Lesson 28 August 11, 2002

3:18 Dichotomy between the Promise and the Law

For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise;

If somehow the inheritance could be based on law and therefore on merit/works there is no way it is based on promise.

but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.

Paul summarizes God's plan, He has granted justification by means of His promise and therefore by grace.

Summary of 3:18

1. The Mosaic Law and the Abrahamic Covenant are mutually exclusive concerning title to the inheritance.

2. Paul restates the fact that God gave the promise, the inheritance to Abraham on the basis of a promise therefore on the basis of grace.

3. The key to understanding the difference between Law and promise, why they are antithetical, is the verb to give as a gift, cari,zomai .

4. The specific areas of the Promise to Abraham, the clauses of the Covenant.

a. Real estate - the Land Gen. 12:7; 13:14; 15:18

Includes what is referred to as Great nation status also protection Gen. 12:3; 15:13-16

b. An heir Gen. 15:4-5

Includes the promise of becoming a father of many nations. Gen. 17:4

c. Line of the Messiah

And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Gen. 12:3; Gal. 3:8

Things to think about!

Intro:

First, those of us who are dispensational in our theology must be careful not to miss or distort Paul’s point.

Second, there is great danger whenever Christians fail to distinguish between the Abrahamic Covenant and the Mosaic Covenant.

Third, the Judaizer’s view of the Christian walk does not honor the Law of Moses; it dishonors it in addition to setting aside the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant.

Fourth, we need to understand that legalism is rooted in man’s rebellion and unbelief.