Why Did Abram Believe God, and What Was the Result?
Introduction
Genesis 15 is one of the most theologically important chapters in Scripture, containing the moment when Abram’s belief in God is explicitly identified as faith, and when God counts that faith as righteousness. This foundational truth shapes the biblical understanding of salvation, covenant, and the nature of trusting God. Understanding why Abram believed and what resulted from his faith helps illuminate the core of biblical faith.
1. Why Did Abram Believe God?
1. Abram Believed Because God Had Proven Himself Faithful
Abram’s faith was not blind or baseless. He had already experienced God’s reliability through:
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God’s call and guidance (Genesis 12:1–4)
Abram left his homeland based solely on God’s promise, and God guided him safely. -
God’s protection in Egypt (Genesis 12:17–20)
Despite Abram’s failure, God intervened and preserved him and Sarai. -
God’s blessing in battle (Genesis 14)
Abram overcame powerful kings with only 318 men—an outcome possible only by God’s help.
These experiences built a history of trust that made Abram confident that God’s word was sure.
2. Abram Believed Because God Made a Clear, Personal Promise
In Genesis 15:4–5, God speaks directly and personally:
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He assures Abram that a biological son would be his heir.
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He takes Abram outside and shows him the stars.
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He gives a vivid illustration: “So shall your descendants be.”
The combination of God’s personal presence, clear promise, and powerful imagery stirred trust in Abram’s heart.
3. Abram Believed Because God Is the Source of Faith
While Abram responded freely, the Bible teaches that faith ultimately comes from God:
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Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ.”
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Hebrews 11:6—Faith believes that God exists and rewards those who seek Him.
God’s word created belief in Abram. Abram trusted because he encountered a trustworthy God.
4. Abram Believed Because He Looked Beyond Human Limitations
Humanly, the promise of a son was impossible:
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Abram was old.
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Sarai was barren.
But faith considers God, not circumstances. Romans 4:19–21 explains that Abram:
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Faced the facts honestly.
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Did not waver through unbelief.
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Was fully persuaded that God could do what He promised.
His faith was grounded not in human possibility but in divine power.
2. What Was the Result of Abram’s Belief? (Genesis 15:6)
1. God Counted Abram’s Faith as Righteousness
“And he believed the LORD, and He counted it to him as righteousness.” — Genesis 15:6
This is one of the most important verses in the Bible. Its results include:
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Abram was declared righteous not by works, not by law, not by rituals, but by faith.
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This became the foundation for the doctrine of justification by faith, later echoed in Romans, Galatians, and James.
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Abram became the pattern and model for how all people are made right with God.
2. Abram Entered Into a Covenant Relationship With God
Abram’s faith led God to formalize His promises through a covenant ceremony (Genesis 15:7–21). This covenant guaranteed:
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The promise of offspring
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The promise of land
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The promise of future nationhood
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God’s long-term plan for redemption through Abram’s seed
Faith opened the door for deeper relationship and divine commitment.
3. Abram Became the Father of All Who Live by Faith
The New Testament repeatedly returns to Abram’s faith:
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Romans 4 says believers are Abram’s children because they share his faith.
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Galatians 3:7 says, “Those who have faith are children of Abraham.”
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Hebrews 11 lists him as a pillar of faith.
His response became the template for the faith of future generations.
4. The Promised Blessing to the Nations Was Set in Motion
God had earlier promised, “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Abram’s faith became the channel for that blessing because:
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His lineage would produce Israel.
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Israel would give the world God’s Word.
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Ultimately, the Messiah—Jesus Christ, the Son of Abraham—would come.
Abram’s belief laid the foundation for God’s plan of salvation through Christ.
Conclusion
Abram believed God because He had proven Himself faithful, made clear promises, inspired faith through His word, and showed that His power surpassed human limitations. The result of Abram’s belief was profound: he was declared righteous by faith, entered a covenant relationship with God, became the father of those who believe, and set the stage for the world’s redemption through Christ.