A Name Achieved or a Name Received - Genesis 17:1-27

This Sunday we'll continue our study of Genesis 17 and explore the meaning of Abram and Sarai's new names, the covenant sign of circumcision, and the warning that those who break the covenant will be "cut off" from the LORD.  

In Jesus Christ, we receive a new identity and a new name when we're baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).  In Jesus, we receive the new covenant sign of baptism; we're set apart for God and joined to His community (Colossians 2:11-12).  Jesus perfectly fulfilled the covenant responsibility to "walk before the LORD and be blameless" and satisfied the penalty for our covenant breaking.  He was "cut off" in our place (Isaiah 53:8).  Let us lift our hearts to worship and glory in our Redeemer this Sunday.