The New Testament

The New Testament

A testament is usually of great interest to those whom it concerns. If a poor man, who owed a lot of money, were mentioned in the testament of his rich brother in America, hope and joy would fill his heart. He would read the testament with the greatest care and perhaps seek expert advice to make sure he got everything that was willed to him.

What can possibly be compared to the New Testament that came into force through Jesus’ death? Heb. 9:16-17. This testament is reliable and true and delivers what it promises. These treasures that Jesus bequeaths to His fellow brethren, His true followers, are riches that were not easily acquired, but were born of sufferings, tears, and blood. Jesus knew that the battle His followers had to wage here on earth would be hard because of the various tribulations and trials, and that they would need powerful help to overcome. Thanks to this testament His followers do not need to be poor, dejected, and helpless in any circumstance here in this world. Every day we can take from it what we need that pertains to life and godliness.

This testament speaks of an abundance of life (John 10:10); an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness so we can reign in life (Rom. 5:17); all grace abounding, so that we can have an abundance for every good work (2 Cor. 9:8); an abundance of joy and sincere love in great trials and afflictions (2 Cor. 8:2); all might according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy (Col. 1:11); the exceeding greatness of power (Eph. 1:19); great boldness (2 Cor. 3:12); an abundance of love for one another (1 Thess. 3:12); abundant thanksgiving (2 Cor. 1:11); etc.

From the above we can see what was available to the apostles and the saints who partook of such an abundant life. Unfortunately, one does not usually see much of an abundance of God’s life, love, thankfulness, peace, and goodness among those who call on God’s name. They usually have an abundance of all kinds of other things. Why is this? They get as little out of Christ’s testament as they would if they went to a bank with a testament that was not made out in their name. It wouldn’t help them anything if they begged, cried, and asked the bank ever so much. They would have to leave just as poor as when they came in.

Jesus said to a number of people, “I do not know you.” We have to receive a name in heavenly places as one of Jesus Christ’s genuine brothers, with the same Spirit of Truth and the same mind, if we want to get these riches that He has bequeathed to us. We learn to know Him, and He learns to know us by our daily faithfulness in fellowship with Him, in light and purity. He knows those who are His and is known by them. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7. We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Rom. 8:17.

May our hearts be entirely absorbed by the contents of the New Testament, so that we do not—as the many—only carry the New Testament in our pocket because it is so small and such a handy size.