Why is Abram important for Christians?

Abram's significance lies in his example as a model of faith for Christians, as articulated in Romans 4. His belief in God's promises was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6), serving as an early foreshadowing of justification by faith that Paul discusses in the New Testament. Moreover, as Abram (later Abraham) is called the 'friend of God' (James 2:23), he embodies the relationship believers are invited into through Christ. Therefore, understanding Abram's journey emphasizes the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, which connects him to the believers today.