Abraham's Children

[I]t is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of promise. . . . (Rom. 9:8 NIV)

Scripture tells us Abraham had children. Not one child, but children. Isaac was born as a result of Abraham's faith and obedience, but there was also Ishmael, son of Abraham and Hagar. (Gen. 16) And after Sarah died, Abraham married Keturah who gave birth to six children. (Gen. 25) But only Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, was a child of promise. The other children were loved and they received gifts, but did not receive an inheritance.

This seems tragic when we focus on Ishmael and on the children of Keturah—until we remember no one receives the blessing of Abraham according to natural heritage. A spiritual heritage comes through faith. Even for those descended from Isaac.

Paul wrote, Consider Abraham: He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. (Gal. 3:6) Abraham was not righteous in and of himself. No one is. But Abraham believed the God who met with him and spoke to him. God asks the same of us. Then we become children of promise and then we receive our inheritance.

Originally published April 1, 1983.