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 - June 9, 2000

Life of Moses #23

Moses points to Christ. There's a righteousness apart from the law; but the law points to it (Rom 3:21). Moses as representative of the law, points us to Christ (Gal 3:24). Moses often represents the first five books of the bible (Luk 24:27). Moses could view the land but not enter it (Deu 34:1-3). Application: (1) Law can't save you; (2) cannot make you spiritual -- cannot lead you to rest.; (3) the law cannot bless you (Rom 3:20) -- that which comes by faith. The representative of the law, Moses, could not go into the land (Deu 34:4-6, Heb 6:18). Sin separates us from God's plan (Isa 59:1-2). Moses testifies to the faithfulness of God and sinfulness of man. Joshua took over to go into the land (Deu 34:9). There was a fight over the body of Moses when he died (Jud 1:9). Joshua is a prophetic picture of Christ (Hebrew for "Jesus"): Only the Lord can give us rest, lead us to blessing, spirituality and fruitfulness depends upon the finished work of Jesus. The failure of Moses: Situation was "no water" again. The people say in essence that "God didn't fulfill His promises" (Num 20:1-6); carnality never changes. Moses is a type of Christ (Num 20:6): he is a deliverer; he is a law giver (Jam 4:11); he is the mediator (1Ti 2:5); he is an intercessor (Joh 17:1-26); he is our mentor -- the instructor and example. The Lord told Moses to speak to the rock (Num 20:7-8). Same situation occurred before (Exo 17:6). Moses knew that the rock represents Christ, the Messiah (1Co 10:4); Jesus Christ was smitten just once for our salvation (Heb 10:10, Heb 10:12, Heb 10:14, Joh 19:30). Salvation was wrought before Christ died while on the cross. The cross gives us our criteria and perspective of the resurrection. Moses violates the principle of the cross (Num 20:10-11). God gave water in grace, but the mark of spirituality is the cross with joy. God responds to Moses (Num 20:12-13) Moses didn't believe, obey, nor glorify God. The Lord invites us to join in His glorification; if we don't He still glorifies himself. Speaking to the rock is what is necessary - "...call upon His name..." (Rom 10:13). The Law cannot lead you to victory, but must lead you to Christ. Moses recounts the scene (Deu 3:23-28). The Law giving way before Christ is Moses handing over command to Joshua. Moses directly prophesied Christ "the Prophet" (Deu 18:15-19). Moses and Elijah will be recognized (Luk 9:28-30). They represent the Law and the Prophets. The transfiguration (Joh 1:14). Moses and Elijah have work yet to do (Rev 11:3-12) to establish right relationships with God. This was prophesied (Mal 4:1-6). They'll turn hardened rebellious people back to the Lord during the tribulation.

Scripture References: Hebrews 10:10, Deuteronomy 34:1-3, Romans 10:13, Jude 1:9, Malachi 4:1-6, Exodus 17:6, Luke 24:27, Numbers 20:12-13, Deuteronomy 34:9, Revelation 11:3-12, Numbers 20:7-8, Galatians 3:24, Numbers 20:10-11, Isaiah 59:1-2, John 1:14, John 17:1-26, Romans 3:21, John 19:30, Hebrews 6:18, Luke 9:28-30, James 4:11, Hebrews 10:14, Deuteronomy 34:4-6, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Numbers 20:6, Hebrews 10:12, Romans 3:20, Deuteronomy 3:23-28, Numbers 20:1-6

From Series: "Life of Moses"

After 40 years in the Egyptian palace then 40 years in the desert then 40 years leading Israel to their land Moses' life can actually teach us about living in the time we live.

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