A Biblical Vision, Part I: Mastering the Old Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I : Mas ter i ng the Ol d Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

2. He provides us with the ability to know what he is revealing.

2 Cor. 3.14-16 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. [15] Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. [16] But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. [2] And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” The Promise: Gen. 12.1-3 Now the Lord said

B. Through the promise, the one true God discloses his purpose to redeem creation

1. Abraham will not only receive blessings from God, but through his offspring he would become a blessing for God.

2. All the families of the earth will be blessed in faithful Abraham.

a. Gen. 22.18 – and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.

b. Gen. 26.4 – I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.

c. Acts 3.25-26 – You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, “And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” [26] God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.

C. Through the promise, the one true God shows us his sovereign choice: He will bring the redeemer from the kindred of Abraham and his descendants

1. It is given to a particular people (i.e., Abraham and his descendants), Gen. 17.5-6 – No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for