Key Verse: Genesis 15:6
"And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness."
Genesis 15 is one of the most significant chapters in the Bible because it establishes God’s covenant with Abram, a promise that ultimately leads to Jesus Christ. It is a chapter about faith, assurance, and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word.
Abram’s Doubt and God’s Assurance
At this point in his journey, Abram had seen God’s protection and provision. He had left his homeland, fought battles, and refused the riches of Sodom. But there was still one thing missing—the fulfillment of God’s promise of descendants.
God had promised in Genesis 12 that He would make Abram a great nation. But years had passed, and Abram and Sarai remained childless. He was getting older, and the reality of the situation weighed on him. In Genesis 15:2, Abram expresses his frustration:
"O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"
Abram had begun to think practically—maybe God’s promise would be fulfilled through his servant, since he had no biological son. But God reaffirms His promise in Genesis 15:4:
"This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir."
Then God takes Abram outside and tells him to look up at the stars. “Number the stars, if you are able to number them. So shall your offspring be.” (Genesis 15:5). This was a moment of divine reassurance.
Faith that is Counted as Righteousness
Genesis 15:6 is one of the most important verses in Scripture. It says, “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”
Abram had no proof, no evidence—just God’s word. Yet, he believed. This faith was not just intellectual agreement but deep trust in God’s character. He took God at His word, even though circumstances seemed impossible.
This verse is later quoted by Paul in Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23 to show that salvation has always been by faith, not works. Abram was not counted as righteous because of his actions but because he trusted God. This is the same faith we are called to have in Jesus Christ—believing not in what we can see, but in what God has promised.
The Covenant Ceremony – God’s Unbreakable Promise
After Abram expresses faith, God does something remarkable—He makes a formal covenant with him. In the ancient world, covenants were serious agreements, often sealed with the sacrifice of animals.
God instructs Abram to bring a heifer, a goat, a ram, a turtledove, and a pigeon. Abram cuts them in half and lays them on the ground. In that culture, two parties making a covenant would normally walk between the pieces of the sacrifice, signifying their commitment to the agreement. The message was clear: If I break this covenant, may I be like these animals—cut in half.
But something unexpected happens. Abram does not walk through the pieces—only God does.
Genesis 15:17 says, “Behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.” The fire and smoke represent God’s presence. This is a one-sided covenant. God is saying:
"I am making this promise to you, and I alone will ensure it is fulfilled. Even if you fail, I will remain faithful."
This is pure grace. It shows that God’s promises do not depend on human effort but on His unchanging character.
The Prophecy of Future Struggles
After making the covenant, God gives a prophecy about Abram’s descendants. He reveals that they will be enslaved in a foreign land for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). This is a prophecy of Israel’s time in Egypt before the Exodus. But God also promises deliverance—He will judge their oppressors and bring them out with great possessions.
This prophecy teaches us that God’s promises don’t always come immediately. There may be seasons of waiting, hardship, and trials, but God is still faithful.
Lessons from Genesis 15
Faith is trusting in God even when we don’t see results. Abram had no evidence of God’s promise, but he believed anyway. This is the kind of faith that pleases God.
Righteousness comes through faith, not works. Abram was counted righteous before he did anything. This shows that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not by earning it.
God’s promises are secured by His character, not our performance. The covenant was one-sided—God alone took responsibility for its fulfillment. We can trust that His promises to us will never fail.
Waiting does not mean God has forgotten. Abram waited years for his promise. Israel waited 400 years in Egypt. God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels slow.
Jesus fulfills this covenant. Just as God walked alone through the sacrifice, Jesus took our place on the cross to fulfill God’s promise of salvation. His blood sealed the new covenant, guaranteeing eternal life to all who believe.
Are We Trusting in God’s Promises?
Abram had a choice—to focus on his circumstances or to trust in what God had said. He chose faith, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Today, we have the same choice. Will we trust God’s promises even when we don’t see immediate results? Will we believe that He is working, even in the waiting?
God’s covenant with Abram was not just for him—it was for us. Through Jesus, we are part of that promise, grafted into God’s family.
Like Abram, we are called to trust God’s word, walk by faith, and believe that His plans for us are good—even when we can’t see the full picture yet.
Comments