"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