The land (vv. 8-21). At the beginning of Abraham’s pilgrimage, God said to him, “I will show thee” the land (12:1). Later He said, “I will give it unto thee” (13:15-17). But now His word is, “To your descendants I have given this land” (15:18 nasb). God’s covenant made it a settled matter: The land belongs to Abraham’s descendants through Isaac.

Solomon exercised dominion over a vast area (1 Kings 4:21; Ps. 72:8), but Israel did not possess all that land. The kings merely acknowledged Solomon’s sovereignty and paid tribute to him. When Jesus Christ reigns from the throne of David (Matt. 19:28; Luke 1:32), the land of Israel will reach the full dimensions promised by God.

God’s covenant with Abraham stands no matter what Israel believes. The covenant is unconditional; its fulfillment does not depend on man’s faith or faithfulness. In like manner, the new covenant established by Jesus Christ is dependable whether people accept it or not. Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ enter into that covenant and receive eternal salvation (Heb. 5:9; 9:12), an eternal inheritance (9:15), and eternal glory (1 Peter 5:10).

When Abraham was concerned about himself, God assured him by saying, “I AM!” When he was concerned about his heir, he heard God say, “I will!” His concern about the land was met by God’s, “I have given!”

In Jesus Christ, God gives those same assurances to His people today.

Abraham believed God.

Do you believe?

(For a more detailed study of Galatians 3, see Be Free. Romans 4 is explained in Be Right. The subject of faith and works in James 2 is dealt with in Be Mature. These titles are published by David C. Cook.)

Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion

1. The faith that conquers fear is faith in the Word, not faith in feelings.” Do you agree? Why?
2. What do you think Wiersbe means when he says that our lives are only as big as our faith?
3. What is the difference between the protection and provision that the world promises and that God promises?
4. God’s will must be fulfilled in God’s way and in God’s time.” Why is this sometimes a difficult concept for Christians to accept?
5. Why is Genesis 15:6 such an important verse in the Bible?
6. What is righteousness, and why do we need it so much?
7. How do we get righteousness?
8. In the “cutting of the covenant” ritual in Genesis 15:9-17, why was it significant that only God passed between the parts of the sacrifice?
9. What biblical promises do you find yourself often taking comfort in? Why those?