Introduction to Biblical Theology - Dr. Thomas Schreiner - Lecture 03

Summary

Abraham is a new Adam and the means by which the world will be blessed

• Abraham was initially an idolater before God called him

• God promised Abraham a great name, a great nation, a kingdom, and that he would be a blessing for the whole world

• The Covenant with Abraham includes the land which points to a New Eden, and the offspring Isaac, related to Genesis 1:28

• To sustain populations, societies need to have enough children

God's plan for the covenant children is through Isaac, not Ishmael

• Abraham initially suggests that Ishmael is enough, but God's plan is different

• Sarah's request to drive out Hagar and Ishmael is in line with God's plan for Isaac to be the only heir

• Isaac is the only son and is told to be sacrificed as a sacrifice to God

The promise to Abraham was fulfilled through a miracle

• Abraham couldn't have a child on his own, and it took a long time for him to have a son of the promise

• The Abrahamic covenant is both conditional and unconditional

• Circumcision signified Abraham's dedication to God and his recognition that his ability to have children came from God

The Covenant with Abraham is both unconditional and conditional

• The fulfillment of the divine promises is conditional upon Abraham's obedience

• Abraham's faith is the foundation of his relationship with God

• The Covenant with Abraham includes offspring, land, and a universal blessing

Obedience is necessary to receive the blessing of the Covenant.

• The Covenant is conditional for individuals.

• The promise is the preservation of offspring.

• The battle is between the seeds/offspring.

God's promise to Abraham is fulfilled through unlikely circumstances

• Sarah's harem situation threatened the promise

• Abraham's servant being the heir was not the fulfillment

• Ishmael's existence also posed a threat

• Abraham did not even possess a foot of the promised land

Trusting God during sufferings

• Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob trusted God despite unfulfilled promises and hardships.

• The promise of land, offspring, and blessing is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, but obstacles exist, such as finding a godly wife for Isaac.

God's sovereignty and the preservation of Israel's purity

• Jacob fears Esau's wrath, but God works it so that Esau is friendly

• The story of Dinah and Shechem highlights God's sovereignty in preserving Israel's purity

• Simeon and Levi's actions are not blessed by God and they are punished

• The story operates at multiple levels and caution must be taken not to oversimplify it

Key Points

1. Abraham as a New Adam: Abraham is depicted as a new Adam, chosen by God to be the means by which the world will be blessed. His covenant with God promises him a great name, a nation, and a blessing for the world.

2. The Covenant with Abraham: This covenant is both unconditional and conditional. Obedience is necessary for receiving the blessings of the covenant.

3. Land and Offspring: The covenant includes specific promises such as the land of Canaan as a new Eden and his offspring through Isaac, aligning with the promise and blessing in Genesis 1:28.

4. Miraculous Fulfillment: The promise to Abraham was fulfilled through miraculous and unlikely circumstances, highlighting God's power and plan.

5. God’s Plan through Isaac: God's plan for the covenant children is specifically through Isaac, not Ishmael, determining the line through which the blessings would continue.

6. Trust and Sovereignty: There is an emphasis on trusting God during sufferings and acknowledging His sovereignty, including the preservation of Israel's purity.

7. The Covenant with Abraham

   • Abraham as a New Adam: Abraham is positioned as a new Adam, chosen not for his virtue but to bring blessings to the world.

   • Covenant Structure: The Abrahamic covenant includes promises of land, offspring, and a universal blessing.

   • God's Sovereignty: God’s promise to make Abraham a great nation points to His sovereignty and the establishment of a kingdom.

8. Abraham's Background

   • Idolatry Before Calling: Abraham was an idolater prior to God’s call, demonstrating that God justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5).

   • Covenantal Elements: Includes the land of Canaan representing a New Eden, with the expectation of numerous offspring.

9. The Promise of Offspring

   • Isaac over Ishmael: God's covenant promise is specifically through Isaac, not Ishmael, emphasizing God's chosen lineage.

   • Miraculous Birth: The fulfillment of the promise through Isaac’s birth illustrates that it required a miracle due to Abraham and Sarah's age.

10. Testing of Faith

    • Sacrifice of Isaac: Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac highlights his faith and trust in God’s promise of resurrection.

    • Covenantal Conditions: While the covenant is largely unconditional, Abraham's obedience is highlighted as a condition for receiving blessings.

11. Conditional vs. Unconditional Covenant

    • Dual Nature of the Covenant: The covenant is both unconditional (God's promise will not be revoked) and conditional (dependent on Abraham's faith and obedience).

    • Covenant Ceremony: In Genesis 15, God alone passes through the sacrificial pieces, signaling the severity of breaking the covenant.

12. Universal Blessing

    • Blessing for All Nations: The promise that all nations will be blessed through Abraham’s offspring foreshadows the New Testament fulfillment through Christ.

13. Threats to the Promise

    • Obstacles Encountered: The narrative includes threats such as Sarah's abduction, Eliezer's potential as heir, and the rivalry with Ishmael.

    • God’s Protection: Despite these threats, God remains sovereign, ensuring the promise is fulfilled through Isaac.

14. Land Promise

    • Abraham's Lack of Possession: Despite the great promises, Abraham only owned a burial plot, highlighting the long wait for fulfillment and the testing of faith.

15. Significance of Offspring

    • Countless Descendants: God's declaration that Abraham's descendants will be as numerous as the stars emphasizes the scope of the promise.

    • Believers as Children of Abraham: Paul teaches that all believers are part of Abraham’s offspring, reinforcing the spiritual inheritance.

16. Faith Through Trials

    • Abraham's Endurance: The lecture emphasizes the importance of trusting God despite life’s challenges, as seen in Abraham’s journey and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Article

The Covenant with Abraham: A New Beginning for Humanity

In the grand narrative of the Bible, the story of Abraham stands out as a pivotal moment in God's unfolding plan for humanity. The covenant established with Abraham is not just a promise to one man; it serves as a foundation for the entire biblical narrative, linking the past with the future and setting the stage for the coming of Christ. This blog post will explore the key elements of the Abrahamic covenant, its implications for humanity, and the lessons we can draw from Abraham's journey.

A New Adam in a Fallen World

Abraham emerges as a figure of hope in a world that has descended into chaos, particularly following the events at Babel. God’s covenant with Abraham marks a significant shift in His relationship with humanity. Unlike the covenants made with Adam and Noah, the covenant with Abraham is characterized by promises of a great name, a great nation, and a universal blessing. This promise is not merely about land or descendants; it signifies the establishment of a kingdom through Abraham, who is often seen as a new Adam.

However, it is crucial to recognize that Abraham was not chosen for his virtue. In fact, Joshua 24:2 reminds us that Abraham worshiped other gods before God called him. This highlights a profound truth: God justifies the ungodly. Abraham's journey begins not from a place of righteousness but from a divine act of grace. This theme resonates throughout the New Testament, particularly in Romans 4:5, where Paul emphasizes that God justifies the ungodly.

The Elements of the Covenant

The covenant with Abraham encompasses three primary elements: land, offspring, and blessing. The land promised to Abraham, Canaan, symbolizes a new Eden—a place where God’s presence dwells among His people. The promise of offspring, particularly through Isaac, connects back to the creation mandate in Genesis 1:28, where humanity is called to be fruitful and multiply.

Interestingly, the narrative reveals that kings will come from Abraham, indicating that the covenant is not just about a multitude of descendants but about a royal lineage. This royal aspect is crucial as it foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the promise.

The Conditional and Unconditional Nature of the Covenant

The Abrahamic covenant is both conditional and unconditional. While God’s promises are irrevocable, individual participation in those promises requires obedience. Genesis 15 illustrates this duality, where God passes through the pieces of the covenant alone, signifying that He will fulfill His promises regardless of human failure. Yet, as seen in Genesis 26:5, the blessings are contingent upon Abraham's obedience.

This raises an important theological discussion about the relationship between faith and works. Abraham's faith is foundational, as seen in Hebrews 11:8, where his obedience to God’s call is rooted in his belief. However, the narrative also emphasizes that obedience is a necessary response to faith. This interplay between faith and works is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of James, who speaks of justification by works.

The Struggles of Faith

Abraham's journey is not without its challenges. The promise of a son, Isaac, takes years to materialize, and during this waiting period, Abraham faces numerous trials. The threat to the promise comes from various angles: Sarah's barrenness, the temptation to rely on Ishmael, and the fear of losing the covenant line through external threats.

For instance, when Sarah is taken into Pharaoh's harem, the very promise of offspring is jeopardized. Yet, God intervenes, demonstrating His sovereignty and commitment to fulfilling His covenant. Similarly, when Abraham expresses concern that Eliezer, his servant, might inherit his estate, God reassures him that his own son will be the heir.

These narratives serve as reminders that God's promises may not unfold in the ways we expect. Abraham's life exemplifies the tension between divine promise and human reality, a theme that resonates with many believers today.

Lessons for Today

The story of Abraham offers profound lessons for contemporary readers. First, it underscores the importance of faith in the face of uncertainty. Abraham's trust in God's promises, despite his circumstances, encourages us to hold on to our faith even when life does not go as planned.

Second, the covenant illustrates the nature of God's grace. Abraham's selection was not based on his merit but on God's sovereign choice. This truth is liberating, reminding us that our relationship with God is rooted in grace rather than performance.

Finally, the narrative invites us to reflect on our own obedience. While salvation is a gift, our response to that gift should be one of faithful living. The interplay between faith and works challenges us to consider how our actions reflect our beliefs.

Conclusion

The covenant with Abraham is a cornerstone of biblical theology, revealing God's plan to reclaim and bless the world through one man. Abraham's journey, marked by faith, struggle, and divine intervention, serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His promises. As we navigate our own lives, may we draw inspiration from Abraham's faith and trust in the God who fulfills His promises, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Study Guide: The Abrahamic Covenant and Its Significance

Key Concepts

Covenants in the Bible

• Covenant with Adam: Initial relationship with God.

• Covenant with Noah: Promise not to flood the earth again.

• Covenant with Abraham: Central to the narrative of redemption.

Abraham as a New Adam

• Abraham is seen as a pivotal figure who will bring blessings to the world.

• He is chosen not for his virtue but as a means of God's grace.

Key Elements of the Abrahamic Covenant

• Land: Canaan as a new Eden.

• Offspring: Promise of a great nation through Isaac.

• Universal Blessing: Abraham will be a blessing to all nations.

Abraham's Background

• Abraham was an idolater before being called by God (Joshua 24:2).

• Romans 4:5 emphasizes that God justifies the ungodly.

The Role of Faith and Obedience

• Abraham's faith is foundational (Genesis 15:6).

• Obedience is necessary for the fulfillment of the covenant (Genesis 26:5).

Important Passages

Genesis 12-22 Overview

• Genesis 12: Call of Abraham and the initial promise.

• Genesis 15: Covenant ceremony; God passes through the pieces alone.

• Genesis 17: Promise of many nations; circumcision introduced.

• Genesis 21: Isaac's birth; conflict with Ishmael.

• Genesis 22: Abraham's test of faith with Isaac.

Key Verses

• Genesis 15:6: "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness."

• Genesis 17:19: "Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac."

• Genesis 22:16-18: "Because you have done this... all nations will be blessed through your offspring."

Theological Implications

Conditional vs. Unconditional Covenant

• Unconditional: God's promise will ultimately be fulfilled regardless of human actions.

• Conditional: Individual blessings depend on obedience (Genesis 26:5).

The Role of Isaac

• The covenant promise is specifically through Isaac, not Ishmael (Romans 9).

• Isaac's birth is a miraculous fulfillment of God's promise.

Challenges to the Covenant

• Threats to the promise include:

  • Sarah's barrenness.

  • Ishmael's existence.

  • External threats (e.g., Pharaoh, Abimelech).

• God’s sovereignty ensures the fulfillment of His promises despite human failures.

Key Themes

Faith and Trust in God

• Abraham's journey exemplifies faith in God's promises despite circumstances.

• The importance of trusting God when life does not align with expectations.

God's Sovereignty

• God orchestrates events to fulfill His covenant promises.

• Human actions, both good and evil, are used by God to achieve His purposes.

The Legacy of Abraham

• All believers are considered children of Abraham (Galatians 3).

• The Abrahamic covenant sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Discussion Questions

1. How does Abraham's background as an idolater inform our understanding of God's grace?

2. In what ways does the covenant with Abraham reflect both conditional and unconditional elements?

3. What can we learn from Abraham's faith and obedience in the face of challenges?

This study guide condenses the essential information regarding the Abrahamic Covenant, its implications, and its significance in biblical theology, providing a clear reference for students preparing for discussions or exams.

Dr. Tom Schreiner is an Associate Dean for the School of Theology and the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to joining Southern, he taught New Testament at Azusa Pacific University. He also taught at Bethel Theological Seminary for 11 years. Schreiner is a Pauline scholar who has written extensively on this subject. He is married to Diane and they have four children. Schreiner is a member of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.