God's Covenant Promises

What it means

God promises Abraham a great nation, a blessing, and that in him all the families of the earth will be blessed. Paul says this promise was the gospel preached beforehand to Abraham.

Why every Christian should know it

It is the seed of everything after it. The nations being blessed through one family is where the mission of the church comes from.

Cross references

• Galatians 3:8
• Genesis 15:5-6
• Acts 3:25

Pray it back

Lord, you promised blessing for the nations. Keep me part of what you promised.

What it means

God tells David that he will raise up his offspring after him and establish the throne of his kingdom forever. David had wanted to build God a house; God promises to build David one.

Why every Christian should know it

It explains why the Gospels open by calling Jesus the son of David. The everlasting throne needed an everlasting king.

Cross references

• Luke 1:32-33
• Psalms 89:3-4
• Matthew 1:1

Pray it back

Father, you keep promises across centuries. Steady me with that patience.

What it means

God promises a new covenant in which he will put his law in his people's inward parts and write it in their hearts, and he will be their God and they his people. Hebrews quotes this at length to explain what Christ has done.

Why every Christian should know it

It names the difference the gospel makes: not a lower standard, but a changed heart.

Cross references

• Jeremiah 31:31-32
• Hebrews 8:10
• Ezekiel 36:26-27

Pray it back

Lord, write your law on my heart, and not only in my memory.