The language of inheritance often refers to what God has promised his people. It originally applied to the land of Israel (see Deuteronomy 3:28). Later, inheritance came to mean the people of God and God's presence with them (see Psalm 33:12; Ezekiel 44:28). In the New Testament, the inheritance is the spiritual benefits and eternal salvation that God promises to his people (see Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 9:15).