Dictionary of Bible Themes Whereas Jews see Abraham as the father of their nation on account of God's covenant with him, Christians see Abraham as the father of all who believe in Jesus Christ. Genesis 17:3-6The significance of Abraham for nations other than Israel See also Abraham was the father of many nations Genesis 17:20; 25:1-4,12-18Genesis 12:3 Muslim Arabs trace their ancestry through Ishmael to Abraham. See also Abraham was to be a means of blessing to many nations Genesis 18:18; 22:17-18Acts 3:25 Genesis 12:1-2 The significance of Abraham for the people of Israel See also Israel traces its origins back to God's call of Abraham Joshua 24:2-3Acts 7:2-3 Hebrews 11:8-10 Nehemiah 9:7-8 See also God promises the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants Genesis 15:1-21; 17:1-8Exodus 6:8 Deuteronomy 9:5 Acts 7:4-5 1 Kings 18:36 See also God is subsequently known in Israel as the God of Abraham Genesis 24:26-27; 26:24; 31:53Psalms 47:9 Acts 7:32 Exodus 3:6 John 8:39 See also Abraham is seen as the father of the Jewish nation Psalms 105:5-6Isaiah 41:8; 51:1-2 Luke 1:54-55 John 8:33 Acts 13:26 Romans 11:1 1 Chronicles 16:14-18 God deals with Israel on the basis of his covenant with Abraham See also Exodus 2:23-25pp Ps 105:7-11 2 Kings 13:22-23Psalms 105:42-45 Luke 1:68-75 Genesis 17:9-14 See also Circumcision was the sign of participation in God's covenant with Abraham Leviticus 12:3John 7:22 Acts 15:1 Matthew 1:1 The significance of Abraham for Christians Abraham was an ancestor of Jesus Christ Matthew 3:9-10pp Lk 3:34 Jesus Christ attacks Jewish confidence in mere physical descent from Abraham See also John 8:33-41pp Lk 3:8-9 Luke 19:7-9See also Jesus Christ makes a point of identifying outcasts as children of Abraham Luke 13:10-16Galatians 3:15-18 See also God's promise to Abraham is not inherited by those who obey the law Romans 4:13-16Galatians 4:21-31 Galatians 3:16 See also God's promise to Abraham is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is Abraham's seed Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 24:7Galatians 3:19,29 Galatians 3:6-9 See also Abraham is the father of those who are justified by faith Genesis 15:6Romans 4:1-25 James 2:20-24 Abraham's obedience to God shows that faith must lead to good works Matthew 8:11-12Fellowship with Abraham is a symbol of salvation See also Luke 13:28-29; 16:19-26See also 1035 God, faithfulness1245 God of the fathers 5375 law 6676 justification 7135 Israel, people of God 7140 people of God 7248 patriarchs 7258 promised land, early history 7334 circumcision 7505 Jews, the 7510 Gentiles 8020 faith |
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