Children of Abraham

“Father Abraham had many sons

Many sons had Father Abraham

I am one of them, and so are you

So let’s all praise the Lord.”

These lyrics come from a classic children's hymn. But we should not assume that just because it’s for children, it lacks theological depth. In this simple song, we discover that the promises to Abraham are promises given to us. This song is deeply biblical and provides encouragement to all who are following Christ.

In Genesis 12:1–3, Abraham was promised geography—the borders of Canaan; genealogy—the multiplication of offspring; and God’s blessing—specifically, the blessing of relationship and the presence of God. But these promises ultimately find their fulfillment in Jesus and all who follow Him by faith. The New Testament affirms this repeatedly.

For instance, the Book of Hebrews tells us that we ought to understand that the promised geography goes beyond the borders of Canaan and looks forward to a new creation. Hebrews 11:10 tells us that Abraham was “looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” Romans 4:13 clarifies that the promise to Abraham was “that he would be heir of the world.” This teaching comes right from Jesus; all who follow Him in meekness will also inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

Also, consider that the promise of genealogy is ultimately spiritual rather than physical. This is how you and I can be called sons of Abraham without being direct descendants of Abraham. Galatians 3:7 says it clearly, “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.” Because the promise to Abraham was a promise of a specific Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (see Galatians 3:16, Matthew 1:1). Jesus is the promised Son of Abraham, and all who are united with Him by faith may also be called sons of Abraham. We can rightly claim the promises to Abraham as our own because they were first promised to Christ. All God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Finally, we enjoy the promise of God's presence and blessing through Jesus. Galatians 3 ties these realities together. In the promises of Genesis 12, God was “preaching the gospel beforehand to Abraham” (Galatians 3:8). Just like Abraham, we are justified by faith (Galatians 3:6; Romans 4:4-5). To be justified means to be declared righteous before God–to have our sins forgiven and not counted against us (Romans 4:6-8). This blessing comes by faith alone, apart from works. In Jesus, sons of Abraham can enjoy the blessings of Abraham, including “the promised Holy Spirit,” who permanently indwells all believers (Galatians 3:14).

In Christ, you are a member of God's New Covenant people made up of Jew and Gentile, growing together into a glorious temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:11-22). In light of this, we are called to live as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession (1 Peter 2:9-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). As the church, we are the promised nation of Abraham. The question is: are we living like it?

Father Abraham had many sons. Many sons had Father Abraham. All who are in Christ are one too. May we praise the Lord for that!