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The Calling of Abraham (38)

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The Calling of Abraham (38)

5 minuten leestijd Arcering uitzetten

Rev. J.B. Zippro, Beckwith Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI

Abraham had asked the Lord to let Ishmael live before Him. The Lord, however, makes it very clear to Abraham, “But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear thee at this set time in the next year” (Genesis 17:21). The Lord says emphatically, “But My covenant.” Here we see the difference between Ishmael and Isaac, and which later can be seen between Jacob and Esau, also. We may argue, “But Ishmael is, indeed, a son of Abraham, and he should be blessed, as well.” This is true, and, besides, he had the sign of the covenant, for he was circumcised when he was thirteen years old. Therefore, we could say that he was a child of the covenant, but Ishmael’s relationship to the covenant was an external one. This very important distinction needs to be made because there are many today who do not believe this to be such an important matter. Ishmael and Hagar had only an external relationship to the covenant, but God’s Church is in the covenant.

It is important that we examine ourselves to see what our relationship is to the covenant. We may point to our baptism, our confession of faith, and our attendance at the Lord’s Supper and consider ourselves to be the seed of Abraham and a child of God. The Lord said, “I will establish My covenant with Isaac.” There is a personal distinction here, and we also have to apply this distinction within the church. We can find “Ishmaels” within the church, and that is a very serious matter. We must examine ourselves to see whether we are a true child of the covenant or one only in an outward sense. What will be the outcome of such an examination? Then we will say, “Lord, I am not a child of Abraham but a child of Adam.”

There are so many who forget this in our days. Truly, when we are placed before an all-knowing God and stand in His discovering light, viewing our sins and misery, then we do not say, “I am a child of Abraham.” Then we will see ourselves as a child of Adam, one who has broken the covenant in Paradise. We will ask, “Lord, wilt Thou look upon me in Thy dear Son, in whom Thou art well pleased, the Mediator of the new covenant, the covenant of grace?” Only when we are cut off from Adam and engrafted in Christ will we be united with Him who is the Mediator and Surety of that Covenant of Grace. Only if we are united with Him in faith can we say with Paul as he writes in his epistle to the Galatians, “Then we will truly be the seed of Abraham.” Only when you are in Christ, will you truly be the seed of Abraham, for then you will belong to Him.

“But My covenant will I establish with Isaac.” That was something which Abraham had to learn, and also God’s children have to learn this. Many times they have to say “Lord,” and then they come with their wishes. “Lord, let him or her live before Thy face,” but, the Lord says, “My covenant will I establish with Isaac.” The cause of this is sovereign grace. Calvin states, “This difference proceeds from the fountain of sovereign election from which faith also proceeds.” This lies in the fountain of sovereign grace which neither we, nor Abraham, can explain. Abraham asks, “Let Ishmael,” but we have to take a step backwards and say, “Lord, this is Thy election and predestination which will be glorified through the channel of the covenant.”

That line of election also passes through the church. We, within the church, may say, “Lord let this one or that one live before Thy face.” However, the Lord says “but” which is sovereign election. May the Lord grant that we may have the same faith and grace which Abraham had and that we may belong to that everlasting covenant of grace.

Here comes the moment when the Lord departs. When the Lord comes with His sovereign election and says, “My covenant will I establish with Isaac,” the sinner may say no more, for this is sovereign grace. We have to remain silent, for this is the way of the Lord, and that is the eternal wonder which the church will never fully comprehend. It will be an eternal wonder if we may belong to that covenant Church which will be washed through the blood of the Son of Abraham. It will be a great multitude which cannot be numbered by any one of us. It is a multitude which will sing forevermore, “Through Thee, through Thee alone, because of Thy eternal good pleasure.”

— This is the last article in this series. —


If you would form a true estimate of sin, do not weigh it in the light balance of public opinion.

— Author Unknown

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