Lecture Notes: God's Promises and Covenants

Introduction

• Discusses the frustration of broken promises in human interactions.
• Contrasts human promises with God's promises, which are based on His faithfulness and covenant.

Definition of a Covenant

• Covenant: A binding agreement.
  • Biblical Covenant goes beyond a legal contract.
• God's covenants are unilateral declarations based on His unchanging nature.
• Disobedience has consequences, but God's commitments aren't dependent on human actions.

God's Covenant with Abraham

• Genesis 12: God promises Abraham:
  • Make him a great nation.
  • Bless him and make his name great.
  • Bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him.
  • Through him, all families of the earth will be blessed.
• Genesis 15: Enactment of the Covenant.
  • Abraham divides animals as per God's instruction.
  • Word for Covenant in Old Testament is 'bth', meaning 'to cut'.
  • Typically, both parties would pass through the divided carcasses, but here only God does, taking full responsibility.

Fulfillment of the Covenant

• All provisions of the Covenant fulfilled by the end of the Old Testament except one: "in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."
• Fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ.
  • Last Supper: Jesus states "this is my blood of the covenant."
  • Jesus' sacrifice is the perfect enactment of God's promise.

The Role of Jesus Christ

• In Christ, all God’s covenants are fulfilled.
• Offers salvation and eternal life.
• Romans 15:8: Confirms and completes all promises of God in Christ.

Faith and God's Promises

• Through faith in Jesus, God's promises become ours.
• Dr. Stanley emphasizes:
  • If God kept His Covenant using animal blood with Abraham, He will surely uphold the one sealed with Jesus’ blood.
  • No legitimate reason to doubt God's promises.

Conclusion

• God's promises are trustworthy and are grounded in His covenants and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
• Encouragement to trust in God's faithful promises.