
"overcome" we will not receive the promises of Rev 2 & 3. And THAT is Bible!
Let us
"be mature" and realize that we are in this together. Let us lay aside petty carnal attitudes and understanding, and
"let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works'" (Heb 10:24)
I must admit, all this debating has really served to strengthen my understanding of the Word, and to see clearer God's great plan and purpose for His Church and all Creation. I could wish our discussions could be a little more civil, but...
Peace & Blessings, Wisdom and Understanding to all,
Michael
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