Genesis 15:6
Memory Verse
And he was caused to believe in the LORD, and He accounted righteousness to him (Genesis 15:6).
Following his victory over the king who sacked Sodom, Abram receives a vision from God (Genesis 15:1). In response, Abram questions what God will give him since he remains childless, and his steward Eliezer is set to inherit (Genesis 15:2). The LORD assures Abram that he will have his own offspring and promises descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:3–4). At this pivotal moment, Abram is caused to believe the LORD, and this belief is reckoned to him as righteousness.
In Romans chapter 4, Paul references this event when discussing how a person is justified before God. Abraham was not justified by his works; had he been, he would have cause to boast before God (Romans 4:2). Instead, as Scripture states, Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him unto righteousness (Romans 4:3). Paul emphasizes that this was written for us, teaching that those who believe Christ was raised from the dead are also imputed righteousness (Romans 4:23–24).
After saving Abram, God gives him a covenant of land for his descendants. While making the covenant, Abram is also informed that his seed will serve another nation for four hundred years (Genesis 15:13). God promises to deliver them, judge the nation, and ensure they depart with great possessions (Genesis 15:14). Abram is assured he will live to a good old age and go to his fathers in peace (Genesis 15:15). The LORD then gives Abram an unconditional covenant, specifying the land He will give to Abram: from the river of Egypt (the Nile) to the great Euphrates (Genesis 15:18–21).
Looking forward, although Israel entered the promised land as God had declared, they have yet to possess the entire territory because of their own unbelief and hardness of heart. Nevertheless, God’s faithfulness to His promises remains. The covenant will ultimately be fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom, when Christ reigns, and Israel takes full possession of the land (Ezekiel 37:24–25).