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A SIGN OF THE COVENANT

Text: Genesis 17; Galatians 3:26-29
6 June 2010

(I) THE ABRAHAM COVENANT

1. A very significant Covenant

a) Between God and Abraham ( Genesis 17:2, 4, 7a )

b) Between God and Abraham’s descendants ( Genesis 17:7b )

c) An everlasting Covenant ( Genesis 17:7c )

d) A covenant that involves God giving Canaan to Israel ( Genesis 17:8 )

2. A significant sign of the Covenant

a) The rite of Circumcision ( Genesis 17:12 )

b) This rite was to be performed on infant boys on the 8 th day ( Genesis 17:12a )

c) This sign would become the symbol of the Abrahamic Covenant ( Genesis 17:14 )

d) Failure to keep this covenant had grave negative consequences ( Genesis 17:14 )

3. Children in the Abrahamic Covenant

a) They were included in the Abrahamic Covenant

b) They were to participate in the Abrahamic Covenant through the rite of circumcision

c) Of course they do not have any comprehension of the significance of their circumcision!

(II) THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT INTERPRETED IN THE LIGHT OF THE NEW COVENANT

1. Believers in Christ become “sons of God” (Galatians 3:28)

2. Believers in Christ then become “Abraham’s seed” (Galatians 3:29a)

3. Believers in Christ become “heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29b)

(III) SIGNIFICANT RAMIFICATIONS

1. If believers are Abraham’s seed

a) Then they will be blessed according to God’s promise to bless Abraham and His descendants

b) Their descendants (children) would also be blessed!

2. If believers are heirs according to the promise

a) They will inherit the blessings God promised

b) The blessings of God:-

i) To physical Israel- the promised land and spiritual blessings

ii) To spiritual Israel- spiritual blessings

3. Children are certainly included in God’s covenant to Abraham

a) This truth must be understood

b) It must be believed in deeply

c) It must be appreciated

d) Every effort must be made to teach them what it means to be “children of God through Christ Jesus!”