“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him” (Genesis 18:19). God made a covenant with Abraham. In that covenant, God made specific promises if he would keep his part of the covenant. Abraham’s part was to walk before God and be perfect (Genesis 17:1), and to circumcise every male child born in his house (Genesis 17:10-13). God promised Abraham:
*His seed would be as sands of the sea. (From whom did physical Israel descend?)
*He would inherit the new heaven and new earth. (Who is there to comfort those faithful who die?)
*God would give him Canaan to inherit. (His son Isaac was part of that promise. What land did Abraham’s descendants claim?)
*He would be the father of many nations. (Most nations in Hebrew history come from Abraham.) What was Abraham’s Influence for Good?
*Abraham was a great influence on his children — so much so that God identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 17:1-4; Exodus 3:6, 15-17; 4:5; 1 Kings 18:36; 1 Chronicles 29:18; 2 Chronicles 30:6).
*Abraham’s marvelous faith pleased God to the point that God chose him to be the father of all of His faithful children (Romans 4:12).
*God gave Abraham a test so that he would become an even greater influence on his spiritual children (Romans 4:11 – that he might become the father of all that believe).
*God gave Abraham a second test so that he would become the father (and example) of many nations (Romans 4:17).
*God wrote of Abraham’s faithfulness so that he would be a great influence on all of his children in patiently enduring in order to inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12-15).
*God gave Abraham a third test, which caused God to give Abraham the distinction of being the only one who is called God’s friend (James 2:23). *Hence, Abraham’s faithfulness caused God to call him “faithful Abraham” (Galatians 3:9).
*Therefore, he is called the father of all of God’s children – “the father of us all” (Romans 4:16).
*Abraham was then given the distinction of being joint heirs with Christ in inheriting the new heaven and earth (Romans 4:13; Galatians 3:16).
*All who inherit will inherit through Abraham as their father (Galatians 3:29).
