The Time and Conditions of the Inheritance

In Galatians, Paul expounds on two points essential to the inheritance. One concept is the time; the second is status. Understanding these concepts explains who would inherit the kingdom and land and at what time.

In chapter 4:1, Paul states that an under-aged child cannot legally receive the benefits as an heir. This is yet true today. A child must be of legal age to inherit.

"Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all."

Following his train of thought, the heir, due to immaturity in age, is no different than a slave in that neither can inherit.

Paul shows that the heir is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father.

This time is critical. The status of childhood equates to Israel under the Torah. The status under the Torah is that of a child, hence a disqualified state for receiving the kingdom or land promise as made to Abraham, (Gen. 12;3).

Paul says this clearly in Galatians 3:21. For if the inheritance [land promise] is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Gal. 3:18) For this reason, Paul says while Israel is under Torah, they are children, (Galatians 4:3)

Slaves likewise could not inherit.

Those among Israel who accepted the gospel were allowed to reach maturity, hence enabling them to inherit. The power of the Spirit poured out on Pentecost, (Acts 2:16-20), was critical. Hence, the Spirit's role in the accomplishment of the promise, (Ephesians 1:13,14).

Hence, Paul writes of Christians, for you are all the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you be Christ's then are you Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.' (Galatians 3:26-29). Thus, Paul says true heirs are those who are joined to Christ.

See more on the inheritance at the kingdom of God.