Unveiling the Charismatic Misconception about the Blessing of Abraham

The concept of the blessing of Abraham has deep historical and religious roots within Christianity. Often, it is perceived as a promise of material prosperity—a misconception that has prevailed in most interpretations. However, it is essential to recognize that, in the context of the New Testament, the blessing of Abraham has nothing to do with mere material wealth. This week, we will delve into the nature of this blessing and explore why it is not about material prosperity.

The Spiritual Nature of the Blessing

1. Paul’s perspective

“Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith — just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.  And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’  So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” – Galatians 3:5-9 (ESV).

Galatians 3:5–9 is a passage from the New Testament that holds great theological significance in understanding the blessing of Abraham. It is part of the Apostle Paul’s argument in his letter to the Galatians, where he addresses the issues of legalism, faith, and the role of the law in the Christian faith.

In truth, the blessing of Abraham is fundamentally a spiritual blessing. In the biblical narrative, the essence of Abraham’s faith and obedience is pivotal. Genesis 15:6 states that “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” This declaration underscores the significance of faith as the key element in receiving the blessing. The blessing of Abraham is not about accumulating riches but about establishing a right relationship with God through faith.

The Abrahamic blessing emphasizes divine favour, guidance, and protection in the believer’s journey of faith. This spiritual aspect of the blessing is closely linked to the idea of a covenantal relationship, where God promises to be with His people, guiding them through life’s challenges and offering His presence as a source of comfort and strength. This spiritual guidance goes beyond any material possessions.

The truth that Paul was communicating in Galatians 3:5–9 was that salvation is not earned through a checklist of actions but rather through a genuine and unwavering trust in the Saviour Jesus Christ. Abraham’s life journey, as recorded in the book of Genesis, shows an imperfect man enjoying a right relationship with God through his faith in a God who justifies all who place their trust in Him. Despite his imperfections and moments of doubt, Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises became the cornerstone of a solid relationship characterized by righteousness. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the blessing of Abraham.

2. Peter’s perspective

“You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed” – Acts 3:25 (ESV).

Acts 3:25 is a verse from the New Testament that is part of a sermon given by the apostle Peter following the healing of a lame man at the temple gate. In this verse, Peter is addressing a Jewish audience, explaining the significance of Jesus Christ in the context of their faith and God’s covenant with their ancestors.

Peter emphasizes that the Jewish people are inheritors of the covenant God made with their forefathers, particularly the covenant made with Abraham. This covenant, originating in Genesis 12:3, declares that through Abraham’s seed, all the nations of the world will be blessed. This covenant was passed down through generations, and Peter is reminding his audience of its enduring significance.

We can easily see that Peter’s unequivocal message to his audience was not that their future prosperity as millionaires was guaranteed. Instead, the contextual essence of his address underscores the message Peter was imparting. The message is that justification can be achieved through faith, as opposed to reliance on one’s works, predicated on a steadfast belief in Jesus. This is the blessing that Abraham enjoyed.

Why the Erroneous Interpretation?

The interpretation of the blessing of Abraham being material, emphasizing worldly wealth and prosperity, appeals to many preachers and their audiences for the following reasons:

1. The Desire for Prosperity: One of the main reasons preachers interpret the blessing of Abraham in materialistic terms is the natural human desire for prosperity. Many people aspire to have financial security, good health, and comfortable lives. Preachers recognize this yearning within their congregations and quickly conclude that a message that promises material blessings can resonate strongly with the audience. Given that their congregations are equally greedy for material gain, this misleading message is readily accepted and embraced hook, line, and sinker.
2. Tangible Evidence of Faith: In a materialistic interpretation of the blessing of Abraham, wealth and success are seen as tangible evidence of one’s faith. Preachers argue that God rewards those who faithfully follow His teachings with material blessings. This interpretation motivates individuals to strengthen their faith and dedication to their religious beliefs in the hope of receiving these blessings.
3. Marketability: The material interpretation of the blessing of Abraham is extremely marketable. It attracts larger audiences and financial support for religious institutions. Preachers understand that messages promising financial prosperity can draw more people to their congregations, leading to increased donations and church growth.
4. Popularity and Competition: In the competitive world of religious leadership, preachers are under pressure to attract and retain members. The material interpretation of the blessing of Abraham is a response to this competitive environment. Preachers feel compelled to provide what their congregations want to hear, even if it means preaching a heretical doctrine.

Conclusion

The material interpretation of the blessing of Abraham in preaching is undoubtedly influenced by the desires and expectations of congregations. Preachers recognize the natural human desire for prosperity and security, and they often tailor their messages to address these aspirations. The misinterpretation of the blessing of Abraham has given rise to individuals who, as false believers, engage in Christian activities solely to attract material wealth rather than striving to embody the teachings of Christ. Ultimately, the blessing of Abraham lies in being placed in right standing with God, not through religious and good works but by having faith in the Saviour, Jesus Christ.