Genesis 15:1-6

In the journey of Abram’s faith there are two monumental events that are most critical to our understanding of faith.  The first is here, immediately after Abrams encounter with Melchizedek, the one who speaks so strongly of the Lord Jesus Christ.

After the deliverance of Lot, God comes to Abram with words of reassurance (v1).  God makes it clear that He will do for Abram all that He has said.  He will be his shield and great reward.

These words provide the setting for Abram to express a nagging doubt.  Abram was 75 years old when he first came to Canaan (12:4); Sarai is 10 years younger, and is barren.  Abram’s question is obvious: God, if you are going to give me descendants you have to start with one, and I have none, and we are too old to start now!  To quote Paul, Abram considered himself to be as good as dead (Rom. 4:19).

God is neither surprised nor offended by Abram’s question.  His answer is most interesting.  He does not immediately heal Sarai’s womb.  He does not tell Abram to go home and try again.  He simply gives Abram His word.  He takes Abram out of his tent of limitations and shows him the darkened sky.  Without explanation of when or how, God in essence repeats: I will give you a son!

It is at this point that God says what only God knows: Abram believed and it was accounted to him as righteousness.  Only God knew the heart of Abram.  He tells us that Abram’s faith at this point made him righteous before God.  The apostle Paul would make it clear that this accounting was to be the great transaction whereby the sin of the believer was applied to Christ’s account and the righteousness of Christ was applied to the believer’s account.  (2 Cor 5:21; Romans 4)

Why is it only now that we are told that Abram’s faith justified him before God?  What about his earlier expressions of faith?  It is because now Abram’s faith is in Christ.  The issue of faith is the Son.  The justifying issue is not the land or the greatness of Abram’s name; it is the son through whom God’s salvation will come.  God says I will give you a son.  Abram affirms God’s word: Amen! It is true.  Rom. 4 (esp. vs. 3-5) is built entirely around Gen. 15:6.  Friend, this is for you and for all mankind.  The issue of faith is the Son.  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. (Acts 16:31; John 1:12)  Will you affirm Christ by faith as Abram did?