Podcast Summary: "Safeguarding the Promise of Grace"

Podcast: Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Episode Date: October 21, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Sinclair B. Ferguson examines the enduring nature of God's "covenant of grace" and how God has safeguarded this promise across biblical history, particularly through the covenants made with Noah and Abraham. Ferguson reflects on how these divine commitments shape the storyline of Scripture, reassure believers of God’s faithfulness, and fuel the hope and endurance of Christians today.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Covenant of Grace as a Unifying Thread

• Ferguson revisits the concept that the "covenant of grace" is fundamental, holding "the whole Bible together almost from the beginning, right to the end.”
• This promise is not static, but unfolds and develops through other covenants God makes (Noah, Abraham, etc.)—each serving to clarify and strengthen it.
  • [00:08]

The Noahic Covenant: Preservation Amid Judgment

• God’s covenant with Noah is introduced in Genesis 6:18—“I will establish my covenant with you.” Ferguson notes the Hebrew word for "establish" also means “to confirm,” emphasizing God's intention to ensure His promises remain unshaken even as the world faces the cataclysmic flood.
• The post-flood promise—never to repeat the flood—serves to “safeguard the promise he had earlier given, that the serpent would be defeated.”
• Despite divine judgment, God's redemptive purposes persist.
  • [00:08–02:00]

The Ongoing Struggle: The Seed of the Serpent vs. the Seed of the Woman

• Ferguson draws attention to the theme of opposition: after the flood, the conflict between the "seed of the serpent" and the "seed of the woman" resurfaces (“Remember the story of the Tower of Babel?”), with humanity again rebelling collectively against God's authority.
• God intervenes by dispersing and confusing the languages at Babel, preserving a remnant.
  • [02:00–03:15]

Continuity Through Genealogies and the Call of Abram

• Even when it appears the “seed of the serpent has almost annihilated any faithful seed of the woman,” God’s providential hand moves through history, as seen in the genealogy from Shem to Terah (Genesis 11).
• Ferguson poetically likens God to "watching a moving dot on the screen of history," strategically guiding events toward Abram.
• Through Abram, God introduces another pivotal covenant, establishing him as the bearer of the promise: "in … his seed, all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
  • [03:15–05:00]

The Blessing-Curse Dynamic in God’s Covenants

• The “bless” in God’s covenant with Abraham signifies more than material prosperity: it’s a “covenant word.” Ferguson is emphatic that whenever terms like “blessing” or “cursing” appear, “God’s covenant is in action and that he’s been faithful to his commitment.”
  • [05:00–06:10]

Abraham’s Covenant: Signs, Substance, and Justification by Faith

• Ferguson examines the specifics of the covenant with Abraham: the promise of land and circumcision—described as “appendices” or “confirmations,” not its essence.
• He references Paul’s teaching in Romans 4, pointing out circumcision as a “seal of the righteousness … by faith while he was still uncircumcised”—salvation is by faith, not ritual or heritage.
• The true heart of the covenant is the righteous relationship with God established through faith.
  • [06:10–07:50]

God’s Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness

• Ferguson concludes with reassurance: “He’s a covenant keeping God as well as a covenant making God.”
• Even when it appears God has “completely lost sight of” or “forgotten” his promise, His faithfulness remains steadfast.
• Final encouragement: “God will never forget his covenant promise to us.”
  • [07:50–End]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God as the Author of History:

  "It’s very striking, actually, that when Noah emerges from the ark, the words that God speaks to him echo what God had said in the Garden of Eden and then to Adam."
  — Sinclair B. Ferguson, [01:25]

• On the Blessing within the Covenant:

  “We mustn’t ever minimize the significance of that word. Bless. It’s a covenant word. When God’s covenant is made, it leads to either blessing or cursing, salvation or condemnation.”
  — Sinclair B. Ferguson, [05:25]

• On Abraham’s Circumcision and Faith:

  “Abraham’s circumcision, the sign of this covenant, wasn’t a sign of a piece of land, but of the righteousness of faith.”
  — Sinclair B. Ferguson, [06:50]

• On God’s Faithfulness Despite Appearances:

  “Sometimes it must have looked as though he had completely lost sight of it or totally forgotten it, but he knew exactly what he was doing. He’s a covenant keeping God as well as a covenant making God.”
  — Sinclair B. Ferguson, [08:10]

• Parting Encouragement:

  “Let’s remember, God will never forget his covenant promise to us.”
  — Sinclair B. Ferguson, [08:40]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:08–02:00 – The original covenant of grace and Noah’s role in confirming it
• 02:00–03:15 – Post-flood struggles: Tower of Babel and ongoing opposition
• 03:15–05:00 – Genealogy from Shem to Abram: Divine guidance in history
• 05:00–06:10 – The meaning of blessing and the covenant’s dual outcomes
• 06:10–07:50 – Abrahamic covenant: signs, substance, and faith
• 07:50–End – God’s unwavering commitment and encouragement for listeners

Tone and Style

Ferguson’s style remains devotional, pastoral, and richly scriptural, inviting listeners to see the big picture of God’s covenant faithfulness while emphasizing personal encouragement and assurance in the Christian walk.