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
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.