Abram To Abraham: The Power Of Divine Identity Series

ABRAM TO ABRAHAM: THE POWER OF DIVINE IDENTITY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 17:1-8

Key Verse: “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.” (Genesis 17:5)

Supporting Texts: Genesis 12:1-3; Romans 4:17-21; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Isaiah 62:2; Philippians 3:13-14

INTRODUCTION

Identity is one of the most powerful forces in a person’s life because it shapes perception, direction, and expectation. In Scripture, a name is never casual; it carries prophetic weight and covenant meaning. When God changes a name, He is not merely adjusting vocabulary, He is announcing a new season and a new dimension of purpose.

Abram’s journey with God reached a defining moment in Genesis 17 when the Lord changed his name to Abraham. This transformation happened before the promised child was born and before nations emerged from his lineage. God declared who he was becoming before the physical evidence appeared.

The shift from Abram to Abraham teaches us that divine identity precedes divine manifestation. When God speaks a new identity over your life, He also releases the grace to become what He has declared. Understanding and embracing divine identity is essential for walking fully in God’s purpose.

1. DIVINE IDENTITY IS BIRTHED FROM ENCOUNTER

Transformation of identity begins with a genuine and life-altering encounter with God. No one steps into divine identity by human effort alone; it is revealed and imparted through relationship with the Almighty.

a) The revelation of the Almighty God (Genesis 17:1)

God introduced Himself to Abram as the Almighty before changing his name, revealing His power and sufficiency. When you understand who God is, you gain confidence in who He says you are.

b) Separation from former limitations (Genesis 12:1)

Abram had already obeyed the call to leave his country and father’s house. Divine identity requires separation from environments and influences that reinforce old labels.

c) Covenant relationship established (Genesis 17:2)

God spoke of establishing His covenant before renaming Abram. Identity rooted in covenant is stable and secure because it is sustained by divine promise.

d) Humble posture before God (Genesis 17:3)

Abram fell on his face as God spoke. Humility creates space for God to redefine you beyond your natural history and background.

Biblical Example: Jacob’s name was changed to Israel after he wrestled with God and prevailed, marking a shift from deception to dominion and covenant leadership (Genesis 32:28).

2. GOD DECLARES DESTINY BEFORE MANIFESTATION

God speaks of the future in the language of completion, even when present circumstances appear contradictory. Divine identity is often announced long before it is visibly fulfilled.

a) Prophetic declaration of completion (Genesis 17:5)

God said, “I have made thee a father of many nations,” even though Abraham had no son through Sarah at that time. Divine identity is established by God’s word, not by visible evidence.

b) Calling things that are not (Romans 4:17)

God calls things that do not exist as though they already exist. Faith embraces identity before manifestation becomes reality.

c) Refusal to stagger at the promise (Romans 4:20-21)

Abraham did not waver through unbelief but was strengthened in faith. Accepting divine identity requires confidence in God’s integrity and power.

d) Speaking in alignment with destiny (Genesis 17:5)

Every time Abraham heard or spoke his new name, he rehearsed God’s promise. What you continually confess shapes your internal belief system and external outcome.

Biblical Example: Gideon was addressed as a “mighty man of valour” while hiding from the enemy, showing that God identifies potential before performance becomes evident (Judges 6:12).

3. DIVINE IDENTITY DEMANDS ALIGNMENT

A changed name requires a changed walk. When God redefines you, your lifestyle, mindset, and decisions must align with that new identity.

a) Walking blamelessly before God (Genesis 17:1)

God commanded Abraham to walk before Him and be perfect. Divine identity carries the responsibility of consistent obedience and integrity.

b) Covenant sign of consecration (Genesis 17:10-11)

Circumcision was given as a sign of the covenant. Identity transformation requires visible commitment and inward consecration.

c) Forgetting former patterns (Philippians 3:13-14)

Pressing toward the mark demands letting go of past failures and limitations. You cannot fully embrace a new identity while clinging to an old mindset.

d) Living as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

In Christ, believers are new creations and old things pass away. Divine identity in Christ must be reflected in renewed thinking and conduct.

Biblical Example: Saul’s transformation into Paul marked a dramatic shift from persecutor to apostle, demonstrating that divine identity produces a radically aligned life and mission (Acts 13:9).

4. DIVINE IDENTITY RELEASES GENERATIONAL IMPACT

God’s renaming of Abraham was not merely personal; it was generational and global. When divine identity is embraced, its influence extends beyond one lifetime.

a) Fatherhood of nations (Genesis 17:4)