Alphabetical Attributes of God: Inheritor of All Nations
The Alphabetical Attributes of God series is on its tenth installment, getting close to halfway. So much can be learned about God, yet there is still so much more humans will never be able to fully process. This post will focus on the "I" letter attribute.
Inheritor Defined
Inheritor, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is one who is "to come into possession of or receive especially as a right or divine portion." This is usually appointed by Law. The Bible is God's written law to mankind; in this law, God is the true heir to all nations (Psalm 82:8) and the rewarder of eternal life (Matthew 19:29).
The word "inheritor" in the Old Testament is the Hebrew word yarash meaning"to possess."
Jeremiah 49:2
Micah 1:15
Leviticus 20:24
Genesis 15:7,8; 22:17
Psalm 2:8, 82:8
Revelation 11:15
The New Testament Greek word used is kleronomos meaning "heir." This Greek word is used over 15 times, in the following verses.
Romans 4:13,14
Galatians 3:29
Titus 3:7
Hebrews 6:17, 11:7
James 2:5
Right to Rule
God is described as the inheritor of all nations in Psalm 82:8 and this will be the focus of this post. An inheritor, according to biblical tradition, must have the right to rule, not just merely praised or worshipped or considered highly--as seen in the passing of property down generations in the following scripture below.
Genesis 30:1-13
Deuteronomy 21:15-17
2 Chronicles 21:3
Much more scripture (the list is not exhaustive)
For a more in-depth study of the physical right to rule and the distinguishing of property, please see Bible Study Tools at their article "Heir."
God's right to rule is actually seen by His creation of the earth and other planets, space, animals, and humans in Genesis 1-2. This shows his eternal right to rule. Christ's genealogy through the Tribe of Judah shows His right as an heir due to familial ties. Jesus is a formal name, whereas Christ is a title bestowed upon Him, meaning "appointed one."
For example, the word Christos is the Greek reciprocal of the Hebrew word Mashiach, meaning "Messiah." For the prophecy of the coming messiah to be fulfilled, the Messiah needed to be an heir to the Davidic throne. Jesus' carnate birth through Mary (this was before Joseph and Mary consecrated their marriage so the other scripture of God not being a son of man that he needed to repent of sin was fulfilled) was able to be traced all the way back to Abraham.
Below is the article "The Royal Genealogy of Jesus" by The Gospel Coalition that further explains why the genealogy of Jesus is of the utmost importance, especially relating to believers being able to be co-heirs of eternal life (notice I said co-heirs of eternal life and not co-heirs of the throne in heaven. Christians are not 'little gods' like false teachers Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn--among others!-- proclaim) with Christ in eternity.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-royal-genealogy-of-jesus/
A further explanation of the false teaching of believers being "little gods" is explained in the article by Compelling Truth, entitled "Are Believers in Christ Little gods?"
Closing Thoughts on the Alphabetical Attributes of God Inheritor of Nations
The study of apologetics is highly important, not just for spiritual growth, but for defending the Christian faith, especially in a trying time such as these. Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) Godly wisdom is what this world needs, vital to departing from evil.