Covenant with Abraham - In Essence, a Christian Covenant?

msortwell

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Hi msortwell
I believe what we see in the Bible is the fulfilling of this promise to Abraham. The promise is actually fourfold. God promise to,
1. Make Abraham the father of a great nation
2. To make him the father of many nations.
3. That all nations would be blessed through him, and
4. That he would inherit the land.

Galatians 3 is a summary of the entire Bible. Gd did make Abraham the father of a great nation, Israel. He also made him the father of many nations. Through Christ all believers are Abraham's seed. God is also blessing all nations through Abraham via Christ. The final part of the promise is the land inheritance.

Regarding the passages you quoted about the new heavens and new earth, let me say, when we today, think of the word new, we think of another one. A different one. However, in Scripture we are told that God will renew existing things.

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. (Acts 3:20-21 KJV)

Peter speaks of the restoring of all things. John, writing the words of God does the same. Notice further in Rev 21.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (Rev. 21:4-5 KJV)

Notice God said, "I make all things new". He didn't say I make all new things. This is a restoration that God is speaking of. He's talking about restoring the creation. Also, note that the heavens are the atmosphere. Remember Gen. 1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". There are also passages that imply this even though they don't state it outright. For instance, Isaiah prophesies about the New Jerusalem.

17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. (Isa. 65:17-19 KJV)

Notice that God said there will be no more weeping and crying in the New Jerusalem. This implies that there was previously weeping and crying in Jerusalem. This implies that the New Jerusalem and the present Jerusalem are one and the same.

Likewise God promised David that the fruit of David's womb would sit on his throne forever. David's throne was in Jerusalem. Christ will sit on David's throne in Jerusalem.

Here's another, Zion is Jerusalem,

13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. (Ps. 132:13-14 KJV)

This implies that Jerusalem will continue to exist. So, I submit that it's not that the new heavens and earth are not different ones , but rather the present ones restored. When the inheritance in mentioned in Scripture it is the land. This earth is Christ's inheritance, and as joint heirs, Christians too will inherit it.

So, I submit that it is the Christian's destiny to inherit the land and to live on it. That is a a part of the Abrahamic Covenant and the Christian's hope.

But sometimes new means truly new . . . See Matt 9:17 where the same term is used for NEW wine skins. It even seems that John is attempting to emphasize that the new heavens/earth are truly new by stating that the old is passed away.

But WHATEVER exists at the time of Rev 21, it will be Christs and the possession of all that are in Him - the redeemed of all ages. The land promise too . . . Is fulfilled in Christ.
 
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Butch5

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I think you're missing the point, actually, friend. The apostle wasn't referring to the land of Canaan, but the eternal promises regarding salvation. I think you should re-read Galatians 3, this is clearly pointed out.

I also addressed the nature of Abraham's covenant here.

Yes, he is referring to the land. That's the whole point. The inheritance is the land. He specifically says that the "blessing of Abraham", which is the land inheritance, comes to the Gentiles through Christ. He goes on as the end of the chapter to say,

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal. 3:29 KJV)

I looked at the post you referenced. I disagree that there are "spiritual" promises. Where are these "spiritual" promises mentioned. What exactly is a "spiritual" promise? The word that is translated "spiritual" is pneuma and means wind or breath. Spirit is a figurative use of the word pneuma. How is a promise wind or breath? Even if it's figurative what is it?
 
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Butch5

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But sometimes new means truly new . . . See Matt 9:17 where the same term is used for NEW wine skins. It even seems that John is attempting to emphasize that the new heavens/earth are truly new by stating that the old is passed away.

But WHATEVER exists at the time of Rev 21, it will be Christs and the possession of all that are in Him - the redeemed of all ages. The land promise too . . . Is fulfilled in Christ.

Yes, it can mean a different one. My point is that we are told that the earth will be restored and that God makes all things new. That indicates to me that the new earth is the same as the present one. Even in Rev 21, after saying the former heavens and earth have passed away God says He makes all things new. This indicates that the one that passed away was made new. Yes it will be Christ's inheritance. I don't see any purpose in creating a new one when He's going to restore this one? Plus, God said He'd give Christ the land. He didn't say He'd give Him a new land on a new earth.
 
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Jonaitis

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I looked at the post you referenced. I disagree that there are "spiritual" promises. Where are these "spiritual" promises mentioned. What exactly is a "spiritual" promise? The word that is translated "spiritual" is pneuma and means wind or breath. Spirit is a figurative use of the word pneuma. How is a promise wind or breath? Even if it's figurative what is it?

Galatians 3:6-9

Galatians 3:11-14

Galatians 3:21-22

Galatians 3:28-29

The spiritual promise is justification and eternal life in his offspring, who is Christ. This is the "all the nations on earth will be blessed in you" part of Abraham's spiritual promise.

Romans 4:13-25 refers not to Canaan

I will not argue with you on this anymore.
 
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msortwell

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I believe it to be a positive thing that we are compelled to wrestle with the manner in which the promises to Abraham are fulfilled in Christ, and the manner in which the NT chuch benefits from that fulfillment. Too many teachers in the church today are fully comfortable declaring their firm conviction that the inspired text should be taken literally, but relegate the Abrahamic covenant to typological of saving faith, or, at best, prophetic of messiah.
 
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ralliann

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But the land was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and they never received it.

Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession,
and to his seed after him
, when as yet he had no child. (Acts 7:1-5 KJV)

The land promise has not been fulfilled as these men didn't receive it. The only way they can receive it is in the Resurrection.
Is this spoken to Abram in the first covenant given in Gen 15. I believe so
Abram is told he would die before this covenant is fulfilled.
Scripture for this.....
Gen 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
1Co 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

This first covenant also does not included Isaac, or Jacob, or even the twelve patriarchs themselves specifically....but rather the 4th generation of his seed.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

Therefore we see Joseph say...
Ge 50:25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

The 3rd generation dies
Ex 1:6 And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.

The covenant made in Genesis 17 is the promise to Abraham himself to inherit the land forever...This can only happen if he is raised from the dead as per (Gen 15) already spoke..…. This (gen 17) must then be the covenant made in Christ.

Ga 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

3rd generation dies...then the next generation (4th) become enslaved

6 And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.
7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
 
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ralliann

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The Abrahamic Covenant was a dualistic covenant, he had a spiritual and physical seed, with spiritual and physical promises. In its carnal, plain nature, the Abrahamic Covenant defined the essential structure of the Old Covenant (you shall possess a land, become a nation, and kings shall come forth from you). In its spiritual nature, it promised another Covenant in his offspring, who is Christ. In Christ, all nations are blessed. We, being in Christ, who is Abraham's offspring, inherit the spiritual promises by faith made to Abraham regarding eternal life and righteousness, being heirs with him of that hope and a partaker of the Holy Spirit.
What of Levi?
The entire tribe did not inherit with Israel. The holiest tribe did not inherit the land with the twelve tribes.
 
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Jonaitis

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What of Levi?
The entire tribe did not inherit with Israel. The holiest tribe did not inherit the land with the twelve tribes.

"The priests, the Levites, even the whole tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel; the burnt-offerings of the Lord are their inheritance, they shall eat them." - Deuteronomy 18:1
 
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ralliann

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"The priests, the Levites, even the whole tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel; the burnt-offerings of the Lord are their inheritance, they shall eat them." - Deuteronomy 18:1
Yes, that is exactly what I am talking about. The covenant in Gen 15 concerns the land. Levi did not inherit with Israel. So Levi's inheritance did not come from that covenant. This is a real issue for me when it comes to notions of replacement (or accusations thereof) theology. How is it Gods promises must be kept to Israel, yet ignore that Levi has none in that type of theology?
 
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Jonaitis

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Yes, that is exactly what I am talking about. The covenant in Gen 15 concerns the land. Levi did not inherit with Israel. So Levi's inheritance did not come from that covenant. This is a real issue for me when it comes to notions of replacement (or accusations thereof) theology. How is it Gods promises must be kept to Israel, yet ignore that Levi has none in their theology?

Replacement theology? If you think I believe this, you're mistaken. The Church is not Israel, the Church did not replace Israel.

Your understanding of Levi makes no sense. Levi was never suppose to inherit the land, only cities.
 
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ralliann

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Replacement theology? If you think I believe this, you're mistaken. The Church is not Israel, the Church did not replace Israel.

Your understanding of Levi makes no sense. Levi was never suppose to inherit the land, only cities.
I understand you don't believe replacement theology. My point was those which accuse others of having a replacement theology, if their theology is not Israel centric. Therefore I ask them, "what about Levi"? Levi did not inherit with Israel. Their inheritance is the priesthood and all the benefits which come from that. Why can one tribe not inherit all the promises made to Abraham and that is ok? Levis inheritance came from somewhere?
 
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Jonaitis

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I understand you don't believe replacement theology. My point was those which accuse others of having a replacement theology, if their theology is not Israel centric. Therefore I ask them, "what about Levi"? Levi did not inherit with Israel. Their inheritance is the priesthood and all the benefits which come from that. Why can one tribe not inherit all the promises made to Abraham and that is ok?

It is the way God set it up, so that Levi would be set apart. This is why Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, took a share among the sons of Jacob, so that twelve tribes would still possess the land, one of them replacing Levi (Genesis 48:5). If Levi possessed land, it would be thirteen tribes and what portion would they have? Anyways.
 
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ralliann

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It is the way God set it up, so that Levi would be set apart. This is why Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, took a share among the sons of Jacob, so that twelve tribes would still possess the land, one of them replacing Levi (Genesis 48:5). If Levi possessed land, it would be thirteen tribes and what portion would they have? Anyways.
You are avoiding the whole picture (unintentionally I am sure) Anyone can say that's how God set it up. Covenant theology says the very same thing. Really what this is about is how did God set things up...What the entire people of Israel "is" came out of the promises made to Abraham. Therefore the priesthood as well as the land were promised to Abraham for his heirs. Levi did not inherit from nothing. So you have indeed two covenants and two inheritances divided ( or portioned) but operating under Moses. Heck Moses did not inherit the land either. Moses sons were also reckoned as Levites.
 
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Butch5

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Galatians 3:6-9

Galatians 3:11-14

Galatians 3:21-22

Galatians 3:28-29

The spiritual promise is justification and eternal life in his offspring, who is Christ. This is the "all the nations on earth will be blessed in you" part of Abraham's spiritual promise.

Romans 4:13-25 refers not to Canaan

I will not argue with you on this anymore.

Thought we were having a discussion.
 
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Butch5

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Is this spoken to Abram in the first covenant given in Gen 15. I believe so
Abram is told he would die before this covenant is fulfilled.
Scripture for this.....
Gen 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
1Co 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

This first covenant also does not included Isaac, or Jacob, or even the twelve patriarchs themselves specifically....but rather the 4th generation of his seed.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

Therefore we see Joseph say...
Ge 50:25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

The 3rd generation dies
Ex 1:6 And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.

The covenant made in Genesis 17 is the promise to Abraham himself to inherit the land forever...This can only happen if he is raised from the dead as per (Gen 15) already spoke..…. This (gen 17) must then be the covenant made in Christ.

Ga 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

3rd generation dies...then the next generation (4th) become enslaved

6 And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.
7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
The promise to Isaac

I'm not quite following you on the generations? I might be missing something. The promise to Abraham was made to Issac and Jacob also minus the part about the father of a great nation and many nations. It was to them and their seed. In Galatians Paul indicates that the Seed is Christ.

And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
2 And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. (Gen. 26:1-5 KJV)

The promise to Jacob

And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.
11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. (Gen. 28:10-14 KJV)
 
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ralliann

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The promise to Isaac

I'm not quite following you on the generations? I might be missing something.
I am talking about the covenant made in Genesis 15. It concerns the fourth Generation of Abrahams seed.
In the midst of this covenant Abraham is told he is going to die....
Gen 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

The above is speaking of the fourth generation

The first generation is Isaac, the second is Jacob, the third are the 12 patriachs.
The promise to Abraham was made to Issac and Jacob also minus the part about the father of a great nation and many nations.
What you are speaking of is the covenant made in genesis 17. There were two covenants made with Abraham. The covenant made in Genesis 17 was given after the covenant of Genesis 15 ..but...The covenant made in Genesis 17 was in operation first.
Isaac is the focus of this one covenant. This covenant is the one established in Isaac. It is also the covenant which promises the land to Abraham, and his seed, as of one seed. This covenant is one of kings. It is the eternal inheritance of the land....
Galatians speaks of the women being an allegory for the two covenants...…
Look at what is said of Ishmael here
Blessed, to be made fruitful, multiply exceedingly, 12 princes, make a great nation.

Gen 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

Look what it says of the covenant established in Isaac
Father of many nations, kings will come from him
Gen 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
Of Sarah
15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. {she … :
21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.


It was to them and their seed. In Galatians Paul indicates that the Seed is Christ.
Yes it is Christ. But Christ means anointed as well. So the eternal nature of the covenant made in Genesis 17, speaks of the covenant being established in anointed ones. Who are the anointed ones?
The high priests, the king, and the prophets. Christ is all three.
Genesis 15 is not an eternal inheritance. Nor is it a covenant of kings.
 
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Butch5

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I am talking about the covenant made in Genesis 15. It concerns the fourth Generation of Abrahams seed.
In the midst of this covenant Abraham is told he is going to die....
Gen 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

The above is speaking of the fourth generation

The first generation is Isaac, the second is Jacob, the third are the 12 patriachs.

What you are speaking of is the covenant made in genesis 17. There were two covenants made with Abraham. The covenant made in Genesis 17 was given after the covenant of Genesis 15 ..but...The covenant made in Genesis 17 was in operation first.
Isaac is the focus of this one covenant. This covenant is the one established in Isaac. It is also the covenant which promises the land to Abraham, and his seed, as of one seed. This covenant is one of kings. It is the eternal inheritance of the land....
Galatians speaks of the women being an allegory for the two covenants...…
Look at what is said of Ishmael here
Blessed, to be made fruitful, multiply exceedingly, 12 princes, make a great nation.

Gen 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

Look what it says of the covenant established in Isaac
Father of many nations, kings will come from him
Gen 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
Of Sarah
15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. {she … :
21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.



Yes it is Christ. But Christ means anointed as well. So the eternal nature of the covenant made in Genesis 17, speaks of the covenant being established in anointed ones. Who are the anointed ones?
The high priests, the king, and the prophets. Christ is all three.
Genesis 15 is not an eternal inheritance. Nor is it a covenant of kings.

How are you seeing two different covenants?
 
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ralliann

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How are you seeing two different covenants?
This one in Genesis 15. Made in animals blood....
1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.
8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
Acts 7:2
2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

Then the covenant in the blood of circumcision in Gen 17.
1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. {perfect: or, upright, or, sincere }
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. {many … : Heb. multitude of nations }
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. {Abraham: that is, Father of a great multitude }
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. {wherein … : Heb. of thy sojournings }
9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. {Sarah: that is Princess }
16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
Established in Isaac, not Ishmael.
18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

Acts 7 continued
8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.


The women here are an allegory for the two covenants
Ga 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.


And as Hebrews confirms
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

I believe this covenant was confirmed with/in Isaac here. God tests Abrahams faith then swears an oath.
Ge 22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:

Gal 3 continued
15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. {covenant: or, testament }
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Heb 6:16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Heb 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath

When God swore an oath in Genesis 22, all promises were a done deal.

And...Who were the ministers (ministration) of this covenant?
The fathers (which were faithful to circumcise their sons on the eighth day).
Joh 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

circumcision is still administered in the new covenant, just not done in the flesh but the heart, not by men's hands but God who is our father.
Not just males, not just Jews but all in Christ Jesus..
 
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tdidymas

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This one in Genesis 15. Made in animals blood....
1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.
8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.
11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
Acts 7:2
2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

Then the covenant in the blood of circumcision in Gen 17.
1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. {perfect: or, upright, or, sincere }
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. {many … : Heb. multitude of nations }
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. {Abraham: that is, Father of a great multitude }
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. {wherein … : Heb. of thy sojournings }
9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. {Sarah: that is Princess }
16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
Established in Isaac, not Ishmael.
18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

Acts 7 continued
8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.


The women here are an allegory for the two covenants
Ga 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.


And as Hebrews confirms
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

I believe this covenant was confirmed with/in Isaac here. God tests Abrahams faith then swears an oath.
Ge 22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:

Gal 3 continued
15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. {covenant: or, testament }
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Heb 6:16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Heb 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath

When God swore an oath in Genesis 22, all promises were a done deal.

And...Who were the ministers (ministration) of this covenant?
The fathers (which were faithful to circumcise their sons on the eighth day).
Joh 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.

circumcision is still administered in the new covenant, just not done in the flesh but the heart, not by men's hands but God who is our father.
Not just males, not just Jews but all in Christ Jesus..
(sorry to butt in)
The way I read all this is:
1. The 2 covenants of Gal. 4:24 is the OLD physical covenant and the NEW spiritual covenant - I see this in the context of Gal. 4:25-31.
2. Gen 17 is simply a confirmation of the Gen. 15 covenant, and the Mosaic Sinai covenant is another confirmation of the same covenant. It says "My covenant" and "the covenant" but never says "another covenant." An analogy is that in a marriage (or friendship) there can be another ceremony and speak new vows, but it's the same marriage (or friendship). Paul wrote that the law was added to "increase the transgression." The implication is that the Sinai covenant is the same covenant as the one made with Abraham, so the conclusion is that Gen. 15 & 17 covenants are actually the same one.

So, in effect Paul is explaining that 2 covenants were made with Abraham, a physical one and a spiritual one. The "Old" Covenant is the one made with Abraham's physical offspring which was confirmed by the Sinai law, and the "New" Covenant (which is the gospel that Paul called a mystery in times before Christ) is the spiritual and permanent one which promises citizenship in heaven. This new covenant is the one which the writer of Hebrews is also discussing, as in his mention of what Abraham was looking for in ch. 11.

Am I misreading you?
TD:)
 
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