Testator Death

>>>CQ> Did the New Covenenant come into effect at the death or resurrection of Christ. I lean towards the resurrection.

>>QC> Many believe (including myself) that the New Covenant didn't really start until the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2.

It is written, "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." (Heb.9:16,17)

>CQ> I have considered the Scriptures and have made up my mind that I believe the New Covenant came into effect at the death of Christ, when Jesus became our curse, and veil rent in twain, opening the way to God for all who believe.

The "new covenant" is with "the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" (Heb.8:8p) and replaces THEIR old covenant.

And you need to understand the distinction between a covenant and a testament. A covenant is an agreement between two parties, and there are at least 8 different covenants found in the word of God; and it is not necessary for someone to die to have a covenant.

A testament involves the will of a testator being carried out AFTER his death, and has to do with inheritance and his estate, etc. The testament must also be TESTIFIED before benefits are received.

Both the new covenant with Israel and Judah, AND the "testament" are of force after the death of Jesus the testator, (who is no longer dead, but risen from the dead and is the MEDIATOR of his testament!) The malefactor who believed the Lord Jesus, was saved (Luke 23:43) by the new testament, for he died AFTER Christ died for our sins.

Gentiles were NOT a party to the old covenant with Israel, but ARE included in the testament in Christ. Don't forget that the primary emphasis of the book of Hebrews is NOT toward gentiles, but Hebrews; And consider that "Abraham the Hebrew" is the father of MANY nations, and not just of the nation of Israel: His inheritance went to Isaac, but gifts and blessings were [given] unto all his children.

The water baptism of Acts 2 for "the house of Israel" to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, has to do with their death under the old Mosaic covenant before entering into the new covenant. The Gentiles in Acts 10 were NOT under that old covenant, but received the Holy Ghost by HEARING Peter TESTIFY of the testament. They were baptized in the Holy Ghost and received the promise WITHOUT being baptized in water like Simon (Peter) the son of JONAH! (Jonah's water baptism was for the sake of Ninevah, but THEY didn't HAVE to go under the water!) "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!"

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be unto you. Amen. --Richard