The promises of God, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, are foundational to the understanding of His covenantal relationship with humanity. Central to this theme is the assurance that the Law, given through Moses, does not nullify the promises made by God to Abraham. This concept is pivotal in understanding the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses this issue directly in his epistle to the Galatians. In Galatians 3:17-18 , Paul writes, "What I mean is this: The Law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to cancel the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the Law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise." Here, Paul emphasizes that the Law, which was given centuries after the promise to Abraham, cannot override or annul the divine promise.

The Promise to Abraham

The promise to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis, is a cornerstone of biblical theology. In Genesis 12:2-3 , God declares to Abraham, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This promise is unconditional and based solely on God's sovereign will and grace.

The Role of the Law

The Law, given at Mount Sinai, served a distinct purpose in God's plan. It was not intended to replace the promise but to guide the people of Israel in righteousness and to reveal the nature of sin. As Paul explains in Galatians 3:19 , "Why then was the Law given? It was added because of transgressions until the arrival of the Seed to whom the promise referred." The Law acted as a guardian, leading people to Christ, the fulfillment of the promise.

Christ as the Fulfillment

The ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham is found in Jesus Christ. In Galatians 3:16 , Paul clarifies, "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, 'and to seeds,' meaning many, but 'and to your seed,' meaning One, who is Christ." Through Christ, the blessings promised to Abraham extend to all nations, transcending the limitations of the Law.

Implications for Believers

For believers, the assurance that the Law cannot disannul God's promises is a source of great comfort and hope. It underscores the faithfulness of God and the certainty of His word. As Paul concludes in Galatians 3:29 , "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise." This inheritance is not based on adherence to the Law but on faith in Christ, who embodies the fulfillment of God's eternal promise.

Conclusion

The relationship between the Law and the promises of God is a profound theological truth that highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan. The Law, while significant, serves to point to the greater reality of God's promise fulfilled in Christ. This understanding reinforces the unchanging nature of God's word and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.Galatians 3:17
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot cancel, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity God's Testament and Promise in ...
... Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one.21 Is the law then against
the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/thirteenth sunday after trinity gods.htm

Galatians Chapter iii.
... is given in the seed of Abraham, but the Law brings in the curse, it must be contrary
to the promises. ... "God forbid:". ... "For if there had been a law given which ...
/.../galatians chapter iii.htm

But Now to Come to Something More Definite. ...
... he himself has stated: "Is the law then against the promises of God?" He answers:
"God forbid." And ... in these words: "For if there had been a law given which ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 39 but now to.htm

The Uses of the Law
... contempt of his grace and mercy, ignorance of the promises and of ... Christ has kept
the law. ... ye moralists, come, then, all ye that have broken God's law and feel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the uses of the law.htm

Examples of the Various Styles Drawn from Scripture.
... he himself has stated: "Is the law then against the promises of God?" He answers:
"God forbid." And ... in these words: "For if there had been a law given which ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 20 examples of the various.htm

The Original, Nature, Property, and Use of the Law
... we are in actual possession of the fulness of his promises. ... he cries out, "O what
love have I unto thy law! ... heart nor his ways are right before God; and that ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 34 the original nature.htm

A Prospect of Revival
... to unfold to his people a series of delightful promises. ... come back it is a proof
that God has visited ... Naomi returned to Israel with Ruth, her daughter-in-law. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

How the People Raised a Sedition against Archelaus, and How He ...
... government; being buoyed up by Salome with promises that he ... throne beforehand, and
his determination of law-suits; all ... They had no regard, either to God or to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how the people.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... in a gospel light, than so many great and precious promises. ... set light by any part
of his law, under pretence ... in anywise, the least of the commandments of God. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 25 upon our lords.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... and founded on the mere mercy of God, whereas the promises of the Law ... that the covenant,
that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

Should a Christian make a promise? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Palestinian Covenant? | GotQuestions.org

How can the Bible bring comfort during a difficult time? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus