Why is Abraham a valid example of faith for 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. Though Israel's promises are earthly and the Body of Christ's are heavenly, Abraham's faith example still instructs Church Age believers.
Les explains that there are two anti-climactic principles: everything connected with the nation of Israel is earthly, while everything connected with the Body of Christ, or Grace Age believers, is heavenly. Even so, Paul by inspiration uses Abraham as an example of faith, and Les says that example remains appropriate for New Testament believers even though Abraham is part of the Old Testament program. Abraham is also the father of the Jewish people genetically through Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve sons, and the question arises how Church Age believers are connected to Abraham where Scripture calls them children of Abraham; Les indicates he hopes to show it. After the Abrahamic covenant in chapter 12, God promises a nation of people, a geographical area of land, and one day a government.