God And His Word - A Question And Answer Approach To Understanding The Bible

8. WHAT IS THE KEY CHAPTER IN THIS STUDY OF THIS COVENANT? Of the many chapters which describe the life of Abraham, Genesis 17 goes to the very heart of the Covenant. In this chapter the word "covenant" appears 13 times. 9. TWO SIGNIFICANT THINGS HAPPENED TO ABRAHAM IN THIS CHAPTER: [1] His name was changed, and [2] He was circumcised. 10. WHY DID GOD CHANGE HIS NAME? "Abram" means "exalted Father" and "Abraham" means "Father of a great multitude." Thus, Abram ceased to be exalted, but from this crushing of self, came the spiritual potential of blessing the nations. This is the same principle mentioned in John 12:24. 11. WHY DID GOD PLACE SUCH AN IMPORTANCE ON CIRCUMCISION? In Genesis 17:11, circumcision is called a "token of the covenant." This means that it was the seal or pledge of the agreement between Abraham's descendants and God. Every family of Israel would thereby have a tangible sign in their leader of God's covenant relationship. Also, it indicated that this was a fleshly covenant, and was a prophetic sign or picture of that which God wanted to accomplish in the human heart through the New Covenant. Colossians 2:11, 12. 12. SHOULD CHILDREN BE CIRCUMCISED TODAY? Today there is no SPIRITUAL benefit in physical circumcision. Galatians 5:6. There is, of course, a physical benefit. Please note the interesting chapter on this subject in the book, "None of These Diseases" by Dr. S. I. McMillen. 13. WHAT WAS ABRAHAM'S GREAT FAILURE? Abraham tried to accomplish the impossible through his own strength. He found, however, that God would not bless the child of the flesh with the Covenant - this was reserved for the miracle child of promise. Genesis 16.

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