"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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