Testament: God's Covenant With Humanity

A testament is far more than an ancient document – it is a binding, written covenant between God and humanity, revealing His character, His requirements and His promise of salvation in two great parts.

A Written Covenant Between God and Humanity

A testament is a written document or covenant, detailing an intimate relationship and commitment between two parties – God and humanity. God, as the initiator, engaged with us His creation, declaring how He intends us to live. He did not leave humanity to guess at His will; He set down the terms of the relationship in words that could be read, remembered and passed on.

The Bible is given to us as our guidebook to living

His requirements are largely contained in the Scriptures (the Bible), written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and should form the foundation of our whole life, as our lives will be judged by it (Jn 12:48; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:21).

Because God has taken the initiative and set down His terms, we have an obligation to understand them and endeavour to obey, living in harmony with what God expects from us – and He, for His part, will honour (keep) His side of the deal.

The Old Testament (OT)

The written document is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament (OT and NT). The 39 books of the Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi, cover the creation of the world through to the formation of the Israelite nation, including God's dealings with them, the elaborate system of sacrifices set up to appease for sin, the numerous laws and the Ten Commandments. This Testament was written before Jesus' birth and is more specifically addressed to the Jews.

Even though we live in the New Testament era, the Old Testament still holds principles that apply today

Though this belongs to an earlier era of God's dealings with humanity, its accounts, laws and examples still carry valuable principles for us to follow today.

The New Testament (NT)

The New Testament was written after Jesus' incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension. Comprising 27 books, from Matthew to Revelation, it covers the birth and ministry of Jesus, His once only sacrifice for sin, the declaration that eternal life is only available through Him, the origins of the church, and foretells events yet to take place at the close of this period of grace.

Whoever wishes may freely receive the gift of salvation

Unlike the Old, the New Testament is all-embracing, instructing "All men everywhere to repent" and offering "Whoever wishes, let him take of the free gift of Salvation" (Jn 3:16; Act 17:30; Rev 22:17).

Reflection and Application

Treat the Bible as your guidebook for living – read it regularly and let it shape your decisions.
Remember that the Old Testament still teaches valuable principles; learn from its laws, examples and God's dealings with His people.
Respond personally to God's covenant: He took the initiative, so commit yourself to faithfulness on His terms.
Share the free gift of salvation with someone who has never heard that it is offered to all.