Britannica Sources used in this answer

How does Christianity connect Abraham’s covenant to faith in Jesus Christ?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

József Molnár: The March of Abraham — Abraham *The March of Abraham*, painting by József Molnár, 19th century; in the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest.

In Christianity, the connection between Abraham’s covenant and faith in Jesus Christ is primarily established through the theological writings of St. Paul the Apostle.12

Paul reinterprets the covenant—originally associated with circumcision and ethnic descent from Abraham—to be based on faith rather than ancestry. By citing Genesis 15:6, which states that Abraham’s belief was "reckoned to him as righteousness," Paul argues that all who possess faith in Jesus Christ are the true spiritual descendants of Abraham. This shift allows Gentiles to be included in the covenant without adhering to the requirements of Jewish law.132

Furthermore, Christian tradition connects the two through:
* Genealogy: The lineage of Jesus is traced back to Abraham through Isaac.41
* Typology: Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac is viewed as a foreshadowing of the Crucifixion of Jesus.4
* Inclusion: Paul asserts in Galatians 3:29 that belonging to Christ makes one an heir to the promises made to Abraham.12