Do You Have the Faith of Abraham?

By Brian Mitchell       Known among other things as the Father of the Faithful, Abraham was truly one of the most remarkable men in the history of mankind in general, but especially so in the history of religion. Three of the world’s main religions actually trace their heritage back to the Patriarch Abraham. The Muslims trace their spiritual heritage back to Abraham through his son Ishmael and his descendants. The Jews trace their spiritual heritage back to Abraham through Isaac and his descendants, as do Christians.     To Christians, Abraham is referred to in the Bible as the father of all the faithful—Rom.4:11-12, Gal.3:7. It is here that the Jews have lost their connection to God because they do not possess the faith of Abraham. Because the sons of Abraham no longer share a connection to God through the blood of Jesus Christ, they no longer share a connection with God. Rather those who share a connection to God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are those who are blessed by God.     Thus, for those who believe in and obey Jesus, Abraham is their spiritual father. He was truly a remarkable man. As our father in the faith, what lessons can we learn from Abraham? Without doubt, the most remarkable characteristic of Abraham which is worthy of our emulation was his great faith in God. Paul says of Abraham; “Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Rom.4:3).     “Therefore, it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all of the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all” (Rom.4:16). “So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (Gal.3:9). James later would use Abraham as an example of saving faith—Jm.1:21-24.     Here is a great example of what it actually means to believe in God. It is more than just saying the words, it involves actions of obedience. Thus, Abraham was a man of great faith because his faith led him beyond mere belief, to actions of obedience. What about Abraham’s faith made it so pleasing to God? What lessons can we learn from Abraham about faith that can help us to have the same kind of faith?     Abraham shows us what true faith is and where it comes from. He shows us the source of faith: Revelation, the result of faith: Obedience, the focus of faith: Trust in God and the progression of faith: It Must Be Growing. Why do we need this kind of faith?     Because “those who are of the faith are the true sons of Abraham” (Gal.3:7). Because “those who are of the faith of Abraham are blessed” (Gal.3:9). Because those who have the faith of Abraham are truly the recipients of the promise made to Abraham that “In your seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice” (Gen.18:18).     So do you have the Faith of Abraham? It is seen in how one responds to the Word of God, not just what they say about it.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Please visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net