We have been gifted with an inheritance that could not be earned. This inheritance is "imperishable, undefiled and unfading." Inheritance is based upon the will and desire of the giver and it goes into effect after their death. So it is with our inheritance which was given through the new covenant of Jesus Christ:

"For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives." (Hebrews 9:15-17)