God's Will and Testament

The nature of the covenant God has given to us in Christ is unique. The word translated 'covenant' may also be translated 'testament' (as in 'last will and testament') and this is theologically significant. The covenant does share many features of a will and testament (e.g. a death has taken place; it is related to heirs/beneficiaries appointed by the one who makes the will; it is legally binding; it is enacted so that the benefits are conferred sovereignly; and so on). This action is entirely gracious on God's part, and causes us to look for the second coming of the Son with eager longing.