Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of "wills" can be understood in several dimensions, including the divine will of God, the human will, and the legal aspect of wills as a testamentary document. Each of these aspects is significant in understanding the biblical perspective on decision-making, obedience, and inheritance.Divine Will The divine will of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's sovereign plan and purpose for creation and humanity. The Bible frequently speaks of God's will as perfect, good, and pleasing. In Romans 12:2 , believers are encouraged to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This verse highlights the importance of aligning one's life with God's will through spiritual transformation and discernment. The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus, includes a petition for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). This reflects the desire for God's righteous and sovereign purposes to be fulfilled in the world and in the lives of individuals. Human Will The human will, or the capacity to make choices, is another significant aspect of biblical teaching. The Bible acknowledges the free will of individuals to choose between obedience and disobedience to God. In Deuteronomy 30:19 , Moses presents the Israelites with a choice: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live." The exercise of human will is often depicted in the context of moral and spiritual decisions. The Bible encourages believers to submit their will to God, as seen in James 4:7 : "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission is an act of trust and obedience, recognizing God's authority and wisdom. Legal Wills In a legal sense, a will is a document that expresses a person's wishes regarding the distribution of their property after death. While the Bible does not provide explicit instructions on the creation of legal wills, it does address the principles of inheritance and the transfer of property. The Old Testament contains numerous examples of inheritance laws and practices. For instance, the daughters of Zelophehad successfully petitioned for the right to inherit their father's property in the absence of a male heir (Numbers 27:1-11). This account underscores the importance of fair and just distribution of inheritance within the family structure. Proverbs 13:22 states, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is passed to the righteous." This verse highlights the value of providing for future generations and the moral responsibility associated with wealth and inheritance. In summary, the concept of wills in the Bible encompasses the divine will of God, the exercise of human will, and the legal considerations of inheritance. Each aspect reflects the broader biblical themes of obedience, stewardship, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. Smith's Bible Dictionary WillsUnder a system of close inheritance like that of the Jews, the scope forbid bequest in respect of land was limited by the right of redemption and general re-entry in the jubilee year; but the law does not forbid bequests by will of such limited interest in land as was consistent with those rights. The case of houses in walled towns was different, and there can be no doubt that they must, in fact, have frequently been bequeathed by will, (Leviticus 25:30) Two instances are recorded in the Old Testament under the law of the testamentary disposition, (1) effected in the case of Ahithophel, (2 Samuel 17:23) (2) recommended in the case of Hezekiah. (2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 38:1) [HEIR] Greek 1014. boulomai -- to will ... 1), intend (1), intended (3), intending (1), like (1), planned (1), unwilling* (1), want (7), wanted (3), wanting (2), will (1), willing (3), wills (3), wish ( ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1014.htm - 9k 3749. ostrakinos -- earthen 2309. thelo -- to will, wish Strong's Hebrew 5157. nachal -- to get or take as a possession... 1), possessed (1), possesses (1), possession (2), receive inheritance (1), received (2), received inheritance (1), take (1), take possession (1), wills (1). ... /hebrew/5157.htm - 7k Library Whether God Wills Evils? Whether There was Contrariety of Wills in Christ? In what Manner Christ Wills that all Shall be one in Himself. Whether God Wills Things Apart from Himself? Whether There are Two Wills in Christ? Whether Whatever God Wills He Wills Necessarily? Whether Our Wills are Ruled by Necessity. Whether in Christ There were Two Wills as Regards the Reason? The Wills of Men are So Much in the Power of God, that He Can Turn ... Whether Man Will All, Whatsoever He Wills, for the Last End? Thesaurus Wills (12 Occurrences)...Wills (12 Occurrences). ... John 5:21 For just as the Father awakens the dead and gives them life, so the Son also gives life to whom He wills. (WEY). ... /w/wills.htm - 9k Providence (3 Occurrences) Redeemer (42 Occurrences) Redemption (46 Occurrences) Satan (50 Occurrences) Willworship Willow-tree (1 Occurrence) Runs (28 Occurrences) Restoration (4 Occurrences) Effort (16 Occurrences) Resources What is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is monothelitism? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about having a living will? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wills (12 Occurrences)Matthew 11:27 Luke 10:22 John 3:8 John 5:21 Acts 18:21 Romans 9:16 Romans 9:18 1 Corinthians 4:19 1 Corinthians 12:11 James 4:15 Revelation 11:5 Deuteronomy 21:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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