| Offspring |
Explanation |
Examples |
| Natural, physical offspring |
Physical descendants of Abraham |
Ishmael, Isaac, the sons of Keturah (and by extension Esau, Jacob, etc.) |
| Natural, yet special offspring |
Physical descendants of Abraham especially tied to God’s elective and saving purposes |
Isaac (by extension Jacob and the entire nation of Israel) |
| Promised offspring |
The true, unique offspring of Abraham |
A distinctive line of offspring, starting earlier with Seth and continuing through Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Israel, and David, culminating in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:16) |
| Spiritual offspring |
Those united with Christ (the promised offspring) |
Jews and Gentiles who trust in the Messiah |