Jesus, the Seed of Abraham, and Us
Scripture Reading — Galatians 3:15-29
The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.”
Almighty God appeared to Abram (before renaming him Abraham) and spoke to him about his future seed (descendants). And in the New Testament Paul explains that all believers through Christ are Abraham’s seed, and therefore are God’s children and heirs. The old covenant with Abraham is fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
So what does this mean for us? Paul exclaims, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” All the promises that God made to Abraham are fulfilled by Jesus and given to us.
We are first of all heirs of a promised land. In the New Testament this is not physical property but a meaningful life filled with spiritual blessings and intimacy with God.
Second, the promise includes a multitude of descendants (Genesis 13:16). God promises us the community of his kingdom family to share in life’s journey.
Third, the promise entails a life of faith rather than being enslaved to the law. Believers are set free from every weight that holds them back from their full potential.
Fourth, all barriers between people have been knocked over by Jesus. We are invited to live in a community that has no divisions of nationality, social status, or gender roles. In Christ we are called to bring God’s blessing to the world. In what ways can you do that today?
Lord, thank you for every promise and blessing that is ours in Christ. Help us to bless others in Jesus’ name. Amen.
About the author — Dean Deppe
Dean Deppe has been a pastor in inner-city, suburban, and rural churches. Currently he teaches New Testament theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. His courses include one on the parables of Jesus. He and his wife have four grown children.
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