The Confirmation of God's Covenant

Text: Genesis 17 

God Declares a Covenant Identity (Gen. 17:1-8)

• God declares Himself to be “El Shaddai” (God Almighty), signifying His power and sovereignty.
• God changes Abram’s name to “Abraham” (father of a multitude), proving that He would fulfill His promise.
• God declares that Abraham must walk in blamelessness before Him.

God Demands a Covenant Sign (Gen. 17:9-14)

• God commands Abraham and all his household and future descendants to become circumcised.
• This act of obedience to God would set apart all who have embraced God’s covenant.

Abraham Demonstrates a Covenant Obedience (Gen. 17:15-27)

• God reinforces His covenant to Abraham and changes Sarai’s name to “Sarah” (princess).
• Abraham believes and obeys the Lord despite the seemingly impossible circumstances.
• This mark of physical circumcision would point to the spiritual “circumcision of Christ,” which leads to new life in Him. (Colossians 2:11-14)