Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the word "testament" is often understood as a covenant or agreement, but it also carries the legal connotation of a "will," a document that outlines the distribution of a person's estate after their death. This concept is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, where the idea of a testament as a will is used to illustrate God's promises and the inheritance of believers.The Greek word "diathēkē," often translated as "covenant" in the New Testament, can also mean "testament" or "will." This dual meaning is significant in understanding the theological implications of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Book of Hebrews provides a clear exposition of this concept, particularly in Hebrews 9:16-17 : "In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it, because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive." This passage highlights the necessity of Christ's death to activate the New Covenant, much like a will requires the death of the testator to be enacted. The death of Jesus is thus seen as the pivotal event that brings the promises of the New Covenant into effect, offering believers the inheritance of eternal life and a restored relationship with God. In the Old Testament, the concept of a testament as a will is less explicit but can be seen in the patriarchal blessings and instructions given by figures such as Jacob and Moses. For example, Jacob's blessings to his sons in Genesis 49 can be viewed as a form of testament, where he outlines the future of each tribe of Israel. Similarly, Moses' final words and blessings in Deuteronomy 33 serve as a testament to the tribes of Israel, conveying God's promises and expectations. Theologically, the idea of a testament as a will underscores the certainty and irrevocability of God's promises. Just as a legal will is binding and executed according to the wishes of the testator, so too are God's covenants with humanity. This assurance is a source of hope and confidence for believers, who trust in the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises. The Apostle Paul also touches on this theme in Galatians 3:15 , where he writes, "Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended." Here, Paul emphasizes the unchangeable nature of God's covenant, likening it to a human testament that, once established, is legally binding. In summary, the concept of a testament as a will in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for God's unchanging promises and the inheritance awaiting believers through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This understanding enriches the Christian faith, providing a deeper appreciation for the divine covenants that shape the narrative of Scripture. Nave's Topical Index Hebrews 9:16-18For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. Nave's Topical Index Greek 1242. diatheke -- testament, will, covenant ... testament, will, covenant. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: diatheke Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ath-ay'-kay) Short Definition: a covenant, will ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1242.htm - 7k Library Examples from the Old Testament, Balaam, Moses, and Hezekiah, to ... The Beginning of the New Testament That Proofs of the Last Judgment Will be Adduced, First from the ... New Testament Handbooks Introductory Notice to Apocrypha of the New Testament. Letter to Veranus Our Inheritance The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity. The Testament of Zebulun Concerning Compassion and Mercy. The Testament of Naphtali Concerning Natural Goodness. Resources Is Jesus in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the word testament mean? | GotQuestions.org What is Old Testament theology? | GotQuestions.org Testament: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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