Herein, apostle Paul is writing to the brethren which were with him, and unto the churches of Galatia. Similar to his instruction to those who were sanctified in Corinth and called to be saints with all that in every place call upon the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Paul is saying: "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus have I begotten you through the gospel -- wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me." (I Corinthians 4:15-16; I Corinthians 1:1-2) Remain steadfast in the apostle's doctrine, adorning the doctrine of Christ. (Hebrews 6:1-2; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 2:36-47)
What Paul is doing herein is ensuring that we fully understand the covenant of promise -- wherein the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood ..." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
As Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) declared: "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
In other words, the disciples were sharing how the first covenant of ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary, or the blood of bulls and of goats, or the ashes of an heifer could never purge one's conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore, as the scripture indicates, "the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things could never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged would have had no more conscience of sins." (Hebrews 10:1-2)
But as we soon realize, the sacrifices of old could never set us free. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is why (in this current dispensation of grace) we who believe in Jesus by faith gladly draw near with a true heart in full assurance of our faith in the King of kings and Lord of lords, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)." (Hebrews 10:21-23)
How did this come about? As we understand from the scriptures, the Lord God decided His plan of salvation even before the world was formed. in essence, the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. Allow me to explain.
In Genesis (which is the first book of the Bible on the old testament side) we learn that the Lord God promised Abram/Abraham a son -- "unto thy seed" and "to thy seed after thee." (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 17:8) The promise was made even though Abraham at one hundred and his wife Sarah at ninety years of age were barren, well past the age of conception.
What Paul is doing herein is ensuring that we fully understand the covenant of promise -- wherein the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood ..." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
As Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) declared: "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
In other words, the disciples were sharing how the first covenant of ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary, or the blood of bulls and of goats, or the ashes of an heifer could never purge one's conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore, as the scripture indicates, "the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things could never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged would have had no more conscience of sins." (Hebrews 10:1-2)
But as we soon realize, the sacrifices of old could never set us free. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is why (in this current dispensation of grace) we who believe in Jesus by faith gladly draw near with a true heart in full assurance of our faith in the King of kings and Lord of lords, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)." (Hebrews 10:21-23)
How did this come about? As we understand from the scriptures, the Lord God decided His plan of salvation even before the world was formed. in essence, the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning of the world. Allow me to explain.
In Genesis (which is the first book of the Bible on the old testament side) we learn that the Lord God promised Abram/Abraham a son -- "unto thy seed" and "to thy seed after thee." (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 17:8) The promise was made even though Abraham at one hundred and his wife Sarah at ninety years of age were barren, well past the age of conception.
In fact, even the idea of carrying a child to term at the age of ninety made Sarai/Sarah laugh. This explains why Sarah willingly encouraged Abraham to sleep with her handmaid, an Egyptian named Hagar, to bring forth this child promised by the Lord God. The scriptures state she "gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife." (Genesis 16:1-4)
Continuing, we learn that Hagar bares Abram a son; and Abram called his son's name Ishmael. (Genesis 16:15-16)
But throughout, the Lord clarifies His original promise to Abraham. "And behold the Word of the Lord came unto Abram, saying, "This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir." (Genesis 15:4) In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, "Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates." (Genesis 15:18; Genesis 24:7)
Soon, Sarah conceives and brings forth a son named Isaac. But Sarah, upon seeing the son of Hagar (mocking) said unto Abraham, "Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son [even] with Isaac." And this was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. But God reassured Abraham, saying, "Let it not be grievous in thy sight, because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation because he is thy seed [descendant]." (Genesis 21:1-1)
The account of Abraham is further captured in Romans and Hebrews.
From Romans: "Who are Israelite's; to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever, Amen. Not as though the Word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children; but, "in Isaac shall thy seed be called."
That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the Word of promise, "At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son." And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, [even by] our father Isaac; (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calls). It was said unto her, "The elder shall serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." (Romans 9:4-13)
Soon, Sarah conceives and brings forth a son named Isaac. But Sarah, upon seeing the son of Hagar (mocking) said unto Abraham, "Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son [even] with Isaac." And this was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. But God reassured Abraham, saying, "Let it not be grievous in thy sight, because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation because he is thy seed [descendant]." (Genesis 21:1-1)
The account of Abraham is further captured in Romans and Hebrews.
From Romans: "Who are Israelite's; to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever, Amen. Not as though the Word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children; but, "in Isaac shall thy seed be called."
That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the Word of promise, "At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son." And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, [even by] our father Isaac; (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calls). It was said unto her, "The elder shall serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." (Romans 9:4-13)
From Hebrews: "By faith, Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed: and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith, he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore, sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country, and truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly ' wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He that prepared for them a city.
By faith, Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure." (Hebrews 11:8-19)
How do these scriptures all fit together? For starters, to provide insight between the old and new testament, and to inform us that there is more than just a blank page between the two. Even though Jesus explained, "Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved" it takes pointing to the "two covenants" for an understanding to take hold.(Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-38)
Further, there is a significant difference between the liberty that is in Christ -- the new testament -- and the bondage under the old covenant law. The cross becoming the equalizer so that the free gift of salvation could be offered to one and all.
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore, sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country, and truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly ' wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He that prepared for them a city.
By faith, Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure." (Hebrews 11:8-19)
How do these scriptures all fit together? For starters, to provide insight between the old and new testament, and to inform us that there is more than just a blank page between the two. Even though Jesus explained, "Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved" it takes pointing to the "two covenants" for an understanding to take hold.(Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-38)
Further, there is a significant difference between the liberty that is in Christ -- the new testament -- and the bondage under the old covenant law. The cross becoming the equalizer so that the free gift of salvation could be offered to one and all.
Apostle Paul expands, outlining how all these "things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice, thou barren that bears not; break forth and cry, thou that travails not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband."
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:19-34)
This is why Paul writes: "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith; but, "The man that does shall live by faith." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree;" that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed but no man disannuls, or added thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many, but as of one. And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise; but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:6-29)
So much more to explain, but let this suffice for now. That is, "And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)
Therein, is our hope and liberty in Christ Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (Galatians 4:19-34)
This is why Paul writes: "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith; but, "The man that does shall live by faith." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree;" that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed but no man disannuls, or added thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds, as of many, but as of one. And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise; but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:6-29)
So much more to explain, but let this suffice for now. That is, "And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)
Therein, is our hope and liberty in Christ Jesus. Stand in the offering plate.
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