God's Promises to Abraham's Sons

The word ‘promise’ in the Biblical context is a legal term meaning to graciously do or give something. In other words a promise is a unilateral commitment made voluntarily; not the result of negotiations.

God first made an extensive promise to Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar.

“Then the Angel of the LORD said to her (Hagar), ‘I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude... Behold, you are with child, and you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has heard your affliction. He shall be a wild man; his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren’.” Genesis 16:10-12

The Hebrew for 'wild' translates to a wild donkey, or onager. Such were very aggressive and independent. Onagers were further described by God in the Book of Job.

“Who set the wild donkey free? Who loosed the bonds of the onager, whose home I have made the wilderness, and barren land his dwelling? He scorns the tumult of the city; he does not heed the shouts of the driver. The range of the mountains is his pasture…” Job 39:5-8

God then proclaimed that Ishmael would be the beginning of a great nation.

“And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.” Genesis 17:20

When Hagar and Ishmael were ‘cast out’ from the presence of Abraham and Sarah, Abraham was given more details of the future of Ishmael.

“Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the bondwoman, because he is your seed.” Genesis 21:13

Likewise when Hagar and Ishmael were in the desert, Hagar was told of Ishmael's future.

“...Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her...'Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad... I will make him a great nation’.” Genesis 21:17-18

Ishmael and his descendants would be the beginning of the Arab nations.

“Now this is the genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham…Nebajoth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael... twelve princes according to their nations.” Genesis 25:12-16

The Bible explicitly explains that the promise to Ishmael is totally different than the promise to Isaac. God told Abraham the following relative to Sarah and their future son Isaac that she would bear.

“And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her. Genesis 17:16

It was at this point that Abraham laughed at God’s word inasmuch as Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90. Abraham suggested that his son Ishmael already born of Hagar be the heir of the covenant.

“Then God said: ‘No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him’.” Genesis 17:19

God then reiterated His promise relative to Isaac.

“But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” Genesis 17:21

The different promises made to Isaac and Ishmael constitute one of the major doctrines of the New Testament. The two promises, in fact, define the two basic categories of all mankind.

The son born of the flesh (Ishmael) represents the attempt to attain salvation by works while the son of promise (Isaac) represents the attainment of salvation by faith.

“For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted (imputed, credited) to him for righteousness'.” Romans 4:3

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified (declared righteous) by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28

Everyone has the freedom to choose...

Things We Know (Conclusion)

The final assault by Satan is further described.

“They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast (anti-Christ) and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:9-10

After Satan’s final defeat the earth will receive her new face and be adorned for her intended purpose which is to be the eternal dwelling place for redeemed man.

At that time all existing elements which are known by their atomic weights will be dissolved and all matter will be made new. The new elements will not be subject to decay, as in the present law of physics known as half-life, but will last throughout eternity.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away (dissolve) with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and works that are in it will be burned up...Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:10-13

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…” Revelation 21:1

In both Hebrew and Greek the meaning of the word ‘new’ is considered to be renew, a superior creation on the original physical object such as noted in the following:

“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

A Christian is considered a new creation. During this age the Christian is renewed in spirit, however, he is still consigned to his original body.

The promise of a new heaven and earth was introduced in the Old Testament.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Isaiah 65:17-18

“For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me, says the LORD, so shall your descendants and your name remain.” Isaiah 66:22

After the sinned plagued earth has passed away and the new earth appears, Christ will have completed His earthly mission.

“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet, the last enemy that will be destroyed is death…Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

Recall Christ’s mission.

“…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

And then there are the sweetest words in the Bible.

“And there will be no more curse…” Revelation 22:3a

The certainty of Biblical prophecy should cause all of us to pause and consider whether our priorities both as individuals as well as a nation are in sync with the known future.

Or will we be like those in the time of Noah and the flood.

“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:38-39

In other words are we so engrossed in the world that little or no attention is given to Biblical prophecy?

Things We Know...

     The future of the earth and mankind has already been determined and documented.

     Inasmuch as man was created in God’s own image man will live eternally.  There are two basic divisions of all mankind, i.e. those in the majority who have disobeyed God and refused redemption, and those in the minority who have disobeyed God but accepted His gracious gift of redemption.  There is no such thing as cessation of being for any man.

     Likewise the earth will also endure forever; however, the earth will be redeemed and renewed from the consequences of the fall in the Garden of Eden and the subsequent curse.

     “One generation passes away, and another generation comes; but the earth abides forever.”  Ecclesiastes 1:4

     “You who laid the foundations of the earth, so that it should not be moved forever...”  Psalm 104:5

     “The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men.”  Psalm 115:16

     When God prepared the earth for man, He appointed him to have dominion over all other living creatures.

     “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth’.  Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.”  Genesis 1:28, 31a

     Such was the beginning of an endless odyssey that was pre-planned before it began in perfect detail including exact timing of events.

     An excellent example of precise prophecy is found when John describes the release of the four angels bound at the Euphrates River at the exact time in the future.

     “Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet; ‘Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates’.  So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.”  Revelation 9:13-15

     After the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden, God in mercy and longsuffering began to implement His plan of redemption foreordained before the foundation of the world.  He would insure that man would fulfill the purpose for which he was created and nothing could thwart that plan.

     History has confirmed time and again that God’s redemptive plan is right on schedule.

     The Kingdom of God is presently invisible in the midst of the highly visible and physical kingdoms of the world.

     Future steps in God’s plan include Christ removing the ‘church’ so God can deal with national Israel and the rest of unrepentant mankind during the seven year tribulation period.

     At the end of the tribulation Christ will return to earth, separate the goats from the sheep and the invisible Kingdom of God will become totally visible as Christ will rule the nations for 1000 years from His throne in earthly Jerusalem.  The goats will be banished to eternal punishment while the sheep will be ushered into the kingdom prepared for them ‘from the foundation of the world’.

     The timing of Christ’s return has also been precisely planned.

     “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”  Mark 13:32

     The 1000 year kingdom is a major milestone towards the eternal new heaven and new earth.  All forms of human government will have failed including democracy as well as capitalism.  Only the saved will enter the kingdom.  All others have been banished and Israel’s enemies will have been destroyed.

     But God’s testing of man isn’t complete until the end of the 1000 year kingdom when Satan is released from the bottomless pit to tempt all who were born in the flesh during the millennium.

     “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth…to gather them together to battle...”  Revelation 20:7-8

     To be completed next week.

The Future Monarchy

     Not only were there no hospitals to care for Mary, there were no fancy hotels for them to stay while in Bethlehem.

     “So it was, that while they were there (in Bethlehem), the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:6-7

    Now when Prince George was born, the whole world knew almost immediately via social media.  Such was not the case with the birth of Prince Jesus.  The announcement of Jesus’ birth was made to local shepherds in the fields by an angel.

     “…I bring you good tidings of great joy...  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you.  You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:10-12

     So thus far the description has been given surrounding the circumstances of the birth of two Royal Princes.  While Prince George is in line to inherit the British monarchy, Jesus is in line to inherit all the nations on the earth.  One made a grandeur entrance into this world while the other entered the world under the most humble circumstances.

     The world may be fooled into believing that the Prince with the grandest entrance will be more prominent than He with the humblest entry.

     The Bible, however, presents a very different narrative.  The infant British Prince, even if attaining kingship someday will bow down to the one born in Bethlehem in a cattle feeding trough.  Hopefully the parents of the British Prince will advise him wisely so that his confession of the Savior and future King of all nations will be done voluntarily.

     “And being found in appearance of a man, He (Jesus) humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:8-11

     And while Britain’s monarchy is largely symbolic, the rule of Christ will be absolute and universal.

     “Now I (John) saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse.  And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.  And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.  He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”    Revelation 19:11, 15-16

     Therefore, according to the Bible all present forms of government including democratic republics will give way to the future global monarchy. 

     The Bible also reveals the future of those, including royalty, who will not accept the kingship of Christ.  Those alive at Christ’s return outlined in the preceding scripture have a certain and sure fate.

     “And I saw the beast (antichrist), the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.  Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast...  These two were cast alive into the lake of fire...  And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.  And all the birds were filled with their flesh.”  Revelation 19:19-21

     Thus, according to the Bible, not only will Prince George bow to King Jesus, but so will all kings, prime ministers, czars, sultans, and presidents of every nation bow to Christ voluntarily or otherwise, or be destroyed forever.

      

"...Unto Us a Son is Given..."

     The title words reflect the thoughts of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently as they welcomed their son George Alexander Louie Mountbatten-Windsor into the world on July 22, 2013.

     The whole world sat on pins and needles awaiting the birth of the royal child.  Media personnel camped out weeks in advance at the hospital where the birth was to take place.  Multitudes lined the streets on the day after the birth just to get a glimpse of the child.  The story of the birth of the future king trumped all other news stories around the world for days.

     Little George will be the third in line to assume the throne of England after his father Prince William and William’s father Prince Phillip.  When family members ascend to the throne the form of government is known as a monarchy.

     The title words are of course found in the Old Testament book of Isaiah written approximately 2,700 years ago.

     “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder…Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.”   Isaiah 9:6-7

     The Hebrew base for kingdom has several synonyms including sovereignty, royal rule, dominion, and reign.  The term throne in both Old and New Testaments is an emblem of royal authority over a government or empire.

     Several hundred years prior to Isaiah’s prophecy, God had spoken to King David via the Prophet Nathan regarding David’s descendants. 

     “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom…And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you.  Your throne shall be established forever.”  2 Samuel 7:12, 15

    The terms ‘house’ and ‘kingdom’ indicate that the future kingdom would be ruled by one from David’s family, i.e. his seed.  Thus it is noted that the future form of government referenced in the Isaiah prophecy would be a monarchy.

     David’s seed was initially referenced early in the Book of Genesis.

     After Satan deceived the woman in the Garden of Eden, God pronounced a curse on Satan that centered on his future conflict with the ‘Seed’ of the woman.

     “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed.  He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”  Genesis 3:15

     Approximately 700 years after the Isaiah prophecy, the Angel Gabriel announced to the virgin lass named Mary that she would conceive and bear a boy child.

     “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”  Luke 1:31-33

     As the time approached for Mary to give birth, she and her betrothed husband Joseph traveled from their home in Nazareth of Galilee to Bethlehem of Judea to be registered for a census as required by Roman law.

     “Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.”  Luke 2:4-5

     Recall that King David was born in Bethlehem nearly 1,000 years earlier.  Note also that Joseph, Mary’s betrothed was of the lineage of David to fulfill the prophecy given to David when he was king.

     While in Bethlehem for the census registration Mary gave birth.  There was no fanfare as there was with Prince George born recently in England.  There was no modern hospital nor were people lining the streets to get a glimpse of the future monarch.

     To be completed next week.