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Other New Testament passages present the Christian's spiritual inheritance as a reward for faithfulness and Christlikeness. Jesus invited those showing kindness in His name to "inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" <Matt. 25:34>. Peter counseled suffering saints in the Roman world to be patient in their trials, "That you may inherit a blessing" <1 Pet. 3:9>. James declared that the poor of this world have been chosen "to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom" which God promised to those who love Him <James 2:5>.
In a burst of joy, Peter celebrated every Christian's "living hope" of his heavenly inheritance: "To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" <1 Pet. 1:3-4>.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)