Recording-2025-01-28T17:15:34.442Z

Class Announcements

• Distribution of exam preparation materials ongoing.

• Space assignments for upcoming writing assignments and exams are to be carefully noted.

• Exam Reschedule:

  • Original date moved to February 11th.

  • Writing Assignment now due on February 6th.

• Note that extra time is provided for the exam compared to the Monday/Wednesday/Friday class.

Exam Format

• Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• Key Focus: Discussion questions derived from the Abrahamic covenant.

  • Be prepared to identify main characters and chapters related to this covenant.

Main Characters in the Abrahamic Covenant:

• Abram (Abraham): The central figure called by God.

• Sarah: Abraham's wife, significant in the covenant promise.

• Eleazar: Abram's servant, considered as heir before the covenant promise was fulfilled.

• Hagar: Mother of Abraham's firstborn son, Ishmael.

• Ishmael: Son of Hagar; significant in demonstrating God's promise despite circumstances.

• Isaac: The son promised by God to Abraham and Sarah.

• God: The initiator and primary figure of the covenant.

Relevant Chapters of the Abrahamic Covenant:

1. Genesis 3 - Protoevangelium (first announcement of the gospel).

   • Details of the fall of man and God's initial plan for redemption outlined in verses 14-16.

2. Genesis 12 - Calling of Abram; promise of land and descendants.

3. Genesis 15 - God’s covenant with Abram; promises made and confirmed by God through a miraculous ceremony.

4. Genesis 17 - Confirmation of the covenant and sign of circumcision.

5. Genesis 21 - Birth of Isaac.

6. Genesis 25 - Closure of Abraham's story; his death at a ripe old age.

Protoevangelium

• Genesis 3:14-16: The first gospel.

  • Meaning: Foretelling of the Messiah who will defeat sin. Key to understanding the biblical narrative of redemption.

Abram's Call (Genesis 12)

• God instructs Abram to leave his country and promise of a great nation and blessings.

• This call signals the beginning of God’s redemptive plan through a specific lineage.

Genesis 15 - The Covenant Ceremony

• God takes Abram outside to reveal the vastness of his future descendants.

• The formal agreement made through sacrificial acts, signifying seriousness of covenant commitment.

Structure of the Abrahamic Covenant

• Seed Promise: A lineage that will produce the Messiah.

• Land Promise: The land of Canaan as an everlasting possession for Abraham’s descendants.

• Blessing for Nations: All families on earth will be blessed through Abraham's lineage.

Historical Context

• Discussion on how this covenant sets the stage for Israel's identity and relationship with God.

• The covenant exemplifies the faithfulness of God despite human failure, emphasizing reliance on grace.