Why is Abraham's example of faith still applicable to New Testament believers?
Paul, by inspiration, uses Abraham as an example of faith, and that example remains appropriate for New Testament believers even though Abraham belongs to the Old Testament program. The context contrasts Israel’s earthly promises with the Church’s heavenly promises, yet Abraham’s faith is still applied to Church Age believers.
Les explains that everything connected with the nation of Israel is earthly, while everything connected with the Body of Christ, the Church, or Grace Age believers is heavenly. Yet Paul, by inspiration, uses Abraham as an example of faith, and Les says that example is still appropriate for New Testament believers even though Abraham is part of the Old Testament program. He notes there is no problem with Abraham being the father of the Jewish people genetically through Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve sons. The question of how Church Age believers are connected to Abraham, where Scripture calls them children of Abraham, is raised, and Les says he hopes to show it. After the Abrahamic covenant in chapter 12, God promises a nation of people, a geographical area of land, and a future government.