Faith, Law, and Grace: Abraham’s Legacy and Paul’s Theology

Faith is essential to following Jesus. Hebrews defines it as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Abraham, the father of faith, exemplifies this trust — not in vague belief, but in God’s specific promises. Despite his age and Sarah’s barrenness, Abraham believed God would give him descendants and land (Genesis 15:6). His faith was credited as righteousness before any religious works, showing that justification comes by grace, not law (Romans 4).

Abraham’s obedience — leaving his homeland (Genesis 12), trusting God’s promise, and even being willing to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) — revealed a faith rooted in God’s character. His actions weren’t about earning righteousness but living it out. Paul presents Abraham as the model for Jews and Gentiles alike: righteousness through faith, not law.

Paul teaches that the Law is holy and reveals sin, but it cannot save or transform. It served as a guide until Christ came (Galatians 3:24). While the Law exposes guilt, it lacks the power to overcome it. Salvation comes through faith in Christ, who redeems us from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:10).

Sanctification begins with grace, not effort. It’s a lifelong journey of transformation, empowered by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), renew their minds, and walk in holiness. Though the struggle with sin is real (Romans 7), grace leads us forward — not by performance, but by faith.