Monday, May 26, 2025

"Leave Behind vs Bequeath vs Testament vs Inheritance" in the New Testament

 

"Leave Behind vs Bequeath vs Testament vs Inheritance" in the New Testament

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you"

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son"

Heb 9:16-17 "In the case of a will...the death of the one who made it must be established"

Rom 8:17 "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ"

 

Items

Leave Behind (καταλείπω)

Bequeath (διαθήκη)

Testament

 (διαθήκη)

Inheritance

 (κληρονομία)

Basic Meaning

To leave, abandon for posterity

To give through covenant to recipients

Legal will/covenant with binding force

Property/estate legally obtained by heirs

Spiritual Meaning

Christ's loving initiative of giving

God's formal transfer of grace

Legal guarantee document of salvation

Believers' blessings in Christ

Legal Nature

Gracious giving

Formal transfer of grace

Binding divine covenant

Legitimate spiritual inheritance rights

Actor's Role

Christ actively leaves behind

God actively gives

Christ establishes the will

Believers passively receive

Time Characteristics

Began during Christ's earthly ministry

Continues throughout salvation plan

Took legal effect after Christ's death

Begins immediately upon believing

Scope Features

Specific spiritual graces

Broad salvation graces

Complete salvation plan

Sum total of all spiritual blessings

Method of Obtaining

Received through Christ's love

Received through God's grace

Takes effect through faith

Inherited through sonship

Main Examples

Peace (John 14:27)

Holy Spirit Comforter (John 14:16)

New commandment of love (John 13:34)

God gave His only Son (John 3:16)

Grants eternal life (John 17:2)

Grants authority as children (John 1:12)

The New Testament itself

New covenant in blood (Luke 22:20)

Christ's words and teachings

Eternal life (Matt 25:34)

Kingdom of God

Spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3)

Incorruptible inheritance (1 Pet 1:4)

Believers' Response

Cherish and hold fast

Be grateful and receive

Believe and obey

Draw upon by faith and enjoy

Practical Application

Hold fast to Christ's peace

Obey the Lord's commands

Depend on Holy Spirit's help

Thank God for His grace

Accept God's gifts

Not earn by works

Believe in Scripture's authority

Live according to Scripture

Proclaim God's Word

Draw upon grace by faith

Enjoy spiritual blessings

Share testimony with others

Rich Content

Precious graces personally

 left by Christ

Salvation gifts actively

given by God

Scripture recording complete

salvation plan

Divine Sharing:

 Trinity Himself, God's life and nature

Salvation Reality: Redemption, forgiveness, justification, reconciliation, regeneration, sanctification

Status Change:

 Sonship, heir status, God's children

Life Supply:

Eternal life, abundant life, spiritual power, peace

Relationship Establishment:

Reconciled to God, in Christ, Holy Spirit indwelling

Future Hope:

Resurrection, glory, eternal kingdom

 

Interrelationship Flow Chart

Christ's Love & Sacrifice → Leaves Spiritual Graces → Through Grace Bequeathal → Recorded in NT Testament → Believers Inherit Spiritual Heritage

 

                                                                                                         

    Cross Redemption        Active Giving           Formal Transfer            Legal Guarantee          Actual Enjoyment

                                                                                                         

    Act of Love           Grace Manifestation      Covenant Establishment     Word Record             Blessing Reception

 

Core Truth Summary

New Testament = Christ's Testament

  • Original word "covenant" (διαθήκη) and "testament" are the same
  • The new covenant established through Christ's death and bloodshed is not only a covenant but also a testament
  • After Christ's resurrection and ascension, all covenant contents are bequeathed to those who believe in Him
  • People inherit property through a testament, just as we inherit salvation through Scripture
  • The entire New Testament content is the Lord's testament left for believers to "draw from inexhaustibly and enjoy forever"

 

Practical significance

These four concepts form a complete system of salvation:

1. Legacy - Demonstrating Christ's love and initiative

2. Legacy - Demonstrating the richness of God's grace

3. Testament - Provides assurance of salvation

4. Heritage - Realizing the blessedness of believers

Believers can therefore be assured of and enjoy all the spiritual riches in Christ, which are the infinite treasures prepared for us in God's eternal plan.


*Please refer to the Truth Course – Level 2 (Volume 1) Lesson 8 The New Covenant between God and All Sinners V. Contents of the Entire New Testament

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