To better understand Abraham and the faith he had we saw last week how God tested him and when he did, Abraham did not waiver but trusted God. Therefore God could call him a friend, not because Abraham desired that title, but because Abraham wanted to follow God’s will in his life. The expanded view of Abraham’s life gives us a better view of who Abraham was, and how he lived. We now can conclude that Abraham put God’s will above his own at all times. We also saw that Abraham is alive, not dead, as Jesus told us. We saw that there is a place for the faithful dead, prior to Christ, and that there is a place for the unfaithful as well. Paul writes a lot about Abraham for us to understand. We will see what he says.
Rom 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Abraham did not do works of service just because he had to. In fact he never did the same thing twice when it came to worshipping God. So Abraham was not justified because he did some sort of religious temple service, or ritual. Abraham is justified because he did what God asked. We could go to church, light candles, sing some songs, and put money in the offering, but that is not what justifies us. Sometimes it seems like God gives us so much, then it seems like there are times we lose what he gave us. Why? God does give, and like with Isaac he may ask us to give up what we have. Where we stand on giving up what we have is revealing our heart to Him. We have all heard God is more concerned with our obedience then sacrifice. We should not make deals with God about what you will give up, you can’t sacrifice enough bulls and goats to make up for your lack of obedience. Remember God’s words to Abraham after he put Isaac on the altar and raised the knife, God said that now he knew Abraham would not withhold his son from him. Wow, at that moment, just before bringing down the knife on Isaac, God knew Abraham would not withhold his only son from God.
Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all
Again Paul points out, not by the law but by righteous faith. The law causes people to become wrathful. No one wants to live with mindless service, rules and regulations, rather we desire a relationship. This is why we have to go back to the Melchizedek Priesthood to understand what our faith and relationship with God should look like. It should not look like the law but should instead look like what Shem and Abraham lived. The promise of Abraham’s seed being heirs cannot come by keeping the Levitical Law, because as we have seen previously, the Levitical Law came many years after Abraham and Shem. So if we could be made heirs by the Levitical Law there would not have to be any faith on our part, just continual service, which is why the law works wrath.
Rom 4:17-22 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
God calls things which haven’t happened yet as if they have already happened. God sees through time but we have to live each minute without seeing into the future. Since God can see into the future, we have to live trusting that what he knows of the future is going to come to pass in our lives. We have to be fully persuaded. That God would call Abraham the father of many nations when he didn’t even have children must have seemed strange. Abraham believed God was telling the truth, but I’m sure he never expected to be a father of Isaac at such an old age.
Rom 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.KJV
This is what the devil has tried to hide from us, simple faith. Jesus was charged for our sins and if we believe that we are saved. If we have faith that Jesus died for our sins we are justified. Paul compares Abraham’s faith with the faith we should have in Jesus. He uses Abraham’s example to show us what faith is in Jesus.
Rom 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.KJV
Here it is, if we believe on Him that raised Jesus our Lord, righteousness is applied to us as well. So we are accepted by faith. Then we can glory in tribulations, because we trust God is in it with us and we can endure to the end. Hebrews tells us Jesus did not take on the nature of angels when he came to be a sacrifice for us, but took on the nature of the seed of Abraham. That means he was just like us, just like the Jews, and he had to have faith that while in his earthly body God could accomplish reconciliation through Him. He had to be like us, and to suffer like we do so that he could aid or help us when we suffer testing.
Let’s take the view from 40,000 miles up to understand our tribulation. If we lived an easy life, with no controversy, or contentions, no fighting or struggling, no sadness or hardship, would we appreciate all our blessings? Would we have a reason to look for a savior? If we were so well taken care of that we didn’t have a need in the world would we start treating God as if he were a Jeanie in a bottle? Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie? Yet the devil has made us think that God is a big vending machine and if he doesn’t give us what we want or what we desire he is mean. Now how could God teach us about character if we have everything easy without hardship? If God asked for your son, when you always had everything you wanted would you give him your son?
What if this earth, and all that we see, is simply a testing ground for us? Are we passing or failing the test? Lucifer failed, he had the freedom to choose how he would live and he did not choose well. If you could see your life from the beginning through to the end, could you say you passed or failed God? How could God have encouraged you to believe in Him? How could God have gotten your attention when you were not obedient to him? What if we do it right, like Abraham? When we die we will receive what we deserve, rewards, or no rewards, or punishment. What if in this life, faith is so simple we have overcomplicated the entire thing?
Heb 2:14-18 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.KJV
Jesus took on the nature of the seed of Abraham, to be like us, so that he could comfort us when we are tempted. Remember how satan goes before God to accuse us, then picks on us and tries to lure us away from God. In times of temptation and hardship it is best to press in to God and obey instead of trying to “think” our way out.
Gal 3:6-11 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.KJV
They which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. That is a powerful, yet simple statement.
Gal 3:13-18 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.KJV
Paul writes that this promise of salvation is not to the Jews only, by birth and lineage, but to all who believe on God, and confess Jesus as Lord. After the day of Pentecost, the Jews had a hard time understanding that the Gentiles could be saved too. Let’s look at this from 40,000 miles up. The seed of Abraham was scattered everywhere, repeatedly. They were taken into slavery; they were sold as slaves in Africa, by ships they were sent all over, even America. Remember Abraham had six more sons, after offering Isaac, even if you could identify the “Isaac gene” and the “Sarah gene”, it has been mixed around so much that lineage could not be counted as the pure people of God. Therefore, heirs of Abraham are those of promise who believe like Abraham. Jesus sealed the deal when he sent the Holy Spirit to gather in all those who are called, chosen, and found faithful.
Rom 9:6-10 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;KJV
They are not all Israel which are of Israel, too much mixing up.
Rom 9:25-26 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.KJV [Hosea 2:23, Hosea 1:10]
He calls them my people which were not my people and they shall be called the children of the living God. How can that be if it was only by linage? But it is by faith that we are called the children of Abraham.
Rom 10:8-14 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.KJV
With the heart man believes unto righteousness, with the mouth confession is made to salvation. Simple. Because of unbelief Israel was broken off and others were grafted in by their faith, yet we should not be prideful as if we did something wonderful. Israel can be once again grafted back in to the branch.
Rom 11:19-27 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.KJV
The blindness of Israel, to accept Jesus as Lord is partly due to a time where the Gentiles can come to believe on Jesus. When that number is reached, the age of grace will be over and the church will be taken up to await the millennial reign of Christ. And eventually all of Israel will be saved; they will believe Jesus is the Messiah.
Again James reiterates some points we have already looked at but adds one more, Abraham was called the friend of God. Isaiah corroborates as well.
James 2:20-24 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only KJV
Isa 41:8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.KJV
Moses was also called a friend of God. Both Moses and Abraham followed God in extraordinary ways. If we aspire to be God’s friend, we have to live the extreme life these men did. Moses sacrificed going into the Promised Land, negotiating for disobedient Israel over and over again. That is a hard job. Abraham moved all over making disciples everywhere he went. He also did not withhold his son from God. Isaac was a willing subject suggesting that he would not have been worthy to be born if he didn’t follow God’s commands. And the promise made that day of sacrifice is that the seed of Abraham will possess the gates of the enemies.
Gen 22:17-18 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.KJV
By developing our relationship with God we will not only be victorious but we are able to possess the gates of the enemy. This means when the enemy tries to plan an attack (remember how he accuses us day and night) we can foil the plan because we have already taken the enemies gates. We could take back our friends and family for God. We could take back our nations, and subdue the enemy, without picking up a gun or utilizing an army of tanks and bombs. We could commission the angels to wage war with us to push the enemy down. Remember there are twice as many for God as for satan. We have been fooled into thinking the battle is bigger and harder than it really is. We are simply not united in our efforts. The first step is laying down our lives to God, taking up our cross and following Him. We then should have the simplicity of righteousness faith, like Abraham.
Abraham developed his relationship with God over a period of many years. We need to keep that in mind, it didn’t happen in one day. God seems to use the enemies’ accusations to spur us on to living bigger for Him. Isn’t that our main goal in life? We are not done with Abraham’s story. There is more ahead.
