In biblical terms, the concept of a "testator" is closely associated with the idea of a covenant or testament, particularly in the context of the New Testament. The term "testator" refers to one who makes a testament or will, which is a legal declaration of how a person's possessions are to be distributed after their death. This concept is crucial in understanding the theological implications of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ.

Biblical Context

The primary scriptural reference to a testator is found in the Book of Hebrews. Hebrews 9:16-17 states, "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 the death of the testator for the testament to be enacted. In the context of the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the testator of the New Covenant. His sacrificial death is the pivotal event that enacts the promises and blessings of this covenant.

Theological Significance

The role of Jesus as the testator is central to Christian theology. The New Covenant, prophesied in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31-34), is fulfilled through Christ's death and resurrection. As the testator, Jesus' death was necessary to bring the covenant into effect, offering believers forgiveness of sins and eternal life. This is a departure from the Old Covenant, which was based on the Law and required continual sacrifices. The New Covenant, by contrast, is based on grace and the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ.

The death of the testator, Jesus, signifies the transition from the Old Covenant to the New. Hebrews 9:15 explains, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." This underscores the belief that Christ's death was essential for the redemption of humanity and the establishment of a new relationship between God and His people.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

In a legal sense, a testator's will is a binding document that outlines the distribution of their estate. Spiritually, the New Covenant is seen as God's will for humanity, with Jesus as the executor of this divine testament. The inheritance promised in this covenant is not material wealth but spiritual blessings, including salvation, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The concept of the testator also emphasizes the certainty and unchangeability of God's promises. Just as a human will is irrevocable once the testator has died, the New Covenant is seen as a permanent and unalterable testament of God's grace and mercy towards believers.

Conclusion

The role of the testator in biblical theology is a profound illustration of the transition from the Old to the New Covenant, highlighting the necessity of Christ's sacrificial death to enact God's promises. Through Jesus, the testator, believers are assured of their eternal inheritance and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.(n.) A man who makes and leaves a will, or testament, at death.1303. diatithemi -- to place separately, ie dispose of by a will
... granted (1), made (3), make (2). appoint, make, testator. Middle voice from
dia and tithemi; to put apart, ie (figuratively) dispose ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1303.htm - 7k

Spiritual Peace
... Tis true a testament is not in force while the testator liveth, but Jesus Christ
has died once for all; and now none can dispute his legacy. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/spiritual peace.htm

Hebrews ix. 15-18
... of an eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity
be the death of the testator. [3074] For a testament ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xvi hebrews ix 15-18.htm

On the Sacraments of the New Testament in General
... are those which have been instituted for giving testimony to the covenant, or the
New Testament confirmed by the death and blood of its mediator and testator. ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxii on the sacraments.htm

Our Inheritance
... A will or testament must specify the nature of the inheritance, mention distinctly
the names of the heirs, must have the signature of the testator affixed in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter v our inheritance.htm

The Two Covenants: the Transition
... a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it." [4] Before
any heir can obtain the legacy, its first owner, the testator, must have ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter viii the two covenants .htm

From the Fifth Chapter.
... And because He Himself was the testator, who had overcome death, it was just that
Himself should be appointed the Lord's heir, that He should possess the ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the fifth chapter.htm

Of the Departure of Jesus into Galilee after his Resurrection; and ...
... Therefore Moses, and the prophets also themselves, call the law which was given
to the Jews a testament: for unless the testator shall have died, a testament ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xx of the departure of.htm

Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ...
... For as among men, the confirmation of a testament depends upon the death of the
testator, so also the testament by which he has bequeathed to us remission of ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 of the popish.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace.
... Now, Christ, by his death, hath confirmed this testament; "for where a testament
is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator; for a testament ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter vii how christ is.htm

Of Agreement as to Tithe, Composition, Notice, &C.
... to tithes in kind only from the death, and the executor of the late incumbent to
a proportion according to the agreement till the time of his testator's death. ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/2 of agreement as to.htm

Testator (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Testator (2 Occurrences). Hebrews 9:16 For where a testament
is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. ...
/t/testator.htm - 7k

Residue (47 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That part of a testator's estate which is not disposed of in his will by
particular and special legacies and devises, and which remains after payment ...
/r/residue.htm - 24k

Administrator (8 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A man who manages or settles the estate of an intestate, or of a testator
when there is no competent executor; one to whom the right of administration ...
/a/administrator.htm - 9k

Administration (12 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The management and disposal, under legal authority, of the estate of
an intestate, or of a testator having no competent executor. ...
/a/administration.htm - 12k

Tested (80 Occurrences)

/t/tested.htm - 28k

Otherwise (78 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is
of no strength at all while the testator liveth. (KJV WBS). ...
/o/otherwise.htm - 30k

Needs (85 Occurrences)
... be unfruitful. (See NAS). Hebrews 9:16 (For where there is a testament,
the death of the testator must needs come in. (DBY). James ...
/n/needs.htm - 30k

Alive (166 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Hebrews 9:17 For a testament is of force when men are dead, since it
is in no way of force while the testator is alive.) (DBY RSV). ...
/a/alive.htm - 38k

Strength (517 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is
of no strength at all while the testator liveth. (KJV WBS). ...
/s/strength.htm - 38k

Testaments

/t/testaments.htm - 35k

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