What did Abraham do to be saved — did he need sacrifices, circumcision, or the Law?
Abraham was saved by faith plus nothing. He did not bring sacrifices for salvation, was not circumcised beforehand to obtain it, and was not under the Law. What did he do to merit salvation? He believed God, and that was all. This makes him the first to be saved by faith plus nothing.
Les explains that Abraham was saved by faith plus nothing. He asks whether Abraham brought sacrifices for salvation, was circumcised before he could have salvation, or was under the Law; the answer to each is no. Abraham simply believed God. Les notes this occurred around 2000 B.C., and immediately afterward sacrifices came in again. In the age of grace, salvation is likewise by faith plus nothing. This ties believers to Abraham spiritually, not through earthly progeny, so they become heirs of the promises and children of Abraham only in the spiritual realm.