A Covenant of Protection

The three major monotheistic religions of the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - all trace their lineages back to one father of faith - Abraham. Raised a shepherd in the land of Ur (modern day Iraq), Abraham’s spiritual upbringing likely included the worship of the moon and stars. Then he encountered Yahweh, the all-powerful yet knowable God of all creation, who promised Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the stars.

Not only was Abraham convinced that God existed; he knew that this God could be trusted.

To Abraham God extended both a personal calling and an eternal covenant. Abraham’s response was one of faith. He answered the call and accepted the covenant - God’s blessing to one for the benefit of all.

This covenant was the genesis of the people of Israel. This covenant was the impetus for the birth and later rebirth of the nation of Israel. This covenant is the source of contention regarding the land of Israel. But of far greater significance is the fact that this covenant anticipated a Messiah, a Redeemer, a Savior - Jesus Christ - through whom every person on earth may share in this covenant and receive God’s blessing of eternal life.