Covenants Of Love - free-bible-study-lessons.com

CovenantsOf

LoveWorkbook 11

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copyright 2006 by Glenn Davis

Covenants Of Love is based on notes and messages on Covenants and The

Making Of A Blood Covenant by theRev. LeRoy Davis

Copyright 2003 by Rev. LeRoy Davis

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Covenants Of Love

Workbook 11The Workbook is designed to help you come to a solid

understanding of the exciting and essential subject of God’s Covenants of love. To successfully complete this workbook you will need to:

1. Complete all the questions in a Section.2. Score all questions before taking the related Review. Underline

the answers in the text for any questions you got wrong.3. Take the Review.4. Score the Review. Underline the answers in the text for any

questions you got wrong.5. Go on to the next section and repeat.6. Memorize selected Scriptures.7. Before taking the Pre-Test make sure all questions in the Sections

and Reviews are correctly answered.8. Take the Pre-Test.9. Score the Pre-Test. Underline the answers in the text for any

questions you got wrong. 10. Take the Final Test.

Note 1: Not all questions on reviews or tests will be taken directly from previous questions. However, reviews and pre-tests will show how well you understand the material. If you do well on them you should have no difficulty with the Final Test.

Note 2: All Final Tests except the first one will include some random questions from previous workbooks to test how well the student is remembering the material.

Note 3: This workbook is copyrighted and may be copied and used only by active Joshua Club members. The conditions and restrictions are listed on the Joshua Club website: www.joshua-club.com.

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ABRAHAMIC COVENANT continued

LEGACY continued

In the last workbook we began to look at the legacy of the Abrahamic Covenant. The first part of the legacy was God’s promise to make Abraham’s name great. Now to continue...

2. To bless Abraham - Gen. 12:2

Abraham had responded to God and God gave him great promises. Responding positively to God and being willing to follow Him always produces blessings. God has a heart to bless. When there are true and sincere hearts that obey Him, He is quick to bless them.

This promise is one of bountiful provisions. God would watch over Abraham all the days of his life. In addition, God would give Abraham descendants on the earth. God is not a reluctant God Whom we have to beg for blessing and provision. He is a God of abundance, pouring out His blessings on the faithful.

1. In the second part of the legacy, God promised to ___________ Abraham.

2. God has a ______________ to bless.

3. This promise is one of _________________ provisions.

3. To make Abraham’s name great - Gen. 12:2

One great desire of the human heart is to have a great name - to be famous. The builders of the tower of Babel, before the time of Abraham, had set out to establish their name as great in the earth. They failed miserably. Here Abraham is promised he would have a great name. His fame would not come from military exploits, political accomplishments, economic genius, or personal effort. God would give him a great name. Abraham would become famous without doing any of the things that we normally associate with a great name. It was to be totally a work of God.

We work, strive, and worry to get ahead. If we would learn to trust God, He would look after us. Naturally, we have to work hard, but we don’t have to push ourselves forward or push others down in order to climb the ladder of success. We can work and rest in the knowledge that God is in control. He will place us where He wants us in His timing and

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no man can oppose His will.

The name of Abraham is well-known in the world today. Probably no one - except Jesus Christ - is as well-known in the history of the world or has as great a name as Abraham.

There are three major world religions that trace their roots back to Abraham. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity all consider him to be the father of the faithful. Certainly God has kept His word to this man, Abraham.

4. In the third part of the legacy, God promised to make Abraham’s

name _______________.

5. Abraham would become _____________ without doing any of the things that we normally associate with a great name.

6. We can work and rest in the knowledge that God is in ________.

7. The name of _______________ is well-known in the world today.

8. _____________, Islam, and Christianity all consider him to be the father of the faithful.

4. To make Abraham a blessing - Gen. 12:2

God is bountiful and His gracious gifts are intended to bless others. Abraham was blessed not only for his own benefit, but also so he could be a blessing to others. Israel - and often the Church - misunderstood the purpose of the blessing of God. It is always a temptation to consume the blessing on ourselves instead of allowing it to flow out to others. God always has a wider picture in view and desires to make us a blessing.

We are Abraham’s seed; therefore, we are to be a blessing. God wants us to be channels through which His blessing can flow to the world. God has chosen to limit Himself to human vessels. it is then our responsibility to live under the blessing of God so that we might in turn be a blessing to those around us.

We are shaped for God’s purpose. God wants us to think beyond ourselves and our families. How can we be a blessing? What is it that God wants to do in and through us? We need to be open to what the Spirit is saying in our everyday, routine lives. He has a purpose that only we can accomplish. We need to discover it and fulfill it.

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9. In the fourth part of the legacy, God wanted to make __________ a blessing.

10. Abraham was blessed not only for his own _______________, but also so he could be a blessing to others.

11. We are Abraham’s ____________; therefore, we are to be a blessing.

5. To bless those who blessed Abraham and to curse those who cursed him - Gen. 12:3

There were kings who were rebuked by God for causing Abraham harm even when they were ignorant of what they had done. God stood by Abraham to defend him and those around him prospered or were destroyed depending on their relationship with him.

When the natural seed of Abraham became the nation of Israel and strayed from God, God would used heathen nations as His instruments of judgment on His rebellious people. Those nations often went beyond their mandate and were in turn judged by God

Like the rest of the promises, this promise finds its real fulfillment in the true, spiritual seed of Abraham. In New Testament times every nation that has dared to come against the Israel of God [the Church] has been crushed by the judgment of God.

The Romans in destroying Jerusalem in AD 70 carried out the sentence of God. However, Rome also attacked and persecuted the Church. That was a dangerous move for the Church is in the heart of God. Rome was destroyed and the Church remains.

Nazi Germany, under Hitler, was a vicious regime. Many have suggested Hitler’s downfall was his slaughter of the Jewish people. He murdered non-Germans [and even some Germans] in large numbers. But he killed more Christians than Jews even if we use the commonly accepted number of Jews murdered. His downfall was that he dared to touch the Church.

Communism has viciously attack the Church. In Eastern Europe Communism has begun to fall. It’s fall will be completed some time in the future.

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In many countries today, Islam is attacking and persecuting the Church. The time will come when it too will fall for we know that the triumph of the church is the heritage of the true seed of Abraham.

The message of the Bible which is illustrated in history is: Fall on the Rock and be broken or it will fall on you and crush you.

Satan’s war against God is directed against the Church. Persecutions and martyrdom are a part of the causalities. There are times when it seems defeat is overwhelming, but we know that the outcome of the war is guaranteed. We are victorious. The message of the Book of Revelation is that kingdoms come and kingdoms go but the Church triumphant remains. There are times when the evil forces arrayed against the Church are so great it seems all hope is lost. Yet, in the big picture, the victory continues for the true seed of Abraham. The opposing forces are struck down in judgment while the Church marches on.

12. God promised to bless those who blessed _______________ and to curse those who cursed him.

13. This promise finds its real fulfillment in the true, _____________ seed of Abraham.

14. In New Testament times every nation that has dared to come

against the Israel of God [the _________________] has been crushed by the judgment of God.

15. The ________________ is in the heart of God.

16. Fall on the ______________ and be broken or it will fall on you and crush you.

17. Satan’s _________ against God is directed against the Church.

18. The _______________ continues for the true seed of Abraham.

6. God would bless all nations through Abraham. - Gen. 12:3; 22:18

Gen. 3:15 is the general Messianic promise. Now we come to a more specific unfolding of the Divine plan. The promise was and is universal in its origin; in other words, it is not limited by nationality. The history of man shows that a simple, universal promise is not enough. It is necessary to work out the details. Abraham and his seed would be the

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recipients and guardians of the promise. The purpose was that the promise, though limited for a time, would again become universal. This happened when the gospel age arrived.

God’s plan has always been worldwide. For a season, while God was preparing the world for the birth and death of Christ, it was necessary to limit the promise to a specific family which developed into a specific nation [although anyone could become part of the nation]. When the Messiah accomplished His work redemption could again be offered worldwide. Natural Israel was prepared as the womb though which Christ would come, but it was never intended that they would be His entire world! Their mission was to bring Christ to the world, not to themselves.

The gospel was preached to Abraham when he was told that all the families of the earth would be blessed in him. God announced in advance that the restriction of the Covenant to one family alone was only for a time in order that He could give the full blessing that was originally promised. Some people today would limit God’s focus to one small nation. Our God is bigger than that and He has a heart for everyone!

Gal. 3:8 And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying in thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.

The promise below looks forward to Christ, Who is the true Heir of Abraham. The promise was made to Abraham in Christ. It was not only a promise of the universal gospel, but also a promise of the Redeemer Who would bring that gospel.

Gal. 3:16 Now unto Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and of thy seed, which is Christ.

The plan of God was limited to one nationality for a season. His end purpose, though, was the whole world. All nations were His objective. It is not that everyone individually would benefit directly from the redemptive work of Christ [i.e. not everyone will be saved], but neither would the work of Christ be limited to one nation. The redeemed would come from every tribe and nation under heaven.

The promise made Abraham heir to the whole world. In this promise it is clearly seen that God has always had a heart beyond one small race and their limited real estate. It is the world for which Christ died. This

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gospel is to go into all the world, and we are to make disciples of every creature. The preaching of the gospel and its reception by the nations made Abraham the heir to the whole world.

Acts .3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the Covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, and in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Rom. 9:4-8 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption and the glory and the Covenants and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God be blessed forever, Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect, or they are not all Israel which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children: but in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Rom. 4:13 For the promise that he should be heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

The children of Israel were the type children who received a type fulfillment. The type fulfillment was an illustrative prophecy of the true and higher fulfillment to come. What God did in the Old Testament with the promises to the children of Israel was a physical picture of what He would accomplish spiritually in the New Testament for everyone who comes to Him.

Write out and memorize 1 Cor. 15:46 _______________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

This scripture [1 Cor. 15:46] is foundational in understanding Old Covenant meaning. We must always understand the Old Testament, including the Love Covenants, in the light of the principle given here. It is a serious error to leave the spiritual and return to what is natural or carnal. Many Christians today, in effect, believe Natural to Spiritual to Natural. The Bible model is Natural to Spiritual. There is no going back.

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19. The sixth part of the legacy is that God would bless all _______ through Abraham.

20. The promise was and is ______________ in its origin.

21. God’s plan has always been _________________.

22. Natural Israel was prepared as the ___________ though which Christ would come.

23. The ______________ was preached to Abraham when he was told that all the families of the earth would be blessed in him.

24. The plan of God was limited to one nationality for a _________.

25. The ___________________ would come from every tribe and nation under heaven.

26. The promise made Abraham heir to the whole _____________.

27. What God did in the Old Testament was a physical __________ of what He would accomplish spiritually in the New Testament.

28. The Biblical model is: Natural to Spiritual to Natural. True or False

7. Until your seed will I give this land - Gen. 12:7

The promise of God developed as Abraham followed God. In Gen. 12:1, Abraham was told “go to a land I will show you.” There was no hint of a Covenant in Ur. Abraham was to move out with nothing but God’s promise that He would show him a land. There may have been an implication that obedience would bring the promise, but there was nothing concrete beyond God’s declaration, “I will show you the land.”

In the case of the separation of Lot and Abraham, Abraham was the senior man [Gen. 13:14-17]. He had the right of first choice. He voluntarily gave this up letting Lot have the first choice. Lot took for himself the best that his carnal eyes could see. It appears that Lot had no interest in the promises of God or the Covenant that Abraham was in the process of receiving from God.

Abraham demonstrated his dependence on God. He let Lot make

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his choice. He was confident that God would choose his inheritance. Abraham is a clear example of the selfless giving up of rights in order to allow God to do what He wanted. God did choose for Abraham and added the land to the Covenant.

In the “rat race” world in which we live, it is easy to be caught up in trying to do and accomplish everything we want to. We are often buried in debt trying to be and have things. We need to learn to do what God puts before us whole-heartedly but leave the results with Him. He is well able to work things out. Our role is obedience. God can and will place us where He wants us. He will provide what He wants us to have if we will stop stressing and worrying ourselves and simply trust Him. We don’t have to be afraid that someone will beat us to the next step. Lot got what he wanted [and it destroyed him], but it was nowhere near what Abraham got when he allowed God to choose his inheritance for him.

After Lot was gone, God instructed Abraham to look in every direction. All that he saw would be his. Not only would he have it as a possession, but also it would belong to his children. God had brought him from the Ur of the Chaldees to give him this land. Now the promise was getting clearer.

Gen. 15:7, 18 And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of the Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it...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:

29. The seventh part of the legacy was the promise of the ________ for Abraham’s seed.

30. The promise of God ________________ as Abraham followed God.

31. _______________ had the right of first choice.

32. Abraham demonstrated his ____________________ on God.

33. Our role is _________________.

8. An everlasting possession - Gen. 17:8

NOTE: This is where some modern Christians misunderstand and misapply the Word of God. Please follow through this section very

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carefully.

The land was to be given to Abraham and his seed as an everlasting possession. It is impossible for this promise to mean that the physical, literal land would be theirs forever. The world and the works in it are to be destroyed and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. The Bible tells us that Abraham himself recognized the promise had a higher meaning than just a piece of real estate in Palestine. Abraham had a vision of greater things. He understood God was speaking of eternity and eternal possessions.

Anything that is natural is temporary and is passing away. When we see words like “everlasting” and “eternal” that is our clue that it is pointing to something spiritual. The natural land was conditionally promised [and fulfilled as we shall see], but it was only a type or symbol of a spiritual reality that was coming in the New Covenant. It is the reality that is everlasting, not the type!

Heb. 11:13-16 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. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.

Heb. 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

These verses show it is the spiritual reality rather than the physical type that is eternal. The shadows disappear when the true item arrives on the scene. The type and shadow simply gives us a dim picture of the reality. When the reality is revealed we no longer need the type or the shadow.

Gal. 3:17-18 And 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 is should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

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34. In the eighth part of the legacy, the _________ was given as an everlasting possession.

35. Abraham himself recognized the promise had a ____________ meaning than just a piece of real estate in Palestine.

36. When we see words like “everlasting” and “eternal” that is our

clue that it is pointing to something _________________.

37. It is the spiritual reality rather than the physical type that is

_________________.

9. Abraham would be heir of the world - Gen. 17:4-6

When Abraham was 99 years old, God once again appeared to him and promised that he would be a father of nations. His name was changed from Abram, which means “exalted father,” to Abraham, which means a “father of many nations.” Nations and kings would come from him. This required faith for a man 99 years old. Abraham believed God and was made heir of the world by faith.

Rom. 4:13-18 For the promise, that he should be heir of the world, was not to Abraham or his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is there no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all. (As it is written I have made thee a father of many nations), before Him whom he believed even God, who quickeneth the dead, and called those thing which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be.

38. His name was changed from _________________, which means “exalted father,” to Abraham, which means a “father of many nations.”

39. Abraham believed God and was made _____________ of the world by faith.

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10. Abraham was also promised an heir.

In order for Abraham to inherit the world he must have an heir. The promised heir would come from him. While the immediate heir would be his own son, more importantly the ultimate heir would be Christ.

Isa. 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.

Heb. 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.

The heir would inherit the promise of the land in its fullest extent.

Psa. 2:8 Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Psa. 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before Him: all nations shall serve Him.

The land of Canaan had boundaries but the heir of this promise was given the whole world for His possession. Canaan was only a seed which was to grow to the entire world.

Ex. 23:31 And I will set thy bounds from the Red Sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

Later on, when God was angry with Israel and was going to destroy them, Moses pleaded this promise of the land before God. The sin of the golden calf had brought them to the point of extinction, but this promise saved them. God could have fulfilled His promise by making Moses a great nation, but Moses pleaded this promise in order to save them. The next generation became the type fulfillment of the promise.

Ex. 32:13 Remember Abraham, Isaac and Israel, thy servants to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidest unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it forever.

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The promises, while have a natural or physical fulfillment, were ultimately looking to a permanent spiritual fulfillment. The natural was only a picture of what God was going to do in the spiritual realm. Abraham himself, while recognizing the literal fulfillment, looked to the spiritual as the true fulfillment of the promise.

Heb. 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God.

Heb. 11:13-16 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. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly: wherefore God is not shamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.

Just as the presence of the Canaanites hindered Israel’s possession of the land, so the world, the flesh, and the devil unite in opposing the Christian’s enjoyment of their inheritance.

Some Christians would limit this promise to the earthly, physical possession of Palestine by Israel. However, a look at Hebrews 11 plainly shows that Abraham himself understood the promise to be primarily spiritual. Making the promise carnal robs it of its significance and makes the nation of Israel an end in itself instead of an honoured tool in the hand of God. Our Western rationalistic ideas, with their roots in Greek logic, have clouded the issues and caused us to miss the real intent of the promise of God to Abraham.

Since there are those who insist on limiting the promise to a physical fulfillment, we will give three objections to making the promise primarily earthly.

1. The rejectors of Christ 2,000 years ago as well as the Christ-rejecting orthodox Jews today believe the promise to be limited to the physical application. It is bad company to be in.

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2. If the promise is earthly then Christians - not just Jews - can claim the land of Palestine on the basis of the New Covenant.

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

3. The idea that the promise is earthly is refuted by Scripture itself. The inheritance of Moses and David was not earthly.

Heb. 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of reward.

Psa. 39:12 Hear my prayer O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Psa. 119:19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

Rom. 4:12-13 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.(see also Heb.11 as above)

The true Old Testament people knew there was something better coming. They knew they were living out the type and they looked forward to when the True would come. Many western Christians today want to go back to living in the type. The Old Testament saints would call us crazy! They wanted the true spiritual fulfillment and lived and worked for it. We have it, let’s not be deceived.

40. Abraham was also promised an ______________.

41. The ultimate heir would be _________________.

42. The heir of this promise was given the ___________________ for His possession.

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43. The promises were ultimately looking to a permanent ________ fulfillment.

44. Abraham himself understood the promise to be primarily

__________________.

45. The true Old Testament people knew there was something ____ coming.

REVIEW 11. Write out from memory 1 Cor. 15:46 ___________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. In the second part of the legacy, God promised to bless _______.


_____________ great.

4. We can work and rest in the knowledge that ______ is in control.

5. Judaism, ___________, and Christianity all consider him to be the father of the faithful.

6. In the fourth part of the legacy, God wanted to make Abraham

a ________________.

7. We are __________________ seed; therefore, we are to be a blessing.

8. The Church is in the _______________ of God.

9. Fall on the Rock and be _______________ or it will fall on you and crush you.

10. The sixth part of the legacy is that God would bless all _______

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through Abraham.

11. God’s _____________ has always been worldwide.

12. The plan of God was limited to one _________________ for a season.

13. What God did in the Old Testament was a ________________ picture of what He would accomplish spiritually in the New Testament.

14. The Biblical model is: Natural to Spiritual. True or False

15. The seventh part of the legacy was the promise of the ________for Abraham’s seed.

16. Abraham demonstrated his ____________________ on God.

17. In the eighth part of the legacy, the land was given as an

________________ possession.

18. Abraham himself recognized the promise had a higher meaning

than just a piece of real estate in ________________.

19. When we see words like “everlasting” and “______________” that is our clue that it is pointing to something spiritual.

20. It is the spiritual reality rather than the ____________ type that is eternal.

21. His name was changed from Abram, which means “exalted

father,” to Abraham, which means a “father of many ________.”

22. Abraham was also promised an _______________.

23. The _________________ heir would be Christ.

24. The heir of this promise was given the whole world for His

_____________________.

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25. ___________________ himself understood the promise to be primarily spiritual.

Score: _________________

LEGACY continued

As we saw in the first section of this workbook, the heir was promised a land. Did God keep His promise?

There are some today who claim that Israel has not yet fully inherited the land given to them by God. In order to make that claim they have to ignore Scripture, because Scripture records that God fulfilled all that He had promised to Abraham and his descendants. No promise was left unfulfilled. God keeps His word.

Josh. 21:43-45 And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which He sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that He sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not ought of any good thing which he Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

Josh. 23:14-16 And, behold this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you and not ONE THING hath failed thereof. Therefore it shall come pass, that as all good things are come upon you which the Lord your God promised you; so shall he Lord bring upon you all evil things until He have destroyed you from off the good land which the Lord your God hath given you. When ye have transgressed the Covenant of the Lord your God which He commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which He hath given unto you.

Scripture defines its own terms. God promised a physical land to Abraham [as a type of something better] and, according to the testimony of Scripture, God kept His promise. To say otherwise is to deny Scripture. The only reason why some Christians do not accept the plain testimony of Scripture is because they are trying to make the Bible fit in with some

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preconceived theory they have.

The Bible also records that not only did God fulfill His promise but also they had complete possession of the land. The promise was fulfilled.

1 Kgs. 4:20-21, 24-25 Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and making merry. And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents and served Solomon all the days of his life...For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba all the days of Solomon.

The 1 Kings verses reveal that, at the time of Solomon, Israel was considered “as the sand which is by the sea.” This is a fulfillment of what God promised to Abraham in a literal way. God delivered on His promise. This is nothing left to be fulfilled. Scripture itself witnesses to the complete fulfillment of all God’s promises to Abraham.

Two or three times in their history Israel ruled over all the land promised to Abraham:

A. During the time of Joshua, as we saw above. This was the first and prime fulfillment.

B. During the time of David and Solomon, which was the golden era, and

C. Possibly also during the time of the Macabees, who ruled during the “400 Silent Years” between the Old and New Testaments. By the way, they are called “Silent Years” because there was no prophetic word from God during that time, not because they were inactive years. Those years were full of activity, war, tragedy, and courage - as Daniel foresaw [see The Seventy Weeks Of Daniel course] and history records.

2 Chron. 9:26 And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt.

Neh. 9:7-8 Thou are the Lord God who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of the Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham. And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a Covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the

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Hittites, and the Amorites and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites and the Girgashites, to give it, I say to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:

The possession of the land was conditional upon faith and obedience. Every promise of God is always conditional on these two things. Some people claim the land was give to Israel unconditionally. They have not understood the plain teaching of Scripture. God specifically told Israel - so there would be no misunderstanding - that their gaining and keeping the land was based on their obedience.

Deut. 29:21-28 And the Lord shall separate Him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the Covenant that are written in this book of the law: So that the generation to come of your children that shall arise after you, and the stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses which the Lord hath laid upon it; And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger, and in His wrath: Even all nations shall say, wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the Covenant of the Lord God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom He had not given unto them: And the anger of the Lord was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book: And the Lord rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.

Deut. 30:17-20 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day. Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us? And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods. Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it to the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have

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eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my Covenant.

Josh. 23:15-16 Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you which the Lord your God promised you; so shall the Lord bring upon you all evil things until he have destroyed you from off the good land which the Lord your God hath given you. When ye have transgressed the Covenant of the Lord your God which He commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which He hath given unto you.

Jer.18:7-17 ...I shall speak concerning a nation...to destroy it; If that nation...repent... I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. (9)... I shall speak concerning a nation...to build...If it do evil...I will repent of the good...go to ...men of Judah...Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I frame evil against you...return ye now...make your ways good. And they said...we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart....Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up; To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and sway his head. I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.

Moses and others plainly told the Israelites of their day that possessing and staying in the land of Israel was conditional. The Scripture is very plain. Why is it today that many Christians believe the promise of the land was unconditional? It is because Zionism has crept into the Church disguised as Christianity and influenced much popular thought on the subject. Study the Scriptures with an open mind. Discover what they really teach for yourself.

1. The heir was promised a _____________.

2. Scripture records that God fulfilled ___________ that He had promised to Abraham and his descendants.

3. The Bible also records that not only did God fulfill His promise but

also they had complete ___________________ of the land.

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4. Two or three times in their history ___________ ruled over all the land promised to Abraham.

5. List the three times Israel had possession of the land:

a. _____________________________________

b. _____________________________________

c. _____________________________________

6. The possession of the land was _________________ upon faith and obedience.

7. _____________ and others plainly told the Israelites of their day that possessing and staying in the land of Israel was conditional.

8. What is the name of the false belief that has crept into the

Church? _________________

11. God would make Abraham’s seed as the dust of the earth - Gen. 13:15-16

The great thing that this Covenant secured is that Abraham would have a seed. God promised to be the God of that seed. They would be His Covenant people. This seed would be multiplied so much that they would be considered as numerous as the dust of the earth or the stars of heaven. These statements are not meant to be taken literally. They are similes to describe the greatness and growth of the children of Abraham.

Gen. 15:5 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.

Gen. 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.

The dispensationalist generally holds that the dust of the earth refers

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to the natural Israel and the stars of heaven refer to the spiritual Israel [Scofield Reference Bible, pg. 25]; therefore, creating two different seeds of Abraham. This idea of two different seeds is not supported in Scripture. The reason why people accept the two seed idea is because they have already decided what they are going to believe and they need to twist Scripture to justify themselves. We reject the two seed idea as being against Scripture. The Bible teaches there is one Seed of Abraham - Jesus Christ and those that belong to Him.

9. God would make Abraham’s seed as the _________ of the earth.

10. The great thing that this Covenant secured is that Abraham

would have a _______________.

11. This idea of two different seeds [is/is not] supported in Scripture.

7 Reasons Why We Reject The Two Seed View

[1] Not In The New Testament

There is no New Testament teaching or implication that there are two seeds. The New Testament plainly declares those who are of faith are the seed of Abraham. Faith in Christ, who is the true seed of Abraham is the criteria for being called the seed of Abraham. We who are in Christ are Abraham’s seed [Gal. 3:29].

[2] Bible Does Not Show Such A Division

Nowhere does the Bible teach such a division in the seed of Abraham. The seed of Abraham is not to be divided into two eternally separate people of God. The view that the dust refers to the natural and the stars to the spiritual means there two distinct seeds of Abraham - which means two ways of salvation. The Scripture states the seed of Abraham is One, that is, Christ. It also declares that those who do the works of Abraham are the true seed of Abraham.

Gal. 3:16 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.

Jn. 8:39 They answered and said unto Him, Abraham is our father, Jesus saith unto

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them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

The New Testament emphasizes over and over again that we are all one in Christ [see Romans and Ephesians]. The division between Jew and Gentile was broken down forever at the cross. Now all true believers are united in Christ regardless of ethnic background.

12. There is _________ New Testament teaching or implication that there are two seeds.

13. ____________ in Christ, who is the true seed of Abraham is the criteria for being called the seed of Abraham.

14. The seed of Abraham _____________ to be divided into two eternally separate people of God.

15. The Scripture states the seed of Abraham is One, that is,

_______________.

16. The division between Jew and Gentile was broken down

forever at the _____________.

[3] Two Ways Of Coming To God

The logical conclusion of the teaching of the two seeds is that there are two ways of coming to God: Judaism and Christianity. If there are two ways, why not three or more? Moslems, Hindus, and others could then claim their way to God is as good as anyone else’s way. If there is any other way to God outside the blood of Jesus Christ, then the cross is useless and unnecessary. Jesus forever settled the question in the Garden of Gethsemane. The cup could not pass, there was no alternative, so He drank it to the fullest. Jesus emptied the cup of the wrath of God because there was no other way to reconcile God and man.

Biblically speaking, it was possible for anyone to join the nation of Israel by performing certain rites. It becoming a Biblically-defined Jew would save us, then Jesus did not need to die and the cross was a cruel joke. The fact is, there is no other way to God outside of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament saints looked forward to Jesus, we, in the New Testament age, look back to Jesus - but it is the same Blood of Jesus Christ either way. It is an insult to the work of Christ to say there is

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another way to God. It also gives those who trust in another way a false hope which will lead them to hell.

Another result of the two seed view is that its supporters tend to teach there are other gospels [SRB, 1343]. This is an eternally fatal error, the hope in another gospel is false and will doom anyone who trusts in it.

Gal. 1:8-9 But though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Some believe there is a difference between the gospel of the Kingdom of God and the gospel of the grace of God [SRB, 1187]. This idea cannot be supported from Scripture and it totally ignores Paul’s teaching.

Acts 20:24-25 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now behold I know that ye all among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God shall see my face no more.

If our Gospel is not the only gospel - the everlasting gospel - we are in serious trouble. The early church preached the gospel of the grace of God as being the same as the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Even a quick comparison of the references clearly shows this.

17. Are there two ways of coming to God? _________

18. If there is any other way to God outside the _____________ of Jesus Christ, then the cross is useless and unnecessary.

19. It was ________________ for anyone to join the nation of Israel by performing certain rites.

20. There is no other way to God outside of _______________.

21. Is there a difference between the gospel of the Kingdom of God

and the gospel of the grace of God? _________

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[4] Requires Two Seeds Of David And Levi

If there were two seeds of Abraham, then there would have to be two seeds of David and Levi. We need to be consistent. If it is true of one, then it must be true of the others as well. If this is true then there would need to be a clear statement in Scripture defining and separating between these two seeds and their respective promises. There is no such statement. Therefore, we must only have one line of promises dealing with one seed - which ultimately is Christ.

Jer. 33:21-22 Then may also my Covenant be broken with David my servant that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers. As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

[5] Gives The Church Palestine

Making this promise primarily literal would give the Church possession of the land of Palestine - which no one seriously suggests. Yet this is the unesacable conclusion when the land promise is made primarily literal and the seed of Abraham is make spiritual.

Gen. 26:4 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:

Ex. 32:13 Remember Abraham, Isaac and Israel, thy servants to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidest unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed and they shall inherit it forever.

We have previously proved that the Seed of Abraham is ultimately Christ and those who belong to Him [the Church]. Therefore, the ultimate fulfillment of the promise must be to that seed. If the land promise is ultimately a literal promise then the land would ultimately belong to Christ and the Church. The fact is, it is an eternal inheritance clearly showing that it is a heavenly promise with a spiritual fulfillment.

If we want to follow the literal teaching of some people today, then logically, it should be the Christians - as the true seed of Abraham - who have a right to the land of Israel. No one seriously considers this. Ultimately, the land promise was the spiritual land for the spiritual seed - as Abraham himself knew. Yes, God fulfilled it literally in history to the natural

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descendants of Abraham as a type or symbol of what was coming, but there is no Scriptural claim for a natural land for natural descendants today. The true spiritual inheritance arrived with Christ, the type is no longer needed. If Israel had walked in obedience to the Word of God, they could have remained in the land until the Second Coming as a blessing from God. If that had happened it still would not have changed the fact that the prime fulfillment is spiritual. As it is, they disobeyed and lost the right to the land.

22. If there were two seeds of Abraham, then there would have to

be _____________ seeds of David and Levi.

23. Making this promise primarily literal would give the __________ possession of the land of Palestine.

24. The Seed of Abraham is ultimately _______________ and those who belong to Him [the Church].

25. The true spiritual inheritance arrived with ___________, the type is no longer needed.

26. If Israel had walked in _________________ to the Word of God, they could have remained in the land until the Second Coming.

[6] Joseph’s Dream

The dream of Joseph had the sheaves of the field and the heavenly bodies bowing down to him. If the earth represents the natural and the heavens represents the spiritual in the case of Abraham, it would have to represent to same in Joseph’s dream. This would mean that there were two different seeds bowing down to Joseph. Scripture is clear, both the sheaves and the heavenly bodies represented the same thing in Joseph’s dream.

Gen. 37:9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told his brethren, and said Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and behold the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.

[7] Ignores The Recorded Fulfillment

The futuristic view of the literal fulfillment of the land promise to Abraham ignores the testimony of Scripture that the promise has already

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been fulfilled literally. Israel did receive the land as God promised. Because of disobedience they lost the land but that doesn’t change the fact that they had possession of it for a period of time. God promised in Deuteronomy that, if they repented, they would be returned to the land. They were driven out in the Babylonian Captivity. They did repent. God did restore them to the land. He also told them that if they did not hear THAT Prophet [Jesus] they would be cut off from being His people. Their rejection of Christ cost them any future fulfillment they may have had. All must come to God by Jesus Christ and the promises are fulfilled in Him.

The promises had a type or symbolic fulfillment in natural Israel. This fulfillment was a shadow of the reality to come. The type fulfillment gives a picture or hint of the ultimate meaning of the promise. It also reveals the faithfulness of God in meeting the obligations He voluntarily undertook.

Josh. 11:4 And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.

1 Kgs. 4:20 Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and making merry.

Isa. 20:22 For though my people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return:

Hos. 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea which cannot be measured or numbered;...

Deut. 1:10 The Lord your God hath multiplied you, and behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude.

Deut. 28:62 And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the Lord thy God.

1 Chron. 27:23 And David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the Lord had said He would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.

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Neh. 9:23 Their children also multipliedest thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers that they should go in to possess it.

Christ was the Abrahamic Heir, the designated and ultimate Seed. He is the true Seed. The nation of Israel shared in the promises until the Seed came. Those who received Christ shared with Him in the true fulfillment of the promises. Rejectors of Christ, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, cannot claim a share in the promises. Christians are the true seed of Abraham because they are in Christ.

Write out and memorize Gal. 23:16 _________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Gal. 3:7-8, 29 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed...And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.

Rom. 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.

Rom. 9:6-8 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect, for they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Rom. 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not men, but of God.

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Who are the true seed of Abraham? Romans 2-11 explains clearly that the Church is God’s chosen people through Christ, Who is the true Seed of Abraham.

Romans 9:6-8 tells us that natural birth gives the Jews no right to inherit the promises of Abraham. They are not the people of God by natural birth but, like everyone else, may become the people of God by spiritual birth.

Romans 9:23-26 quotes the prophecy of Hosea [1:10-11; 2:23] concerning all nations becoming a part of the promise.

Romans 10:20-21 quotes Isaiah for the same reason.

Romans 11:1-36 states that the natural descendants of Abraham are cut off because of unbelief. The statement of verse 20 does not mean they cannot be saved. The Jews were the natural root and received the promises and love Covenants. This gave them a special place, which they lost through unbelief. If they turn to Christ as Redeemer, they can be grafted back into the olive tree [vs. 23]. Never again will there be a special and separate natural people of God. Christ is their only hope. He then makes them a part of the Church.

Acts 3:22-23 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Acts 4:11-12 This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Eph. 2:11-19 Gentiles ...called uncircumcision..aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenants of promise...without God...now in Christ Jesus...are made nigh by the blood...who made both one and hath broken down the middle wall...abolished in His flesh the enmity...to make in Himself of twain, one new man, so making peace...reconcile both in one body by the cross...preached to you which were afar off..them that were nigh...we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father...no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints, and

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of the household of God;

Eph. 3:5-6 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons , as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be FELLOW HEIRS, and of the SAME BODY and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel.

To refer to Israel today as God’s chosen people reveals a lack of understanding of God’s purpose for the human race as shown in the Scriptures. It makes God a racist. The Bible is plain: God is not a respecter of persons.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.

Rom. 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

If you look at the context of these two verses [as you always should] you will discover that it is taking specifically about the Jew-Gentile relationship.

27. Both the sheaves and the heavenly bodies represented the

___________ thing in Joseph’s dream.

28. Israel ___________ receive the land as God promised.

29. They were driven out in the ___________________ Captivity.

30. _________ must come to God by Jesus Christ and the promises are fulfilled in Him.

31. The promises had a type or symbolic fulfillment in ___________ Israel.

32. Christ was the _________________ Heir, the designated and ultimate Seed.

33. ____________ of Christ, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, cannot claim a share in the promises.

34. _____________ again will there be a special and separate

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natural people of God.

12. “I am thy shield and exceeding great reward” - Gen. 15:1

The shield was a defensive protection in the midst of conflict. God promised to be Abraham’s Protector and to see that the Covenant was fulfilled. The legacy looked totally impossible, yet God promised to watch over Abraham and his seed to bring it to pass. He would not let His word fail. Abraham would be kept safe. Not only that, but also God would work in Abraham and his seed to produce a clear image of God in the world.

Abraham had rejected man’s reward and in the process had gained God’s reward.

2 Pet. 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

In our own lives, God is all that we need. He works in us to deliverer us from the corruption of sin. Just as Abraham had depended on God, Who responded by promising him fellowship, communion, and the supply of his needs, we need to depend on God.

Abraham and his seed were made partakers of the Divine nature through Christ, but faith was always a condition. Many of Abraham’s natural descendants failed because of unbelief.

Heb. 3:16,19 For some when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses...So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Isa. 1:9 Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Rom. 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved; (vs29)

Rom. 4:1-4 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before

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God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Faith is to produce obedience. Faith-driven obedience is required to inherit the legacy.

Gen. 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws...

Gen. 15:6 And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness.

Gen. 17:9-14 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my Covenant therefore, thou and thy seed after thee in their generations. 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. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be token of the Covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my Covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting Covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that should shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my Covenant.

Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Jas.2:14-26).

Rom. 4:1-4 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he had whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Jn. 8:30-31, 39 As He spake these words, many believed on Him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed...They answered and said unto Him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were

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Abraham's children,ye would do the works of Abraham.

Eph. 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Faith rules in the true seed of Abraham separating them from all others. Only children of faith are children of Abraham.

35. God promised to be Abraham’s ______________ and his

exceedingly _____________________.

36. Abraham would be kept ______________.

37. Abraham had rejected ______________ reward and in the process had gained God’s reward.

38. _____________ is all that we need.

39. _____________ was always a condition.

40. Many of Abraham’s natural descendants failed because of

________________.

41. Faith is to produce ________________.

42. Only children of ______________ are children of Abraham.

13. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham - father of many nations - Gen. 17:1-17; 22:15-18

So far Sarah had no son. Now God was guaranteeing that they would be extremely fruitful. From a human perspective, it was totally impossible. They were past the age of bearing and caring for children. Nevertheless, the Covenant legacy included the promise that they would have many descendants. Once again God strengths their faith by assuring them that the promise would be kept. Abram means “father of heights” or “exalted father.” Abraham means “father of a multitude.” Sarai means “Jah is prince” while Sarah means “princess.” [Gen. 18:17-25]

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There was a type [or shadow/symbolic] fulfillment through Isaac, Ishmael, and the sons of Keturah as outlined in Gen. 25:9-14 and 1 Chron. 1:27-34. The ultimate true Seed was, of course, Christ. Through Christ all the children of faith, regardless of national origin, become the children of Abraham.

Rom. 4:16-18 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace;to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all. As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

14. Abraham was to be fruitful and would have kings among his descendants - Gen. 17:6

The kings of Israel, in particular show the type fulfillment of this promise. The kings which were descendants of Abraham and ruled over other nations are also a type fulfillment.

Ultimately, this promise looks forward to the Great King - Jesus Christ - Who would be King of kings and Lord of all the earth. Jesus would establish a kingdom of kings and priests before God.

Ex. 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

1 Pet. 2:8-9 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Rev. 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Rev. 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the

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earth.

Rev. 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

15. God promised to establish the Covenant with Abraham and his seed - Gen. 17:7

The fleshly or natural seed would be preserved until the true seed would come. The Seed of the woman promised in Gen. 3:15 was to come through the descendants of one man, Abraham. The nation of Israel was to be the chaff to preserve the wheat until it came to maturity. Or to look at it another way, the nation of Israel was the womb from which Christ was to be born. Like an expectant mother, who needs to look after herself carefully, so Israel needed a land, protection, etc., not because of who they were but because of the Seed they carried. Their mission was to bring Christ to the world, not to consume the blessings of God on themselves. They were important because of their mission not because of who they were. When Jesus came He stated that “salvation is of the Jews” not that salvation was for the Jews only.

Jn. 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

Rom. 9:3-5 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the Covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

The Covenants from this time on would be made with Abraham’s descendants. They also inherited the previous Covenants. God kept His Word to Abraham. We can rejoice in the type or physical fulfillment recorded in the Old Testament because it was a prophecy of the true spiritual fulfillment in the New Testament. If God kept His Word in the natural sense how much more will He keep it in the spiritual sense.

The true Seed, of course, is Christ and those who belong to Him.

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The promise is completely fulfilled in Christ and those who are His receive the benefits. True believers in Jesus Christ are the only true seed of Abraham.

Gal. 3:16, 29 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. 29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.

43. The Covenant ______________ included the promise that they would have many descendants.

44. Abraham means “_________________________.”

45. Through Christ all the children of _____________, regardless of national origin, become the children of Abraham.

46. Abraham was to be _______________ and would have kings among his descendants.

47. Ultimately, this promise looks forward to the ______________ - Jesus Christ - Who would be King of kings and Lord of all the earth.

48. The nation of Israel was the _____________ from which Christ was to be born.

49. The Jews were important because of their _____________ not because of who they were.

50. If God kept His _____________ in the natural sense how much more will He keep it in the spiritual sense.

51. True believers in _________________ are the only true seed of Abraham.

16. God promised to be their God.

There would be a special relationship between God and His people because of the Covenant. Of all the people on the earth, Israel were to be specifically and clearly the people of God. No one else had that title. In the New Testament that title has been transferred to the believers in Christ. Now, only those who are a part of the New Covenant community can be rightfully called the people of God.

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Ex. 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my Covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Notice the condition of obedience. The Scriptural record shows they failed miserably. The promise did not fail for it was to Christ, but Israel failed and lost their place as a nation. The Gentiles were to be brought in and made a part of this great promise.

Rom. 9:6-8 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. for they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Hos. 1:9-10 Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammin: for ye are not my people and I will not be your God. Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

Hos. 2:23 And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say Thou art my God.

It is only the redeemed who can say “My God” (our Father), and they are the only ones God calls “My people.”

17. Abraham’s seed would possess the gate of their enemies - Gen. 22:17.

This promised victory was indeed fulfilled in type. The wilderness wanderings with its battles and victories was God fulfilling His promise.

The possession of Canaan through the battles with its inhabitants was another demonstration of God faithfulness to His promise. They were outnumbered and, from a human point-of-view, destined to be obliterated. But God gave them victory after victory until they had conquered the land. They did possess the gate of their enemies.

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As well, the victories of David as he warred against the surrounding nations fulfilled this promise and proved the faithfulness of God. The actions of the judges - and even Saul - had given the enemy the advantage in the land. When David came to the throne and honoured God, God gave him victory in accordance with this love Covenant.

Had the Israelites remained faithful, the victories would have continued to the birth of Christ and beyond. There was no need for them to suffer as they did, but their stubborn refusal to be obedient to God’s Word made the judgment of the Word a part of their history. They could have, by obedience, continued in perpetual victory.

If you remember back to when you studied the making of a Blood Covenant, you will remember that the penalty for breaking a Blood Covenant was death. Life or death was in the keeping or breaking of the Covenant. Israel could have enjoyed the physical blessings right through to the coming of Christ and then led the world into the glorious New Testament era. They truly became the nation which refused its destiny.

Are we any better? Western nations, founded on the principles of God’s Word, have been reaping blessings upon blessings, yet, everyday we increase in our rebellion and rejection of God in our nations. Everyday we inch closer to a day of judgment when the blessings we have enjoyed will disappear. Few people realize that our civilization is on the brink of disaster and extinction. Will we return to God, or will we plunge into the darkness of our own making?

The promise of possessing the gate, like the other promises, ultimately looks forward to Christ and His victory over the forces of evil.

Col. 2:14-15 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross: And having spoiled principalities and powers He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Rev. 1:5, 18 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood...I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

This promise also applies to those who by faith follow Christ. It is the victory of the saints over those who oppose them. The victory is both the

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personal victory of the Christian, and the corporate victory of the Church in general. Our victory today is part of the blessing promised to Abraham and won by Christ. If we are Christ’s and are following God’s “marching orders”, there is no force too great for us. The key is following the Commander-In-Chief: Jesus Christ.

Mt. 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Rev. 19:14-15 And the armies which are in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God.

Rev. 20:4 And I saw thrones and they sat upon them, and judgment as given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast neither and his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

52. God promised to be their __________.

53. Of all the people on the earth, ________________ were to be specifically and clearly the people of God.

54. Now, only those who are a part of the ___________________ community can be rightfully called the people of God.

55. Abraham’s seed would ___________ the gate of their enemies.

56. Had the Israelites remained _____________, the victories would have continued to the birth of Christ and beyond.

57. Our ______________ is on the brink of disaster and extinction.

58. The promise of possessing the gate, like the other promises,

ultimately looks forward to ____________ and His victory over the forces of evil.

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59. Our _____________ today is part of the blessing promised to Abraham and won by Christ.

REVIEW 21. Write out from memory Gal. 23:16 ________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. The heir was _______________ a land.

3. Scripture records that God ______________ all that He had promised to Abraham and his descendants.

4. _________________ times in their history Israel ruled over all the land promised to Abraham.

5. The _________________ of the land was conditional upon faith and obedience.

6. The great thing that this Covenant secured is that ____________would have a seed.

7. Faith in ____________, who is the true seed of Abraham is the criteria for being called the seed of Abraham.

8. Are there two ways of coming to God? _________

9. It was possible for anyone to join the nation of ______________ by performing certain rites.

10. The ____________ of Abraham is ultimately Christ and those who belong to Him [the Church].

11. If Israel had walked in obedience to the Word of God, they could

have remained in the land until _______________________.

12. Israel [did/did not] receive the land as God promised.

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13. The promises had a type___________ or symbolic fulfillment in natural Israel.

14. ______________ was the Abrahamic Heir, the designated and ultimate Seed.

15. Never again will there be a special and separate ___________people of God.

16. ________________ would be kept safe.

17. ___________ is all that we need.

18. Faith was always a ________________.

19. ____________ is to produce obedience.

20. Only children of _____________ are children of Abraham.

21. The _______________ legacy included the promise that they would have many descendants.

22. Through Christ all the children of faith, regardless of _________ origin, become the children of Abraham.

23. Abraham was to be fruitful and would have ____________ among his descendants.

24. Ultimately, this promise looks forward to the Great King -

__________________ - Who would be King of kings and Lord of all the earth.

25. The nation of _________________ was the womb from which Christ was to be born.

26. The ____________ were important because of their mission not because of who they were.

27. True believers in Jesus Christ are the only true ___________ of Abraham.

28. God promised to be their _____________.

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29. Of all the people on the earth, ______________ were to be specifically and clearly the people of God.

30. Now, ___________ those who are a part of the New Covenant community can be rightfully called the people of God.

31. Abraham’s seed would possess the gate of their ___________.

32. The promise of possessing the gate, like the other promises,

ultimately looks forward to Christ and His ____________ over the forces of evil.

33. Our victory today is part of the _____________ promised to Abraham and won by Christ.

Score: __________

Pre-Test1. Write out from memory 1 Cor. 15:46 ___________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. Write out from memory Gal. 23:16 ________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

3. In the second part of the legacy, ____________ promised to bless Abraham.


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name _____________.

5. In the fourth part of the legacy, God wanted to make Abraham

a __________________.

6. We are Abraham’s seed; therefore, we are to be a

____________________.

7. The sixth part of the legacy is that God would bless all ________ through Abraham.

8. God’s plan has always been __________________.

9. What God did in the Old Testament was a physical picture of what

He would accomplish ___________________ in the New Testament.

10. The Biblical model is: Spiritual to Natural. True or False

11. The seventh part of the legacy was the promise of the land

for Abraham’s ____________.

12. In the eighth part of the legacy, the _________ was given as an everlasting possession.

13. When we see words like “everlasting” and “eternal”

that is our clue that it is pointing to something _____________.

14. It is the spiritual reality rather than the physical type that is

_______________.

15. __________________ was also promised an heir.

16. The ultimate heir would be ________________.

17. Abraham himself understood the promise to be

_________________ spiritual.

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18. _________________ records that God fulfilled all that He had promised to Abraham and his descendants.

19. The possession of the land was ________________ upon faith and obedience.

20. The great thing that this __________________ secured is that Abraham would have a seed.

21. ____________ in Christ, who is the true seed of Abraham is the criteria for being called the seed of Abraham.

22. The ______________ of Abraham is ultimately Christ and those who belong to Him [the Church].

23. Israel [did/did not] receive the land as God promised.

24. The promises had a type or symbolic fulfillment in ___________ Israel.

25. Abraham would be kept ____________.

26. _____________ was always a condition.

27. ____________ is to produce obedience.

28. Only children of ____________ are children of Abraham.

29. The ___________ were important because of their mission not because of who they were.

30. True ________________ in Jesus Christ are the only true seed of Abraham.

31. The promise of possessing the _____________, like the other promises, ultimately looks forward to Christ and His victory over the forces of evil.

32. God promised to be their _____________.

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33. Our ______________ today is part of the blessing promised to Abraham and won by Christ.

Score _____________

In the next workbook we will complete the Abrahamic Love Covenant. There is a lot of important information in the Covenant for understanding the Bible. Don’t rush through it.

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Covenants Of Love - free-bible-study-lessons.com

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Transcript of Covenants Of Love - free-bible-study-lessons.com