Who are sons of Abraham?
Just as Jesus is the definitive son of Abraham, so the New Testament is clear who the sons of Abraham are. The New Testament teaches that the true children of Abraham are those Jews and Gentiles who share his faith in God, which is now expressed through a love and belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The Apostle Paul is particularly clear on this topic, explaining that faith, not physical descent, is the basis for being counted among Abraham's children.
“Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7
“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29
In Galatians 3:26–28, the verses leading up to this point, Paul emphasises that in Christ there is no distinctions:
"Jew or Gentile, neither slave nor free...for you are all one in Christ Jesus".
All are made sons of God through faith in Jesus the Son of God..
Elsewhere Paul uses Abraham as an example, showing that God counted his faith as righteousness before he was circumcised. This made Abraham the father of all who believe, both circumcised (Jews) and uncircumcised (Gentiles), solidifying the idea that faith is the link to Abraham, it is not an outward ritual or physical lineage (Romans 4:11–12).
Later Paul explicitly states that:
“It is not the children of the flesh who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.” Romans 9:6–8
Jesus himself makes this distinction clear when confronting religious leaders who rely on their heritage. When some Jews asserted that "Abraham is our father," Jesus corrected them by saying,
“If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did.” John 8:39–44
Jesus contrasts Abraham's faith-filled obedience with the Jews sinful desire to kill him, a clear sign that they did not share Abraham's spiritual parentage. Jesus then states,
“If God were your Father, you would love me,” John 8:42
The New Testament shows that love for Jesus is the natural outcome and evidence of that saving faith. Jesus: said
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John 14:21
John repeats this:
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.” 1 John 5:1
According to the New Testament, being a "son of Abraham" has a spiritual meaning. It is no longer a matter of physical bloodlines but of sharing Abraham's defining characteristic, a real personal faith in God. This faith is in Jesus, the Son of God, love for Jesus is evidence of that faith and ensures a person’s place in God's family.
BVP
