Living in the Gap between Promise and Reality: The Gospel According to Abraham (Gospel according to the Old Testament)

by Iain M. Duguid

Publisher:

P&R

, 1999

Overview

In this insightful volume, Iain Duguid pulls the reader into the dramatic unfolding of the story of Abraham as a significant stage in the larger story of salvation. Written for laypeople, study groups, and pastors, this lively survey of Abraham’s faith (and failures) shows us how the Old Testament patriarch foreshadows the perfect saving work of Christ. The story of Abraham was not intended merely as a moral example for us to follow. In fact, Abraham often demonstrated a wavering moral character. More fundamentally, Abraham is an example of sinners saved through faith by God’s demerited grace. When entering into a covenantal relationship with Abraham and his household, God passed alone through the animal carcasses showing that his relationship with Abraham was not dependent on Abraham’s performance, but was received by grace alone through faith alone. In this way, the story of Abraham culminates in the work of Jesus in which he took the curses of the covenant upon himself and secured covenantal union between God and his people by grace alone, through faith alone.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Pulls the reader into the dramatic unfolding of the story of Abraham
• Explores God’s relationship with Abraham as received by grace alone through faith
• Presents an aid to pastors, teachers, and laymen in teaching and reading the Old Testament

Contents

Top Highlights

“In the Old Testament, going to Egypt is frequently the alternative to trusting in the Lord.” (Page 22)

“Essentially, a covenant is a relationship based on the surrender of control” (Page 74)

“But, paradoxically, her inability in this area was a crucial part of God’s preparation of her for her role in his plan. In order for her to be the mother of the child of promise, it was necessary for her to be unable to bear children without the direct intervention of God.” (Page 10)

“He offers himself, and you can’t have a relationship with him without it changing your life” (Page 78)

“So how do you stay strong in the midst of the reality gap, when you find yourself drowning in painful feelings, dire circumstances, or broken relationships? The answer is simple—at least in theory. You cling to the promises of God and the God of the promises. You don’t have to understand; you just have to cling.” (Page 14)

Praise for the Print Edition

Jesus explained that all the Scriptures that had preceded him were about him. This means that if we preach or teach on any passage of the Old Testament and do not speak of him, we fail to mention the very thing that Jesus said the passage is about . . . I am grateful for this immensely accessible book . . . which closes the gap between Christ’s redemptive work and the life of Abraham.

—Bryan Chapell, distinguished professor of preaching, Knox Theological Seminary

Prof. Duguid’s The Gospel According to Abraham significantly helps Christians to see that Abraham is an important figure on the road that leads to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Author pulls the reader into the dramatic unfolding of the story of Abraham as a significant stage in in the larger story of salvation.

—Willem A. VanGemeren, professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Product Details

• Title: Living in the Gap between Promise and Reality: The Gospel according to Abraham
• Author: Iain M. Duguid
• Series: The Gospel according to the Old Testament
• Publisher: P&R
• Print Publication Date: 1999
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 180
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Abraham (Biblical patriarch); Bible. O.T. Genesis 11:27-25:18 › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. O.T. Genesis 11:27-25:18 › Relation to the New Testament; Bible. N.T. › Relation to Genesis 11:27-25:18
• ISBNs: 0875526527, 9780875526522, 9781629951713, 1629951714
• Resource ID: LLS:GSPLOTABRAHAM
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-08-30T23:29:21Z

About Iain M. Duguid

Rev. Dr. Iain Duguid (PhD, Cambridge) is professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Duguid’s academic interests include various topics of Old Testament theology. His doctoral research was on Ezekiel, which was published in the Supplements to Vetus Testamentum series, and he remains part of the small but lively group of scholars around the world interested in the theology of that prophet. He has also published scholarly work on Esther, Nehemiah, the Song of Songs, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi as well as more popular treatments of the patriarchs, Esther, and Daniel. Current research projects include Judges, the biblical theology of worship, and preaching Christ from the different genres of the Old Testament. As part of the oversight committee for the Holman Christian Standard Bible, he engages in regular discussions about best practices in Bible translation. He has also contributed to many study Bibles.