Topical Bible: Communion: Abraham

◄ Communion: Abraham ►

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Introduction

Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Judeo-Christian tradition, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His life and faith journey are chronicled primarily in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man of profound faith and obedience to God. Abraham's communion with God is a pivotal theme, illustrating the intimate relationship between the divine and humanity.

Divine Call and Covenant

Abraham's communion with God begins with a divine call. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God commands Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that He will show him. God promises to make Abram into a great nation, to bless him, and to make his name great. This call marks the beginning of a covenant relationship, where God establishes a personal and communal bond with Abraham, promising land, descendants, and blessings.

Faith and Righteousness

Abraham's faith is a cornerstone of his communion with God. In Genesis 15:6 , it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse underscores the principle that faith, rather than works, is the basis of righteousness before God. Abraham's belief in God's promises, despite his advanced age and Sarah's barrenness, exemplifies a profound trust in God's faithfulness and power.

The Covenant of Circumcision

In Genesis 17, God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, changing his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations." God institutes the covenant of circumcision as a sign of this everlasting covenant. This act of obedience further solidifies Abraham's communion with God, marking his descendants as God's chosen people. Genesis 17:10-11 states, "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you."

Intercession and Hospitality

Abraham's communion with God is also evident in his role as an intercessor. In Genesis 18, Abraham pleads with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating his concern for justice and mercy. His dialogue with God reveals a relationship characterized by openness and trust. Additionally, Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors, who are divine messengers, further illustrates his reverence and readiness to serve God.

The Binding of Isaac

One of the most profound demonstrations of Abraham's communion with God is the binding of Isaac, known as the Akedah, in Genesis 22. God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in this heart-wrenching command, highlights his unwavering faith and trust in God's provision. At the last moment, God intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This event foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and underscores the theme of substitutionary atonement.

Legacy and Promise

Abraham's communion with God establishes a legacy of faith that extends beyond his lifetime. God's promises to Abraham are reiterated to his descendants, Isaac and Jacob, and ultimately fulfilled in the nation of Israel. The New Testament further emphasizes Abraham's significance, portraying him as the father of all who believe, both Jew and Gentile. In Romans 4:16 , Paul writes, "Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all."

Conclusion

Abraham's life exemplifies a profound communion with God, characterized by faith, obedience, and covenantal relationship. His account serves as a foundational narrative for understanding God's redemptive plan and the nature of faith in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 12:1-3,7
Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you:
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Genesis 17:1,2
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be you perfect.
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Genesis 18:1-33
And the LORD appeared to him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
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Genesis 22:1,2,11,12,16-18
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said to him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
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Library

The Death of Abraham
... it lies in obeying the commandment and realising the truth which Abraham realised
and ... thine exceeding great reward.' That is to say, a simple communion with God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the death of abraham.htm

Abraham
... that God is near to him. This"this communion with God, is the especial
glory of Abraham's character. This it is which has given ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon v abraham.htm

The Third Chapter: it is Profitable to Receive Communion Often
... that, with Zacheus, I may merit Your blessing and be numbered among the children
of Abraham. ... But Holy Communion removes him from evil and confirms him in good. ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the third chapter it is.htm

Unrestrained Communion
... the bride that attention is drawn to the Bridegroom; their union and communion are
now ... He who when on earth was able to say, "Before Abraham was, I am," here ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section vi unrestrained communion.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... Second Chapter. LOVE. XXV. The Communion of Saints. ... For what is the communion of
saints otherwise than Love in its noblest and richest manifestation? ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

'Because of his Importunity'
... In this incident we have, first, God's communication of His purpose to Abraham. ... Him,'
and it is ever true that they who live in amity and communion with God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

The Communion of Goods.
... LOVE. XXVI. The Communion of Goods. "If we walk in the light, we have fellowship
one with another."" 1 John 1:7. The communion of saints is in the Light. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvi the communion of goods.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven.
... Ruth 3:9), "Spread, O Christ, the wing of the garment of thy mercy over thine handmaid;
for thou art my kinsman." This communion God promised Abraham, when he ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the blessed state.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... In the first place, Abraham was called to give up his kindred and his native country,
and to go out, not knowing whither he went. ... "Hebron" means communion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Communion, why so called, [325]139 ... Devil, the, why called an accuser, [484]284; worketh
in what manner, [485]ib.; dismayed by Abraham's beating, [486]290; gets ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm