Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7, KJV)
ABSTRACT
The article delves into the profound question of who qualifies as the true children of Abraham, emphasizing that spiritual inheritance hinges on faith and obedience rather than mere physical descent. Drawing from Christ’s teachings and scriptural truths, it examines Abraham’s legacy through character, the marks of faith and obedience, the fulfillment of divine promises in Christ, the call to be part of the faithful remnant, and the inclusive expression of God’s love. Insights from Ellen G. White illuminate these concepts, guiding the community to live as genuine heirs by aligning actions with God’s will, fostering unity and grace in our spiritual journey.
FAITH’S TRUE FAMILY!
Who are the true children of Abraham? This question challenges us to reflect on our faith and actions. Throughout history, many have claimed descent from Abraham, but Christ’s teachings and scripture reveal that spiritual inheritance is determined not by bloodline but by faith and obedience to God. Scripture reveals that the children of the flesh are not necessarily the children of God, but rather the children of the promise count as the seed. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed (Romans 9:8, KJV). Christ, as our Redeemer, declares that those of faith are indeed Abraham’s descendants. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also (Romans 4:11, KJV). Ellen G. White explains that all who through Christ become the children of faith are to be counted as Abraham’s seed; they are inheritors of the covenant promises; like Abraham, they are called to guard and make known to the world the law of God and the gospel of His Son (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 476, 1890). She further notes that the promise to Abraham included a posterity as numerous as the sand; the natural descendants of Abraham are innumerable; but in the Scriptures the word is applied also to the spiritual seed, Christ’s followers, who, by faith in him, are the children of Abraham (Signs of the Times, March 4, 1886). In this blog, we will explore the concept of spiritual lineage, using biblical principles and insights from Ellen G. White to examine what it means to be a true child of Abraham. The community finds its true identity in embracing this faith-based heritage. How do we embody Abraham’s legacy in our own lives?
ABRAHAM’S LEGACY REVEALED!
In John 8:39, Jesus addressed the Jews who claimed Abraham as their father, stating, “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham” (KJV). This profound statement shifts the focus from ancestry to character. Abraham’s legacy is not merely biological; it is spiritual, defined by faith and obedience. Revealing His truth clearly, Christ shows that genuine connection to Abraham comes through shared actions and trust. A mere lineal descent from Abraham was of no value. Without a spiritual connection with him…they were not his children (The Desire of Ages, p. 466). Scripture affirms this idea further as those led by God’s Spirit are His sons. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14, KJV). Clearly, the inward transformation defines true kinship. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13, KJV). Sr. White reinforces this by stating that the children of God are those who are partakers of His nature; it is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 75, 1896). She adds that those who are the children of Abraham will be seeking the city which Abraham looked for, whose builder and maker is God (The Faith I Live By, p. 297, 1958). The message is clear—true lineage is demonstrated by living a life of faith and trust in God. How do we, then, embody Abraham’s legacy? Are we living with the same spirit of obedience that he demonstrated when he left his homeland at God’s command? This question invites us to examine our actions and align our lives with God’s will. How does faith and obedience further define this spiritual mark?
FAITH AND OBEDIENCE UNMASKED!
Paul expands on this concept in Romans 2:28-29: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” The focus here is on the heart, where true transformation occurs. Descent from Abraham was proved…by likeness of character (The Desire of Ages, p. 466). Those who live by faith, regardless of ancestry, are Abraham’s spiritual children. This principle applies universally, transcending denominations and religious backgrounds. Whether we are Muslims, Buddhists, or Catholics, faith and obedience remain central to our spiritual standing. Scripture highlights this inward reality as faith makes the promise sure to all the seed. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all (Romans 4:16, KJV). Revealing the heart’s role, the psalmist declares a seed serving the Lord. A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation (Psalm 22:30, KJV). Sr. White echoes this, stating that genuine faith will be manifest in obedience (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 153, 1890). She elaborates that the claim to be the children of Abraham was made by showing a connection with him by descent, but the children of Abraham were those who imitated his works (Review and Herald, April 29, 1902). Are our hearts circumcised in spirit, reflecting humility and submission to God’s will? How are the promises to Abraham fulfilled through Christ in this context?
PROMISES IN CHRIST EXPLODED!
The promises made to Abraham find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Paul writes in Galatians 3:29, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (KJV). This truth underscores the inclusive nature of God’s covenant. If you reject Christ, you are not Abraham’s seed; therefore, you are not receiving the promise (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 232). Christ’s role as the Seed through whom all nations are blessed (Genesis 22:18) connects us to Abraham’s covenant. His life and sacrifice open the door for all who believe. Christ unites us as children through faith. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26, KJV). Clearly, we as Isaac’s kin are promise’s children. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise (Galatians 4:28, KJV). Sr. White elaborates that the Jews had prided themselves upon their God-given privileges; but they had failed to recognize their responsibility; they had abused their advantages; by their failure to do the work God had given them, they had forfeited their right to the name, children of Abraham (Review and Herald, April 29, 1902). She further states that the Saviour’s words, ‘Ye are the children of Abraham,’ pointed to the real condition of heirship; ‘If ye were Abraham’s children,’ He said, ‘ye would do the works of Abraham’ (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 10, 1878). Do we accept this gift of grace, embracing the faith that ties us to Abraham’s spiritual family? How does this relate to the call of the remnant today?
REMNANT’S MIGHTY CALL!
Romans 9:27 warns that only a remnant of Israel will be saved: “Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.” This sobering reality calls for introspection. The true children of Abraham would live, as he did, a life of obedience to God (The Desire of Ages, p. 466). The remnant represents those who remain faithful amidst widespread spiritual decline. This concept resonates in today’s world, where distractions and compromises abound. Are we part of this faithful remnant, living in accordance with God’s word? God counts the faithful in His registry. The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there (Psalm 87:6, KJV). Scripture warns against presuming ancestry alone suffices. And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham (Matthew 3:9, KJV). Sr. White explains that spiritual things are spiritually discerned, and his motives and actions were not comprehended by his idolatrous kindred (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 126, 1890). She adds that the Jewish people cherished the idea that they were the favorites of heaven, and that they were always to be exalted as the church of God; they were the children of Abraham, they declared, and so firm did the foundation of their prosperity seem to them that they defied earth and heaven to dispossess them of their rights; but by lives far departing from His purpose, they were educating themselves in the service of Satan (Prophets and Kings, p. 709, 1917). The community must heed this call to faithfulness. How does God’s love manifest in this spiritual lineage?
GOD’S LOVE IN LINEAGE!
The concept of being Abraham’s spiritual children reflects God’s love in profound ways. By extending His promises beyond lineage to those who embrace faith, God shows inclusivity and grace. As Ellen G. White writes, “God’s love reaches all who, by faith, are united with Him” (Steps to Christ, p. 72). This inclusivity ensures that no one is excluded based on background or past mistakes. Christ’s sacrifice exemplifies this love. His death on the cross broke down barriers, uniting the community under one spiritual family. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1, KJV). Revealing divine adoption, neither ancestry nor human will defines it. Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called (Romans 9:7, KJV). Sr. White writes that of Abraham it is written that he was called the friend of God, the father of all them that believe, and that he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 140, 1973). She further notes that God designed that Abraham should be a channel of light and blessing, that he should have a gathering influence, and that God should have a people on the earth; Abraham was to be in the world, reflecting by his life and character the character of God, but he was not to be of the world (Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 253, 1995). Are we embodying this love in our lives, extending grace and acceptance to others? How can we live as true children reflecting this love?
FINAL FAITH ADVENTURE!
Being a true child of Abraham is a spiritual journey defined by faith, obedience, and love. It is not about ancestry or tradition but about living a life aligned with God’s will. Christ’s teachings and sacrifice remind us of the universal nature of God’s promises. As we reflect on our spiritual inheritance, let us strive to do the works of Abraham, walking by faith and embracing God’s boundless love. The question remains: Are we living as true children of Abraham, reflecting God’s love to the world? The choice is ours.
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SELF-REFLECTION
How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths about spiritual inheritance from Abraham, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?
How can we adapt these themes of faith and obedience as Abraham’s true heirs to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned community members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?
What are the most common misconceptions about being spiritual children of Abraham in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?
In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of faith as Abraham’s seed and God’s inclusive love?
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