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"The death of the testator..."

Text: Hebrews 9:16

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

This is a phrase that describes the legal document of a person who writes his will. He is free to choose how to write his last will and testament. This idea was utilized to explain the necessity of the death of Christ!

“For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity
be the death of the testator.”
Hebrews 9:16

1. Testament

a) Linguistically this word may also be translated “covenant”.

b) The translation of this word as “testament” is very good and accurate.

c) The context argues for this word to be translated as a “testament”.

d) The focus of this “testament” is in the context of “a will”.

2. Significance of this idea

a) Christ is thought of as having written a will.

b) His will is for us to have an “eternal inheritance”.

3. The testator

a) The “testator” is a reference to the person who made the will.

b) As long as the testator is alive, the last will and testament cannot be effected.

4. Of necessity… the death of the testator

a) Of necessity describes an important truth- Jesus had to die before we can receive the full benefits of our eternal inheritance.

b) Of necessity applies in the following ways:-

i) Jesus had to shed His blood for us or we would never be fully cleansed.

ii) Jesus had to die before His will of an eternal inheritance can be given.

iii) Jesus had to die on our behalf for no one else can bring about full redemption.