The Gospel in the Old TestamentSample

These verses describe God’s Calling on the life of Abram (soon to be Abraham). Abram was 75 years old. He and his wife had probably long since accepted the fact that they would simply not be blessed with children, even though they wanted them dearly. God tells Abram that he will not only be a father but that he will become the father of an entire nation.

This promised son would not arrive for another 25 years, and Abram would learn a lot about trusting in God before then. But God was indeed faithful to His promise. Isaac was born, and he would eventually have a son named Jacob. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. And he became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel.

While much can be said about the Faithfulness of God in this story, I want to focus on the Message of the Gospel that is found in this passage. God tells Abram in verse three, “All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” How is that possible? How can all the people groups on Earth be blessed through Abram?

God was giving an indication here of what was to come. Centuries after this promise to Abraham, one of his descendants was born in Bethlehem. That Descendant paid the price for the sins of all the world, making it possible for us to receive Salvation.

Now anyone who trusts in Christ will be welcomed into the Kingdom of God. Jesus said in Matthew 24:14, “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations.” People all over the planet have heard the Good News of Jesus and trusted in Him for Salvation. That is the Ultimate Fulfillment of God’s promise to Abram.

As we have mentioned, the Gospel did not happen by accident. God knew of His Plan to save the world through Christ before time began. And He gave us a glimpse of His Plan through Abram. What about you? Have you trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin? Are you one of the millions who have been blessed through the line of Abram? If not, God’s offer of Forgiveness and Salvation is available to you today if you will only repent of your sin and trust in Him now.