Show Notes:
The promise of Genesis 3:15 continues through the line of Abraham:
- this had nothing to do with how good Abraham was – it was all because of God’s grace
- Abraham simply obeyed in faith when God called him, and received the promise of the covenant.
Genesis 12:1-3
Go from your country, your people and your father’s household
to the land I will show you.
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;
I will make your name great and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse,
and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Three main parts to this promise:
- A promised land
- A great nation of descendants
- All nations blessed through him
Two types of covenant in Ancient Near East
- Parity Covenant – between two equal parties
- Suzerain-Vassal Covenant – between unequal parties (this is the type of covenant God made with Abraham
All Abraham had to do in this covenant was respond in faith.
The promise of the covenant carried through one family line:
- Isaac rather than Ishmael
- Jacob rather than Esau
- Judah rather than his brothers
None of these people deserved God’s blessing – the covenant continued through grace.
How does Jesus fulfil the promises made to Abraham?
- Promised land – the inheritance of eternal life in heaven, living in God’s presence foreverthe inheritance of eternal life in heaven, living in God’s presence forever
- A great nation – all people who have faith in Jesus become part of God’s family
- Blessing to all nations – salvation through Jesus is open to people from every language and country
Bible verses mentioned: Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15:12-18, Galatians 3:16, Hebrews 11:15-16, Revelation 5:9
Additional resources:
The Abrahamic Covenant, Simply Put Podcast
The Covenant of Abraham, John Piper
Covenant and Covenants in the Bible, Robert I. Bradshaw
Listen to the podcast episode here.
Available on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Podvine
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