There are some terms that are used in scripture to explain how God’s authority works, and how it affects the Old and New Testaments.
In the NKJV of the bible, there are three primary words that are used to describe what these are. They are the words testament, covenant and will. Let’s define each.
In Galatians 3:17 Paul wrote, “And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.” The word covenant (diatheke) is a term with legal ramifications, defined by Thayer as “a disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid…especially the last disposal which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will.”
In Hebrews 9:15, the same word is used referencing the covenant of Christ. An aspect of it is explained using another English term in verses 16-17, though the Greek word is the same, “For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.” In verses 18 and 20 the translators revert to the word covenant though the Greek never changes.
Finally, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” While not strictly legal in the terminology, the same things is meant. The word will (thelema) is defined by Thayer, “what one wishes or has determined shall be done.” In all of these as they impact our involvement with God — they refer to the arrangement, testament or determination of God which is accomplished through His Son Jesus.
Since it is God, it must be respected. God has determined how He desired to interact with man. Before Christ came God interacted with the Jews through Moses. When Jesus came, things changed. Consider these words, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:1-4).
So, in these last days God revealed His will or covenant to man through His Son Jesus Christ. There are numerous truths that arise from this revelation.
- Just like we Americans are no longer amenable to the Articles of Confederation now that the Constitution has superseded them, we as Christians are not under the Old Covenant, because God’s New Covenant (Testament) has superseded it.
- In the same way a last will and testament of a man comes into effect with the death of a man, Jesus’ New Covenant or Testament came into effect when He died on the cross at Calvary over two thousand years ago (cf. Hebrews 9:11-17).
- Since God’s new covenant differs with respect to how we please Him, it is necessary that we conform our profession to what Jesus said is necessary, rather than Moses or any of the prophets. As God Himself said in contrasting Jesus with Moses and Elijah in Matthew 17:5, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
- What has been revealed in the New Covenant is that our salvation is not based on merit, but on the gift of God’s son, as we believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). And, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Finally, for us to gain the blessings of a relationship with God, it is only necessary for us to obey His terms. God sent His Son to die for all men, but only those who submit to His terms will be saved. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:15-16). We are told about those who in faith obey, “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46-47).
This is and always has been the ultimate means by which God has determined to save you and me!
