“So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” (Galatians 3:9, NKJV). What is this blessing of Abraham?
James tells us, “And the scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God” (James 2:23). Abraham believed that he was in right standing with God, even though he was still being sanctified.
Beloved, the blessing of Abraham is the knowledge that we are justified by faith. “That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:14).
This blessing spoken of is the knowledge that Jesus paid with his blood to blot out all our sins. The Father credits Jesus’s own righteousness to us, and we are made right in his eyes. We do not have to try to work to earn God’s favor. Instead, we are to trust and believe in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Even though we still struggle, we have right standing with him as we continue in faith and repentance.
David understood this and was able to enjoy the blessing of Abraham. “Just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin’’” (Romans 4:6-8).
As we are blessed by God with the blessing of Abraham, our faith begins to expand. Soon we see and believe that the same Christ who justifies us gives us power to overcome sin. God says to us, “We are going to work on your holiness and sanctification, but you must understand that in the meantime, you are secure in me. You are my child, and I will keep you from falling.”
Has the blessing of Abraham fallen upon you yet? If you fully accept Christ’s righteousness by faith, then you are blessed along with faithful Abraham and David. Indeed, you are one of the most blessed people on earth.