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called the mediator of his own testament? How can it be said that the testator died to
make it valid?" (p.514).
The following literal translation of Heb. 9: 16, 17 is found in Dr. E. W. Bullinger's
Greek Lexicon:
"For where a covenant (is) a death (is) necessary to be brought in, of him or that
which makes the covenant, for a covenant over dead ones, or victims (is) sure, since at no
time has it force when he is living, the one who is making the covenant."
The last lines of this translation, if they were speaking of a covenant where the victim
was an animal, such as bulls or goats, would read `when it (i.e. the sacrificial victim) is
living'. But as the victim and the One Who makes the covenant is the Lord Jesus
Himself, we read, `when He is living' which probably influenced the translators to think
in terms of will-making rather than the making of a covenant.
No.2.
pp. 101 - 106
In further consideration of the twofold purpose of God revealed in the holy Scriptures,
we look at the book of Genesis. This contains within itself `the book of the generations
of Adam' (Gen. 5: 1). In contrast to this the N.T. opens with `the book of the generations
of Jesus Christ' (Matt. 1: 1). In the first book is the introduction of sin and death; in the
second we have God's salvation and the hope of eternal life. These books contain the
backbone of what the Word of God reveals and unfolds. The last book in the Hebrew
canon is not the prophecy of Malachi, but the two books of Chronicles which open with
the words `Adam, Sheth, Enosh' and contain on the last page the ominous words `no
remedy or healing' (II Chron. 36: 16), whereas the last pages of the book of the
Revelation speak of the resorted `right to the tree of life', the leaves of which are for the
`healing' or health of the nations, sin and death having been for ever removed.
There are important links of pairs in Genesis that must not be missed. They are:
(1)
The creation (1: 1) and the re-fashioning (1: 2 - 2: 3).
(2)
Two Adams. One present (1: 26; 2: 7), the Other promised (3: 15; I Cor. 15: 45).
(3)
Two coverings--leaves (3: 7), skins (3: 21).
(4)
Two ways--Abel (4: 4). Cain (4: 5).
(5)
Two Lamechs and the curse (4: 11, 19-24 and 5: 29, 30).
(6)
Two heads of the nations--Adam (1: 28). Noah (9: 1).
(7)
Two pledges--the Ark (Gen. 6:). The coffin (50: 26).
(8)
Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac.
(9)
Isaac's two sons, Esau and Jacob.
(10)
Twofold type of Christ, Joseph and Benjamin.