by Erik Jones

Yesterday we covered the first part of this blessing that God promised Abraham’s descendants because of this patriarch’s faithfulness to God. The first aspect of this blessing was national greatness bestowed upon Abraham’s descendants.

The second aspect of this blessing was: “And in you [Abraham] all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Though the national blessings would provide some blessings for other nations as well, this blessing includes a much broader fulfillment. There would be a specific blessing that would come through Abraham that wouldn’t just affect his descendants, but would bless all peoples of the earth. This blessing is restated in Genesis 22:18 with one important detail added: “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice” (emphasis added throughout).

What is this “seed” of Abraham that would bless all peoples? The answer is found in Galatians 3:16: “Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ.”

Jesus Christ, who was physically a descendant of Abraham, was the Seed through which all the earth would be blessed. The spiritual blessings that have come to the world through Jesus Christ include:

• Grace and forgiveness of sin (Acts 13:38; Romans 3:24; 5:15-17; Titus 2:11).
• The extension of the spiritual blessings of Abraham to all peoples (Galatians 3:28-29).
• The opportunity for all peoples to receive salvation in the Kingdom of God (1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Timothy 2:10; Hebrews 5:9).
• The future defeat of the enemy of all people—Satan the devil (Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20).

The study of the promises to Abraham is a large topic. To learn more, read “God’s Promise to Abraham.”

Tomorrow on the Daily Bible Verse Blog: “Abram Departed.”