<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]I think the big misconception here lies in not understanding the differences between the old and new covanents. The covenant with Abram was not a covanent of salvation (well, perhaps indirectly, becuase of Jesus' lineage). It was first and formost a covanent made with him and his offspring to bless them, etc. God was very explicit that the covanent lied with his offspring and dealt primarily with them.</font><hr></blockquote><p><br><br>Henry,<br><br>On the contrary, in my opinion. God promised that he would bless Ishmael, but there was no salvation for him. In other words, Ishmael who was not a child of promise was granted blessing (which is what you say the covenant contemplated), but his father Abraham wanted him to "live before God." Moreover, when Abraham believed the promise of the covenant he was justified, not just "blessed." Finally, Romans nine argues strenuously that the covenant was one of promise for the elect and that it pertained to salvation.<br><br>Blessings,<br><br>Ron