How does Galatians 3:14 relate to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis? Galatians 3:14—Blessing and Spirit “He redeemed us in order that the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” • Three intertwined gifts: – Redemption in Christ – The “blessing of Abraham” extended to the nations – The promised Spirit received by faith The Genesis Roots of the Blessing • Genesis 12:2-3 – “I will bless you… and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” • Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Genesis 17:7 – “I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants…” • Genesis 22:18 – “Through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Faith: The Consistent Covenant Thread • Abram’s righteousness came by belief, not works (Genesis 15:6). • Paul cites this in Galatians 3:6-9 to show that Gentile believers share Abraham’s status by faith, not by adopting Mosaic rituals. • Thus Galatians 3:14 fulfills the original covenant pattern: blessing flows wherever faith responds to God’s promise. Christ: The Singular Seed • Galatians 3:16 points out that the promise was to Abraham’s “Seed” (singular), identified as Christ. • In Him the covenant narrows to one person and then widens to “many” who are “in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28-29). • Therefore the cross removes the curse (Galatians 3:13) so the blessing can legally reach Jew and Gentile alike. The Promise of the Spirit • Ezekiel 36:26-27 foretold a day when God would put His Spirit within His people. • Galatians 3:14 ties that long-awaited gift directly to the same Abrahamic promise; the Spirit is both sign and substance of covenant blessing. • Receiving the Spirit by faith marks believers as true children of Abraham (Galatians 3:2-5). Living in the Abrahamic Blessing Today • Rest in Christ’s finished redemption—nothing more must be added. • Approach God on the basis of promise, not performance; that is how Abraham walked. • Expect the Spirit’s active presence: guidance, empowerment, and inward assurance are covenant privileges. • Extend the blessing outward; “all nations” remain God’s target, and believers serve as the living link between Abraham’s tent and the world. |
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