Introduction
Salvation through faith is a cornerstone of New Testament teaching, and few figures in the Bible exemplify this faith as profoundly as Abraham. Romans 4:1-25 presents Abraham as the “father of all who believe,” holding up his life as a model of unwavering faith. This “Abrahamic faith” is not just an abstract concept but a dynamic, trusting relationship with God that perseveres through trials, uncertainties, and long waits. To understand what it means to walk by faith, we must look closely at the example set by Abraham—what he believed, how he acted on his belief, and the circumstances under which his faith grew and matured.
What is Abrahamic Faith?
The Bible tells us, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3, NASB). This verse captures the essence of Abraham’s faith: a simple yet profound trust in God. But what exactly does it mean to have faith like Abraham?
- Trust in God’s Promises
Abraham believed in the promises God made to him, even when they seemed impossible. Genesis 15:1-6 recounts how God promised Abraham numerous descendants despite his old age and Sarah’s barrenness. “Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6, NASB). Abraham’s faith was not based on visible evidence but on the reliability of God’s word. - Faith Through Trials
Faith is often tested, and Abraham’s faith was no exception. Perhaps the most well-known example is when God commanded Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-18). Abraham’s willingness to obey, even when it meant surrendering the child of promise, demonstrates a faith that held nothing back from God. Hebrews 11:17-19 reflects on this, stating that Abraham considered God able to raise people from the dead, showing his belief in God’s power to fulfill His promises against all odds. - Faith Without Visible Proof
Abraham’s faith is characterized by believing even when there was no visible proof. For 25 years, he held onto God’s promise of an heir (Genesis 12, 15). This steadfast hope, despite his circumstances, exemplifies what Paul describes in Romans 4:18: “In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’”
Others Who Believed God
Abraham is not the only example of such faith in the Bible. There are others who similarly believed God’s words and acted on them, even in the face of adversity.
- The People of Nineveh
The people of Nineveh, upon hearing Jonah’s prophecy, believed God and repented (Jonah 3:1-5). Their belief led them to immediate action, showing that true faith results in a change of behavior. - The Apostle Paul
When Paul was caught in a storm at sea, he trusted in God’s promise of deliverance, assuring the others on board that their lives would be spared (Acts 27:21-25). Paul’s implicit trust in God’s word during a perilous situation echoes Abraham’s steadfast faith. - The Heroes of Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11 provides a catalog of people who acted out of faith. They were “convicted of things not seen,” relying on God’s promises rather than human understanding (Hebrews 11:1-6). Like Abraham, they trusted in God’s faithfulness and awaited the fulfillment of His promises.
Circumstances Surrounding Abraham’s Faith
Understanding the circumstances in which Abraham believed helps us grasp the depth of his faith.
- A Long Wait
Abraham first believed when God called him out of Ur (Genesis 12). For 25 years, he held onto God’s promise without seeing its fulfillment, trusting that God would deliver despite his advancing age and Sarah’s infertility. Romans 4:20 notes that “he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God.” Abraham’s example teaches us that faith requires patience and confidence in God’s timing. - The Trial of Sacrificing Isaac
God’s command to offer Isaac tested Abraham’s faith to its core. Genesis 22:1-18 details how Abraham obeyed without question, trusting God’s character even when he did not understand His command. James 2:21-24 points to this act as the ultimate proof of Abraham’s faith: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?” Abraham’s obedience proved that his faith was more than words; it was a profound trust that God’s promises would stand, even if it seemed impossible.
How Can We Have Abrahamic Faith?
Many might say that Abraham’s faith is extraordinary and out of reach for ordinary people. However, the New Testament encourages us to develop a similar faith.
- Following God’s Commands
Just as Abraham trusted God’s promises, we are called to believe and obey God’s word. Faith in the New Testament requires us to trust in Christ and His promises, as in 1 Corinthians 1:25-29, which encourages us to embrace the wisdom and power of God above our understanding. - Trusting Beyond Human Logic
When God calls us to step out in faith, as He did with Abraham, we may find ourselves in situations that defy human reasoning. Yet, just as Abraham trusted God against all odds, we are called to trust that God can do the impossible. Mark 16:16, for instance, assures us of the promise of salvation for those who believe and are baptized—a faith that trusts in God’s promises even when the path seems unclear.
The Blessings of Abrahamic Faith
Finally, the Bible shows that Abraham’s faith brought tremendous blessings, which extend even to us today.
- Becoming Children of God
Galatians 3:26-29 says, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus… And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” Through faith, we inherit the blessings of Abraham and become part of God’s family. - Confidence and Assurance in God
Abrahamic faith instills in believers a deep-seated confidence in God’s faithfulness. Even in times of doubt, hesitation, or difficulty, true faith holds fast to God’s promises. Hebrews 6:13-15 reminds us that God’s promises to Abraham were fulfilled, providing hope and encouragement for us to wait patiently for God’s promises to come to pass. - An Eternal Perspective
Abraham’s faith pointed him beyond the here and now, grounding him in the promises of God that would extend beyond his earthly life. For believers today, this faith anchors us in the eternal hope of being with God. As Romans 4:16 explains, our inheritance is based on faith, that it might be by grace, making us part of the promise given to Abraham.
Conclusion
The life of Abraham provides a powerful template for what it means to walk by faith. His journey teaches us that faith is more than belief—it is trusting God in the waiting, obeying God in the testing, and standing firm in His promises. True faith, like Abraham’s, is active, enduring, and rooted in the confidence that “what He had promised, He was able also to perform” (Romans 4:21). As children of faith, may we strive to embody this unwavering trust, knowing that the God who was faithful to Abraham will also be faithful to us.
The Simple Gospel 