Heaven’s Vision. Earth’s Mission. One Standard.

J. Hector Garcia

PLAN OF REDEMPTION: ABRAHAM’S FAITH FURY!

Genesis 22:18 (KJV): And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

ABSTRACT

This article unveils the covenant’s explosive power, igniting trust and obedience in God’s grand redemption saga, drawing Jews, Christians, and faith seekers into a cosmic clash of destiny where divine love triumphs over doubt, promising eternal blessings through unwavering steps into the unknown.

THE COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM: FAITH’S LEGACY

The covenant between God and Abraham is a cornerstone of spiritual identity for Jews, Christians, and others of faith. It transcends time, weaving together themes of trust, obedience, and redemption. “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith” (Romans 4:13, KJV). Ellen G. White writes that the plan of redemption was here opened to him, in the death of Christ, the great sacrifice, and His coming in glory; Abraham saw also the earth restored to its Eden beauty (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 137, 1890). In this blog, we explore the covenant’s spiritual dimensions, its relevance across faith traditions, and how it reflects God’s boundless love for humanity. “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told that the plan of redemption is wrought out—is the lesson book of the universe, because Abraham had shown a lack of faith in God’s promises, Satan had accused him before the universe (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 154, 1890). This eternal bond fuels our journey forward. How does this divine summons echo in our daily choices to venture beyond the seen?

ABRAHAM’S DARING LEAP INTO THE UNKNOWN!

The story begins in Genesis 12:1-3, where God commands Abraham, “Go from your country… to the land I will show you.” This call was not merely geographical; it symbolized a departure from idolatry and reliance on human strength. “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” (Hebrews 11:8, KJV). Ellen G. White writes in Patriarchs and Prophets: “God called Abraham to separate himself from the customs and influences that would hinder his divine purpose” (p. 125). “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6, KJV). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us that the plan of redemption were arranged with Christ from all eternity, and the covenant of grace was revealed to the patriarchs (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 145, 1890). What about us? Do we, too, trust God when called to leave behind what is familiar for His higher purpose? This narrative invites us to examine our own lives. Like Abraham, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God’s plans will unfold beyond what we can see. How far does this bold venture stretch to embrace every soul across the ages?

PROMISE THAT SHAKES NATIONS!

Abraham’s covenant extended beyond the physical land of Canaan. As Paul states in Galatians 3:29, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” This promise invites all of us into a spiritual inheritance. “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee” (Genesis 17:7, KJV). Sr. White elaborates in Desire of Ages: “Through the eye of faith, Abraham rejoiced to see Christ’s day… to understand the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise” (p. 468). “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith” (Romans 4:13, KJV). In The Story of Redemption, we read that after Abraham separated from his nephew Lot, God said to Abraham, “From where you are, look carefully in all directions,” and in a vision, God promised, “Do not be afraid” (The Story of Redemption, p. 64, 1947). The covenant, therefore, reaches across time and faiths, uniting us in the hope of salvation through Christ. Whether Jew, Christian, Muslim, or Buddhist, this legacy reminds us of a shared destiny shaped by faith. What profound assurance does this global vow offer in the face of human frailty?

LOVE’S UNBREAKABLE VOW!

How does this covenant reflect God’s love? At its heart lies an extraordinary assurance: God seeks relationship with humanity despite our imperfections. The covenant asserts that obedience born of faith, not perfection, leads to blessing. “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?” (Romans 4:1, KJV). Sr. White states: “The covenant with Abraham represents God’s desire to redeem, not condemn” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 126). “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3, KJV). The inspired pen reveals that this same covenant was renewed to Abraham in the promise “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 22:18) (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 11, 1973). This truth speaks to each of us. God’s love is not conditional on our merit but is a constant invitation to trust Him and receive His promises. Just as God honored His promise to Abraham despite human flaws, we are reminded that His love is steadfast. The covenant becomes a symbol of His patience and commitment to save. In what ways does this redemptive embrace transform our understanding of divine mercy?

FAITH’S PERSONAL POWER SURGE!

Personally, I find Abraham’s journey both humbling and inspiring. It challenges me to trust God with life’s uncertainties, especially when His promises seem distant. As a community, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to reflect faith and hope to the world. The covenant is a collective call to live with purpose, rooted in God’s love and promises. “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23, KJV). Through a prophetic voice, we learn that Abraham’s household comprised more than a thousand souls, and those who were led by his teachings to worship the true God found a home in his encampment (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 215, 1955). “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9, KJV). We are to take our Bibles and study to see what the will of God is concerning us, and then to follow as Abraham did, in faith and confidence (Confrontation, p. 13, 1978). How often do we as a church mirror Abraham’s obedience? Are we willing to be set apart, to stand firm in faith amid societal pressures? What urgent revival does this personal echo demand from our communal life today?

CHURCH’S COVENANT CHARGE!

In today’s society, the community faces challenges of division, complacency, and compromise. Abraham’s covenant offers a blueprint for unity and faithfulness. When churches prioritize worldly comforts over spiritual purpose, they risk losing their identity. “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, KJV). Sr. White cautions in The Great Controversy: “The church is in constant need of revival to fulfill its divine mission” (p. 458). “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, KJV). A passage from The Great Controversy reminds us that wherever the Word of God has been faithfully preached, results have followed that attested its divine origin (The Great Controversy, p. 299, 1911). Abraham’s covenant reminds us of God’s unwavering desire for His people to reflect His character, striving for justice, compassion, and faith. How does this ancient blueprint ignite a fiery faithfulness in our modern gatherings?

REDEMPTION’S FIERY FINALE!

The covenant with Abraham reveals God’s eternal love and His desire to save all who trust Him. It challenges us to leave behind comfort zones, embrace faith, and live purposefully. As Galatians 3:29 assures, the promise is not confined to Abraham’s descendants but is a gift to all who believe in Christ. “As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever” (Luke 1:55, KJV). In God’s Amazing Grace, we read that of Abraham it is written that “he was called the friend of God,” and this same covenant was renewed to Abraham (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 29, 1973). May we, like Abraham, respond to God’s call with faith and obedience, trusting that His love will guide and sustain us, just as it has through the ages. “He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy” (Luke 1:54, KJV). Through inspired counsel, the plan of redemption were arranged with Christ from all eternity, and the covenant of grace was revealed to the patriarchs (The Signs of the Times, August 24, 1891, par. 10).

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?

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