Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His life and faith journey are chronicled in the Book of Genesis. Abraham's significance extends beyond his earthly life, as he is also depicted in the New Testament as residing in a place of honor in the afterlife, often referred to as "Abraham's bosom" or Paradise. Biblical References: 1. Genesis 12-25: Abraham's account begins in Genesis 12, where God calls him to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. His faith and obedience are tested through various trials, including the command to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22). Abraham's covenant with God establishes him as the father of many nations. 2. Luke 16:19-31: In the New Testament, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where Abraham is depicted in a place of comfort and rest. Lazarus, a poor man, is carried by angels to "Abraham's bosom" after his death, symbolizing a place of blessing and peace. The rich man, in contrast, finds himself in torment and calls out to Abraham for mercy. Abraham responds, highlighting the chasm between the two realms and the finality of their respective fates. This passage illustrates Abraham's role as a figure of righteousness and the blessed state of those who share in his faith. "But Abraham replied, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are left to suffer.'" (Luke 16:25) 3. Hebrews 11:8-19: Abraham is celebrated in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 for his unwavering trust in God's promises. His faith is exemplified by his willingness to obey God's call to leave his homeland and his readiness to sacrifice Isaac, believing that God could raise him from the dead. This passage underscores Abraham's enduring legacy as a model of faith, which is rewarded in the afterlife. "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8) 4. Matthew 8:11: Jesus speaks of the eschatological banquet, where many will come from the east and west to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. This imagery reinforces the idea of Abraham's continued presence and honor in the afterlife, serving as a host in the heavenly realm. "I say to you that many will come from the east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 8:11) Theological Significance: Abraham's presence in Paradise is emblematic of the fulfillment of God's promises to him and his descendants. It signifies the reward of faith and the hope of eternal life for those who follow in his footsteps. Abraham's role in the afterlife serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the ultimate reconciliation of His people. His depiction in Paradise also provides a framework for understanding the intermediate state of the righteous before the final resurrection and judgment. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 8:11And I say to you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. Nave's Topical Index Luke 13:28 Luke 16:22-31 Library The Testament of Abraham. Version I. The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes ... Of Paradise, that it Can be Understood in a Spiritual Sense ... The Christian Idea of the Position of Hades; the Blessedness of ... Faustus Does not Think it Would be a Great Honor to Sit Down with ... The Law Anterior to Moses. Elucidations. Against Plato, on the Cause of the Universe. The Call of Abraham On Faith 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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