NUMBER ONE (1-3)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) 1 is the number of unity and oneness of God. It is interesting to note what other mention(s) for 1 can be found in the Bible.
1. The number 1 book
a) The first book of the Bible also affords us another illustration of the number one. In Genesis we see Divine sovereignty and supremacy. Sovereignty in Creation, in giving life, and in sustaining life. The name by which God specially revealed Himself to the Patriarchs, He says (Exodus 6:3), was El-Shaddai (God Almighty). This Title occurs a number of times; the square of three, the number of Divine perfection.
b) The first occurrence of the name "Almighty" is also full of instruction, but we shall consider it under the number "five." All through this first Book we see this Divine supremacy and sovereignty - sovereignty of will in election and calling: calling Abram and no other (Acts 7:2); choosing Isaac and not Ishmael (Genesis 17:18-21); Jacob and not Esau (ibid. 25:23, etc.); Ephraim and not Manasseh (ibid. 48:19; Hebrews 11:21).
c) The covenant made with Abraham (Genesis 15) was unconditional, because there was only one contracting party. The Law had a mediator, therefore there were two parties to that covenant. "But a mediator is not of one [contracting party], but God is one" (Galatians 3:20). God alone made this covenant, hence it is called "the covenant of PROMISE."
d) Thus in the forefront of revelation we are shown that man cannot be saved by works, but by grace alone. The foundation of all truth is here. Gospel truth shines brightly here. All is in a single book, and that the first.
The End ...
0. Introductiona) 1 is the number of unity and oneness of God. It is interesting to note what other mention(s) for 1 can be found in the Bible.
1. The number 1 book
a) The first book of the Bible also affords us another illustration of the number one. In Genesis we see Divine sovereignty and supremacy. Sovereignty in Creation, in giving life, and in sustaining life. The name by which God specially revealed Himself to the Patriarchs, He says (Exodus 6:3), was El-Shaddai (God Almighty). This Title occurs a number of times; the square of three, the number of Divine perfection.
b) The first occurrence of the name "Almighty" is also full of instruction, but we shall consider it under the number "five." All through this first Book we see this Divine supremacy and sovereignty - sovereignty of will in election and calling: calling Abram and no other (Acts 7:2); choosing Isaac and not Ishmael (Genesis 17:18-21); Jacob and not Esau (ibid. 25:23, etc.); Ephraim and not Manasseh (ibid. 48:19; Hebrews 11:21).
c) The covenant made with Abraham (Genesis 15) was unconditional, because there was only one contracting party. The Law had a mediator, therefore there were two parties to that covenant. "But a mediator is not of one [contracting party], but God is one" (Galatians 3:20). God alone made this covenant, hence it is called "the covenant of PROMISE."
d) Thus in the forefront of revelation we are shown that man cannot be saved by works, but by grace alone. The foundation of all truth is here. Gospel truth shines brightly here. All is in a single book, and that the first.
The End ...
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