Articles
The Promises To The Patriarchs – Romans 15
The Promises To The Patriarchs – Romans 15
“For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” (Romans 15:8–9)
In Jesus God fulfilled the promises that He had made to the patriarchs. In Abraham’s seed all nations are blessed. This promise came through Isaac, Jacob, and Judah. The law itself was given to bring us to Jesus and now has given way to the new and better covenant. God was truthful and faithful in all He promised.
In particular, God blessed the gentiles through this seed of Abraham. Paul quotes 2 Sam. 22:50 (which also is found in Psalm 18:49); Deut. 32:43; Psalm 117:1; and Isa. 11:10. ALL of these verses proclaimed that the Gentiles would be part of those who worship, serve, and are accepted by God.
This brings us back to the common teaching of Romans: The gospel is God’s power to save EVERYONE that believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile (Rom. 1:16). Abraham thus is the father of ALL who walk in his steps and have the same kind of faith that he had (Rom. 4). All of us, Jew and Gentile, who were baptized into Christ have been given newness of life and are acceptable unto God (Rom. 6). There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus - whether Jew or Gentile (Rom. 8:1). Those who are called unto this blessing come ‘not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles” (Rom. 9:24). The Scripture says “Whoever believe in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Rom. 10:11-13). “God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all” (Rom. 11:32).
Hence, as Paul writes in Galatians: “ For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise” (Gal. 3:26-29).
Are you an heir according to the promise?
Hugh DeLong
