Topical Encyclopedia Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, often referred to as the "father of faith." His life and journey are emblematic of hope, as he trusted in God's promises despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Abraham's account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, and his hope is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative.The Call of Abraham Abraham's journey of hope 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. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.'" This divine promise required Abraham to leave his homeland and trust in God's guidance, demonstrating hope in the unseen. The Promise of Descendants One of the most significant aspects of Abraham's hope is his belief in God's promise of descendants. Despite his and Sarah's old age and her barrenness, Abraham held onto God's word. Genesis 15:5-6 recounts, "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." Abraham's hope was not based on human possibility but on divine assurance. 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." This covenant, marked by the sign of circumcision, further solidifies the hope Abraham has in God's promises. Genesis 17:4-5 states, "As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations." The Birth of Isaac The fulfillment of God's promise comes with the birth of Isaac, whose name means "laughter," symbolizing the joy and hope realized in God's faithfulness. Genesis 21:1-3 records, "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. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him." The Test of Faith Abraham's hope is further tested in Genesis 22, where God commands him to sacrifice Isaac. Despite the heart-wrenching nature of this test, Abraham's hope in God's promise remains steadfast. Hebrews 11:17-19 reflects on this moment, stating, "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." Legacy of Hope Abraham's life is a testament to the power of hope rooted in faith. Romans 4:18-21 highlights this, saying, "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitude of his body—since he was about a hundred years old—and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised." Abraham's hope, grounded in the promises of God, serves as an enduring example for believers, illustrating the profound connection between faith and hope in the life of a follower of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 4:18Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall your seed be. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In Christ all are Free. The Jews Hope for Salvation in Vain ... Jesus and Abraham. Hope for the Heathen That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear. Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators The Crowning Test and Triumph of Faith Who Shall Weigh the Recompense of Abraham? whom I Marvelled at ... Of the Great Sentiment of Love which we Receive by Holy Hope. Here Followeth the Life of Abraham Resources What is hope theology / theology of hope? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about hope? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that faith, hope, and love remain (1 Corinthians 13:13)? | GotQuestions.org Hope: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hope is an Encouragement to Boldness in Preaching Hope is the Work of the Holy Spirit Hope of the Wicked is in Their Worldly Possessions Hope of the Wicked: Shall be Extinguished in Death Hope of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed Hope of the Wicked: Shall Perish Hope: A Better Hope Brought in by Christ Hope: Be Ready to Give an Answer Concerning Hope: Connected With Faith and Love Hope: General Scriptures Concerning Hope: Illustrated by an Anchor Hope: Objects of a Resurrection Hope: Objects of Christ's Glorious Appearing Hope: Objects of Righteousness Hope: Obtained Through: Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures Hope: Obtained Through: The Gospel Hope: Obtained Through: The Word Hope: Saints: Have All, the Same Hope: Saints: should Abound In Hope: Saints: should Continue In Hope: Saints: should Hold Fast Hope: Saints: should Look for the Object of Hope: Saints: should not be Ashamed of Hope: Saints: should not be Moved From Hope: Seek for Full Assurance of Hope: The Result of Experience Hope: The Wicked Have No Ground For Hope: Triumphs Over Difficulties Related Terms |
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