ABRAHAM

sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye
are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the
dead.”
Where circumcision was the Old Testament physical mark of the believer, baptism is the New
Testament spiritual mark of the one who has been made complete, perfect in Christ. Baptism is the
obedient expression of the operation of God to give the believer a circumcised heart. Baptism no
more saves the New Testament believer than circumcision saved Abraham. “Abraham believed
God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3) The believer is saved by
grace “through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
E. THE WORD CONCERNING SARAI AND THE COVENANT PROMISE. Verses 15-
16.
This promise also involved Sarai. Which is where Abraham had missed it 13 years earlier. God
would fulfill His promise to Abraham through his true wife, Sarai, Not Hagar.
1. THE WORD CONCERNING SARAI’S NAME. Verse 15.
Abraham’s wife would no longer be called “Sarai” now she would be known as “Sarah,” “a
princess.” What is the difference? Sarah was to be considered a noble princess, a princess from
whom kings would come.
2. THE WORD CONCERNING SARAH’S BARRENNESS. Verse 16.
The promise was once again reiterated. Sarah would bare Abraham a son. This ninety year old
woman would be the mother of nations.
It has now been twenty-four years since Abraham left Haran. The promise has not changed, rather
it has been reinforced and clarified time and again. Sarah would bare Abraham a son at this time the
next year according to verse 21.
II. THE RECEPTION OF THE COVENANT. Verses 17-18.
A. ABRAHAM’S HOLY LAUGHTER. Verse 17.
There are different kinds of laughter. Abraham’s laughter is not the laughter of unbelief. It is the
expression of the overwhelming joy that comes from the heart that is sweetened by the Word of God
through the Spirit of God. This is the rejoicing laughter of faith.
B. ABRAHAM’S HEARTFELT LONGING. “Oh that Ishmael might live before thee.”
(Genesis 17:18)
Abraham’s thoughts go to Ishmael. He had poured his life into the young lad. For thirteen years he
had tried to convince himself that Ishmael was the promised seed. But, God does not, and will not
accept the works of our flesh to accomplish His plans. This is nothing new, it is the tendency of
human flesh to produce Ishmaels rather than depend on God to accomplish His work His way.
Christians and churches are begging God to bless their programs and their man made, flesh centered
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