Read Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-5, 17:1-14. What do these texts tell us about what the Lord intended to do through the covenant He made with Abraham?
The Abrahamic covenant of grace is fundamental to the entire course of salvation history. That's why Paul used it to help explain the plan of salvation as it was fulfilled in Jesus Himself.
Read Galatians 3:6-9, 15-18. How does Paul connect the covenant made with Abraham to Jesus and to salvation by faith alone?
Through Abraham's seed-referring not to his many descendants, but in particular to one, Jesus (see Gal. 3:16), God would bless the entire world. All who would be a part of Abraham's seed, which happens by faith in Christ (Gal. 3:29), would find that Abraham's God would be their God as well. Even back then, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Gal. 3:6). Abraham was no more saved by works than the thief on the cross was; it's always and only God's saving grace that brings salvation. Abraham fulfilled his end of the covenant promise. His obedience revealed the faith that took hold of the promise of salvation. His works didn't justify him; instead, the works showed that he was already justified. That's the essence of the covenant and how it is expressed in the life of faith (see Rom. 4:1-3).
Dwell upon the great truth that your hope of salvation comes only from the righteousness of Jesus credited to you by faith. What great hope and joy can you derive from this wonderful provision made in your behalf? (And this promise also includes the Muslims)
The Abrahamic covenant of grace is fundamental to the entire course of salvation history. That's why Paul used it to help explain the plan of salvation as it was fulfilled in Jesus Himself.
Read Galatians 3:6-9, 15-18. How does Paul connect the covenant made with Abraham to Jesus and to salvation by faith alone?
Through Abraham's seed-referring not to his many descendants, but in particular to one, Jesus (see Gal. 3:16), God would bless the entire world. All who would be a part of Abraham's seed, which happens by faith in Christ (Gal. 3:29), would find that Abraham's God would be their God as well. Even back then, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Gal. 3:6). Abraham was no more saved by works than the thief on the cross was; it's always and only God's saving grace that brings salvation. Abraham fulfilled his end of the covenant promise. His obedience revealed the faith that took hold of the promise of salvation. His works didn't justify him; instead, the works showed that he was already justified. That's the essence of the covenant and how it is expressed in the life of faith (see Rom. 4:1-3).
Dwell upon the great truth that your hope of salvation comes only from the righteousness of Jesus credited to you by faith. What great hope and joy can you derive from this wonderful provision made in your behalf? (And this promise also includes the Muslims)
Power In The Blood
[*=center]Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.- Refrain:
There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r
In the precious blood of the Lamb.
[*=center]Would you be free from your passion and pride?
There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood;
Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide;
There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.
[*=center]Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood;
Sin-stains are lost in its life-giving flow;
There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.
[*=center]Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.- Refrain:
