“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
(Galatians 3:14)
As Galatians 3:14 explains, that age-old “blessing of Abraham” finds its fulfillment in time in Jesus Christ. Indeed, God never intended His covenant promise to Abraham to terminate in one nation alone but to extend to all the nations through the Seed of Abraham, who is the Messiah, the Anointed One. In Him, Gentiles can also become heirs of the promise, receivers of grace, and partakers of the Spirit through faith.
This “blessing of Abaham” belongs to those who are united to Christ by faith. The apostle repeatedly joins Abraham’s blessing to faith because the inheritance never rested in nature, ceremony, ancestry, or human merit,[1] but in the redemptive work of Christ.
Scripture says, “They which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham” (Galatians 3:9). Faith is not the source of salvation but the appointed instrument whereby Christ and His benefits are received. Salvation rests wholly in Christ, and His children receive this blessing because He purchased it.
God’s ultimate plan to redeem all nations to Himself magnifies His grace toward the Gentiles. Once strangers to the covenant and without hope, they are now brought near through Christ. The nations that were once cut off from God now receive the promise of the Spirit whom God gives to illuminate, regenerate, sanctify, comfort, and preserve His people.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this truth is indeed the rich blessing that comes with being united together in Christ. Those who belong to Him, not only Jews but also Gentiles, become Abraham’s seed and heirs according to promise through grace.
Let us therefore worship and adore the Lord Christ, through whom the blessing of Abraham reaches all people. The curse of sin is born by Him, the promise of our eternal inheritance is fulfilled in Him, and the Spirit is received through faith in Him.
Contemplations:
- My Wonder at Covenant Grace. I am amazed that God included all nations within His covenant purpose long before Christ came. I was once far off, yet through Christ I have been brought near. The blessing promised to Abraham reaches even me by God’s grace.
- My Gratitude for Christ Alone. I tend to rest in my performance or effort, but this passage reminds me that blessing comes only through Christ. I bring nothing worthy; everything I receive comes through Him.
- My Thankfulness for the Spirit. I am grateful that salvation includes the gift of the Spirit. God has not only forgiven me; He also indwells, teaches, comforts, and preserves me through His Spirit.
- My Rest in Divine Faithfulness. God fulfilled His promise to Abraham exactly as He declared. This bolsters my faith that every promise still remaining will also be fulfilled perfectly in Christ.
Prayer (Adoration):
Most faithful and covenant-keeping God, I adore You for the glory of redemption revealed in Jesus Christ. You promised blessing to Abraham and fulfilled that promise perfectly through Your Son. What You declared You accomplished.
Lord Jesus, I adore You because You are the true Seed through whom the nations are blessed. You bore the curse so that sinners might receive the promise and opened the covenant inheritance to those who stood far away.
I praise You because salvation rests entirely on Your work. No human merit established it. No effort secured it. No ceremony earned it. All spiritual blessing comes through Christ alone.
I praise You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. You have not just pardoned sinners; You also gave Your Spirit to dwell within them. Through Him You teach, sanctify, strengthen, and preserve Your people.
Lord, I adore Your faithfulness. Centuries passed between promise and fulfillment, yet not one word failed. You remembered Abraham and accomplished all through Christ.
I praise You that those who belong to Christ become heirs according to promise. What mercy that Your covenant blessing reaches undeserving sinners and makes them children and heirs.
Father, keep my heart fixed on Christ alone. Let me never seek blessing apart from Him. And receive all praise, glory, and worship, for salvation belongs entirely to You.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Galatians 3:14:
Acts 2:33; Galatians 3:2; Ephesians 1:13; Romans 4:16
[1] Jonathan Edwards, The Salvation of All Men Strictly Examined, Early American Imprints, 1639-1800; No. 22478 (New Haven: A. Morse, 1790), 114-116.
