Abraham's Faith
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:
Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, often referred to as the "father of faith." His life and faith journey are pivotal in understanding the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Abraham's faith is highlighted in several key biblical narratives, demonstrating his unwavering trust in God's promises despite numerous challenges and uncertainties.

Call and Promise:
Abraham's journey of faith begins in Genesis 12:1-3, where God calls him to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. The Berean Standard Bible records God's words: "Go from your country, your people, and your father's household 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, and you will be a blessing." Abraham's response to this divine call is immediate and obedient, as he departs without knowing his destination, exemplifying his faith in God's guidance.

Covenant and Righteousness:
In Genesis 15, God reaffirms His promise to Abraham, assuring him of countless descendants. Abraham's faith is further emphasized in Genesis 15:6 : "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse is foundational in biblical theology, illustrating that righteousness is accounted through faith, a theme later expounded upon in the New Testament.

Testing of Faith:
One of the most profound demonstrations of Abraham's faith is found in Genesis 22, where God tests him by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Despite the seemingly contradictory nature of this command, given that Isaac was the child of promise, Abraham proceeds in obedience. The BSB recounts the moment in Genesis 22:12, where God intervenes: "Do not lay a hand on the boy... Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." This narrative underscores Abraham's complete trust in God's provision and faithfulness.

Faith and Legacy:
Abraham's faith is not only a personal testament but also a legacy that impacts future generations. In Romans 4:16-17 , the Apostle Paul reflects on Abraham's faith: "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 faith establishes a paradigm for believers, emphasizing faith as the means of receiving God's promises.

Faith in Hebrews:
The New Testament book of Hebrews further elaborates on Abraham's faith. Hebrews 11:8-10 states: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." This passage highlights Abraham's forward-looking faith, anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises beyond his lifetime.

Conclusion:
Abraham's faith is a cornerstone of biblical narrative and theology, illustrating a profound trust in God's promises and commands. His life serves as an enduring example of faith in action, influencing both his immediate descendants and the broader faith community throughout history.
Subtopics

Abraham

Abraham in Paradise

Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek

Abraham: A Prophet

Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods

Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous

Abraham: And Canaan

Abraham: Angels Appear To

Abraham: Called Abraham

Abraham: Canaan Given To

Abraham: Children of

Abraham: Circumcision of

Abraham: Death

Abraham: Defeats Chedorlaomer

Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron

Abraham: Divine Call of

Abraham: Faith of

Abraham: Friend of God

Abraham: God's Covenant With

Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave

Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom

Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants

Abraham: Independence of, in Character

Abraham: Isaac Born To

Abraham: Ishmael Born To

Abraham: Lives in Bethel

Abraham: Lives in Gerar

Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife

Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran

Abraham: Marries Keturah

Abraham: Marries Sarah

Abraham: Piety of

Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac

Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies

Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away

Abraham: Sojourns in Egypt

Abraham: Son of Terah

Abraham: Testament of

Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac

Abraham: Unselfishness of

Abraham: Wealth of

Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom

Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham

Related Terms

Miscarry (4 Occurrences)

Unproductive (5 Occurrences)

Jehovah-what (1 Occurrence)

Wholesome (10 Occurrences)

Wombs (3 Occurrences)

Miscarriage (4 Occurrences)

Mischance (1 Occurrence)

Barren (44 Occurrences)

Barrenness (3 Occurrences)

Purified (44 Occurrences)

Breasts (39 Occurrences)

Elisha (70 Occurrences)

Spring (122 Occurrences)

Salt (45 Occurrences)

Womb (84 Occurrences)

Henceforth (68 Occurrences)

Healed (106 Occurrences)

Abraham's Explanation
Top of Page
Top of Page