Galatians 3:7 – “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.”
Extended Explanation
Paul is continuing his argument that salvation comes by faith, not by following the Jewish law. In this verse, he makes a powerful statement—true children of Abraham are not those who are physically descended from him, but those who share his faith.
The Jewish people took great pride in being descendants of Abraham. They saw him as the father of their nation and believed that being physically related to him meant they had a special status before God. But Paul is turning that idea upside down. He is saying that Abraham’s real children are those who follow his example of faith, regardless of their ethnic background.
This would have been a shocking statement for many Jews at the time. They believed that to be a true child of Abraham, one had to follow the law of Moses. But Paul is showing that Abraham was declared righteous before the law was ever given. His righteousness came through faith alone. So, anyone—Jew or Gentile—who puts their faith in God, as Abraham did, is part of God’s true family.
Historical Context
The Jews in Paul’s time saw themselves as God’s chosen people because they were the physical descendants of Abraham. Many believed that their heritage guaranteed them a right standing with God. They also believed that following the law of Moses was necessary to maintain that status.
However, Paul is reminding them that Abraham was justified by faith long before the law was given (Genesis 15:6). This means that the key to being counted as one of Abraham’s true children is not physical descent or obedience to the law, but faith in God’s promises.
For the Galatians—many of whom were Gentiles—this was incredible news. It meant that they didn’t have to become Jewish or follow Jewish customs to be part of God’s family. Their faith in Christ made them just as much a part of Abraham’s family as any Jewish believer.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights one of the most important truths in Scripture: God’s family is made up of those who trust Him by faith, not those who rely on religious laws, traditions, or ancestry.
Paul is making it clear that salvation is open to everyone. A person’s background, nationality, or religious upbringing does not make them right with God—only faith does. This means that no one has an advantage before God based on their heritage. The only thing that matters is whether they have faith like Abraham.
This also reinforces the unity of believers. Whether Jew or Gentile, every person who trusts in Christ is part of the same spiritual family. There is no division between different groups in God’s kingdom—all who believe are children of Abraham and heirs of God’s promises.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s wording in this verse is simple but powerful. The phrase “Understand, then” signals that he is making an important conclusion. He is not just giving an opinion—he is stating a foundational truth.
The phrase “those who have faith” is crucial. Paul is emphasizing that faith, not ancestry or works, is what makes someone a child of Abraham.
By using the phrase “children of Abraham,” Paul is directly challenging the Jewish mindset. He is redefining what it means to belong to God’s chosen people. He is not saying that physical descent doesn’t matter at all, but that spiritual descent—following Abraham’s example of faith—is what truly matters in God’s eyes.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Abraham’s faith was the basis of his righteousness.)
- Romans 4:11-12 – “So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.” (Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believe, not just Jews.)
- John 8:39 – “‘Abraham is our father,’ they answered. ‘If you were Abraham’s children,’ said Jesus, ‘then you would do what Abraham did.’” (Jesus taught that true children of Abraham are those who follow his faith.)
- Galatians 3:29 – “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Paul later confirms that faith in Christ makes someone a true descendant of Abraham.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a great encouragement for all believers. It reminds us that we don’t have to earn our place in God’s family. We are included because of our faith, just like Abraham was.
This also means that no one is disqualified from being part of God’s family because of their background. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your past looks like, or whether you were raised in a religious home. If you have faith in Christ, you are a full member of God’s family and a true child of Abraham.
It also challenges us to live like Abraham did. He didn’t just believe in God—he trusted Him completely, even when things didn’t make sense. Being a child of Abraham isn’t just about claiming faith; it’s about living by faith every day.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is displayed in the way He welcomes people from every nation into His family. He does not limit salvation to a select group based on heritage or religious performance. Instead, He opens the door to everyone who believes.
This shows that God’s love is not about favoritism. He does not choose people based on their background, social status, or achievements. His love is given freely to all who trust in Him.
It also reminds us that God has always worked through faith. From the very beginning, His plan was not about rules and rituals—it was about a relationship built on trust. He invites everyone into that relationship, just as He invited Abraham.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus because He is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. God told Abraham that through him, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). That blessing was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who offers salvation to all people, not just the Jewish nation.
- Galatians 3:16 – “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say ‘and to seeds,’ meaning many people, but ‘and to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is Christ.” (Jesus is the true fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.)
- Ephesians 2:13-14 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Jesus unites Jews and Gentiles into one family.)
- John 1:12-13 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (Faith in Jesus makes us true children of God.)
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Paul emphasizes that faith, not ancestry, makes someone a child of Abraham?
- How does this verse challenge the idea that religious background or good works make someone right with God?
- In what ways do people today still rely on their heritage, traditions, or good deeds instead of faith?
- What does it mean to live by faith like Abraham?
- How does knowing that you are part of God’s family through faith change the way you view yourself and others?