Definition:

1. something that is or may be inherited; property passing at the owner's death to the heir or those entitled to succeed; legacy.

2. the genetic characters transmitted from parent to offspring, taken collectively.

3. something, as a quality, characteristic, or other immaterial possession, received from progenitors or predecessors as if by succession

4. the act or fact of inheriting by succession, as if by succession, or genetically

5. portion; birthright; heritage

Scripture: Ephesians 1:11

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. KJV

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. NLT

In Him also we have received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will. AMP

Devotional:

There are a few Greek words that are translated as inheritance in the Bible. One of them intrigues me because it is only used once in the whole Bible. That word is klēroō, in Ephesians 1:11. I love finding these one off words because I believe every word in the Bible is intentional. So, why did they use this one? Let’s find out.

I love the way the Amplified Bible puts Ephesians 1:11, “... inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own]”. Our inheritance is our destiny that we are claimed by God as His own! 

The Passion Translation puts it like this, “Through our union with Christ we too have been claimed by God as his own inheritance. Before we were even born, he gave us our destiny; that we would fulfill the plan of God who always accomplishes every purpose and plan in his heart.” We have been claimed by God as His own inheritance!

This word klēroō is about being chosen by God for His inheritance. Sometimes we get so distracted by the “inheritance” we are supposed to get, that we don’t think about the fact God chose us for His inheritance. 

When I think about inheritance I think about a person’s last will and testament. You only inherit things that have a perceived value to them. It is usually money, property, or possessions. Well when God wrote about His inheritance He wrote about the most valuable thing He had… Us. Wrap your head around that. You are very valuable. 

This word klēroō means heritage, being assigned a privilege. God chose to pass down His heritage, His privileges to us. What we fail to focus on ,though, is He chose us to be His inheritance before we ever existed. You are important to God, you are His prized possession. You are the most valuable thing He has. He doesn’t want anything else but you. He loves and treasures you. You are His precious inheritance.

Confession:

I am united with Christ, I have received an inheritance from God, for He chose me in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan in my life.

In Him I have received an inheritance. A destiny—I was claimed by God as His own. I have been predestined, chosen, appointed according to His purpose who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will in my life.

Additional Scriptures: This is actually the only place in the Bible this particular word for inheritance is used. 

Here are some additional scriptures regarding the topic of inheritance:

Mathew 21:38, Mark 12:7, Luke 12:13, Luke 20:14, Acts 7:5, Acts 20:32, Acts 26:18, Galatians 3:18, Ephesians 1:14, Ephesians 1:18, Ephesians 5:5, Colossians 1:12, Colossians 3:24, Hebrews 1:4, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 11:8, 1 Peter 1:4

Take a moment and reflect on how valuable God must think we are to make us His inheritance. Think about His love.