Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. (NIV)

Today's reading is an excellent opportunity for a brief recap of one of the most profound acts of faith in the Bible. The story starts in Genesis chapter 12. God calls Abram and his wife Sarai, who was unable to conceive children, to relocate to a place God had not yet revealed and promises that from Abram a great nation will follow. Abram was obedient and moved but doubted about fathering nations, as in chapter 15 Abram needed reassurance from God. So God reassured Abraham of His covenant, promising descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. God even gave Abram a land to settle in because Abram had some doubts about that, too.

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Through all this time, Sarai remained barren. She despaired at one point, and in chapter 16, she gave her maidservant, Hagar, to Abram and from this one-time union, a son, Ishmael, was born. Not surprisingly, the family dynamic quickly got messy with jealousy and years of strife. Meanwhile, Abram and Sarai continued to wait upon the Lord.

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For 25 total years they waited. Finally, in chapter 17, when Abram was 99 and Sarai was 90, well past child-rearing years, the Lord fulfilled his covenant and Sarai became pregnant. Also at this time, God renamed Abram to Abraham, meaning “father of multitudes.” Sarai was renamed Sarah, meaning “mother of nations.”

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A few epic adventures occurred during the time Sarah was pregnant, but in chapter 21, a son, Isaac, was born. The abrasive relationship between Sarah and Hagar worsened and though Abraham loved Ishmael, Hagar and Ishmael were sent away. At Abraham's request, God blessed Ishmael and made him into a great nation, but God's covenant was through Isaac.

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While Isaac was still a boy, God commanded Abraham in chapter 22 to offer Isaac to the Lord as a sacrifice. Abraham was obedient and traveled with Isaac to the place of sacrifice, a three-day journey. Isaac figured out what was going to happen but obediently submitted as Abraham faithfully prepared to sacrifice his son. Just as he was about to do so, God stayed his hand and provided a ram snared in a thicket as a substitute. The test fulfilled, Abraham called the place of sacrifice, “The Lord will Provide.”

So, back to today's verse. This story of Abraham was passed on for generations until one day, the Apostle Paul emphasized the faith of Abraham to make a point while writing a letter to the church in Rome. The “promise” as referenced here is the promise of salvation, and salvation comes through faith. It's that simple.

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Now, you might be thinking you don't have the “faith of Abraham.” I for one, can't imagine sacrificing my own son. But God in His wisdom put forth such a test to accomplish two things. First, to show that perfect faith is not a requirement. Though Abraham is renowned for his faith, he had his doubts. Abraham's and Sarah's doubts made a mess of God's covenant, but God used the mess to hone Abraham's faith. Second, it foreshadows exactly what you are to have faith in. Many years after Abraham, God's son, Jesus, would be sacrificed on the cross. This was a gift freely given so that you can be saved. Other than professing your faith, there is nothing you can do to earn your salvation. You are promised eternity with the Father if you simply have faith. The grace of our Lord is so vast that you don't even need to have perfect faith, just as Abraham didn't have perfect faith. Thousands of years after Abraham, God's covenant continues to this day. As Paul puts it, “he is the father of us all.” Simply have faith, and you are saved.

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This simple tenet of Christianity can be summed up with this simple poem:

Lord my God your grace divine

Upon my face, with warmth it shines

How much more that I am saved

I earned it not, You freely gave

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Your life will forever change when you put your faith in the Creator of the Universe. He deeply desires an eternal relationship with you. Are you feeling called to commit or rededicate your life to Jesus with a profession of faith? If so, please pray the following prayer with me:

Thank you, Lord, for the example of Abraham. In you, Lord, I declare my faith. I confess my sins before You and accept Your gift of grace. Your Son was made man, was crucified, died and was buried. He rose again, defeating death, and reigns forever at Your right hand. He that was without sin paid in full the price of my sin so that I may join You for eternity. Please shine Your face upon me and draw me closer to You. Amen.