Almighty and all-knowing Creator, who brought everything into existence, witnessed humanity's fall into sin from the beginning. In the grand design of our Lord, humans were created for worship and dominion over the world (Genesis: 2:12). Yet, disobedience led them away, and they became ensnared in sin (Genesis: 3:12-24). Despite this, God's love for humankind, crafted in His image and likeness (Genesis: 1:26-28), prompted a profound plan for redemption, with the promise of a Savior, the Messiah (Genesis: 3:15).
God's plan unfolded with the calling of Abraham from Haran (Genesis: 12:1), receiving threefold blessings:
Son/Great Nation (Genesis: 12:2): Abraham was blessed with a son, Isaac, and became the progenitor of the nation of Israel.
Land (Genesis: 12:2): The promise of the Canaan land.
God's Blessings (Genesis: 12:3): A divine pledge that all people on Earth would be blessed through Abraham.
While these blessings unfolded, the sinfulness of humanity persisted. In response, God set apart a nation, Israel, to fulfill His plan of salvation. The commandments given to Israel through Moses encompassed:
10 Commandments
Worship Laws (Sacrifices, Priests, Tabernacle)
Feast Laws (7 Festivals)
Social Laws
Food Laws
These laws were designed for Israel's distinction from other nations, a preparation for the eventual arrival of the Savior, the Messiah.
However, with the advent of Jesus Christ, a new covenant was established through His sacrifice on Calvary. The Old Testament laws, while crucial in their time, found fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice (Hebrew: 10:9-23, Hebrew: 9:11-28, Galatians: 3:19-29). Jesus became the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy: 2:5,6).
In the Garden of Eden, where Satan disrupted God's plan, Jesus triumphed on Calvary, destroying the power of sin (Ephesians: 1:23-23, Colossians: 2:15). Christ, now reigning as King, initiated a new covenant for all humankind. The blessing to Abraham found its ultimate fulfillment in Calvary:
Isaac: Representing not just Abraham's physical descendants but our true blessing, Jesus Christ (Galatians: 3:15-16).
Israel: Expanded to include the New Testament believers and the church.
Canaan: Transformed into the promise of the New Heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrew: 11:8-10).
Blessing to All Nations: Realized through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (John: 3:16).
Now, whether Jew or Gentile, through faith in Christ's sacrifice, all have access to God's temple and forgiveness of sins (Hebrew: 10:4-14, Ephesians: 2:13-22). Embracing the truth of Calvary, we find redemption and the assurance of eternal life. May faith in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ be our foundation, and may God's blessings be upon you.