Introduction: Inherit the Earth
When Jesus declared in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5), “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” many have assumed that He spoke only of a future kingdom or only to the Jewish people regarding a millennial reign. While these interpretations hold some truth, there is a greater and more immediate reality: this promise is for all believers, right here, right now, and for eternity. It is a blessing for anyone made righteous through Christ, and it is critical to believe this truth or risk missing out on the fullness of God’s blessing.
Here are the major reasons why “inheriting the earth” applies to believers today:
1. Adam and Eve Were Given Dominion Over the Earth
From the very beginning, God created man and woman and gave them authority over the earth: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion” (Genesis 1:28). This dominion was intended for all of humanity. Though sin marred this authority, Christ restores what was lost through His victory.
2. Satan’s Rule is a Reflection of Human Choice, Not God’s Intent
The Bible refers to Satan as “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) because humanity, given dominion over the earth, chose rebellion and thus surrendered authority. Satan’s influence exists only because people have rejected Christ. When we accept Jesus as Lord, we step back into our rightful dominion under God’s authority.
3. Inheritance Was Promised to All Nations After Noah
After the flood, God divided the earth among the descendants of Noah (Genesis 10-11). The promise of land was not restricted to the Jewish people alone. It was a gift to the peoples of the earth. All races were given territories, and through Christ, all believers become heirs of the promises of God (Galatians 3:29).
4. The Sermon on the Mount Connects Earthly Blessings with the Kingdom
The “inherit the earth” promise is not isolated. Later in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). These “things” include not only food, clothing, and shelter but also work, dominion, and influence over the earth.
Every person God used in Scripture—whether Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, or the Apostles—was entrusted with dominion in some area. Even the Apostles, though they were called to leave their material possessions behind to spread the Gospel, had possessions to leave. Their sacrifice was not out of poverty but out of abundance and willingness. Further, they gained what few ever experience: the ability to perform miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating dominion over nature, sickness, and even death.
5. Old Testament Saints Understood the Broader Promise
David, Isaiah, and other prophets spoke of an inheritance that transcended bloodline. David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, knew the coming of the Messiah and spoke prophetically about Him (Psalm 22, Psalm 110). Isaiah clearly foresaw the salvation that would reach the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). They understood that spiritual descendants, not just natural ones, would inherit God’s promises.
Today, through the blood of Christ, we are the true heirs — “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). Therefore, the words “inherit the earth” apply to us now. We are meant to live in victory, to reclaim what was lost, and to walk in the fullness of God’s promises both in this life and in the life to come.
Conclusion: You Will Inherit the Earth – You Should Be Buying What I Am Selling
The Bible consistently connects righteousness and meekness with dominion and blessing — not just spiritual in heaven someday, but practical here and now. Genesis 1 wasn’t revoked — it was redeemed through Christ.
Jesus’ words were not accidental. When He says “all these things will be added unto you,” He is talking about full provision — including work, calling, authority, and influence — because those are essential parts of stewarding the earth.
The Apostles were men of means before their call. Peter owned boats. Matthew was a tax collector. Paul was a Roman citizen and a trained tentmaker. They had real-world skills, real-world authority, and when they laid it down for the Gospel, it wasn’t because they had nothing — it was because they had something greater to inherit.
Miracles are dominion. Healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons — these are signs of earthly dominion restored under the authority of Christ.
Faith is not only about waiting for heaven; it is about walking in the victory of Christ today. The meek — those who humbly submit to God’s will — are already being given the earth, and greater things await them in eternity.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” It is a living promise.