Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionAbraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, often referred to as the "father of faith." His life and actions are pivotal in understanding the concept of faith in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The narrative of Abraham's faith is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, with further reflections in the New Testament. His faith is characterized by obedience, trust, and unwavering belief in God's promises, despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. Call and Obedience The account of Abraham's faith begins with God's call to leave his homeland. In Genesis 12:1-4 , God commands Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that He would show him. Abram's response is immediate and without question: "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran" (Genesis 12:4). This act of obedience is the first demonstration of his faith, as he trusts in God's promise to make him a great nation. Promise of Descendants One of the most significant aspects of Abraham's faith is his belief in God's promise of numerous descendants. Despite his and his wife Sarah's old age and her barrenness, Abraham trusts in God's word. In Genesis 15:5-6 , God takes Abram outside and says, "Look now at the sky and count the stars, if you are able. Then He told him, 'So shall your offspring be.'" Abram's belief in this promise is counted to him as righteousness: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). Covenant and Testing The covenant between God and Abraham is a cornerstone of his faith journey. In Genesis 17, God establishes a covenant with Abram, changing his name to Abraham and promising that he would be the father of many nations. The sign of this covenant is circumcision, which Abraham faithfully observes. The ultimate test of Abraham's faith comes in Genesis 22, when God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Despite the emotional and spiritual turmoil, Abraham prepares to obey. As he raises the knife, an angel of the Lord intervenes, saying, "Do not lay a hand on the boy... Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from Me your only son" (Genesis 22:12). This act of faith is later celebrated in the New Testament as an example of complete trust in God (Hebrews 11:17-19). New Testament Reflections The New Testament frequently references Abraham's faith as a model for believers. In Romans 4:3 , Paul cites Genesis 15:6, emphasizing that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness. Paul argues that this righteousness comes through faith, not works, making Abraham the spiritual father of all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles. In Hebrews 11, often called the "Faith Chapter," Abraham's faith is highlighted as exemplary. Hebrews 11:8-10 states, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going." His faith is further commended for his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, demonstrating his belief that God could raise the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19). Legacy of Faith Abraham's faith is foundational to the understanding of faith in both Judaism and Christianity. His life exemplifies trust in God's promises, obedience to His commands, and the belief in His power to fulfill His word. Abraham's faith journey continues to inspire and instruct believers in their own walk of faith. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 15:6And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Nave's Topical Index Romans 4:1-22 Galatians 3:6-9 Hebrews 11:8-10,17-19 James 2:21-24 Greek 4275. proeido -- to foresee ... Accordingly, 4275a () and faith (4102 ) are directly connected. Gal 3:7-9: " 7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4275.htm - 7k 2487. ichnos -- a track Library The Faith of Abraham. Abraham's Faith Abraham's Faith was Identical with Ours; this Faith was Prefigured ... Its Instrument Of Abraham's Obedience and Faith, which were Proved by the ... Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators The Crowning Test and Triumph of Faith Did God Promise the Good Works of the Nations and not their Faith ... The Obedience of Faith It is a Matter of Doubt, Whether the Faith by which Abraham is ... Resources Who are the seed of Abraham? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God refer to Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? | GotQuestions.org What is the Testament of Abraham? | GotQuestions.org Abraham: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |
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