Who does the 'seed' of Abraham refer to in Galatians 3:16?
The "seed" of Abraham in Galatians 3:16 is identified as one, not many. In this context it refers not only to Christ but also to the line of men and women who would bring us all the way to the coming of the Messiah.
Les explains that Galatians 3:16 speaks of the promises made to Abraham and his seed. Paul writes that a confirmed man's covenant cannot be annulled or added to, and God's covenants with Abraham, David, Isaac, and the patriarchs are absolute and settled forever. The verse says "to Abraham and his seed," not "seeds" plural as of many, but as of one. Les teaches that in this case it is not just talking about Christ, but also that line of men and women who would bring us all the way to the coming of the Messiah. This agrees with the earlier context that the blessing of Abraham comes on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, and the promise of the Spirit is received through faith, not through Judaism or law keeping.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
More Questions
Who is the 'seed' in the promises made to Abraham?
In the Abrahamic promise, the 'seed' is singular and refers to the line of men and women who would bring the coming Messiah, not merely to Christ himself.
In the promise to Abraham, who is referred to by 'his seed'?
In 'to Abraham and his seed,' the seed is not just Christ but includes all the line of men and women who led up to the coming of the Messiah.