The Blessing of Abraham is often discussed during Sunday morning worship. Christians love Abraham. He’s the father of our faith. We, according to the book of Galatians, have been imbued with the blessing of Abraham. Unfortunately, the blessing of Abraham has presented some theological challenges in a few denominations or fellowship groups.
What is the blessing of Abraham?
The blessing of Abraham is a covenant privilege. It grants believers freedom from attempting to earn salvation. Justification comes from the completed work of Christ. This blessing is about salvation by faith through grace. Money is not its purpose.
Galatians 3:13-14 (ESV) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Redeemed From The Curse Of The Law
The curse of The Law is found in Deuteronomy 28:15 – 68. The curses are BRUTAL! They include sickness, affliction, ruin, destruction, diseases, confusion, frustration, pestilence, and much, much more.
Poverty is one component of the curse of the law. It’s way more than money issues, though. Whittling down the curse of the law to health and wealth matters is short-sighted at best.
God required the Hebrews to keep the law perfectly. The Israelites, much like many of us, thought that keeping the law was actually possible. They were willing to stack their acts of kindness and mercy up against their wretchedness and sinful nature. Little did they understand that God does not grade on a curve. One strike and we’re out.
James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
The Curse of the Law is not only the negative effects of disobedience. It’s also an impossible obligation to keep a set of rules with zero deviation. Sure, there are consequences to sin. The wages of sin are death. Even our most noble acts of kindness are tainted with sin.
Perfectly keeping the law was impossible for everyone except Jesus of Nazareth.
Redemption from the curse of the law is freedom from the requirement to accomplish the impossible.
Believers still must contend with the effects of the fall. Financial frustration does not magically disappear because of Jesus. Redemption from the curse of the law doesn’t free us from pain and suffering. It frees us from believing that we can save ourselves through good works.
What Is The Blessing of Abraham?
Genesis 12:1 (NIV) The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
God instructed Abram to move to a new city.
Genesis 12:2 (NIV) I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
God rewarded Abram’s obedience. There was a monetary blessing tied to obedience. The Bible clearly states that Abram was wealthy (Genesis 13:2). There was way more to the blessing than silver and gold, though.
Genesis 12:3 (NIV) I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
All of the peoples of the earth shall be blessed through Abram. This is much more than a financial blessing. Plus, Moses and Jesus both let us know that there would always be poor people.
What then is the awesome blessing?
Abraham Believed God
Romans 4:1-3 (NIV) What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Abraham modeled faith in God. God credited righteousness to Abraham. What did Abraham do? He believed. This crediting of righteousness happened before the law and even before Abraham’s circumcision.
It’s proof that God is just and that He is the justifier of the person with faith (Romans 3:26). God doesn’t need or require our help when it comes to salvation (or anything). Jesus paid it all.
Here’s an article with some awesome Good News Quotes.
Is The Blessing of Abraham About Money
Abraham was rich. Isaac was wealthy. Even Jacob was rich. Wealth might be an ancillary benefit — but it’s not the primary or even secondary benefit.
The 28th chapter of Deuteronomy should scare the wits out of anyone who reads it. It starts off sounding like a great deal. Blessing in the city and blessing in the country — yes, please! Profitable business, healthy families, and bumper crops! Sure, sign me up!
This risk is much greater than the potential reward, though.
The only honest response to this chapter (and part of the 29th) is “THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE!”
That’s exactly what the Rich Young Ruler should have told Jesus.
The blessing of Abraham is about salvation by grace through faith. When money becomes a primary focus dangerous territory is being entered. God is not against wealth. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Boaz, Job, David, Solomon, and Joseph of Arimathea were all wealthy.
Misused Bible Verses
There are hundreds of legitimate Bible verses that help us become savvy stewards. Misinterpreting, manipulating, and shoehorning verses like Galatians 3:13-14 and Jeremiah 29:11 is unnecessary. Here’s a link to one of my articles about Misused Bible Verses — it happens way too often.
We should pursue God. Savvy stewardship is essential as we all want to hear “Well done” from Jesus. However, the results will be different for all of us. We simply need to maximize God’s resources and be faithful in the little things (Luke 16:10-12). If that results in grand riches so be it. We’re called to be obedient and faithful to our master.
Resist the spirit of mammon and greed.
Enjoy the Blessing of Abraham!
Far too many Christian families consistently experience financial frustration. Tim provides simple strategies that inspire savvy stewardship through books, courses, articles, YouTube, and live events.