What does it mean to inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:29)?

On one occasion, a rich young man came to Jesus asking, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16, NLT). Jesus’ response ultimately emphasized the need for a righteousness greater than our own and a willingness to surrender all worldly attachments for the sake of following the Lord.

This conversation led Peter, ever forthright, to note, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27). In reply, Jesus offered these encouraging yet challenging words: “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:28–29, NLT).

In Matthew’s Gospel, the concept of inheriting eternal life is closely related to entering the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 25:31–46; Luke 10:25–37). While this inheritance is sometimes described as future, eternal life is also a present reality for those who have been born of God’s Spirit (see John 3:3–5). In John’s Gospel, Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Believers receive a portion of their eternal inheritance at the moment of salvation, when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within as “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13–14; see also 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 4:30). That inheritance will be fully realized in heaven (see Colossians 3:23–24; 2 Peter 3:10–13; Titus 3:7).

Eternal life is not merely an endless existence in a distant heaven, but a new life of fellowship and union with Christ, blessed with the presence, peace, and love of God (see John 4:14; 10:10; 15:5; Psalm 16:11). To inherit eternal life is to enter a relationship with God that transforms every aspect of our being (2 Corinthians 5:17). We receive forgiveness and freedom from sin (Romans 5:21; 6:22; Hebrews 9:15), renewal (Romans 8:10–11), and a new way of life following and serving God (John 12:25–26; Romans 6:8–11).

Jesus’ choice of the word inherit is significant. Inheritance implies receiving something not earned by merit but granted by virtue of relationship, typically within a family. We cannot purchase eternal life or earn it through good works. We can only receive it as a gracious gift from God through a faith-filled relationship with Christ (see John 10:28; Romans 5:15–17; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9).

To inherit eternal life is not merely an abstract promise of an afterlife. In the Jewish tradition, inheritance was tangible and generational—a bestowal of land, name, and status. Jesus tapped into this understanding, indicating that those who belong to Him, who become part of the family of God, are presented with a new kind of inheritance: eternal life and the fullness of dwelling with the Father forever (see John 1:12–13; 1 John 3:1–2). Peter called it “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:4). As God’s children, we become “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17).

The inheritance of eternal life is not restricted to a privileged few but is open to everyone who has given up worldly attachments for the sake of following Christ. Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:29 challenge us to examine our loyalties and priorities: are we willing to set aside anything that would hinder us from following Christ? Are we prepared to risk everything, if necessary, for the sake of the gospel? Would we leave behind possessions, relationships, and security to maintain our allegiance to Christ?

To inherit eternal life is to receive a gift beyond measure—a new life, begun in faith and completed in glory. Nothing we surrender for the Lord’s sake is ever lost, but is returned in multiplied, immeasurable ways. No relationship forsaken or sacrifice made for the cause of the gospel will go unrewarded in God’s kingdom (Ephesians 6:8). We receive back “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10, NLT) with a spiritual family, the richness of relationships, the joy of purpose, the peace of God’s presence, the abundance of His grace, the inexpressible gift of His salvation, and a multitude of other blessings (see Matthew 5:3–12; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Ephesians 1:3–14; James 1:17).

The believer’s ultimate reward is beyond this present age. We don’t know exactly what it will be like yet, except that it will be better than anything we can imagine (see Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Philippians 3:20–21; Revelation 21:1–4; 22:3–5). The future inheritance is the culmination of our Christian hope. This new life begins now in communion with God through a relationship with Jesus and finds its perfect realization in the life to come. As God’s children, we will never die (John 11:25–26). The stinging fear of death is removed (Hosea 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:26, 54–57; Revelation 21:4), for we will inherit eternal life, resurrection glory, and unending fellowship with God.