Heroes of the Faith Series |
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Abraham – The Father of Our Faith
Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
(Romans 4:3)
The Bible describes Abraham as "the father of all those who believe" (Romans 4:11), and since we know it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), it is reasonable to assume that God was very pleased with Abraham. In fact, Abraham is the only person whose example of faith is mentioned three times in the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith (verses 8, 9, and 17). But we also learn that Abraham’s faith was demonstrated by works, as James points out when he asks the question, Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? (James 2:21) Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Romans 4:3), so it is essential to understand that faith is the root of our salvation. However, we also know that works are the fruit of our salvation, and the fruit in Abraham's life was clearly evident as he learned, spoke, and lived out his faith to set the standard as "the father of us all" (Romans 4:16).
Learn It! Before God changed Abraham's name, it was simply Abram, meaning "exalted father." It wasn't until God established an everlasting covenant to make Abram the father of many nations that his name became Abraham, meaning "Father of many." Before and after this historic covenant, Abraham faithfully listened to God's plans and promises to bless others through him and multiply his descendants—believing, obeying, and cooperating with God every step of the way.
Speak It! James 2:23 tells us that Abraham was a "friend of God," and we know that Abraham and God spoke with each other from the time that God called Abraham out of Ur and throughout his journeys to the land of Canaan. During Abraham's journeys, we learn that he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD (Genesis 12:8 and 13:4). Abraham spoke to the Lord freely, but more importantly, he listened and obeyed God's voice and kept His charge, His commandments, His statutes, and His laws (Genesis 26:5).
Live It! Abraham lived out his faith, which manifested itself in an unflinching obedience to God's calling. He and Sarah willingly packed up their possessions and walked away from family members and the familiar comforts of home to venture out to the unknown and primitive land of Canaan. God blessed Abraham and promised him that in his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed. But it is important to remember that the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith (Romans 4:13).
Discussion Question: Is your heart ready and willing to go anywhere God calls you to go, or do anything He calls you to do?
Memory Verse: But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness (Romans 4:5).
Prayer: Father, strengthen my faith so that, just as Abraham, I am always seeking You, listening to You, and responding faithfully to Your call.
All quotations from Scripture are taken from the New King James Version.
Devotional written by Mark Rasche
Illustration by Jonathan Chong
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