Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "remembrance" refers to the act of recalling or bringing to mind significant events, covenants, or divine actions. It is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's works, commandments, and promises.The concept of remembrance is first introduced in the Old Testament. In Genesis 9:15-16 , God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never to flood the earth again, and sets the rainbow as a sign of this covenant: "I will remember My covenant between Me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." In the Mosaic Law, remembrance is institutionalized through various feasts and rituals. The Passover, for instance, is a memorial of Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:14): "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it as a permanent statute for the generations to come." The Psalms frequently call believers to remember God's deeds and faithfulness. Psalm 77:11 states, "I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old." This act of remembrance serves to strengthen faith and trust in God. In the New Testament, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper as an act of remembrance. In Luke 22:19 , Jesus says, "And He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" This command underscores the importance of remembering Christ's sacrifice and its significance for salvation. Testimony The term "testimony" in the Bible refers to the declaration or affirmation of truth, often concerning God's character, actions, or laws. It is a vital aspect of the believer's life, serving as a witness to God's work and truth. In the Old Testament, the "testimony" often refers to the tablets of the Law given to Moses, which were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. Exodus 25:16 states, "And put into the ark the Testimony, which I will give you." This Testimony was a tangible representation of God's covenant with Israel and His divine standards. The Psalms frequently speak of God's testimonies as righteous and trustworthy. Psalm 19:7 declares, "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple." Here, testimonies are synonymous with God's decrees and are seen as a source of wisdom and guidance. In the New Testament, testimony takes on a personal dimension as believers are called to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' words to His disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This charge emphasizes the role of testimony in spreading the message of Christ. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of his own testimony as a means of proclaiming the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 2:1 , he writes, "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God." Paul's testimony is centered on the power and wisdom of God, rather than human ability. In Revelation, the testimony of Jesus is highlighted as a central theme. Revelation 12:11 states, "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death." Here, testimony is portrayed as a powerful tool in the spiritual battle against evil, underscoring its significance in the life of the believer. |