Heirs According to the Promise

[John81]

"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:29

What do you understand this to mean? How narrow, broad, general or specific is this? What does this mean for individual Christians and for Christians overall?

[Covenanter]

The context is salvation - by faith in Christ, without obedience to the Law, i.e. Gentiles are saved without becoming Jews.

Abraham's seed has two meanings - singular - Christ himself, & general - his descendants. 

16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Paul quotes the promise v.8 - quoting Gen. 12:3 b :

6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham,saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

 The verse - the promise - in question states that ALL believers, regardless of ethnicity, inherit the promises given to Abraham:

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Does that make Gentile believers Jews? Does the church replace Israel? Do Jewish believers cease to be Jews? NO, no, no - all believers become one people of God by faith in Jesus. The promise is wide open, as Peter declares at Pentecost:

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Acts 2.

[Jim_Alaska]

I think it is specific in that, if we are saved by Grace, through Faith we are of the "faith line", spiritually speaking.

 Gal. 3:6  Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

[No Nicolaitans]

John, I commented on that very scripture before, so I will just link to it -->http://www.onlinebaptist.com/home/topic/22664-the-cross-and-how-jews-perceive-it-sharing-messiah-with-the-jewish-people/?do=findComment&comment=400558

I would like to point out that just as I said in the above link, the promise that Peter also refers to, confirms that the promise(s) we inherit were salvation and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38-39
38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

 

[Invicta]

John, I commented on that very scripture before, so I will just link to it -->http://www.onlinebaptist.com/home/topic/22664-the-cross-and-how-jews-perceive-it-sharing-messiah-with-the-jewish-people/?do=findComment&comment=400558

I would like to point out that just as I said in the above link, the promise that Peter also refers to, confirms that the promise(s) we inherit were salvation and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38-39
38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

 

​But Peter was speaking to Jews.  He didn't believe that it could also apply to gentiles.  He had to be convinced, and he was.  

 

  34 ¶  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
    44 ¶  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

There was only, ever, one means of salvation from Adam till Christ returns..  That is faith in Christ.

 

[John81]

I've heard this verse, along with others, to say what's been said here, as well as to matters dealing with everything from tithing to healing and just about anything ever promised in the OT, including the promised land. This is why I wanted to ask about the verse here. It seems from the postings thus far we hold to a more narrow, or limited, view of the verse than some do.

Thank you for the responses.

[No Nicolaitans]

​But Peter was speaking to Jews.  He didn't believe that it could also apply to gentiles.  He had to be convinced, and he was.  

 

  34 ¶  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
    44 ¶  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

There was only, ever, one means of salvation from Adam till Christ returns..  That is faith in Christ.

 

​Invicta,

While it is true that Peter was preaching to Jews, my point was that "the promise" that both Peter and Paul spoke of was salvation and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Regarding you saying that Peter had to be convinced that it applied to Gentiles...I'm not sure about that. After all, the Lord Jesus Christ himself told Peter (and the others)...

1. Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15)...not just Jews.
2. Teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19)...not just Jews.
3. That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)...not just Jews.
4. and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)...not just Jews.

Peter (and the others) were told beforehand. Whereas, you see the verses that you quoted as being used to "convince" Peter that Gentiles could be saved, I see in those verses that Peter already knew and understood that Gentiles could be saved. I read in those verses that it was the believing Jews there with Peter who became convinced that Gentiles could be saved.

 

[Invicta]

​Invicta,

While it is true that Peter was preaching to Jews, my point was that "the promise" that both Peter and Paul spoke of was salvation and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Regarding you saying that Peter had to be convinced that it applied to Gentiles...I'm not sure about that. After all, the Lord Jesus Christ himself told Peter (and the others)...

1. Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15)...not just Jews.
2. Teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19)...not just Jews.
3. That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)...not just Jews.
4. and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)...not just Jews.

Peter (and the others) were told beforehand. Whereas, you see the verses that you quoted as being used to "convince" Peter that Gentiles could be saved, I see in those verses that Peter already knew and understood that Gentiles could be saved. I read in those verses that it was the believing Jews there with Peter who became convinced that Gentiles could be saved.

 

​Agreed.  Peter was told that in advance by Jesus, but he still had to be convinced that gentiles could be saved.

 

  9 ¶  On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10  And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11  And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12  Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13  And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14  But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17  Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, 18  And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
    19 ¶  While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20  Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21  Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23  Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24  And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea.

 

[No Nicolaitans]

​Agreed.  Peter was told that in advance by Jesus, but he still had to be convinced that gentiles could be saved.

 

  9 ¶  On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10  And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11  And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12  Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13  And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14  But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17  Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, 18  And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
    19 ¶  While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20  Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21  Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23  Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24  And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea.

 

​Well, I can see what you're saying...but verse 17 does say that he doubted what the vision meant. I can see that it could be interpreted as you say; however, I believe it was God showing Peter that it was time to start "going to the world" (Gentiles) as the Lord had told him previously. I see it more as a "call to action" than a "convincing". The Spirit did tell Peter to doubt nothing. Was that meant for him not to doubt...

1. Going to Gentiles to give them the gospel?
2. Or...not to doubt going with the three men whom Peter didn't know?

I guess I can see it either way. 

Hey Invicta...I'm not claiming that I'm right. I'm just sharing my thoughts on it. I think I'm right, but I always reserve the right to be wrong. 

[1Timothy115]

Hey Invicta...I'm not claiming that I'm right. I'm just sharing my thoughts on it. I think I'm right, but I always reserve the right to be wrong. 

​I'm of the same mind with both Galatians and Acts as referenced above in your comments.