For the Nations Also

Jesus of Nazareth fulfills the promise to bless all nations in Abraham. Christ is the Patriarch’s Heir and Seed.

Basic to the biblical doctrine of redemption is the covenant with Abraham and his “Seed.” It included the promise that “all the nations of the Earth would be blessed in him,” and the Patriarch would have innumerable descendants. How and when are the nations blessed? Who is Abaham’s “Seed” destined to inherit the promises?

Blessing of Abraham

The Gift of the Spirit is one of God’s Covenant promises and ways of blessing the nations through Abraham’s Seed.

Peter and John prayed for a man who was “lame from his mother’s womb” as he was begging for alms near the Jerusalem Temple. Rather than money, they commanded him to stand and walk “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Immediately, he began to walk, and afterward, he was seen and heard “leaping and praising God.”

Son of Abraham

The introduction to Matthew declares that Jesus is the “Son of Abraham.” He is the heir of the covenant promises to the Patriarch, and his identification as the son of Abraham stresses fulfillment in him. Through Jesus, the promises have become reality.