TESTAMENTS meaning and definition

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Unpacking the Meaning of "Testament"

In everyday language, when we say someone has made their "testament," we usually mean they've left behind a will, outlining how they want their property and assets to be distributed after their passing. However, in biblical terms, a testament refers to one of the two main sections that comprise the Christian Bible: the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT).

The Old Testament

The Old Testament is the first section of the Christian Bible, containing 39 books that chronicle the history of God's relationship with his people, from creation to the early days of the Israelites. The OT tells the story of how God chose a particular nation, the Israelites, and established a covenant with them. It also contains prophetic writings, wisdom literature, and historical accounts that provide context for understanding Jesus Christ and the salvation he brings.

The New Testament

The New Testament is the second section of the Christian Bible, comprising 27 books that focus on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The NT begins with the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which provide eyewitness accounts of Jesus' ministry. It then continues with letters from early Christian leaders, known as apostles, who wrote to establish and guide the young church. Finally, the NT concludes with the Book of Revelation, a prophetic vision of the end times.

The Connection between Old and New Testaments

While the OT and NT are distinct sections of the Bible, they are intimately connected. The OT sets the stage for the coming of Jesus Christ, while the NT reveals God's plan of salvation through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. In other words, the OT is like a precursor to the NT, providing the historical context and prophetic foreshadowing that ultimately point to the arrival of Jesus.

The Significance of Testaments

Understanding the concept of "testament" in biblical terms highlights several key points:

History: The Bible is not just a collection of individual stories or teachings; it's a comprehensive history of God's interactions with humanity.
Prophecy: The OT contains prophetic writings that foreshadow Jesus' coming, while the NT reveals the fulfillment of those prophecies in Jesus' life and teachings.
Salvation: The NT is primarily concerned with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, which is rooted in the OT promises of a Messiah who would bring redemption to humanity.
Unity: Despite their differences, the OT and NT are united in their focus on God's plan of salvation for humanity.

In conclusion, when we talk about testaments in biblical terms, we're referring to the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT), two sections that together comprise the Christian Bible. Understanding these two testaments as a unified whole provides insight into the history of God's interactions with humanity, the prophecy and fulfillment of Jesus' coming, and ultimately, the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

References:

The International Bible Society. (2009). New American Standard Bible. La Habra Heights, CA: Foundation Publications.
The Catholic Biblical Association. (2011). The Catholic Study Bible. New York: Oxford University Press.
The Christian Broadcasting Network. (n.d.). What is the Old Testament? Retrieved from https://www.cbn.com/questions/what-is-the-old-testament

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