The faith of Abraham:

Whenever we talk about faith, the name of Abraham comes to our lips. He was one of the greatest men in history and has been called the ‘father of all them that believe’ (Rom.4: 11). He is considered the progenitor of three religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. What is most noteworthy about Abraham was his faith. Paul made many reference to his faith - Ro 4:3,9,11, 16-22; Gal 3:7-9. James used his example to illustrate saving faith – Jas. 2:21-23. Both Paul and James make reference to the following OT statement about Abraham's faith:” And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness." (Gen 15:6; Rom. 4:3; Jas. 2:23)

What was it about Abraham's faith that pleased God (Yahweh) so much?  Do we have the same kindof faith?  Let's take a closer look at "The Faith of Abraham”

Abraham's faith was based on revelation:  God revealed himself to Abraham in many places:

      1. In Ur of the Chaldees - Ac 7:2-4; Gen 15:7

      2. At Haran of Mesopotamia - Gen 12:1-4

      3. At Shechem in Canann - Gen 12:6-7

      4. After Lot moved to Sodom - Gen 13:14-17

      5. And many times more - cf. Gen 15:1-17; 17:1-27; 18:1-33; 22:1-19

By revealing Himself to Abraham, God provided Abraham ample evidence for him to place his faith and trust in God (Yahweh). Our faith must also be based upon revelation. God may reveal Himself to us as He did to Abraham but faith comes through the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).It contains evidence that we might believe.’ But these are written that ye might believe.’(John. 20:30-31)

The more we read, the more God is revealed to us, especially in His Son Jesus Christ!If we desire to have "The Faith of Abraham", we must be ready to receive God's revelation of Himself through His Word!

Abraham’s faith was an obedient faith: By faith, Abraham obeyed God. He never doubted that God (Yahweh) would fail him. He knew that God (Yahweh) was going to bless him abundantly. He left his country, where he had plenty of possessions and he lived in a foreign land (He 11:8-10) There his faith was again tested and he offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God (Yahweh) (He 11:17)

Abraham's faith was not a dead faith (Jas. 2:20, 26), but a dynamic, living faith expressing itself in obedience!

We too, by faith, we must obey God (Yahweh). We must "obey from the heart" the doctrine of Christ (Messiah) (Rom.  6:17) because the gospel calls for "obedience to the faith" (Rom. 1:5; 16:25-26)

In 2 Thes.1:7-9, we read of the terrible punishment to those who do not "obey the gospel".

If we want to have "The Faith of Abraham", we must have a faith that works through love (Gal. 5:6).

Abraham's faith was a trusting faith:  Abraham trusted in God, not his works. He never believed that he was being blessed because of his hard work. He believed in God (Yahweh).His faith was considered for righteousness. It was Abraham's faith in God (Yahweh) that greatly pleased God (Yahweh). In Rom.4:1-8, we read that Abraham was not justified because of his works, Abraham was justified (declared blameless) because of his faith. He trusted in God who justifies the ungodly ( Rom. 4:5-8). We must trust in Jesus (Yahshua), not our works. We must believe on Him who sent Jesus (Yahshua), (John.6:28), we must believe in the baptism which is also a work of God (Yahweh) (Col.2:12-13).    

It is the faith or trust in Jesus prompting us to obey that pleases God, not the value of some work done to receive God's grace! By grace are you saved through faith and that not of works lest any man should boost for it is the gift of God (Yahweh)   (Eph.2:8)

So "The Faith of Abraham" was an obedient faith that placed its trust in God who justifies the ungodly.

To be "the sons of Abraham", we must have the same kind of faith.

Abraham grew in faith:  There were times when his faith was weak, his worldly nature took control. He made Sarah his wife to tell a half-truth to save his life from the Pharaoh (Gen 12:11-20; 20:1-18). When he and Sarah did not have children he questioned God (Yahweh), instead of trusting Him. He allowed Sarah to make a wrong decision with Hagar. He prayed that Ishmael may live before God (Yahweh). Gen.17: 18). In spite of all this, God was patient with Abraham, and his faith grew and was able to conceive (Rom.4: 18-22). He had faith that God could raise Isaac from the dead, and so was willing to offer him as commanded - He 11:17-19

The Faith of Abraham was not a static faith, but an ever-growing faith that came through being "a friend of God" (Jas. 2:23).

We must grow in faith just as the apostles of Christ did. They were afraid of a small storm, men of little faith (Matt.8: 25-26) but later became men of great boldness (Acts.4: 13). Our faith will grow, if we are willing to "walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had" (Rom. 4:12)

We need this kind of faith because the Word says those who are of faith are blessed the sons of Abraham (Gal. 3:7) If we have the faith of Abraham, we will receive the promises made to Abraham,

‘In your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.’ (Gen. 18:18).

Are we walking in the steps of the faith of Abraham, obeying the Word of God (Yahweh) given to us through the gospel of Christ, even as he obeyed the word given to him?