The Abrahamic covenant is God's foundational promise to create a distinct nation through Abraham, give them a land, and establish His own rule over them, ultimately for the salvation of all humanity.
According to Les Feldick, the Abrahamic covenant consists of three promises: making Abraham's descendants into a great nation, placing them in a specific land, and providing a government with God Himself as King and Messiah. This covenant set Israel apart from idolatrous humanity as God's vehicle for redemption and evangelization of the world.
Genesis 12:1-3 — These verses record the initial giving of the covenant, where God promises to make Abraham a great nation, bless him, and make him a blessing.
The Bible's foundational account of the Abrahamic covenant is found in Genesis 12, where God calls Abram out of Ur and promises: 'I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed' (Genesis 12:2-3, KJV). Scripture also depicts the covenant as unilateral and eternal, as seen in Genesis 17 where God establishes it as an 'everlasting covenant' (Genesis 17:7, KJV).
Les Feldick emphasizes that the Abrahamic covenant is the most important Old Testament covenant, foundational to all others. He breaks it into three promises: (1) a nation of people, Israel, separated from the idolatrous mainstream; (2) a geographical area of land, the Promised Land; and (3) a government with God Himself as King and Messiah. He notes that this covenant is eternal and unconditional—man's failure cannot nullify it. Les explains that God's purpose was to work through Israel to bring salvation and evangelization to all humanity, a purpose that was temporarily set aside when Israel rejected and crucified their King.
Les Feldick teaches that the Abrahamic covenant comprises three promises: first, God would make Abraham's descendants a great nation, distinct from all other peoples; second, He would give them a geographical area of land to dwell in; third, He would provide a government for them, ultimately with God Himself as their King and Messiah. These three elements—people, land, and government—are essential for any nation and are foundational to all subsequent covenants.
According to Les Feldick, God chose Abraham because humanity had descended into idolatry after the Tower of Babel, and God set apart one man to create a distinct nation that He could use. This nation, Israel, was to be a 'pure water creek' that would bring purification and evangelization to the rest of humanity, and through whom God would bring salvation and redemption to the whole human race.
Les Feldick teaches that man has no role in making the covenant effective; it is entirely from God and is eternal. Neither man nor the nation of Israel can alter or destroy it. The covenant remains forever, regardless of human failure or unfaithfulness.
Purpose of Separation
Les explains that God called Abraham out from an idolatrous humanity to form a separate nation, Israel, which would later serve as a purifying and evangelistic force.
Three Promises
Les succinctly states the threefold Abrahamic covenant: God would make Abraham a great nation, give them a geographical area, and eventually become their King and government.
Nation, Land, Government
Les highlights the necessity of land and government for a nation, showing that the covenant's three parts are interconnected.
Israel's Role and Rejection
Les explains that Israel was called to be God's vehicle for salvation to all nations, but they rejected their King, leading to the covenant's purpose being postponed.
Three Promises Reiterated
Les reiterates the three promises and emphasizes that God would be their King, Messiah, Redeemer, and Savior.
Centrality of the Covenant
Les calls the Abrahamic covenant the most important thing in the Old Testament, underscoring its foundational role for Israel.
Unconditional and Eternal
Les teaches that the covenant is not dependent on man and is eternal; nothing can change it.
Historical Context
Les provides background on the widespread idolatry before Abraham and confirms the threefold nature of the covenant, with the third part being God's future reign on earth.
Genesis 12:2-3: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
These verses record God's initial promise to Abraham, forming the core of the Abrahamic covenant.
Genesis 17:7: And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
This verse shows the eternal and unconditional nature of the covenant, as cited by Les's teaching.
Les Feldick teaches that the covenant includes three promises: a great nation, a specific land, and a government with God Himself as King and Messiah.
No, Les Feldick says it is eternal and unconditional. Man's actions cannot alter it; it is solely God's promise.
It is the foundation for all other covenants and sets Israel apart as God's chosen nation to bring salvation to the world.
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