The word “testament” is another word for “covenant.” So when we say Old Testament or New Testament, you really could just as easily say “covenant.” The same thing is true for the words of Jesus that I read every week when He said about the cup: this cup is the new testament in my blood. Some translations say, this cup is the new covenant in my blood. Both are correct and true. A covenant is a relationship sealed with promises and obligations, with blessings and curses.
We still use the word testament when we refer to someone’s last will and testament, referring to a legal document that determines what happens to someone’s possessions after he dies. And Hebrews makes this very point: “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator” (Heb. 9:16).
This means that Christ’s death secured an inheritance: the remission of all your sins as well as your complete sanctification. What is that sanctification? It is your obedience and faith, and wisdom and courage, and peace and joy for your entire life. Christ provided all of that to all who believe in His last will and testament. And He gave us this meal to assure us that His covenant is true and real.
Whatever it is that you face, Christ is here promising that He has already prepared exactly what you need. Remember the widow who only had enough oil and flour for one last loaf of bread before she and her son died? The prophet said that it would not run out, and now the greatest Prophet of all has come, and He has promised that what you need to live faithfully will be provided and it will never run out until you and your children are safely home with Him.
So come and welcome to Jesus Christ.
Photo by Thalia Ruiz on Unsplash
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