Being a son of Abraham is an important concept in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. It refers to those who share in the faith of Abraham and are part of the covenant God made with him. Here is an overview of what it means biblically to be a son of Abraham:
1. It means having faith like Abraham
Abraham is held up as the prime example of one who had faith in God. God called Abraham to leave his home and go to a new land, and Abraham trusted and obeyed God even when he did not know all the details (Hebrews 11:8-10). Abraham’s faith in God was ultimately proved genuine when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac at God’s command (Genesis 22). So those who have a genuine, trusting faith like Abraham can be said to be his spiritual children or offspring.
Paul writes about this in Galatians 3:7 – “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.” He goes on to explain that the promise God gave to Abraham was fulfilled in Christ and is received by faith, not by works of the law (Galatians 3:14-22). So everyone who believes in Jesus for salvation is exhibiting the kind of faith Abraham had. In this sense, they can be called “sons of Abraham.”
2. It means being included in the Abrahamic covenant
God’s covenant with Abraham was an unconditional promise to bless him and make him into a great nation, through which all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). Part of this covenant was the promise that Abraham’s descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21). They would be God’s chosen people, set apart for His purposes.
Paul explains that in Christ, this covenant has been expanded to include those who are not Abraham’s physical descendants. Because of Jesus’ work, even Gentiles can now be “grafted in” to the promises made to Abraham (Romans 11:11-24). All those who put faith in Jesus are considered heirs of the Abrahamic covenant. As Romans 4:16-17 says, “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring – not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham.”
3. It means being part of Abraham’s spiritual family
Because of Abraham’s great faith, all who share in that same kind of faith are considered his spiritual children. Galatians 3:29 says, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Everyone who belongs to Christ through faith is part of Abraham’s family.
Jesus himself said Abraham rejoiced to see His day and was glad (John 8:56). All true believers look forward to Christ’s coming and have a hope like Abraham’s. And those who have the same heavenly hope are his spiritual descendants, whether they are Jewish or Gentile.
4. It brings responsibility to live rightly
Being called a son of Abraham implies a responsibility to live in obedience to God as Abraham did. Galatians 3:7 says “those of faith are the sons of Abraham,” implying faithful obedience should follow. Romans 4:12 also connects this sonship to those who “walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had.” As children of Abraham, we must live out the obedient faith he modeled.
Jesus said to some Jewish religious leaders who boasted of being Abraham’s children, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did” (John 8:39). So being a true son of Abraham involves ACTION – obeying God, doing good works, and walking in holiness as Abraham did.
Of course, we can only do this by the power of Christ in us. But the desire to obedience should be there if we are truly sons of Abraham by faith.
5. It results in blessing for all people
God’s ultimate purpose in the covenant with Abraham was that he would be a blessing to the world (Genesis 12:2-3). Part of the Abrahamic blessing is that all peoples on earth would find salvation in Jesus, Abraham’s ultimate descendant (Galatians 3:8). Because we are now sons of Abraham by faith, we inherit this mission to be a light to the nations and spread God’s blessing everywhere.
So being Abraham’s spiritual children should lead us to pray for peoples around the world, give generously, share the gospel, and call others to put their faith in Christ. We are blessed to be a blessing, as Abraham was.
6. It will end in a great heavenly reward
As heirs of the promises to Abraham, we can look forward to receiving the blessing of eternal life. Abraham lived as a sojourner on earth because he was looking for a heavenly country and city designed by God (Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16). All who are saved by faith like Abraham receive the promise of heavenly glory.
This hope of heaven motivates and sustains us, just as it did Abraham. He obeyed God in faith, believing God “who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist” (Romans 4:17). We who are Abraham’s children by faith have this same assurance of the resurrection and our eternal inheritance.
7. It requires persevering when trials come
Being a son of Abraham in faith means we will face trials as he did. Abraham persevered through times of testing and hardship (Hebrewus 11:17). But he emerged with greater faith, obedience, and hope.
As “sons” we should not be surprised by difficulties and should not give up when they come. Romans 5:3-5 says perseverance produces character and hope. James 1:12 says those who endure trials are blessed. So if we share in Abraham’s faith, we must share in the testing of that faith too. The trials will refine us and prove our sonship.
8. It means all believers are united in Christ
This idea of being sons of Abraham should eliminate any attitudes of racism, prejudice or superiority. As Galatians 3:28-29 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.”
Because we are all spiritual descendants of Abraham on the basis of faith, we are equal members of God’s family. There should be unity, acceptance and love between Christians of different ethnicities, economic status, and genders. The cross has removed those distinctions. We are one body in Christ.
9. It shows salvation is by grace alone through faith
The Bible’s teaching about salvation for the “sons of Abraham” demonstrates that is it completely by God’s grace through faith, and not human effort. As Romans 4:13-16 explains, the promise comes by faith so it can be received as an undeserved gift of God’s grace. Salvation does not come through the law or good deeds.
Abraham was not a perfect man; he sinned and doubted at times. But he trusted God, and God accepted his faith and credited it to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). We too are justified by faith, not works. Our sonship is possible only because of God’s free grace.
In summary, being a son of Abraham biblically means having faith in Christ as Abraham did, belonging to his spiritual family and sharing in the covenant promises. This should inspire us to live in a manner worthy of our calling as Abraham’s descendants.
