Topical Bible: Faith: Abraham

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Introduction

Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, often referred to as the "father of faith." His life and relationship with God are foundational to understanding the concept of faith in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Abraham's account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, and his faith is highlighted in various New Testament writings. His unwavering trust in God's promises, despite numerous challenges and uncertainties, serves as a model of faith for believers.

Call and Promise

Abraham's journey of faith begins with God's call in Genesis 12:1-3 : "Then the LORD said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your kindred, and your father's household, and go to the land 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 divine call required Abraham to leave his homeland and family, demonstrating his willingness to trust in God's promise of making him a great nation.

Covenant with God

The covenant between God and Abraham is a pivotal moment in biblical history. In Genesis 15:5-6 , God reassures Abraham of His promise: "And the LORD took him outside and said, 'Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.' Then He told him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This passage underscores the essence of faith—believing in God's promises even when they seem impossible.

Test of Faith: Sacrifice of Isaac

One of the most profound demonstrations of Abraham's faith is the binding of Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 22. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, the child of promise. Abraham's obedience is immediate, and he sets out to fulfill God's command. In Genesis 22:12 , God intervenes, saying, "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 test of faith highlights Abraham's complete trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.

Faith in the New Testament

The New Testament frequently references Abraham's faith as exemplary. In Romans 4:3 , Paul writes, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, not works. Similarly, Hebrews 11:8-10 commends Abraham's faith: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger, as in a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise."

Legacy of Faith

Abraham's faith established a legacy that extends beyond his immediate descendants. He is considered the patriarch of the Israelites, and his faith journey is a precursor to the faith required of all believers. Galatians 3:7 states, "Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham." This connection underscores the spiritual lineage of faith that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, uniting all who believe in God's promises.

Conclusion

Abraham's life is a testament to the power and importance of faith. His unwavering trust in God's promises, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, serves as an enduring example for believers. Through his faith, Abraham became the father of many nations, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide those who seek to live by faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:8,17
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he went.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4275. proeido -- to foresee
... Accordingly, 4275a () and faith (4102 ) are directly connected. Gal 3:7-9: " 7
Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4275.htm - 7k

2487. ichnos -- a track
... who also follow in the (2487) of the (principle of) (4102 ) of our father Abraham
which he had while uncircumcised" (). [Note how the " of faith" is signaled ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2487.htm - 7k

Library

The Faith of Abraham.
... "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was
to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xi the faith of.htm

Abraham's Faith
... SERMON XII. ABRAHAM'S FAITH. HEBREWS, xi.9, 10. "By faith Abraham sojourned in the
land of promise as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xii abrahams faith.htm

Of Abraham's Obedience and Faith, which were Proved by the ...
... Book XVI. Chapter 32."Of Abraham's Obedience and Faith, Which Were Proved by
the Offering Up, of His Son in Sacrifice, and of Sarah's Death. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 32 of abrahams obedience and.htm

Abraham's Faith was Identical with Ours; this Faith was Prefigured ...
... Against Heresies: Book IV Chapter XXI."Abraham's faith was identical with ours;
this faith was prefigured by the words and actions of the old patriarchs. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxi abrahams faith was identical.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... The text saith, "They that walk in the steps of that faith of Abraham:" that man
that not only enjoyeth the privileges of the Church, but yieldeth the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

The Obedience of Faith
... VI. THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH. By faith Abraham obeyed.' "Heb.11:8. ... Just think of Abraham's
faith. It rested in God, in His omnipotence and His faithfulness. ...
/.../murray/the school of obedience/vi the obedience of faith.htm

The Crowning Test and Triumph of Faith
... 'God did prove Abraham'; the strange command was a test of his faith. ... But it
was Abraham's faith even more than his love that was tested. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the crowning test and triumph.htm

Did God Promise the Good Works of the Nations and not their Faith ...
... A Treatise on the predestination of the saints, Chapter 20."Did God Promise
the Good Works of the Nations and Not Their Faith, to Abraham? ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 20 did god promise the.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

The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes ...
... Very well; by faith Abel obtained witness; by faith Abraham received the son
of the promise; and by faith Israel passed through the Red Sea. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiv the revelation to which.htm