Whence comes the benediction of Abraham? Answer. From the cursed death of Christ. For thus are the words, “He was made a curse for us, that the benediction of Abraham might come on the Gentiles.” Mark here how God works one contrary by the other. In the creation, He made something, not of something, but of nothing. He called light out of darkness. He kills, and then makes alive (Hos. 6). He sends men to heaven by the gates of hell. He gave sight by a temper of spittle and clay, a fit means to put out light. In the work of our redemption He gives life not by life but by death, and the blessing by the curse. This shows the wisdom and power of God. And it teaches us in the work of our conversion and salvation not to go by sense and feeling because God can and does work one contrary in and by the other.
William Perkins | The Works of William Perkins, ed. Paul M. Smalley, Joel R. Beeke, and Derek W. H. Thomas, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2015), 184.
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Tony Phelps
Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at BA (University of Rhode Island) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. In 2015–18 he pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs. He is currently pastor of Living Hope (OPC). Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.
More by Tony Phelps ›
God’s dealings with Abraham is the paradigm for Christians who are saved by Grace. God walking through the animal pieces alone, while Abraham is in a helpless stupor, promising to take on Himself the obligations of the covenant of works, which requires perfect obedience to the law and the curse of the death penalty for breaking it. So that the blessing is theirs through believing it, like Abraham their spiritual father.
As I study Romans 3:20-5:10 and reflect on Genesis 1 I begin only to glimpse, Christ, the mystery of Godliness (1 Tim 3:16) promised to Abraham.
Justification by Grace through Faith in Christ, a saving/sanctifying relationship completely outside of creation.