Topical Bible: Will: A Testament in Force Only After Death

◄ Will: A Testament in Force Only After Death ►

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In biblical terms, a "will" or "testament" refers to a legal declaration by which a person, the testator, names one or more persons to manage their estate and provides for the distribution of their property upon death. The concept of a will is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, illustrating both the legal and spiritual dimensions of inheritance and covenant.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of a will is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Epistle to the Hebrews provides a theological exposition on the necessity of Christ's death to enact the New Covenant. Hebrews 9:16-17 (BSB) 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 underscores the principle that a testament is only activated upon the death of the testator, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial death of Christ, which inaugurated the New Covenant.

Old Testament Precedents

While the explicit legal framework of a will is more developed in the New Testament, the Old Testament contains numerous examples of inheritance and the passing of blessings, which can be seen as precursors to the formalized concept of a will. For instance, the patriarchal blessings given by Isaac to Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27) and Jacob's blessings to his sons (Genesis 49) reflect the transfer of spiritual and material inheritance. These acts, though not wills in the legal sense, demonstrate the importance of intentional transfer of legacy and promise.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of a will in the Bible is closely tied to the idea of covenant. Just as a will requires the death of the testator to be enacted, the New Covenant required the sacrificial death of Christ. This covenantal framework highlights the gravity and solemnity of God's promises to humanity. The death of Christ is seen as the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the establishment of a new relationship between God and His people, characterized by grace and redemption.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, the biblical understanding of a will emphasizes the importance of intentionality and foresight in the stewardship of one's resources and responsibilities. Proverbs 13:22 (BSB) states, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is passed to the righteous." This proverb underscores the value of planning for the future and ensuring that one's legacy aligns with godly principles.

Spiritual Legacy

Beyond material inheritance, the Bible places significant emphasis on the spiritual legacy one leaves behind. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the spiritual inheritance believers receive through faith in Christ. Ephesians 1:11 (BSB) declares, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This spiritual inheritance is eternal and surpasses any earthly wealth, highlighting the ultimate testament of faith and salvation through Jesus Christ.

In summary, the biblical concept of a will serves as a profound metaphor for the covenantal relationship between God and humanity, illustrating the necessity of Christ's death for the fulfillment of divine promises and the establishment of an eternal inheritance for believers.

Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 9:16,17
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity God's Testament and Promise in ...
... earn that blessing through the Law, proceeding as if, without the Law, this testament,
by mere virtue of its promise and will, had no force at all. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/thirteenth sunday after trinity gods.htm

Our Inheritance
... But what yet adds to it in its power to satisfy, is that, the sacrifice which
was required to bring this will and testament into force was the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter v our inheritance.htm

'They Also Serve who Only Stand and Wait'
... the holy of holies of the New Testament; and in ... zeal, and of the consecration which
they will ever feel ... are always disposed, as I said, to force everybody else ...
/.../they also serve who only.htm

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
... out of this life, it may stand in force and unalterable ... and thy memory decay; lest
otherwise thy testament prove a ... thee sooner to thy death; but it will be a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer when one begins.htm

Embassy from John in Prison to Jesus --Death of John --Relations ...
... the Law and the ancient prophets had force only until he ... the link of union between
the Old Testament and the ... It will be seen that, with these ideas, Jesus and ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xii embassy from john.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... study of biblical literature and biblical religion will prove one of ... similarities
to the ideas of the Old Testament than do ... "Life was the only force known to ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts.
... 1. The copy of the Testament of Reuben, what things he ... their doings, for a woman
cannot overcome a man by force. ... ye shall not be able, for God will work their ...
/.../i the testament of reuben concerning.htm

Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ...
... be so specious that this light will not expose ... merely, as priests were appointed
under the Old Testament. ... accomplished, and remains eternally in force, do not ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 of the popish.htm

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and ...
... adverting, however briefly, to the New Testament teaching, it ... the Judge of all the
Earth will judge, not ... Now this argument has evidently no force as against ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xix on eternal punishment.htm

The Christian's Hope
... or small number of men upon the police force, but to an ... Every saint in heaven will
feel that he has the ... The effort of the New Testament writers is to make the ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xiv the christians hope.htm