The article "The Son of God 'Took on Him the Seed of Abraham'" by Don Fortner addresses the theological concept of Christ's incarnation and its significance for salvation. Fortner argues that Christ specifically took on the nature of humanity, represented by the "seed of Abraham," to fulfill His covenantal purpose of saving the elect, not the angels or all mankind generically. He cites Hebrews 2:16 as foundational to explain that this seed refers to those who are spiritually linked to Abraham through faith, as seen in Romans 4:16 and Galatians 3:7. The practical implication of the article emphasizes the assurance that all of God’s chosen people will be saved, underscoring the sovereignty of God's grace in individually calling and securing His elect, as emphasized in passages such as John 10:28 and Romans 11:25-26.
Key Quotes
“He took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham.”
“The Son of God took hold of the seed of Abraham to save them.”
“The purpose of God cannot be overturned. The covenant of grace cannot be nullified.”
“We did the falling He did the lifting. We did the sinning He did the saving.”
What does the Bible say about the seed of Abraham?
The seed of Abraham refers to God's elect, representing those chosen for salvation, not just the Jewish race.
Romans 4:16, Galatians 3:7
How do we know Jesus took on the seed of Abraham?
Hebrews 2:16 confirms that Christ took on Him the seed of Abraham to save them, indicating His commitment to the covenant of grace.
Hebrews 2:16
Why is Christ's role as a Substitute important for Christians?
Christ's role as Substitute is crucial because He bore our sins and faced the penalty that we deserved, ensuring our salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:21
What guarantees the salvation of the seed of Abraham?
The salvation of the seed of Abraham is guaranteed by God's unchangeable purpose and Christ's sacrificial work.
Romans 11:25-26, John 10:28
For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. took not...: Gr. he taketh not hold of Angels, but of the seede of Abraham he taketh hold - Hebrews 2:16The Son of God “took on him the seed of Abraham.”
It is the intention, desire, and purpose of Christ to save all the seed of Abraham. He took not on him the nature of angels. And he took not on him the seed of Adam. “But he took on him the seed of Abraham.” The Son of God took hold of the seed of Abraham to save them. This expression, “the seed of Abraham,” does not refer to the Jewish race, Abraham’s natural seed. It refers to the whole company of God’s elect. We are Abraham’s spiritual seed (Rom. 4:16; 9:6-8; Gal. 3:7, 13-16).
When did Christ take hold of us?
Christ took hold on Abraham’s seed as their Surety in the covenant of grace before the world began, and agreed to save them (Gen. 43:9; John 6:39; Eph. 1:13). He took hold on his elect as our Substitute, legally taking our place under the wrath of God, dying under the penalty of our sins upon the cross (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13). When our Substitute died, in so far as God’s law and justice were concerned, we died in him (Rom. 7:4). We were crucified with Christ. In the fulness of time the Good Shepherd comes to each of those sheep for whom he died. He takes hold of them by the hand of his almighty, irresistible, saving grace (Lk. 15:4-5). And blessed be his matchless name forever, our Lord, our God, our Good Shepherd holds us securely in the hand of his almighty grace and will not let us go, until he has brought us safely into the heavenly fold (John 10:28, 16).
What must be the result?
Since Christ took on himself the seed of Abraham, you can be sure of this: -- All the seed of Abraham shall be saved (Rom. 11:25-26; John 10:16). “He shall save his people” (Matt. 1:21). “He shall not fail” (Isa. 42:4). The purpose of God cannot be overturned. The covenant of grace cannot be nullified. The cross of Christ cannot miscarry. The grace of God cannot be frustrated. The seal of the Spirit cannot be broken. The intercession of Christ cannot be ignored. The hold of Christ cannot be broken.
Does man do nothing? Oh, yes, we did much. We did the falling. He did the lifting. We did the running. He did the catching. We did the wandering. He did the fetching. We did the sinning. He did the saving.
Who are these people?
My friend, you must acknowledge and bow to the absolute sovereignty of God’s grace. God can either save you or damn you. “Be ye reconciled to God.” All who believe rejoice to ascribe the whole of our salvation to the sovereign grace of God in Christ (1 Cor. 4:7; 15:10). And all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ are the seed of Abraham! (Phil. 3:3). If you now take hold of Christ by faith, you can be sure of this: -- He has taken hold of you to save you.
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