🔹 Introduction
From the covenant with Abraham onward, God’s redemptive plan took visible shape in history.
The promise first given in Eden (Genesis 3 : 15)—that evil would be overcome through the seed of the woman—now narrowed through one man, one family, one nation, until it was fulfilled in one person: Jesus Christ.
This period, stretching from Genesis 12 to the Gospels, reveals the gradual unfolding of divine grace through covenant, law, prophecy, and finally incarnation.
🔹 1. The Covenant with Abraham
“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; … and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” — Genesis 12 : 2-3
God’s call to Abraham established the foundation of faith: relationship through trust, not merit.
Abraham believed God’s promise, and “it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15 : 6; Romans 4 : 3).
This covenant introduced three enduring elements:
- A people – Israel, the family of faith.
- A place – the promised land as a symbol of divine inheritance.
- A purpose – to bless all nations.
Through Abraham, the plan of universal redemption became personal and historical.
🔹 2. The Covenant through Moses and the Law
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt … You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20 : 2-3
The exodus from Egypt revealed God as Deliverer.
Through Moses, He formed a covenant nation and gave the Law—not to replace grace, but to define holiness and justice.
“The law was our guardian until Christ came.” — Galatians 3 : 24
The Law exposed sin and pointed to the need for atonement.
Sacrifices, priesthood, and festivals served as symbols of the greater redemption yet to come.
🔹 3. The Covenant with David
“Your house and your kingdom will endure for ever before Me; your throne will be established for ever.” — 2 Samuel 7 : 16
God promised David that a descendant from his line would reign eternally.
This covenant joined kingship to Messiahship—the hope of a righteous ruler whose kingdom would have no end (Isaiah 9 : 6-7).
The Psalms repeatedly echo this expectation: a Son who would reign over all nations (Psalm 2 : 7-8).
🔹 4. The Prophets and the Hope of Restoration
As Israel faltered, the prophets announced both judgment and hope.
Isaiah spoke of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53 : 5-6).
Jeremiah foretold a “new covenant” written on the heart (Jeremiah 31 : 31-33).
Ezekiel saw a renewed Spirit within people (Ezekiel 36 : 26-27).
Through them all, God revealed that redemption would not come through law or nation alone, but through a person filled with His Spirit and truth.
🔹 5. The Silence and Expectation
Between Malachi and Matthew lay about four centuries of prophetic silence—the inter-testamental period.
Empires rose and fell; Greek and Roman cultures spread.
Amid political turmoil, faithful Israelites still waited for the promised Redeemer—the Messiah—who would restore God’s kingdom on earth.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9 : 2
When that light finally appeared, it fulfilled every covenant and prophecy.
🔹 6. The Birth of Jesus Christ: The Incarnation of the Word
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” — John 1 : 14
In Jesus of Nazareth, the eternal Word entered human history.
Born of Mary by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1 : 35), He was both divine and human—the fulfilment of all promises.
“He will save His people from their sins.” — Matthew 1 : 21
The incarnation united heaven and earth again: God living among His creation to restore what had been lost.
🔹 7. The Ministry and Message of Christ
Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God—not a political system, but divine reign within human hearts.
His miracles restored order to a broken creation: the blind saw, the sick were healed, storms were stilled.
He taught that love of God and neighbour summed up the whole Law (Matthew 22 : 37-40).
Through parables, He revealed spiritual realities; through compassion, He embodied divine character.
🔹 8. The Cross and the New Covenant
“This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” — Matthew 26 : 28
At the cross, justice and mercy met.
The sacrificial system found its fulfilment in one perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10 : 10-14).
Through His death, Christ bore humanity’s guilt; through His resurrection, He opened eternal life.
“It is finished.” — John 19 : 30
Those words mark the completion of the redemptive plan begun in Genesis.
🔹 9. Theological Reflection
The entire biblical narrative converges here.
- The covenant with Abraham promised blessing.
- The covenant through Moses revealed holiness.
- The covenant with David assured kingship.
- The covenant in Christ accomplishes salvation.
Grace, foreshadowed in every era, now takes form in a person.
The Redeemer is both fulfilment and renewal—the Word through whom all creation was made and by whom it is restored.
🔹 10. Summary Table
| Covenant | Promise | Fulfilment | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrahamic | Blessing for all nations | Faith in Christ opens salvation to all | Gen 12 : 3; Gal 3 : 8 |
| Mosaic | Law and holiness | Christ fulfils the Law | Ex 20; Matt 5 : 17 |
| Davidic | Eternal kingship | Christ reigns as King | 2 Sam 7 : 16; Luke 1 : 32-33 |
| New Covenant | Forgiveness and Spirit | Christ’s blood and resurrection | Jer 31 : 31-33; Luke 22 : 20 |
🔹 11. Scriptural References
- Genesis 12 : 1-3; 15 : 6
- Exodus 19–20
- 2 Samuel 7 : 12-16
- Isaiah 53; Jeremiah 31 : 31-33; Ezekiel 36 : 26-27
- Matthew 1 : 18-25; 26 : 28
- John 1 : 14; 19 : 30
- Hebrews 8–10
🔹 12. Academic References
- Wright, N. T. (2012) How God Became King. London: SPCK.
- Goldsworthy, G. (1991) According to Plan. Leicester: IVP.
- Brueggemann, W. (1997) Theology of the Old Testament. Minneapolis: Fortress.
- Morris, L. (1986) The Atonement. Leicester: IVP.
🔹 13. Conclusion
From Abraham to Christ, Scripture moves from promise to fulfilment.
Every covenant, prophecy, and act of faith anticipates the One who restores creation’s order.
In Christ, God’s eternal Word entered history, conquered sin, and reopened the way to fellowship.
Redemption is not a new plan but the completion of the first purpose of creation: that God and humanity might dwell together in truth and love.