Genesis 15: A Covenant Clarified, A Covenant Confirmed

With the beginning of chapter 15 of Genesis, the covenant shifts into clarification gear. The promise of seed is explicitly linked to Abram’s offspring in chapter 15 and to Sarah’s offspring in chapter 17. Hence, a resurrection motif is set up, since Romans 4 is clear that both of their bodies were “dead”, as far as child-bearing was concerned. And God’s glorious condescension in the gospel is on display in the last half of chapter 15 as He confirms the covenant to Abram. It’s a marvelous covenant, promising both greatness in numbers and real estate, though not without hardship. And the most encouraging thing of all is that this covenant is confirmed to all who attach themselves to Abram’s Seed by faith alone. For that Seed has ultimately confirmed it.

1. Read Genesis 15:1-6.
a) What evidences are there that Abram thought he was too old to father children? (15:1-3)
Vs2&3: Abram's heir is Eliezer; Abram is childless and seems to assume he always will be at this point. (Why Eliezer and not Lot? We dont' really know but Lot must have somehow come off the list. Maybe more of a peer at this point, not to mention far away.

b) How does God show both His power and His generosity in His response to Abram? (15:4-5)
God tells Abram that his descendants... from his own body... will be as numberous as the stars, reminding Abram also that God made the stars and certainly has the power to give Abram a son.

c) How does Abram respond according to 15:6?
He believes, apparently with a saving faith (credited to him as righteousness).

d) Read Romans 4:1-25. What critical observations can you make regarding justification by faith?
i) From verses 1-8, note the nature of justification
It is from faith, not works. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. If you "work", a wage is owed you; if you "believe" you are considered righteous (verse 8: "...sin the Lord will not take into account"). Why then can't we "work" and be "owed" salvation? I guess it must be that our work is not good enough for salvation, which makes sense since since salvation requires perfection, and our work is far from perfect. Christ is perfect, and this is where our salvation comes from (verse 7: "sins have been covered". Covered by whom? Christ) . In verse 8, it is interesting that now it seems like he's not believing, thought just before this his "faith is credited to him as righteousness". Also, this time it is about the land, not the promise of a son. But it also shows that faith is a process. After all, having Ishmael was the product of another moment of doubt, but when push came to shove, Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac.

ii) From verses 9-12, note the timing of justification
It was before the circumcision -- that is, not by works

iii) From verses 13-25, note the basis of justification
Not through the law (Q: What law was there in Abram's day?), but thru the righteousness that comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and be guaranteed. The law brings wrath, but without the law is no transgression. It is made possible by Christ's death and resurrection.

2. Read Hebrews 9:11-28.
a) How does death, in general, inaugurate one’s personal covenant, called our last will and testament?
Death puts the will into effect.

b) What connections does the writer of the Hebrews make between our wills and Christ’s “will”, if you will? (note especially verses 15-22)
Christ's death was necessary for the new covanent to go into effect. (Death was also required in the first covenant).

c) Why was it crucial for Christ to rise from the dead in relation to His “will”, according to Heb. 9:23-28?


3. Read Genesis 15:7-17.
a) How does the Hebrews passage help you to interpret the imagery in Genesis 15:7-17?


b) Although there is debate, the particulars can be plausibly identified as follows:
i) Slain “Clean” Animals ==> Israel, and ultimately Christ, confirming the covenant in His death;
ii) Birds of Prey ==> Egypt, and ultimately Satan, crushing the Seed’s heel;
iii) Firepot ==> God’s presence, ultimately embodied in Christ, who passes through the covenant-confirming death.

c) How does this imagery encourage you to trust in Christ for your well-being?
Its a reminder that He is in control. It also validates scripture, tying together Genesis 3, Genesis 15, and the New Testament in a way that is self-authenticating.


4. Read Genesis 15:18-21.
a) What land does God confirm to Abram according to 15:7-8 and 18-21?
Between River of Egypt and Euphrates. Huge area. Verse 7-8 represent where we come from, verse 18-21 where we are going if saved.

b) What “land” was Abram looking for according to Hebrews 11:8-16?
The city of foundations, meaning with permanent dwellings... heaven. Abram was living in tents on earth because he knew it was temporary. His eyes were focused on the eternal.

c) What “land” will the saints inherit according to Revelation 21:1-5?

5. What keeps us holding on to this world, in light of such a glorious inheritance?