The Connection between Abraham and Paul (Part.2)

The Connection between Abraham and Paul (Part.2)

This is part 2 of the series
Click here to start with Part 1

Lets connect the dots between Abraham and Paul

Having set the scene, in part 1, that creation is corrupt in both heaven and earth, we indicated that God predestined the cleansing of these two realms by two separate people groups. Genesis 22:15-17 is an incredible verse that describes the two people groups in God's plan of redemption, but lets have a look at some even more incredible connections (similarities or parallels) within these two people groups.

1. Both people groups belong to a new faith stream (this is my own personal description) that describes a branching off from the main undercurrent of unredeemed humanity. 
   
   
   
   In order to become part of 'the faith stream', one needs to respond 'by faith' to the gospel*, the good news and instruction of redemption that God prescribed at that specific period in the timeline.
   *(Look out for a lesson series called: 'A New Gospel' that provides details on this. If it is not yet uploaded to the blog, you are welcome to request details of this vitally important lesson topic by using the contact form at the bottom of the web page.) 
   
   
2. Interestingly, both Abraham and Paul had to leave their city at the beginning of each dispensation. Abraham was instructed to "Get out..." of Ur and his father's house, as we see in Genesis 12:1, and Paul was on his way to Damascus when he encountered the presence of the Lord and a radical conversion in Acts 9.
   
   Gen.12:1 ... the Lord had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you.
   
   
3. Both were chosen specifically by the Lord to spearhead the start of each program.
   
   Gen.12:2-3 I will make you [Abraham] a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and IN YOU all the families [nations] of the earth shall be blessed."
   
   Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him [Ananias], Go! For this one [Paul] is a [divinely] chosen vessel to Me, to bear My name before Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.
   
   
4. The covenant God made with Abrahams was sealed with the sign of circumcision (in the flesh), whereas the promise given to Paul was that each member in the Body of Christ would be circumcised (in the spirit). How incredible is this!!! 
   
   Genesis 17:12-13 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. 13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
   
   Colossians 2:11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ... (Also see Romans 2:28-29)
   
   
5. Abraham declared righteous by faith alone. He is the ONLY character in the Old Testament to have received this honour of God. As members of the Body of Christ, we follow the same pattern and are saved by grace alone, through faith alone!
   
   Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. --- Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. (Also, Genesis 15:6)
   
   Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
   
   
6. The two programs are alluded to by the STARS and the SAND. The restoration of -heaven and -earth (Eph.1:10; Col.1:20 – to bring both together under the headship and rule Christ in fullness of times.) 
   
   Genesis 22:17... because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; Rom.4:11-17
   
   Philippians 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven;
   
   Ephesians 2:6 raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places...

I'll leave the conviction up to you to determine what you see in the verses and patterns above. As for me, this is WOW!!!!

Grace and peace to you all.