|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|