The Difference Between Abraham's Justification and Ours
Orientation
It is easy to assume that our justification is exactly the same as Abraham's, which can leave us feeling like outsiders to God's present purpose.
- Abraham was justified by faith, looking forward to the promise of Christ.
- His justification was real, but it was anticipatory and did not include regeneration or sonship in the New Testament sense.
- This distinction is not about hierarchy, but about God's unfolding purpose in redemptive history.
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)
— Genesis 15:6
Clarification
The difference is not in the means of justification—both are by faith—but in the redemptive-historical reality God brings about through Christ's finished work.
- Abraham's faith was in the promise of the coming Seed; our faith is in the accomplished work of the risen Christ.
- The Law could not justify flesh or produce sons; it exposed our need.
- God's purpose was always to bring forth a new creation, not merely to reckon individuals righteous.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)
— Romans 3:20
Structure
Biblical logic shows that faith in Christ's resurrection brings us into a new creation reality of regeneration, sonship, and a heavenly inheritance.
- Justification by faith in Christ's work results in regeneration—being born of God.
- This regeneration makes us sons and co-heirs with Christ, sealed by the Spirit of Promise.
- Our position is now heavenly, seated with Christ, sharing in His inheritance.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:16-17)
— Romans 8:16-17
Weight-Bearing Prose
Abraham’s justification was by faith, but it occurred before Christ’s redemptive work. He was not regenerated or made a son of God in the New Testament sense; his position was one of anticipation. Present-day believers are justified by faith in Christ’s completed work—His death and resurrection. This faith results in regeneration: we are born of God, made new creations. This regeneration brings us into sonship, making us co-heirs with Christ. We are sealed with the Spirit of Promise, marking us for a heavenly inheritance. The Law could not accomplish this; it cannot justify flesh. God’s purpose is a new creation, where believers participate in Christ’s heavenly position and glory. This is not a second blessing or earned maturity, but the inherent result of faith in the resurrected Christ, according to Paul’s revelation.
Integration
Your assurance rests on Christ’s finished work, not on comparing your experience to Abraham’s or anyone else’s. You are justified by faith. You are regenerated. You are a son and co-heir. You are sealed. This is your present reality in Christ, not a future goal. There is no pressure to advance into this; it is already true of you by grace through faith. Let this truth anchor you. Christ is your righteousness, your sanctification, your inheritance. Rest in Him, not in your understanding of redemptive history. He has secured everything for you.