The Significance of Abraham's Covenant with God: Exclusive to the Hebrew Israelites

The covenant of Abraham with God holds a unique and profound significance, exclusive to the Hebrew Israelites. It is a binding promise that has foreshadowed the lineage through which the Messiah would come. This covenant is not subject to any other forms of replacement theology or universal salvation, as some may claim.

A Binding Covenant with Abraham's Seedlings

When God made this covenant with Abraham, He promised that Abraham would become the father of many nations through his descendants. This covenant is not just a one-time event but a continuous promise that extends through the ages. The ancestry leading to the Messiah is recorded in the Bible, specifically in the genealogy of Jesus as mentioned in Matthew 1 and Luke 3.

The Covenant in Genesis 17: A Promised Joseph and His 12 Sons

In Genesis 17, God changed Abraham's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations." This name change symbolized the promise of a vast lineage. However, throughout history, the descendants of Jacob (Joseph's 12 sons) faced challenges. In Judges 2 we read about the Israelites marrying into forbidden tribes and adopting their gods. As a result, God allowed them to be subjected by their enemies. According to Jeremiah 3, most of Israel still serves false gods, and only a remnant of them has remained faithful.

The Impact of the Covenant and Its Prophecies

The covenant of Abraham included detailed prophecies that foresaw the coming of the Messiah. These prophecies were passed down from Abraham to the time of Jesus, providing additional context and expectations. The promise, however, has never been superseded or replaced. Today, the world faces a conflict between those who lay claim to the Israelite lineage and those who adhere strictly to the covenant established by Abraham.

The Universal Message of Christ

Although the covenant with Abraham and his descendants is exclusive, the message of Christ is universal. Jesus died, and shortly after, the message was extended to the Gentiles. This message signifies the promise fulfilled through God's chosen ones, who can become adopted children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. As stated in John 1:11-12, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."

The promise of the covenant with Abraham is a binding oath, and those who appoint themselves as chosen ones do so without the proper lineage or authority. The true lineage stems from the womb of the faithful, not from the dry bones of those who claim falsely.

In conclusion, Abraham's covenant with God is a significant promise that has shaped the lineage leading to the Messiah. It is not a relic of the past but a promise that remains relevant to those who adhere to it. The message of Christ is universal, inviting all who receive Him to become children of God, regardless of their lineage.