Having been baptized into Christ, we are “Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Gal. 3:27,29 RSV as most quotes).
The basics
As heirs, what promises do we inherit? The elements featured most prominently in our preaching are:
- The seed, the singular offspring, in whom all nations would be blessed,
- The numerous offspring, the seed, to be multiplied as the stars of heaven and the sand upon the seashore,
- The land, which Abraham surveyed to the north, south, east and west, to be given to him and to his seed for ever (Gen. 22:17,18; 13:14-17).
Additional features
In addition to the basics, there are many other distinct features of the promises to Abraham including:
From Genesis 12:2-3:
- “I will make of you a great nation.”
- “I will bless you.”
- “[I will] make your name great.”
- “You will be a blessing.”
- “I will bless those who bless you.”
- “Him who curses you I will curse.”
- “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” From Genesis 15:1:
- “I am your shield.”
- “Your reward shall be very great.” From Genesis 17:4-8:
- “You shall be the father of a multitude of nations.”
- “I will make you exceedingly fruitful.”
- “Kings shall come forth from you.”
- “I will establish my covenant…to be God to you and to your descendants…and I will be their God.” From Genesis 17:16:
- “I will give you a son by her (Sarah).”
- “She shall be a mother of nations.”
- “Kings of peoples shall come from her.” From Genesis 21:12, KJV:
- “In Isaac, shall thy seed be called.” From Genesis 22:17 KJV:
- “Thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.”
“I will bless you”
This is among the precious promises which, by inheritance, are ours. Ponder the comprehensive significance of the phrase, “I will bless you.” What an amazing link this expresses between the infinite Creator and the insignificant creature! What condescending grace is evident that bridges such a gulf! We do not deserve it. We can never earn it. We can only rejoice in it.
Isaac was the first to inherit the promise made to his father. The first two promises made to him are:
- “I will be with you” and
- “[I] will bless you” (Gen. 26:3). Here are joined together two of the most basic and fundamental elements of the everlasting covenant. The abiding presence of God is, itself, the most wonderful of blessings. From it flows benefits in abundance, one of which is protection.
Subsequently in Isaac’s sojoumings, strife ensues involving his neighbors. Isaac becomes afraid and is reassured, “I am the God of Abraham your father; fear not, for I am with you and will bless you…” (26:17-24).
“I am your shield”
Earlier, Abram had found reason to be fearful (Gen. 14). After God was with him in the battle, the assurance was given, “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield” (15:1). God was to be ever with him as his protector.
In the first recorded message to Abram, he is directed to “Go to the land that I will show you” (12:1). God was not simply sending Abram, He would be going with him! Later, Abraham would refer to “The LORD…who took me from my father’s house” (24:7).
When the Lord goes with us because we fear Him, we have nothing else to fear. He is our shield. With Paul we can say, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen” (II Tim. 4:18).
“I will be their God”
Those who seek to belong to God must worship and serve Him. The sovereign Lord of heaven and earth is then willing to be our God. He is willing to go with us, blessing and protecting us.
We must, in turn, be willing to recognize, accept and honor him as our God. To us, this may not always come naturally or easily. A struggle is involved. Pride must be humbled and self must be brought into control. Through faith and faithfulness, by grace, we inherit the promises.
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Rev. 21:7 KJV).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One