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Abraham Believed God - Romans 4
Abraham Believed God - Romans 4
Abraham believed God. When we first meet Abraham in Genesis 12, he is a believer: "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb. 11:8). God was his God, he was God's friend. He worshiped God. Everywhere he went, he built altars unto God. Chapter 15 begins with God's statement: "Fear not Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great" (15:1).
After 3 chapters detailing this life of faith, God made another promise: he would have a child, an heir. Then the record states: "he believed the LORD, and He counted it to him as righteousness" (15:6). This was NOT the beginning of his relationship with God. This was NOT the beginning of his faith in God. This was Abraham 'living by faith', walking by faith.
Abraham's faith would yet be tested. How did Abraham respond? "In hope he believed against hope"; "he did not weaken in faith"; "No unbelief made him waver"; "he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God"; he was "fully convinced" (Rom. 4:18-21). This was no 'simple believing'. This was not a moment of faith. This was a trust in God that directed and controlled the whole of Abraham's life.
Paul THEN states: "THAT is why his faith was counted to him as righteousness". It is that type of faith that we are called upon to have. It is THAT type of faith that we are to 'share' with Abraham (4:16). In that manner of faith we are to "walk in the footsteps.. of our father Abraham" (vs. 12).
Such a faith has a beginning, but that is NOT the point or the emphasis in Romans 4. It is a faith that walks with God. It is a faith that would even sacrifice his own son if God said so. What do you think Abraham would have done if God had told him to be baptized?
Hugh DeLong
