Topical Encyclopedia Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, renowned for his deep and abiding communion with God. His life, as chronicled in the Book of Genesis, serves as a profound example of faith, obedience, and intimate relationship with the Divine.Divine Call and Promise Abraham's communion with God begins with a divine call. In Genesis 12:1-3 , the LORD 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, underscoring the importance of obedience and trust in God's promises. Covenant and Faith The covenant between God and Abraham is further solidified in Genesis 15. Here, God reassures Abram of His promise, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward" (Genesis 15:1). Abram's response is one of faith, as he believes the LORD, and it is credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). This moment is pivotal, illustrating that communion with God is rooted in faith and trust. The Sign of the Covenant In Genesis 17, God establishes the covenant of circumcision with Abraham, changing his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations." God promises that Abraham will be exceedingly fruitful and that nations and kings will come from him. This covenant is a physical sign of the spiritual relationship and commitment between God and Abraham, emphasizing the importance of obedience in maintaining communion with God. Intercession and Intimacy Abraham's relationship with God is marked by moments of intercession and intimate dialogue. In Genesis 18, Abraham pleads with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating his role as an intercessor. This interaction reveals a profound level of intimacy, as Abraham speaks with God as one would with a friend, negotiating and appealing to God's justice and mercy. Testing and Obedience The ultimate test of Abraham's faith and communion with God occurs in Genesis 22, when God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in this heart-wrenching command, exemplifies his unwavering faith and trust in God. At the last moment, God intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This event not only highlights Abraham's obedience but also foreshadows the sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Legacy of Faith Abraham's communion with God establishes him as the patriarch of the Israelite nation and a model of faith for generations to come. His life is a testament to the blessings that flow from a faithful and obedient relationship with God. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 4:16 , "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." Abraham's account is a profound illustration of how communion with God is cultivated through faith, obedience, and a willingness to engage in intimate dialogue with the Creator. His life continues to inspire believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, grounded in trust and commitment to His divine will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 18:33And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned to his place. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Death of Abraham Abraham 'Because of his Importunity' A Pair of Friends The Intercourse of God and his Friend Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision "And Truly Our Fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son," Introductory Chapter With, Before, After Meditation. Resources How often should the Lord's Supper / Communion be observed? | GotQuestions.orgAre baptism and communion means of grace? | GotQuestions.org Is intinction the correct way to do communion? | GotQuestions.org Communion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Communion of Saints in Exhortation Communion of Saints in Holy Conversation Communion of Saints in Mutual Comfort and Edification Communion of Saints in Mutual Sympathy and Kindness Communion of Saints in Prayer for Each Other Communion of Saints in Public and Social Worship Communion of Saints in the Lord's Supper Communion of Saints is With: Each Other Communion of Saints is With: God Communion of Saints is With: Saints in Heaven Communion of Saints: According to the Prayer of Christ Communion of Saints: Christ is Present In Communion of Saints: Delight of Communion of Saints: Exhortation To Communion of Saints: God Marks, With his Approval Communion of Saints: Opposed to Communion With the Wicked Communion of Saints: The Church Communion of the Lord's Supper is the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ Communion of the Lord's Supper was Continually Partaken of, by the Church Communion of the Lord's Supper: Both Bread and Wine are Necessary to be Received In Communion of the Lord's Supper: Instituted Communion of the Lord's Supper: Newness of Heart and Life Necessary to the Worthy Partaking Communion of the Lord's Supper: Object of Communion of the Lord's Supper: Partakers of, be Wholly Separate to God Communion of the Lord's Supper: Prefigured Communion of the Lord's Supper: Self-Examination Commanded Before Partaking of Communion of the Lord's Supper: Unworthy Partakers of are Guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ Communion of the Lord's Supper: Unworthy Partakers of are Visited With Judgments Communion of the Lord's Supper: Unworthy Partakers of Discern not the Lord's Body Communion With God is Communion With the Father Communion With God is Communion With the Holy Spirit Communion With God is Communion With the Son Communion With God: Holiness Essential To Communion With God: Promised to the Obedient Communion With God: Reconciliation Must Precede Communion With God: Saints: Desire Communion With God: Saints: Have, in Meditation Communion With God: Saints: Have, in Prayer Communion With God: Saints: Have, in the Lord's Supper Communion With God: Saints: should Always Enjoy Related Terms |
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