Topical Bible: Holy Boldness: Abraham

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Introduction

Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His life is a testament to faith and obedience to God, and he is often celebrated for his holy boldness—a courageous faith that acts in accordance with God's promises and commands. This entry explores instances of Abraham's holy boldness as depicted in the Scriptures.

Call and Obedience

Abraham's journey of faith begins with a divine call. In Genesis 12:1-4 , God commands Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that He will show him. Despite the uncertainties and potential dangers, Abram boldly obeys, demonstrating his trust in God's promise to make him a great nation. This act of leaving everything familiar behind exemplifies holy boldness, as Abram steps out in faith without knowing the destination.

Intercession for Sodom

One of the most striking examples of Abraham's holy boldness is his intercession for Sodom in Genesis 18:22-33. When God reveals His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness, Abraham approaches God with a bold plea for mercy. He respectfully yet courageously negotiates with God, asking if He would spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous people, and continues to lower the number. Abraham's boldness in intercession reflects his deep concern for justice and his confidence in God's character as a righteous judge.

The Binding of Isaac

In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham's faith by commanding him to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham's response is one of profound holy boldness. Early the next morning, he sets out to obey God's command, demonstrating his unwavering trust in God's promises, even when they seem to contradict His earlier assurances. Hebrews 11:17-19 highlights Abraham's faith, noting that he reasoned God could raise the dead, thus showing his bold confidence in God's power and faithfulness.

Covenant with Abimelech

In Genesis 21:22-34, Abraham's boldness is evident in his dealings with Abimelech, the king of Gerar. After a dispute over a well, Abraham approaches Abimelech to make a covenant, ensuring peace and mutual respect. This act of boldness not only secures his rights but also demonstrates his integrity and commitment to living peaceably with his neighbors.

Conclusion

Abraham's life is a profound example of holy boldness, characterized by his unwavering faith and obedience to God. His actions, from leaving his homeland to interceding for others and trusting God with his most precious promises, reflect a deep-seated confidence in God's character and promises. Through Abraham, believers are encouraged to exhibit similar boldness in their walk with God, trusting Him in all circumstances.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 18:22-32
And the men turned their faces from there, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... What a contrast the fiery fervour and unwearying pertinacity of Abraham's prayers
make ... our languid petitions, and stir us up to a holy boldness and persistence ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

Putting God to Work
... made by Abraham! Here we have arguments designed to convince God, and pleas to persuade
God to change His purpose. We see deep humility, but holy boldness as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

Eighteenth Lesson Whose is this Image?'
... We do not once find Abraham praying for himself. ... With holy boldness they may make
known what they will: they live as priests in God's presence; as kings the ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/eighteenth lesson whose is this.htm

At the Temple Gate
... of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in ... With
holy boldness and in the power of the Spirit Peter fearlessly declared: "Be ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm

Martyrdom of the Holy Confessors Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, from ...
... the lions; who madest the children of Abraham victorious over ... down by the side of
the holy Guria. ... acknowledge his distinguished fortitude and boldness of speech ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents martyrdom of 2.htm

Thessalonica
... To Abraham was given the promise that of his line of Saviour of the ... As with holy
boldness Paul proclaimed the gospel in the synagogue at Thessalonica, a flood ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 22 thessalonica.htm

The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... [536] Thou hast given to us boldness of access ... barren; but yet more clearly did the
holy Virgin herself ... the covenant which He established with Abraham and with ...
/.../the second homily on the.htm

'Because of his Importunity'
... Again, we are taught the boldness of pleading which ... Abraham is keenly conscious of
his audacity, and yet ... His was the holy 'importunity' which Jesus sent forth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

Elijah, the Praying Prophet
... Well assured and with holy boldness does he declare before the astonished, cowering
king ... Elijah the prophet came near and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/v elijah the praying prophet.htm

An Obscured vision
... He came to Abraham and he saw Christ's day and was glad: he visited Moses ... minister
without a message, to the minister who has lost his holy boldness, to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/an obscured vision.htm