Abrahamic Covenant
Hello Dr. Kaiser and Dale,
Thank you for reading and responding to my post; I pray all is well with both you and your families. Now, concerning The Abrahamic Covenant being “the covenant of today” can be confusing or totally dismissed because of the New Covenant, mentioned by Dr. Kaiser. Many believe that The Abrahamic Covenant is not one of today because the promise was made to Abram and his physical descendants,
“As for me, this is my covenant with you: you will be the father…” [1] It is understandable for many to believe this covenant is outdated or nonapplicable today because God is speaking directly to Abram, and logically speaking, it is understood that his descendants are the children of Israel. However, although Israel is the Jewish
nation the promise is extended to nations outside of Israel. First, the Bible goes onto to say,” …all the peoples of the earth will be blessed through you”. [2] Secondly, Jesus responded to a rebellious Jewish group when they said, “Abraham is our father,” by responding, "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do what Abraham did”. [3] Thirdly, Paul quiets all arguments concerning inclusion and inheritance when he says:
“Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” [4]
In conclusion, according to scripture, it appears that the OT and NT covenants are components of one redemption plan that restores mankind into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. All we must do is what any recipient (past or present) has or is doing: repent, believe, trust, and obey.
Thank you for reading and responding to my post; I pray all is well with both you and your families. Now, concerning The Abrahamic Covenant being “the covenant of today” can be confusing or totally dismissed because of the New Covenant, mentioned by Dr. Kaiser. Many believe that The Abrahamic Covenant is not one of today because the promise was made to Abram and his physical descendants,
“As for me, this is my covenant with you: you will be the father…” [1] It is understandable for many to believe this covenant is outdated or nonapplicable today because God is speaking directly to Abram, and logically speaking, it is understood that his descendants are the children of Israel. However, although Israel is the Jewish
nation the promise is extended to nations outside of Israel. First, the Bible goes onto to say,” …all the peoples of the earth will be blessed through you”. [2] Secondly, Jesus responded to a rebellious Jewish group when they said, “Abraham is our father,” by responding, "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do what Abraham did”. [3] Thirdly, Paul quiets all arguments concerning inclusion and inheritance when he says:
“Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” [4]
In conclusion, according to scripture, it appears that the OT and NT covenants are components of one redemption plan that restores mankind into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. All we must do is what any recipient (past or present) has or is doing: repent, believe, trust, and obey.