Bible Overview Steve Atkerson ~ Atlanta, Georgia New Testament Reformation Fellowship 1

1. Land, 12:1, 7a 2. Seed, 12:2a 3. Blessing, 12:3b 2

Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there... Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. — Joshua 21:43-45 (ESV) 3

4 ESV Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance... By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

5 ESV Hebrews 11:13-16 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

6 ESV Galatians 3: Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"... And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

7 ESV Deuteronomy 1:10 The LORD your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven. ESV 1 Kings 4:20 Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. ESV Deuteronomy 1:10 The LORD your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven. ESV 1 Kings 4:20 Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. ESV 1 Kings 4:20 Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy.

NAS Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed," that is, Christ.

ESV Galatians 3:29... if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. 9

Seed Promise 1. Physical descendants of Abraham 10

Seed Promise 1. Physical descendants of Abraham 2. Christ (Seed Jesus) 11

Seed Promise 1. Physical descendants of Abraham 2. Christ (Seed Jesus) 3. Any true believer (Israeli or Gentile): True Israel, Spiritual Israel 12

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 13

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 14

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 15

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 16

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 17

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 18

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 19

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 20

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 21

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 22

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 23

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 24

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 25

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 26

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent 27

immediate... ultimate physical... metaphysical foreshadow... reality type... fulfillment temporary... eternal outward... inward, internal sign... substance interim... permanent. 28

What effect (if any) do the ultimate New Testament fulfillments of the promises of the Abrahamic covenant have on the intermediate Old Testament fulfillment of the promises? 29

Once the final fulfillments came, how are we to view the initial fulfillments? 30

And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations... Every male throughout your generations... shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised... shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.” — Genesis 17:

What does the NT do with circumcision? Does the NT require circumcision of Jewish believers under the New Covenant? 32

Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. — 1 Corinthians 7:18-20 (ESV) 33

34 ESV Galatians 5:2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.

35 ESV Galatians 5:2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. ESV Galatians 5:6... in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love..

36 ESV Galatians 5:2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. ESV Galatians 5:6... in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. ESV Galatians 6:15... neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

37 ESV Colossians 2:11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ...

38 ESV Colossians 2:11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ... ESV Colossians 3:11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh... — Philippians 3:2-3 39

Something fundamental has changed 40

Something fundamental has changed We are playing by new rules 41

Something fundamental has changed We are playing by new rules There has been a radical shift in significance from outward signs to inward reality 42

Something fundamental has changed We are playing by new rules There has been a radical shift in significance from outward signs to inward reality The Abrahamic Covenant itself had two fulfillments, a short term and a long term, an intermediate and an ultimate, and shadow and a substance. So too with the sign of the covenant: from physical circumcision to spiritual circumcision. 43

... it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman (Hagar) and one by a free woman (Sarah). But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants (Old & New Testaments). One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. — Galatians 4:22-26 (ESV) 45

I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth... And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. — Revelation 11:3-8 (ESV) 46

For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. — Hebrews 13:10-14 (ESV) 47

James’ letter was written to Jewish believers, to the twelve tribes “scattered among the nations.” 48

James’ letter was written to Jewish believers, to the twelve tribes “scattered among the nations.” Did he tell them to move back to Palestine and reclaim their Canaan? 49

James’ letter was written to Jewish believers, to the twelve tribes “scattered among the nations.” Did he tell them to move back to Palestine and reclaim their Canaan? Did he tell them that they were the rightful heirs of the land promise? 50

James’ letter was written to Jewish believers, to the twelve tribes “scattered among the nations.” Did he tell them to move back to Palestine and reclaim their Canaan? Did he tell them that they were the rightful heirs of the land promise? Did the author of Hebrews instruct the Hebrew believers to send money to help Jews throughout the Roman Empire relocate to Judea? 51

James’ letter was written to Jewish believers, to the twelve tribes “scattered among the nations.” Did he tell them to move back to Palestine and reclaim their Canaan? Did he tell them that they were the rightful heirs of the land promise? Did the author of Hebrews instruct the Hebrew believers to send money to help Jews throughout the Roman Empire relocate to Judea? Does the New Testament anywhere teach that the Roman Empire would fall if it ever attacked the Jews of the Holy Land? (Because the Jews are the apple of God’s eye). 52

Hagar, Mount Sinai (allegory) Slavery Sodom, Gomorrah (figuratively) Christ is outside the camp Here we have no lasting city 53

He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. — Romans 4:11-12 (ESV) 54

He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. — Romans 4:11-12 (ESV) 55

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires... Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” — John 8:39-47 (ESV) 56

For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. — Romans 2:

For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. — Romans 2:28-29 I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. — Revelation 2:9 (ESV, Jesus) 58

”The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits...” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. — Matthew 21:33-46 (ESV, Jesus) 59

the kingdom of God will be taken away from you (Jesus, Mt 21) 60

the kingdom of God will be taken away from you (Jesus, Mt 21) you are of your father the devil (Jesus, John 8) 61

the kingdom of God will be taken away from you (Jesus, Mt 21) you are of your father the devil (Jesus, John 8) you are not of God (Jesus, John 8) 62

the kingdom of God will be taken away from you (Jesus, Mt 21) you are of your father the devil (Jesus, John 8) you are not of God (Jesus, John 8) no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly (Romans 2) 63

the kingdom of God will be taken away from you (Jesus, Mt 21) you are of your father the devil (Jesus, John 8) you are not of God (Jesus, John 8) no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly (Romans 2) those who say that they are Jews and are not (Jesus, Re 2) 64

the kingdom of God will be taken away from you (Jesus, Mt 21) you are of your father the devil (Jesus, John 8) you are not of God (Jesus, John 8) no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly (Romans 2) those who say that they are Jews and are not (Jesus, Re 2) synagogue of Satan (Jesus, Re 2 & 3) 65

"Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did.” — John 8:39 (NIV) 66

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands — remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise... But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross... So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God... — Ephesians 2:11-22 (ESV) 67

68 ESV Galatians 6:15-16 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

I ask, then, has God rejected his people?... God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew... at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace... What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”... I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. — Romans 11:1-29 (ESV) 69

Is the covenant with Abraham still in effect today? 70

“everlasting” (17:7, 13, 19) olam (#5769) 71

“everlasting” (17:7, 13, 19) olam (#5769) Olam fundamentally means “most distant times” (future or past) 72

“everlasting” (17:7, 13, 19) olam (#5769) Olam fundamentally means “most distant times” (future or past) In some contexts it can mean “everlasting” 73

“everlasting” (17:7, 13, 19) olam (#5769) Olam fundamentally means “most distant times” (future or past) In some contexts it can mean “everlasting” However, TWOT (#1631a) points out that “neither the Hebrew nor the Greek word (aion) in itself contains the idea of endlessness.” It is determined by context. 74

olam literally means “a long time” (Holladay, p. 267). Olam is used 300 times to denote indefinite continuance into the very distant future: 75

olam literally means “a long time” (Holladay, p. 267). Olam is used 300 times to denote indefinite continuance into the very distant future: ESV 1 Samuel 1:22, 28 (Hannah about Samuel) ~ "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the LORD and dwell there forever... I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." 76

olam literally means “a long time” (Holladay, p. 267). Olam is used 300 times to denote indefinite continuance into the very distant future: ESV 1 Samuel 1:22, 28 (Hannah about Samuel) ~ "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the LORD and dwell there forever... I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." NAS 1 Samuel 27:12 ~ So Achish believed David, saying, "He has surely made himself odious among his people Israel; therefore he will become my servant forever.“ 77

olam literally means “a long time” (Holladay, p. 267). Olam is used 300 times to denote indefinite continuance into the very distant future: ESV 1 Samuel 1:22, 28 (Hannah about Samuel) ~ "As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the LORD and dwell there forever... I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." NAS 1 Samuel 27:12 ~ So Achish believed David, saying, "He has surely made himself odious among his people Israel; therefore he will become my servant forever.“ Key Idea: olam does not necessarily contain the idea of endlessness, but rather of a long duration or period (TWOT, II, p. 672). 78