Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: Abraham

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Introduction

Faith is a central theme in the Bible, and the life of Abraham serves as a profound example of faith in God, which is foundational to understanding faith in Christ. Abraham, originally named Abram, is often referred to as the "father of faith" due to his unwavering trust in God's promises, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, and his faith is further expounded upon in the New Testament, particularly in the context of faith in Christ.

Abraham's Call and Promise

Abraham's journey of faith begins with God's call in Genesis 12:1-3 : "Now the LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your kindred, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.'" This call required Abraham to leave his homeland and trust in God's promise of a new land and a great nation. Abraham's obedience to this call is a testament to his faith, as he left everything familiar to follow God's direction.

The Covenant and Faith Tested

God's covenant with Abraham is a pivotal moment in the narrative of faith. In Genesis 15:6 , it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights the essence of faith—trusting in God's promises even when they are not immediately visible. Abraham's faith was tested in various ways, including the delay in the fulfillment of God's promise of a son. Despite his advanced age and Sarah's barrenness, Abraham believed that God would fulfill His promise.

The Sacrifice of Isaac

One of the most profound demonstrations of Abraham's faith is the account of the binding of Isaac in Genesis 22. God commanded Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in this extreme test, exemplifies his complete trust in God. Hebrews 11:17-19 reflects on this event: "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, even though God had said to him, 'Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.' Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death."

Faith and Righteousness

The New Testament frequently references Abraham's faith as a model for believers. In Romans 4:3 , Paul writes, "For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'" This passage underscores the principle that righteousness comes through faith, not works. Abraham's faith is seen as a precursor to the faith in Christ that justifies believers.

Faith in Christ

Abraham's faith is a foreshadowing of the faith required in Christ. Just as Abraham trusted in God's promises, believers are called to trust in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:7-9 states, "Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: 'All nations will be blessed through you.' So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."

Conclusion

Abraham's life is a testament to the power and necessity of faith. His unwavering trust in God's promises, despite trials and tests, serves as an enduring example for all who seek to live by faith in Christ. Through Abraham, the Bible illustrates that faith is not merely belief but an active trust in God's promises, culminating in the ultimate promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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John 8:56
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
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Library

Abraham's Faith was Identical with Ours; this Faith was Prefigured ...
... which be of faith shall be blessed with faithful Abraham." [4114] For ... who from among
the Gentiles believe in Jesus Christ, because his faith and ours ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxi abrahams faith was identical.htm

It is a Matter of Doubt, Whether the Faith by which Abraham is ...
... ARTICLE III It is a matter of doubt, whether the faith by which Abraham is said
to be justified, was a faith in Jesus Christ who was still to come. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article iii it is a.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... Then Abraham, as doth every faithful soul, set forward ... wise: He showed that whenever
faith cometh powerfully ... longeth for His grace, prizeth Christ and salvation ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

Sanctified by Faith
... type of this spiritual inheritance of sanctification, our land of rest, our very
own, which we, the spiritual seed of Abraham through faith in Christ, are to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter vi sanctified by faith.htm

The Obedience of Faith
... Just think of Abraham's faith. ... In Christ and the Holy Spirit He has made
the most wonderful provision for fulfilling His engagement. ...
/.../murray/the school of obedience/vi the obedience of faith.htm

The Faith which Christ Praises
... there is brought out the dignity of faith as being not only the great desire of
Christ's heart for ... the west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the faith which christ praises.htm

It is a Matter of Doubt, Whether Believers under the Old Testament ...
... is there said be compared together; and let it be demonstrated from this comparison,
that Abraham saw Christ in those promises which he apprehended by faith. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xi it is a.htm

Concerning Faith of Things Not Seen
... we cannot see, human society itself, through concord perishing, will not stand how
much more is faith to be ... That Christ is the Seed of Abraham, the order ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... a whit sounder in discussing the term righteousness, when it is said, that faith
was imputed to Abraham for righteousness after he had embraced Christ (who is ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

Faith is not the Instrument of Justification.
... question, by a quotation from the book of Genesis, when he says, "Abraham believed
God ... "Faith is imputed for righteousness on account of Christ, the object ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxvi vi faith is.htm