Topical Bible: Glorifying God: Abraham

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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 actions are pivotal in understanding the concept of glorifying God, as he exemplifies faith, obedience, and devotion.

Call and Obedience

Abraham's journey of glorifying God begins with his call in Genesis 12:1-3, where the Lord instructs him to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that God would show him. The Berean Standard Bible records God's promise: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Abraham's immediate obedience to God's call, as noted in Genesis 12:4, demonstrates his trust and reverence for God, glorifying Him through his willingness to step into the unknown.

Faith and Righteousness

Abraham's faith is further highlighted in Genesis 15:6 , where it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse underscores the principle that faith in God's promises is a means of glorifying Him. Abraham's belief in God's covenant, despite his and Sarah's old age and childlessness, showcases a profound trust that honors God.

Covenant and Circumcision

In Genesis 17, God establishes a covenant with Abraham, changing his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations." The sign of this covenant is circumcision, which Abraham faithfully observes. This act of obedience is a testament to his commitment to glorifying God by upholding His commands. Genesis 17:23 states, "On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God had told him."

Intercession and Hospitality

Abraham's life also illustrates glorifying God through intercession and hospitality. In Genesis 18, Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating his concern for righteousness and justice, which reflects God's character. Additionally, his hospitality to the three visitors, one of whom is the Lord, as described in Genesis 18:1-8, shows his reverence and honor towards God and His messengers.

The Ultimate Test of Faith

Perhaps the most profound example of Abraham glorifying God is found in Genesis 22, where God tests him by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in this heart-wrenching command, highlights his unwavering faith and dedication to God. Genesis 22:12 records God's response: "Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me." This act of faith not only glorifies God but also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of God's own Son.

Legacy and Promise

Abraham's life leaves a lasting legacy of faith and obedience that glorifies God. His account is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in Genesis 21:1-2 : "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." Through Abraham, God establishes a lineage through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come, further glorifying God through the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Abraham's life is a profound narrative of glorifying God through faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of divine promises, serving as an enduring example for believers throughout the ages.

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Romans 4:20
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
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Library

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... his son Isaac also came and fell upon his neck, and in the same way all his
men-slaves and women-slaves surrounded Abraham and embraced him, glorifying God. ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

A Changed Life
... which had held this woman for eighteen years we behold her standing upright glorifying
God. ... She was a daughter of Abraham, as we read in verse 16, "And ought ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a changed life.htm

Why is it that Our Lord Has Tarried Till Now? Why Has not the ...
... they been used with the purpose of glorifying God or of ... Third, in order that God
might fully test the ... Why those years of waiting before Abraham received Isaac? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 why is it that.htm

Man's Chief End
... [2] Glorifying God consists in adoration, or worship. ... Genesis 23:3. Abraham stood
up and bowed himself to the children of Heth.' Piety is no enemy to courtesy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

Proofs of the Foregoing, Drawn from the Gospels of Mark and Luke.
... holy covenant, the oath which He swore to our father Abraham, that He ... Wherefore he
adds: "The shepherds returned, glorifying God for all which they had heard ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter x proofs of the foregoing.htm

The Mystical Meanings in the Proportions of Numbers, Geometrical ...
... the Saviour's name; that it was indicated, accordingly, that Abraham's domestics
were ... soothing by song the eagerness of our desires, and glorifying God for the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xi the mystical meanings in.htm

Rom. Iv. 1, 2
... For Abraham had no other person who had received a son in this way to look ... Abstaining
then from curious questionings is glorifying God, as indulging in them is ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily viii rom iv 1.htm

The Bush that Burned, and did not Burn Out
... as cleansing, as the source of life, light, warmth, change, as glorifying, transmuting,
purifying ... 'I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the bush that burned and.htm

The Principle of Life in the Creature.
... a common laborer and a man like Augustine, are all the creatures of God; yet how
dissimilar they are, and how varied their ways and degrees of glorifying God. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/v the principle of life.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... And he called to mind the patriarch Abraham, that in the last day [1559 ... when the
supper was ended, they went down rejoicing, and glorifying the God of Israel ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm