The Faith of Abraham - Discerning Faith Series
- Kareem Flowers
- Apr 30, 2019
- 2 min read
Seeing we are on the topic of faith, it seems fitting that we speak a little on the father of faith, Abraham. Many of us know the story of Abraham, and how God promised him a son in his old age. Having first called him out of the land of his abode, God led him through many tests and trials many of which he failed. He ended up doing many sins, eg. lying to kings and having a child outside of wedlock. Nevertheless, God's promise stood sure, when in the fullness of time, Abraham received a son from his wife Sarah, whom he named Issac.
God had promised Abraham that through Issac and his seed all nations would be blessed. God gave this promise and many others concerning Issac and his seed before Issac was even born. However, one day God requires a great demand from Abraham. The son Abraham had waited 25 years for, God now tells him to offer as a sacrifice. However, note Abraham's words to his servants, after receiving the instructions from God.
And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. - Genesis 22:5
and again.
And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. - Genesis 22:7-8
Note that Abraham said, that both he and his son will return unto the servants. Shortly after he mentions to his son that God would provide a lamb for the burnt offering. Why is this so? Well, it is because God had already spoken concerning his son Issac. Issac was the son of promise, and God cannot lie. Abraham believed the word of God to the point that He was willing to slay His son, believing that God would have raised him from the dead to fulfil His word. Thus, God spared him from killing his son, and provided a ram for the sacrifice.
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. - Galatians 3:6
Abraham's belief in God was reckoned as righteousness in the sight of God; hence Abraham became the Father of faith. He is the type/shadow of the faith which was to come, how that if a sinner believes on the word of God, the righteousness of God would be imputed upon Him by the infilling of the Holy Spirit!
Praise God for His wonderful works!
Activity: What is your favourite characteristic of Abraham?
This series is based on the book "Discerning Faith", by Mary Banks. Get your copy on Amazon at the link below
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