Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness, we are told (Gen. 15:6). What did Abraham believe that led God to declare or “reckon” him righteous? Was it that God had arranged payment for his sins? Not at all. The story makes it very clear that Abraham believed God was going to give him a male baby, an heir, and through that baby a multitude of descendants who would possess the land promised to him.
