Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you”

Hebrews 6:13-14 ESV

In ancient times, covenant ceremonies were sacred and solemn. Animals were cut in half, symbolizing that whoever broke the covenant would suffer the same fate. Both parties would walk between the pieces, signifying their commitment to uphold the agreement.

When God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, He instructed him to bring a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon. Abraham obeyed—he presented them to the Lord, killed them, and laid the halves side by side. As he fell into a deep sleep, the Bible says a thick and dreadful darkness came over him, and God Himself made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him and his descendants forever.

“After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses.” Genesis 15:17 (NLT)

God alone passed between the pieces—showing that the covenant’s fulfillment rested solely on His promise, not on Abraham’s ability to keep it. God knew Abraham would fail, and humanity would fail too. Therefore, God swore by Himself—because there is no one greater—ensuring His promise would stand through all generations.

This sacrificial act pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice who renewed the covenant between God and humanity through His blood. The covenant still stands today, and the promise still remains over you and your generations.

But to walk in agreement with this everlasting covenant, you must believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. God does not look at your good deeds, charity, or the kindness of your heart as the entry point into this covenant. These are beautiful reflections of Christ’s love, but they cannot replace faith in His finished work. Only by believing in the blood of Jesus—the sacrificial Lamb—can you step into the Abrahamic covenant and its blessings for you and your descendants.

When God swore by Himself, He declared that there is no one greater. He has no equal. He is the Great I Am. He is not a man that He should lie, nor unfaithful like us. What He has spoken will be fulfilled.

If you feel distant from God today, know that His covenant still stands. Come back into the everlasting covenant He established through Jesus Christ. Believe in His sacrifice, and you will experience the promises of Abraham upon your life.

Your perfection cannot bring you into this covenant—but the blood of Jesus Christ can.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the everlasting covenant You established through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to believe fully in His sacrifice and walk in the blessings of the Abrahamic promise. Renew my heart and draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.