Episode 147 - Still Chosen: Did God Make an Unconditional Covenant With Abraham?
Helping Christians make sense of their roots. Helping the Jewish community make sense of Jesus. Together, we are restoring the Jewishness of the gospel.
The question of Israel’s chosenness isn’t abstract - it’s foundational.
If God’s covenant with Abraham is conditional, then Israel’s future and even our own assurance in Christ are uncertain. But if it’s unconditional, then God’s faithfulness to Abraham secures hope for us all.
In this episode, Ron and Matt Davis trace the Abrahamic covenant from Genesis 12, 15, and 17. They unpack the ancient covenant-cutting ceremony, the unconditional nature of God’s promise, and how the Mosaic covenant fits alongside it.
They also show how the New Testament reaffirms - not erases - God’s oath to Abraham, and why that matters for both Jews and Gentiles today.
With analogies of trust funds and house rules, they bring clarity to common misunderstandings. God’s covenant stands not because of human performance but because of His promise. And that means His faithfulness to Israel is the same faithfulness we depend on in Jesus.
Key Takeaways
God initiated and ratified the Abrahamic covenant alone - it’s unconditional.
Genesis 12–17 reveals a promise of people, place, and purpose.
The land boundaries are literal, not symbolic.
Circumcision is the covenant sign, not its source.
The Mosaic covenant governs life in the land but does not annul Abraham’s promise.
The New Testament celebrates - not cancels - the Abrahamic covenant.
God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Welcome and framing the question
05:10 – Genesis 12: God’s call to Abram
13:20 – Genesis 15: Cutting the covenant
28:15 – Genesis 17: Everlasting covenant and circumcision
41:00 – Mosaic covenant vs. Abrahamic covenant
55:30 – Genesis 22: Binding of Isaac and covenant confirmed
1:05:10 – New Testament voices: Galatians, Romans, Hebrews
1:18:00 – Analogies: trust funds, house rules, and irrevocable promises
1:28:00 – Final reflections and what’s next
God’s covenant with Abraham is unconditional, everlasting, and still active. It anchors Israel’s destiny and secures the hope of all who trust in the Messiah.
Explore more resources from thejewishroad.com, join us on a future trip to Israel, or consider becoming one of The Few who support this work regularly.
Thank you to Joshua Royal, for writing our closer song now running seven seasons straight. Listen to him at Joshua Royal Music.
Connect with us on social!
