01-55 The Sign of the Covenant, Part 2
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Genesis 17:12-27
Genesis 17:12-27
I’ve been told that in 16th century Italy there were 2 groups of people who were so divided against each other…one author described it like this: “the lava of hate flowed into all the avenues of life.” One group were known as the Guelphs (gwelfs). They were fiercely supportive of the pope. The other group were called “Ghibellines” and they were loyal to the Roman emperor believing him to have the authority to appoint bishops and abbots. These 2 had such animosity toward one another that if one group embraced a custom the other group would shun it as heresy. If a tradition was practiced by one, the other group would intentionally and flagrantly violate that tradition.
If they were unable to wear different clothes, they would wear them in completely different ways. One group would put a feather on the right side of their hats and while the others would put them on the left. One group would cut their fruit in a particular way and the other would cut it different. The shedding of blood was not uncommon.
We think of how trivial such matters are and yet we can find modern examples within the church over meaningless divisions among Christ’s people: color of chairs/carpets, size of building program, the order of the worship, etc...
One of the divisions within the church that is extensive but generally goes unnoticed has to do with how one views God’s covenants with Israel and the relation of the church in NT to those covenants. (The issue is not like what color to paint the walls of a church building but it is important).
Many of you are aware of the differences between covenant theology and dispensationalism. These 2 differing perspectives understand the covenants God made with Israel in different ways. While these differences do not amount to a different understanding of salvation (both groups believe one is saved by grace thru faith), there are other matters which are greatly impacted by which side you fall on: such as…1) your understanding of the end times and what comes next in the prophetic purposes of God (is there a rapture, is there to be an earthly millennial kingdom) and these are only some of the debates. 2) Each group has a different perspective on the church and especially the Xn’s relationship to Israel and the OT. Now without getting weighed down by the arguments for or against covenantalism or dispensationalism one significant difference has to do with baptism and whether infants should be baptized or if only believers should be baptized.
The divisions are notable in denominations like baptists (believer’s baptism) and presbyterians (and other reformed churches) which teach that infants should be baptized. Their reasoning goes like this: since the sign of God’s covenant with Israel in the OT was to circumcise 8-day old males, the NT equivalent to that sign would be baptism and that the children of believers should be baptized as part of the faith community.
It is true that infants became part of the community in OT (circumcision being the sign of that covenant) however it is not the way people become part of the community of faith (the church) in the NT…not being born into it but only thru regeneration (new birth) and that coincides with faith (personal trust).
This is just one example of many issues that differ b/t CT & DT. So what do we do with children of believers? Do they belong to the community? Depends on how you define “belong.” They are not members of that community until they have personally trusted LJC but there is a definitive blessing upon those children whose parents are believers. From the youngest of ages they are taught to love the truth. They are presented with the gospel and brought up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. There’s rich blessing wherever there is righteousness and to be where God’s mercy and grace is poured out on the household of faith is very precious.
Children belong in the church—but they are not part of the church until they are regenerated. As I mentioned last week, circumcision and baptism are related but they are not equal. (Put a plug in here for believers baptism).
We are in Gen 17 where Abraham is commanded by YHWH to keep God’s covenant (protect, guard, to keep safe—so as to pass it on to the next generation) and keeping meant circumcision—the removal of the foreskin of the male reproductive organ. It was a fitting mark since all people are conceived in sin (Ps 51:5) and this mark would remind them of their (Jews/Israel) special relationship with God b/c of His gracious covenant.
I. Abraham’s Responsibility
I. Abraham’s Responsibility
vs 9
“As for you...” Here is a contrast with vs 4 “as for Me”. There are 7 “I will” statements made by the Lord in vv 2-8. In those vv the emphasis is on what the Lord will do (His part of the covenant—the only conditions fall to Him). Abraham had no conditions but he had responsibility (wherever God’s grace is encountered).
Abraham’s responsibility is stated in vv 10-14.
The Purpose of the Sign
Who is the sign for? Who sees it? (parents, person, spouse, God—very private yet visible token/permanent mark on the male).
The Meaning of the Sign
Physical Meaning: the sign was revealed to Abraham (and to every descendant) as a physical reminder of God separating the chosen people from every other nation. God gave the sign to be permanent (“throughout your generations” vs 9, 10; “everlasting covenant” vs 13).
Spiritual Meaning: as revelation progressed we see the true picture of circumcision was a need for surgery of the heart (spiritual organ).
16 “So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer.
6 “Moreover the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.
A circumcised heart is totally devoted to the Lord in love and obedience (Jer 4:4; 9:25-26).
Romans 4:9-17;
Paul is explaining in the larger context how a person is not justified (declared righteous by God).
Not by works (vv 1-8)
Not by ceremonial rites (vv 9-12)
Not be keeping the Law (vv 13-15)
But…by faith alone (vv 16-17).
By the time of Christ circumcision had become the highest priority for the Jews. This, they taught was all that was necessary for justification (“saves from hell” “no one C. will be sent to hell”).
[Walk thru vv 9-12 beginning with vs 8—the blessing]
Paul is explaining the timeline regarding Abraham is very important.
Gen 17:23-26—Abraham is 99 years old when he is circumcised. This is not the occasion of his justification.
Gen 16:16—86 years old when Ishmael is born. Gen 16:4 “went into Hagar” (9 months earlier).
Gen 15—the account of God ratifying His covenant with Abraham is prefaced with the reaffirmation of God’s promise to him. Abraham asked “what will you give me since I am childless”. The Lord takes him outside—15:5. Then you have the statement made by Moses:
6 Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.
The timeline is very important to Paul’s argument that justification cannot be on the basis of works or ceremonies. Abraham’s justification took place 14 years before his circumcision—and this is a correction to Jewish understanding of the meaning of circumcision- -Rom 4:10
11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them,
“seal of righteousness” is a further revelation from God. An official document would contain a seal (usually wax or clay) and served to authenticate or give confirmation of the contents. So Abraham’s circumcision became a seal (divine guarantee) that justification (righteousness) always (and only) comes on the basis of faith and never works.
Now, some would argue that this seal is ours today. The seal of the Xn’s salvation could never be an external ritual—but something much more tangible and fitting—the internal witness of the HS of God.
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
The moment you put your trust in JC for salvation (justification) you were spiritually circumcised (Col 2:9-12) and become part of the “true circumcision” (Phil 3:1-3). It was then that the divine spiritual surgery took place enabling you to have victory of the desires of the old nature/the old self. Abraham’s circumcision only removed part of the body but spiritual circumcision removes the “body of the flesh” (sin nature that totally dominates your life before you were saved). So the sin nature (while not eradicated) has been stripped of its power and authority of your life that you now become slaves of righteousness—with the seal (God’s guarantee) of that righteousness.
II. Sarah’s Blessing
II. Sarah’s Blessing
vv 15-22
In the Bible, names were very important because a person’s name would express the essence of that person. It would often reveal personality and aspects of their character and destiny. Abraham has just been renamed and now his wife will encounter the same thing. Her name was “Sarai.” There really is no certainty as to what that meant. Some have said it means “to mock” or “to be contentious.” What is more important is the new name YHWH gives her “Sarah” (princess).
This new name would be most appropriate b/c she is going to specifically be brought into the promise to Abraham in her own right. God says in vs 16 “I will bless her...” and this blessing was God’s plan all along. The Lord further reveals that she would be a “mother of nations” and “kings of peoples will come from her.” And this is precisely what happens. You trace the line of Abraham thru Sarah and you’ll come to David & Solomon and the height of Israel’s kingdom in the OT. Continue that line you’ll end up at the birth of LJ—Messiah. What a rich blessing for the “princess.”
11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.
5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
Sarah is an excellent example of how to love your husband and to be submissive to him as to the Lord. Though she has her faults, she trusted God to carry out His purposes in her. And Husbands, treat your wife like a princess—for that is what she is.
Now, Abraham receives this revelation and notice what he does…vs 17.
Falling on his face has been variously understood. Some say he was truly showing reverence to the Lord. Others have said he fell over b/c he was laughing at God’s proposition. Perhaps its includes both ideas: he is reverential, find humor in God’s plan, begins to reason within himself (“said in his heart”), and finally turns to God in an urgent plea (vs 18).
We could easily find ourselves doing exactly what Abraham did. Imagine that were you and your wife (in your late 80’s & 90’s). If God told you that you were going to have a child—any one of us would probably laugh (or cry).
But you’re never too old to be used of God. That’s a myth of our American society and the American dream…once you hit retirement age you sit back and relax all the way to the grave. You won’t find any biblical support for that idea. In fact, your greatest years of ministry will be later in life. If you have retired from your employment, look at all the time you can devote to serving the Lord, serving the Lord’s people—the church. Look at what God has accomplished in your life—all the wisdom you’ve gleaned from walking with Him. Take a look at all the biblical truth you’ve come to understand b/c God has been gracious to you. Bring your knowledge and wisdom together and what the church has is a group of seasoned counselors who can offer help to those who are younger. Don’t underestimate the value of the service you render in your old age. God’s plan includes you—so don’t stop now!
So we see Abraham laughing. There are actually 3 occasions of laughter that are connected to the birth of Isaac. Abraham laughs when God reveals His plan thru Sarah. Sarah laughs when she first hears of God’s plan (Gen 18:19-25) and then she laughs again at the birth of her baby boy (Gen 21:6-7).
God told Abraham “call him Isaac” which means “laughter.”
Abraham keeps wanting to go back to plan B—this was his attempt (and Sarah’s) to fulfill God’s promise thru infidelity (Hagar). “Oh that Ishmael might live...” (vs 18). “before you” means that Abraham was pleading with God to accept him and to live under God’s blessing.
Now, God will indeed bless Ishmael (vs 20). He will be fruitful and multiply (go back to creation mandate). The father of 12 princes. What’s that mean? Gen 25:16—Ishmael’s sons are recorded: 12 sons that will be the rulers of their individual tribes. There’s seems to be a parallel with Jacob’s household—though God did not enter into covenant with Ishmael (as he did with Isaac (vs 21)—there is blessing. Ishmael lives to be a 137—clearly the Lord made him a “great” nation—one of influence.
22 When He finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.
“God went up” This language can be a bit perplexing. Theologically—God reveals Himself as omnipresent:
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
There is no place where God is not present. Even in hell God’s presence is expressed in divine judgment upon those who have rejected Him. His presence transcends space.
27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!
God is everywhere and not bound to 1 place at any moment. He is also not diffused through space so that only part of him is in each place.
Now, when “God went up” does this mean He is no longer with Abraham, or on earth? No, it simply underscores the truth that God (while omnipresent) can and does manifest Himself in reality in 1 place at a particular time (not to suggest that God is then limited in every other area). So He has been speaking to Abraham in an audible voice thru the narrative in ch 17. Now this is finished. The speaking is over. There are no more speeches God is going to make at this point with Abraham (see ch 18:1).
To understand the greatness of the New Covenant (in which the church participates), the provision of the Lord is to put His spirit in those who receive the spiritual circumcision.
16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
As a believer, you go thru life, not having to wonder if God is going to be with you today but might leave you tomorrow. God is with you, b/c He is in you—and this is a permanent condition.
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The blessing of the ministry of the HS is profound. B/c He is in you He is your:
Strengthener
Source of unity
Access to God’s mind
Intercessor in prayer
Teacher
Source of illumination
Source of gifts
source of liberty,
strength/power
source of fruit
Channel for acceptable worship
Director for living the Xn life
Guard
God is with you. He is with the church (there doesn’t have to be 2-3 gathered for the Lord to be present but when they are gathered we know He is here).
III. Abraham’s Obedience
III. Abraham’s Obedience
23-27
“then…took” It is at this point that the Lord’s instructions are followed. Faith really is not just an exercise of the mind. With Abraham, what he thought and what was also put into action. And it all happened this same day (vs 26). Abraham himself performed the physical surgery (suggested that it was on himself first) then he proceeded to circumcise Ishmael, then all the servants born in his household, then those who were purchased by him. And just like this, Abraham’s part in the covenant was fulfilled, finished and would forever be a marker of God’s faithfulness to His covenant people.
Abraham is 99 years old, Sarah is 89, and Ishmael is 13.
Application:
What intrigues me is that the promise is not isolated to Abraham’s physical descendants alone. It wasn’t at first either. Others could partake of the promise, become part of the community of faith by taking God at His Word. A gentile could enjoy the benefits of the community God had chosen to bless. The same is true today. Paul understood this which is why as an apostle to the Gentiles, he first went to Jews to proclaim the good news of the JC (Rom 1:16). He then turned to the Gentiles and preached the same gospel
30 “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent,
Those who do are baptized by the Spirt and given the seal of faith which is the HS who permanently indwells you so that you are now the temple of God.
Luther comments:
Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year May Twenty-Fourth
What a glorious, noble, loving, and precious guest and house companion man receives, God the Father and the Son and certainly with them also the Holy Spirit. This is certainly a sublime, beautiful promise, and one of the precious and exceeding great promises granted unto us poor, miserable sinners, that we through them should become partakers of the divine nature, and should be so highly honored as not only to be loved of God through Christ Jesus and to enjoy his favor and grace, but should even have the Lord himself dwelling completely in us.
Where else should God dwell?
And he explains that God does not dwell in the proud, in those who assess themselves to be wise and mighty.
Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year May Twenty-Fourth
He is found in the humble huts of the poor and despised, who fear and believe the Word of Christ and would gladly become Christians, but who feel that they are very unholy and unworthy sinners. “They are a temple of the living God.”
Devotional Readings from Luther’s Works for Every Day of the Year May Twenty-Fourth
in addition to the grace by which a man begins to believe and to hold fast to the Word, God also rules in man through his divine power and agency, so that he constantly grows more and more enlightened, becomes richer and stronger in spiritual understanding and wisdom, and better fitted to understand all matters of doctrine and practice. He further makes daily progress in life and good works, becomes eventually a kind, gentle, patient man, ready to serve every one with doctrine, advice, comfort, and gifts; is useful to God and man; through him and because of him men and countries are benefited; in short, he is a man through whom God speaks, in whom he lives and works. His tongue is God’s tongue, his hand is God’s hand, and his word is God’s Word. His doctrine and confession as a Christian are not of men, but of Christ, whose Word he has and holds
This is a profound admonition to each one of us to be so thoroughly controlled by God’s Spirit (our seal unto the day of redemption) that others would see God in us and be drawn to the Savior on account of what they encounter in us.
PRAYER:
Father we can only thank you for the circumcision that removes the flesh of our hearts that we would become a new creation in Christ Jesus. And then for sealing that work, guaranteeing, just as you did with Abraham, that your promises stand…by giving us your HS to move us toward Christlikeness. Direct us into obedience and do so for your glory we pray in Jesus name, Amen.