God's Gift of Righteousness

The Lord’s covenant with Abram

1After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

‘Do not be afraid, Abram.

I am your shield,

your very great reward.’

2But Abram said, ‘Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?’ 3And Abram said, ‘You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.’

4Then the word of the Lord came to him: ‘This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.’ 5He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’

6Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.