Abraham
Abraham is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, second only to Moses in mentions in the New Testament. James calls him “God’s friend” (James 2:23), a title not given to anyone else. Believers are regarded as the “children of Abraham” (Galatians 3:7). His story occupies a significant part of Genesis, starting from Genesis 11:26 to his death in 25:8. Not much is known about his early life. Still, we learn that he was 75 years old when called by God in Genesis 12.
In Genesis 12:1-3, God instructs Abraham to leave his homeland and promises him a land, a great nation, and blessings, which form the foundation of the Abrahamic Covenant established in Genesis 15 and 17. What sets Abraham apart is his obedience; Genesis 12:4 states he went "as the LORD had told him."
The author of Hebrews highlights Abraham's faith, noting that "by faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8). Leaving behind familiar surroundings was a significant act, especially in a time when family bonds were strong. Abraham's life before his calling was steeped in a pagan culture, and yet he recognized Yahweh's call and obeyed without hesitation.
Another key moment in Abraham's faith is the promise of a son, Isaac, to him and Sarah, who were childless. Despite their doubts and a lapse into sin through the birth of Ishmael, God remained faithful, blessing them with Isaac as the heir of promise (Genesis 21). Abraham's faith was further tested when God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22). Even in this moment of extreme challenge, Abraham trusted in God's ability to fulfill His promises.
While Abraham had moments of failure, such as lying about Sarah and acting on his impatience for a child, God's grace was evident as He continued to work through Abraham's life. God renamed him from Abram to Abraham, symbolizing his role as the "father of a multitude."
Ultimately, Abraham's life teaches us the importance of living a life of faith marked by obedience. His faith was based on a deep assurance in God's promises, showing that God's providence is at work in our lives, even amidst our shortcomings. Like Abraham, we are called to trust and obey, recognizing that God's plans will prevail despite our failures.
The workings of God's grace are evident early in the Old Testament. The gospel begins in Genesis, particularly in Genesis 3:15, where God promises that the "seed of the woman" will crush the serpent’s head, marking the first mention of the gospel. The Old Testament unfolds the story of God's grace through the line of promise, starting with Seth and continuing through figures like Abraham, to whom God promised, "All nations will be blessed through you" (Galatians 3:8).
Abraham's life teaches us that faith is not hereditary; merely being descended from him does not guarantee salvation (Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8, John 8:39). We cannot rely on our upbringing in a Christian home for our relationship with God. Paul illustrates this in Romans 9, emphasizing that God's choice of who will be saved is sovereign.
Additionally, James points out that faith without works is dead (James 2:21), using Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah as an example. True faith leads to obedience and good works, proving one's faith.
Ultimately, Abraham exemplifies the Christian life, not through perfection but through his faith and hope in God’s promises (Hebrews 11:8–10). Our lives should reflect such faith, leaving behind a lasting legacy.