God’s Blessing Is For Everyone

Peter is nearing the conclusion of his sermon about how he healed the lame man in Jesus’ name. He reminded them of God’s prophecy to Abraham. A non-bilateral or conditional promise. God’s covenant with Abraham was not conditional; his promise to Abraham was unconditional. He promised to bless and multiply his descendants, numbering them as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore (Genesis 22:17-18). God chose him for this purpose in order for his descendants to eventually obey God, not because they would (Genesis 18:18–19). And Peter is referring to his audience during his speech, the Jews, who are literal descendants of Abraham and the spiritual descendants of the prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming and death.

Later in Peter’s journey as an apostle, God opened His eyes and taught Him that His covenant is not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles—for everyone. Paul writes, “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

God’s blessing is for everyone. And the greatest blessing of all is Jesus Christ. His life and death on the cross is a kind of gift that no amount of money can purchase—the gift of eternal life. And His invitation is open for all.