GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM: PART THREE

GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM: PART THREE
“Abraham in the New Testament”

Other than Jesus, Abraham is second most central person in the New Testament. He is directly mentioned 73 times in the New Testament, with nearly half of those in the four Gospels. In the gospel of John we have a lengthy teaching by Jesus as to who are true children of Abraham [John 8:31-59]. The Apostle Paul devotes one full chapter to him in explaining his significance to us and how we are related to him (Romans 4). Why are there so many references to Abraham in the New Testament? In the “Gospel of the Kingdom: Part 2, it was shared with you how the “gospel” (good news) was preached in advance to Abraham (Galatians 3:8). And we learned that the good news Abraham received was that he and his descendants were to inherit land eternally and from that land they would rule the nations, if they would obey God’s instruction book, the Bible.

Part Three is arranged in a manner where you can first search the Scriptures on various topics related to Abraham being mentioned throughout the New Testament. Be sure to read all the Scriptures related to each part. Next, you will find some of the major Scriptures referring to Abraham with brief comments by the author.

· ABRAHAM AS FATHER: Abraham is referred to as the father of all who believe [Romans 4:11, 16]. Jesus taught that the poor man Lazarus called Abraham father [Luke 16:24, 30]. Stephen begins his defense in his final speech before he dies by referring to Abraham as father [Acts 7:2]. Why? Abraham is father, because God first gave him the promise of inheriting land on earth eternally and ruling the nations [Genesis 17:6-8]. This promise was for him and all his true descendants [Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 15:18, 19; 17:7].

· CHILDREN (SONS, DAUGHTERS) OF ABRAHAM: Luke 3:8, 13:16, 19:9; John 8:39; Acts 13:26; Galatians 3:7; 1 Peter 3:6. Who are the true children of Abraham? True children follow in the steps of the faith of their father Abraham [Romans 4:12, 16] hold to the teachings of God [John 8:31]; they have room in their hearts for God’s word [John 8:37]; they demonstrate their love to Jesus through obedience to God’s commandments [John 14:23, 24].; and, they hears what God says [John 8:31-47]. True children do not live by their sinful nature; they put to death the misdeeds of their body; they are led by the Spirit of God; they are heirs with Christ in ruling and reigning on the earth eternally [Romans 8:12-17].

· ABRAHAM, ISSAC & JACOB: Matthew 1:2, 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 3:34, 13:28, 20:37; Acts 3:13, 7:32; 1 Peter 3:6 Do you know why these three men are grouped together so many times in both Old and New Testament? It is only these three men: father, son, and grandson that God appears directly to share the promise and make the covenant with them of inheriting land and ruling the nations [Genesis 26:2-5; 28:1-4, 12-15].

· DESCENDANTS (SEED) OF ABRAHAM: Luke 1:55; John 8:33, 37; Acts 3:25; Romans 9:9, 11:1; 2 Corinthians 11:22; Galatians 3:16, 29; Hebrews 2:16, 7:5 True descendants of Abraham are not those circumcised in the flesh, but circumcised in the heart []. True descendant inherit what was promised to Abraham [Galatians 3:29; 4:7].

· PROMISE (OATH, COVENANT, INHERITANCE, BLESSING) TO ABRAHAM: Luke 1:72, 73; Acts 3:25, 7:17; Galatians 3:8, 14, 16, 18; Hebrews 6:13, 7:6, 11:8, 17

ABRAHAM IN NEW TESTAMENT:
· The first verse in the New Testament tells us that Jesus is the son of David and Abraham [Matthew 1:1]. Neither of these were his father. Why then call David and Abraham Jesus’ father? It is because the two most important promises of God in all history were first given to these two men. Abraham first received the promise of eternally inheriting land, blessing and ruling the nations. David received the promise that through one of his offspring God would establish the throne of his kingdom forever [II Samuel 7:12, 13]. Jesus when he returns will fulfill both of these promises on the earth.
· Mary tells Elizabeth about what Gabriel spoke to her and breaks out into song [Luke 1:39-56]—in this songs she speaks of the promise given to Abraham [Luke 1:54, 55]. Why? Because of the Gabriel had spoken to her [Luke 1:32,33].
· Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied also remembered the promise made to Abraham [Luke 1:67-74].
· Tax collector, Zacchaeus, declared by Jesus to be a son of Abraham [Luke 19:9].
· Jesus taught that children of Abraham do the deeds of Abraham [John 8:39].
· Jesus declares Abraham rejoiced to see His days [John 8:56].
· Stephen refers to Abraham during his dying defense [Acts 7:17, 32 (Exodus 3:6)].
· Apostle Paul frequently made reference to Abraham
o Paul declares the message of salvation (being delivered from the enemy) has been sent to the sons of Abraham [Acts 13:26].
o Lengthy teaching by Paul about Abraham [Romans 4:1-25].
o If we are children of God (children of Abraham), then we share in the promised inheritance [Romans 8:16-17].
o Gospel is preached in advance to Abraham [Galatians 3:7, 8, 29]

CONCLUSIONS: THE GOSPEL AND ABRAHAM: Abraham is mentioned so frequently in the New Testament, because God first made the promise of inheriting land eternally and ruling the nations and sealed it with a covenant for descendants of Abraham who were careful to obey God’s word—commands, statutes, and judgments.