The Gospel Conference Series


The Gospel According to Abraham

Arizona Bible Conference

September 2–4, 2016

“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the
gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’
So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” Gal 3:8–9
“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’
as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ.” Gal 3:16
Gene taught “The Gospel According to Abraham” over Labor Day weekend in Prescott, Arizona.
We have recently completed studies in “The Gospel According to Isaiah” (No. Virginia April 2016) and “The Gospel According to David” (Colorado May 2016). The purpose of these studies is to show that the Gospel message—pointing men to Jesus Christ in faith—is declared throughout Scripture. In fact, this is the central message of the Bible. Certainly, in the Old Testament, the nature of the Gospel message is necessarily prophetic as His coming and redemption are spoken of as future events. Job’s statement regarding his “Redeemer” reveals that, in ancient times, the message of the coming Savior was clearly stated and understood.

In the future, we will also study “The Gospel According to Noah” (Uniontown October 2016) and then “The Gospel According to Moses” (No. Virginia Spring 2017). The combined weight of these studies should greatly strengthen our faith in the unity and harmony of the Scriptures and, at the same time, motivate us to “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises,” Heb 6:12.

Paul states that the Gospel was “preached … beforehand [in advance] … to Abraham.” The content of that message was that “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” Let’s look at the repetition of the message first, then we will consider its implications. There are five passages in which this promise is made to Abraham. Each is significant in the life and history of Abraham.
By gaining an understanding of the unity and harmony of the biblical message, we come to see that, indeed, Jesus Christ is the focus from Genesis to Revelation; and faith in Him as Savior is the only way to enter into eternal life. This is just as true for Old Testament people as for those living after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 36

The purifying hope comes from the love of God -- the power of being His child(1Jo 3:1-3, Joh 1:12). The Spirit has been given to produce the character and presence of Jesus Christ. The attitude God the Father has toward us is the same He has toward His Son Jesus Christ (1Jo 3:2). We don't know what we'll be in heaven (1Co 2:9). We must abide in Him by faith to understand what we are.. and "not shrink away from Him at His coming" (1Jo 2:28-29). If we live expectantly, we purify ourselves (1Jo 3:3). "Purify" is not the same Greek word for cleansing by washing (1Jo 1:9, Eph 5:6). Hagnizo is in the active voice (we need to make a decision) and means to "keep on keeping on"; indicative mood is the mood of reality -- we have the hope of Christ's return which dominates our perspective and attitudes. Paul's life illustrates this (2Ti 4:8). (1) Central teaching of Old and New Testament is hope (Act 26:6). (2) Hope is illustrated by life of Abraham -- his hope was the belief that the promise would happen (Rom 4:13-20, Gal 3:16). (3) Hope increases the longer you have it (Mat 5:16). Hope is unique to the Christian faith (Rom 5:2-5). We start with the hope of glory in salvation (Rom 5:2) and progress to a hope that is visible (1Pe 3:15). (4) Hope is focused on the unseen (Rom 8:24-25, Heb 6:19, Act 14:21). (5) The word of God was written to give us hope (Rom 15:4, Rom 15:13); giving us hope is one of the ministries of the Holy Spirit. (6) Hope is the bridge to love (1Co 13:13). (7) Call of the believer is the call to hope (Eph 1:18). (8) Hope is the "helmet" of our soul (1Th 5:8). (9) Hope is the bridge from your present trials to your future glory (Heb 11:1-40). Their faith was living; they had hope and lived expectantly(2Co 5:7).

Scripture References: Romans 5:2-5, Romans 15:13, John 3:3, Matthew 5:16, Romans 15:4, John 2:28-29, Galatians 3:16, Acts 14:21, John 3:2, Romans 4:13-20, Hebrews 6:19, John 1:12, Acts 26:6, Romans 8:24-25, John 3:1-3, Hebrews 11:1-40, Ephesians 5:6, Romans 5:2, Ephesians 1:18, John 1:9

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From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"

Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.

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