Romans, part 2, Obvious Connective Links with Genesis

When we looked at the 2nd aleph book (Isaiah) we saw the connective verses about the potter (God) and the clay (man) that were in Isaiah and then reappeared in Romans, now we’ll look at the story that started in Genesis, the first aleph book, and finished in Romans, the third aleph book. Watch.

Genesis 17: 1 – 5:

 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”

 3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.

Romans 4: 16 – 18:

 16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

 18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Wow. What are the odds that this obvious link would show up in Romans rather than any other of the Epistles or Gospels? Well, I guess the odds are really good when you realize that God designed the Holy Bible. You can find even more of these connections by comparing for yourself how the Bible talks about Abraham’s seed in Genesis 15:5 and Romans 4:18. Sarah has a son – Genesis 18:14 & Romans 9:9. The seed is called Isaac – Genesis 21:12 & Romans 9:7. Rebecca conceives – Genesis 25:11 & Romans 9:10. The elder brother serves the younger – Genesis 25:23 & Romans 9:12. Satan is crushed – Genesis 3:15 & Romans 16:20.

A final word on the connection in part 3 next week.