1. Freedom from slavery to sin: Not only were we forgiven for our sins by the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22) but we have been freed from our slavery to sin as well. ‘To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power forever and ever.’ (Revelation 1:5-6). God’s promise to Abraham to make him too numerous to count is being fulfilled in these last days when the ‘Spirit is poured out on all people’ (Acts 2:17/ Joel 2:28) so that all men may experience freedom from slavery to sin.
2. Heavenly inheritance: Not only do we have an earthly inheritance but also a heavenly inheritance, just as Abraham did. ‘For he was looking forward to the City with foundations, whose architect and builder is God … If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God … has prepared a city for them.’ (Hebrews 11:10-16) God’s promise to Abraham to bless the world through him is being fulfilled when we Gentiles look forward to receive ‘an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for us’. (1 Peter 1:4)
3. Unconditional healing: Not only have our sins be forgiven, but also the effects of sin and curse have been reversed. As Jesus went about healing every diseases and sickness, the Apostles were reminded of the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.’ (Matthew 8:17/ Isaiah 53:4) The fullness of God’s covenant blessing of healing given to Abraham was fully revealed in Christ, the Seed of Abraham, as ‘he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil’ ( Acts 10:38) He had the right to heal everyone being ‘the Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world’ ( John 1:29)
The new covenant is the fulfillment of God’s eternal covenant with Abraham and ‘it is founded on better promises’ (Hebrews 8:6) than the old covenant and the promises are for all who believe. Amen.
Site Title : Teaching of Christ 