Noah had the opportunity to save his family and himself, and then to become the founder of a new world. Had Noah disobeyed God, he and his family would have drowned in the flood. Mankind would have perished.

Abraham had all the blessings and provisions given so freely to human beings. But in addition he was given the special grace of being called to be the father of the Church. God appeared to Abraham and spoke to him on several occasions.

God required of Abraham that he believe the magnificent promises given to him, that he walk before God with a perfect conscience, and that he surrender his son, Isaac, to God. As far as we know, these demands were more difficult by far than those placed on any other individual from the time man was created.

To Abraham it was given to bring forth the Seed in which all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.

Much grace was given to Abraham, severe demands were made on him, and his opportunity for glory was very great.

Had Abraham refused to believe God, to walk in hope-deferred righteousness, or to offer up Isaac, there is no doubt he would have suffered incalculable loss as well as stern punishment.

The Israelites were heirs of the grace of physical life, as is true of all the peoples of the earth. But special grace was given to the descendants of Jacob. They were called to be God's priests among the nations of the earth. To them were given the special leadings of the Lord Himself, the revelation of His Person and will.

The requirements of the Law and ordinances of Moses were placed on the Israelites. These statutes are strict and govern every aspect of human behavior. Along with the ordinances the prophets explained the higher principles of conduct. They spoke of the need for uprightness and compassion, for walking in true faith before God, for loving God and one's neighbor.

The Israelites were given the opportunity to know the God of the whole earth, to be His representatives among mankind. This never has been true of any other race of people.

The disobedient Jew was punished by lashes, by being cut off from his people, or by being stoned to death. In addition there have been the national calamities that have come upon the nation of Israel.

The people of Israel were given much grace, and special opportunities for knowing God and fellowshiping with Him. Their obedience to God brought many material blessings. Their disobedience to God resulted in the grievous desolations described in the Book of Lamentations.

Because the Jews have been blessed of God more than any other race, they have suffered throughout history when they have not served God. But God never breaks His covenants. In the last days the Jews once again will be visited with the Glory of the Lord.

We come now to the new covenant, to the application of the four factors to those who rest their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

To be continued.