Genesis 17-18:15

What’s Happening?

This passage is extremely important because God gives Abram a new sign of his promise (17:4). As the rainbow was a sign of the promise he made to Noah and the world, this new sign would be for Abram and the nation that would come from his line. God instructs Abram and his household to be circumcised (17:11). This may seem like a strange, possibly random sign, but it actually couldn’t be more appropriate.

The whole book of Genesis so far has been about a descendant of Eve who would crush the serpent and undo the reign of death. We’ve learned that this descendant would come through Abram, since it is through him that God would bless all nations (12:3). Circumcision became a constant reminder that this promised child would come through Abraham’s family line.

But circumcision wasn’t just about marking off Abraham’s descendants—it was also a reminder that life and blessing wouldn’t come by human power or natural reproduction alone. Abraham and Sarah were far too old to have children. This sign on their bodies symbolized that the life God promised would come only by God’s intervention. The covenant seed would be a miracle of God’s Spirit, not the work of human effort.

In renewing his covenant and giving this sign, God also changed Abram and Sarai’s names (17:4). Both name changes signify a new identity and a new reality. Abraham would be the blessed father of a multitude, and he had the sign to prove it. Sarah would be the princess of a nation. She would be barren no more.

Where is the Gospel?

Ultimately, we know that the final son of Abraham and Sarah who blesses all nations is Jesus.

And Jesus gives us a sign better than the circumcision given to Abraham. Ours is a circumcision of the heart made inwardly by the Holy Spirit (Rom 2:28). The true children of Abraham are not simply those descended by blood, but those who share the faith of Abraham and trust in Jesus (Rom 2:29).

The Holy Spirit changing our hearts is the new sign of the covenant. Just as Abraham and Sarah could not produce life on their own, so we cannot produce the life of God on our own. The Spirit marks us with new life from above. And just as Abraham’s circumcision was a sign guaranteeing that God would fulfill his promises, so the Spirit’s presence in us is a guarantee that all of Jesus’ promises will one day be fulfilled (2 Cor 1:22).

Christians receive a new name as well. In fact, we are renamed twice. The first name is given when you put your faith in Jesus—you are made a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). At that moment, you are given so many new names: Bride of Christ (2 Cor 11:2), Adopted Son or Daughter (Rom 8:16), Beloved of God (Rom 1:7).

The second name every Christian will receive is still to come. Revelation promises that Jesus will give a new name to everyone who perseveres to the end (Rev 2:17). No one knows what this name is or will be. It may be that Jesus gives each of us a private name only he calls us—a sweet, intimate name between us and our Savior. That’s a name worth looking forward to.

See for Yourself

I pray that the Holy Spirit would show you the God of faithfulness who brings life where none is possible. And may you see Jesus as the final promised Son of Abraham who gives you his Spirit as the sign of a new covenant and a new name.