Islam is also a faith with an Abrahamic God. Same as
Judaism.
Abraham seems to be a figure of some significance...
Here's a perspective (from a Christian):
Muslims believe they are the rightful heir to the promise
because they are of the stock of the firstborn son - Ishmael
(Ismail). But Ishmael was born from a maidservant, not Abraham's
rightful wife Sarah. (Ishmael was born before Isaac)
Jews believe they are the rightful heir to the promise because
they are of the stock of the true firstborn son - Isaac who was
born as a miracle and fulfilment of God's miracle to let a 99 year
old woman bear a child.
Christians believe that Abraham as the father of faith is an
allegory to the coming of Christ and his bride. And only those who
believe "The just shall live by faith" are true heirs of Abraham.
Galatians 3:29 "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's
seed, and heirs according to the promise." Those who are born of
the flesh are not heirs, but those who are born of the Spirit
are.
How's that for confusion?
So, what's the big deal about "the promise"? It seems like the
first born has a divine legal right to the claim of "family
inheritance". It seems like a universal spiritual truth, regardless
of cultures. Crown princes are ascended to the throne after the
king's death by order of rightful inheritance - the eldest son is
usually the first to such claim.
The promise is important I guess because of the claim to God's
protection, blessing and inheritance. It makes LEGAL claim of
"covenant". If heaven were a court of law, it would then make sense
to make that claim.
Joe,
Unfortunately, you might be unaware, that both muslims and jews
do not believe jesus is a kind of Deity. For muslims, the quran
goes as far as saying that people who say that jesus is a Deity
will end up in eternal fire. I am just quotingthe quran.
Also, jews believe that jesus was misled and misguided.
