Promise: God's Covenant with Abraham
The fourth dispensation, Promise, marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding plan of redemption. After the failure of humanity in the previous dispensations, God initiates a new chapter by making a covenant with one man—Abraham—and promising to bless him and his descendants. This dispensation begins with God's call to Abraham and continues through his descendants, particularly the nation of Israel. The covenant established during this period is foundational for understanding God’s redemptive purposes for the world and ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah.
In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (who would later be named Abraham) out of Ur, a city in Mesopotamia, to go to a land that God would show him. This marks the beginning of the Promise dispensation. God promises Abraham three key things: land, descendants, and blessings. Specifically, God says, “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). This promise is not just for Abraham, but for all the nations of the earth, as God says, “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).
The first promise, the land, refers to the land of Canaan, which God would give to Abraham’s descendants. This promise was later reaffirmed to Abraham’s son Isaac (Genesis 26:3-5) and grandson Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15), who would become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. The land of Canaan would serve as a physical inheritance for God’s chosen people, Israel, and it symbolizes God’s faithfulness to His promises.
The second promise, descendants, was particularly significant given that Abraham and his wife Sarah were childless and advanced in age. Despite their inability to have children, God promised that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). This promise was not only fulfilled through Isaac, but it also pointed to the larger promise of a spiritual lineage, which would eventually include all those who are united with Christ by faith.
The third promise, blessings, is both immediate and far-reaching. Abraham himself was blessed materially and spiritually, but the ultimate fulfillment of this promise was seen in the coming of Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham. Through Christ, the blessings of salvation and eternal life are made available to all nations, just as God promised in Genesis 12:3.
The Promise dispensation is also marked by the establishment of the covenant between God and Abraham. This covenant is unilateral, meaning that it is based on God’s faithfulness and not on Abraham’s ability to keep it. God makes a covenant with Abraham that cannot be broken, symbolized by the ritual of cutting animals in two and passing between them (Genesis 15:9-17). This act signifies the seriousness of the covenant and emphasizes that God alone will ensure its fulfillment.
However, the Promise dispensation is not without its challenges. Abraham’s faith was tested, especially when he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). Though Abraham obeyed, God provided a ram as a substitute, reinforcing that God’s promises are grounded in His provision and grace. This event also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who would be the perfect substitute for sinners.
The Promise dispensation highlights several key themes: God’s faithfulness to His covenants, His ability to fulfill promises despite human limitations, and the global scope of His redemptive plan. It demonstrates that God’s promises, while often taking time to be realized, are certain and dependable. Through Abraham, God established a people through whom the Messiah would come, setting the stage for the fulfillment of His plan of salvation.
In conclusion, the Promise dispensation is a pivotal moment in biblical history. It shows that, despite humanity’s failures, God’s plan of redemption continues through His covenant with Abraham. This promise not only assured Abraham of a future lineage and inheritance but also pointed forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, through whom all nations would be blessed. As such, it is a foundational period in understanding God’s unfolding work in the world.