242. HEB 9:17. CHRIST A TESTATOR

Heb_9:17. Christ a Testator

"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator."’97Heb_9:17

See the preceding verses, also Christ’s address at the institution of the supper Mat_26:27, &c.

Let us consider,

I. The Testator.

The Testator is the Lord Jesus Christ.

As such we may notice,

1. His original and underived riches and glory.

The essential Son of God, Lord of angels, Prince of glory, heir of all things, &c.

2. His assumed humanity.

Enshrined in flesh, and dwelt among us; truly man, of the seed of Abraham; found in fashion as a man; made in all things like unto his brethren, &c.

3 His mediatorial character.

Occupying a midway place between God and us. His hands upon both. Medium of God’s approach to us, and of our access to him. The only Mediator. Acceptable to God, and entirely suited to us Observe,

II. The Testament.

The testament, or will of Christ is 1. Clearly revealed in the Gospel.

The Gospel is not only a history of events, a record of facts, a code of laws, and system of doctrines, but also a legacy of invaluable blessings. "Search the Scriptures," &c. "Life and immortality are brought," &c.

2. The legacy bequeathed is salvation.

He came expressly to save us from our sins. To procure eternal salvation. And this includes all the unsearchable riches of grace here, and all the infinite glories of the world to come.

3. The blessings bequeathed become ours by faith.

He that believeth shall be saved. "Not by works of righteousness," &c. "To as many as received him," &c. Joh_1:12. We are all the children of God by faith. "And if children, then heirs," &c.

Then observe,

III. The Necessity of the Testator’s Death.

"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator."

1. The testator obtained the legacies he bequeathed by his death.

Had he not died, grace could not have been bestowed. His life and obedience were necessary, but we are "redeemed only by his blood." "It behooved him to suffer," &c. His death ransomed our souls to God. "Redeemed not with corruptible things," &c.

2. The legacy is not due until the Testator’s death is proved.

Now it is the great declaration of the Gospel, that Christ has died for our sins. The death of Christ is demonstrated from the concurrent testimony of profane as well as sacred writers.

3. In laying claim to the legacy we must principally refer to his death.

Faith must have respect to the whole Gospel testimony, but especially to his agony and cross. Faith in his blood’97"He loved me, and gave himself for me"

"’Tis all my hope and all my plea,

For me the Saviour died."

Application

1. Invite the wretched dying sinner to this great and glorious legacy.

2. Urge believers to keep their titles clear, and to grow in meetness for its consummated blessedness.

3. In prayer, meditation, and at the Lord’s table, especially think upon the Testator’s death, that love to him may be inflamed, &c. "The love of Christ constraineth us," &c. "We love him," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS