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)
God established Abraham as a father of many nations, showing that identity can determine legacy. What God speaks over you may affect generations yet unborn.
b) Everlasting covenant promise (Genesis 17:7)
The covenant was described as everlasting, securing continuity beyond Abraham’s lifetime. Divine identity anchors destiny in eternal purpose.
c) Becoming a channel of blessing (Genesis 12:2-3)
God promised to bless Abraham so that he would be a blessing. Identity in God always carries responsibility toward others.
d) Receiving a new name of honour (Isaiah 62:2)
Scripture affirms that God gives a new name that reflects His glory. Divine identity elevates a person into honour and influence.
Biblical Example: Through Abraham’s lineage came Isaac, Jacob, the nation of Israel, and ultimately the Messiah, demonstrating that one man’s acceptance of divine identity can shape redemptive history (Matthew 1:1).
CONCLUSION
The journey from Abram to Abraham reveals that identity transformation is central to destiny fulfilment. God did not wait for circumstances to change before renaming him; He changed his name to change his expectation and direction. When God declares who you are, He simultaneously releases grace to become it.
You must embrace what God calls you, align your life with His covenant, and refuse to be defined by past limitations. As you walk in your divine identity with faith and obedience, you will see promises unfold and legacy established beyond your imagination.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, reveal and establish my true identity in You in Jesus name.
2. Lord, disconnect me permanently from every past limitation and negative label in Jesus name.
3. Father, give me grace to align my lifestyle with my divine calling in Jesus name.
4. Lord, strengthen my faith to believe what You have declared over my life in Jesus name.
5. Father, remove every mindset that contradicts Your purpose for me in Jesus name.
6. Lord, establish Your covenant promises firmly in my life in Jesus name.
7. Father, help me to walk in humility and obedience before You in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let my new identity manifest in visible transformation in Jesus name.
9. Father, make me a generational blessing to my family and nation in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my life reflect Your glory and divine purpose in Jesus name.
