I’ve been around the church a long time. I’ve been a Christian for over 30 years. So it’s amazing to me how many basic things I’ve come to grasp only in recent years.
Like the promise to Abraham. I knew Abraham was important. I mean, three major religions count him as one of theirs. But I tended to lump Abraham in with Isaac, Jacob, Joseph & Co. And I certainly didn’t put him on the same plain with Moses.
What I just didn’t see was that the promises made to Abraham are the basis for just about all of the promises that follow. In fact, our salvation stems from the fact that we’ve been made spiritual heirs of Abraham. Read Romans 4. Galatians 3. For Paul, the promise to Abraham wasn’t part of the “Patriarchal Era.” It’s our promise, too. We have been made heirs of Abraham, heirs to the promise.
When Paul talks about us sharing in “the promise” (Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:29, Ephesians 3:6, etc.), he means that we now receive the benefits of the promise that God made to Abraham. God chose Abraham and his descendants to be His people. The only way we could become the people of God was to somehow share in that promise. It never went away, it was just amplified. Jesus gave us access to the promise, the promise made to Abraham.
I know, I know, you’re all saying “Duh! I’ve always known that.” It just takes longer for some of us to figure things out.
Puts singing “Father Abraham” in a whole new light.
It is good when some things start to come together isn’t it?
tim-
If you don’t mind a suggestion. This Adam – Patriarical – Mosaic – Christian era stuff isn’t all that bad.
Now with this Promise understanding go to Romans 5 and see what the different “eras” mean.
Just a suggestion :)
Don,
Missing you here in Piedras Negras this week.
Thanks for the suggestion. As much as anything, I have problems with the terminology. The old “if it ain’t in the Bible, it ain’t biblical” problem.
I have a serious problem those who misuse the idea of different biblical eras and thereby reject everything in the Bible before Acts 2.
Grace and peace,
Tim
tim-
Oh Yeah, not those bozos.
I have never been able to get across to one of those people the concept that Luke could not have sat down and written an Old & New Testament book at the same time.
We wanted to go but things went south. We have three cars in the family.
’91 [have to check oil when you gas it up]
’93 [no A/C & iffy transmission]
’03
Guess which one’s engine just cracked,has a $7,500 estimate to repair, and still owe money on?
Aaarrrgghh!!
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Have you also noticed that the promises made to Abraham are the basis of the whole sacrificial system in the Law of Moses?
What animals is Abraham commanded to bring in order to cut the covenant? The animals of the Mosaic covenant.
What happens during the covenant-cutting? God (as the firepot) steps in the bloodpath first (because he is the greater party in the covenant) — stepping in the bloodpath signifies that the other party may do this to him if he fails to keep his promises. So here’s Abraham, knowing that he is doomed! Remember what God said was the stipulation for the lesser party in this covenant: “Only walk before me and be blameless.” As soon as he sets a toe in the bloodpath, he knows he is doomed. But what actually happens? God (manifested this time as the flaming torch) passes through the bloodpath — saying with his actions that, “If you are not blameless, you may do this to me.” Without a word, the Son’s death warrant is signed at that moment.
And twice a day, every day (Exodus 29), blood was brought before the Presence of God (Lev 1). That blood was a plea for God to remember his promise. For the better part of 1400 years, the Israelites cried out to God every single day — PLEASE remember your promise! We know we are not blameless — please remember what you promised to Abraham.
And finally, during the feast of Passover, at mid-morning (when the morning blood would be poured before the altar) — the Son of God was nailed to a cross. At the time of the evening sacrifice, he waits, holding tightly to his spirit, muttering Psalm 22 to himself. When the shofar is blown at 3pm, when the priest is pouring out the evening offering and the incense of prayer is being poured onto the altar — Jesus shouted, “IT IS FINISHED!” Or, “I HAVE DONE IT!” (Ps 22:31)
Just like God promised to Abraham 1900 years earlier.
Now that I understand how ancient blood covenants work, I will never read the passion narratives the same way again.
Nick,
That’s interesting. I had not made that connection.
Grace and peace,
Tim