Abraham as the Friend of God

The Bible calls Abraham the “friend of God” (2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23). He played an important role in the history of the Hebrew people.

Through Abraham’s life, God revealed his plan of election, which means choosing people for a special purpose, and covenant, which means a binding agreement. This plan reached its fulfillment in the work of Jesus Christ.

God told Abraham, “all the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). Hundreds of years later, the apostle Paul explained the full meaning of this promise. The good news would be preached to all nations, and people would respond by trusting in Christ. In this way, believers from every people group would become children of Abraham through faith (Galatians 3:6–9).

See also Abraham.