Old Testament Women And A Covenant Relationship With God

A querist asks, “How did women in the Old Testament enter into a covenant relationship with God? What was the confirming sign of the binding agreement between women and God?” Through an obedient faith (the same kind of obedient faith as Abraham displayed when he submitted to circumcision) (Genesis 17:23-27).

He did what God told him to do. As a result of Abraham’s faith, all nations would be blessed who demonstrated the same obedient faith of Abraham (Romans 4:9-25; cf. Genesis 17:1-5). As Christians, we too must demonstrate an obedient faith or God will not be pleased with us (Hebrews 11:6).

With regard to Sarah’s obedient faith, look at Hebrews 11:11-13 and note the phrase, “These all died in faith.” Who are the “these?” The context makes it quite obvious that only Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob are included in this remark (Hebrews 11:8-11). They are the ones who received the physical promises (Genesis 22:15-18; Genesis 26:3-5; Genesis 28:13-15), but they “looked” through the “eyes of faith” in order to “see” the spiritual promises (Hebrews 11:13). They were “looking” for a more permanent home than the temporary home they had in Canaan – one that was “heavenly” in nature (Hebrews 11:14-16).

Paul goes on to say that if we have the same obedient faith as the Patriarchs displayed, we too will inherit the spiritual promises as well (Gal. 3:26-29; cf. Ephesians 1:3), including heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). The real covenant with Abraham (a spiritual covenant), is fulfilled “in Christ” (Gal. 3:7-16). Thus Christians who are baptized “into Christ” (Gal. 3:27), constitute the true spiritual descendants of Abraham (Gal. 3:29).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets