Why Does Abraham Matter?

[parsifal22]

My pastor just asked our church a question in our study of meta narrative. About why Abraham matters in Scripture. The most I can think of is because of The Abrahamic Covenant and typology of the sacrifice of Issac. Any other thoughts as to why Abraham is important to the over arching story of the Bible?

[Robert]

I would think he matters because he exercised faith in God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Hebrews 11:8) He believed in God's promises, hoping against hope. Jesus told us in scripture: "They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham." (John 8:39-40)

In other words, "Abraham's children" are not necessarily those that are physically descended from him, but those who do like Abraham did. Abraham serves as the prototype of those that have faith in the promises of God Almighty, and trust in him.

[parsifal22]

I would think he matters because he exercised faith in God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Hebrews 11:8) He believed in God's promises, hoping against hope. Jesus told us in scripture: "They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham." (John 8:39-40)

In other words, "Abraham's children" are not necessarily those that are physically descended from him, but those who do like Abraham did. Abraham serves as the prototype of those that have faith in the promises of God Almighty, and trust in him.

Very Good thank you

[raptfor56]

He matters because the promises were made to him and his "seed"(Jesus) and only as being part of the body of Christ can we inherit the promises. Also, Abraham begat Isaac and Ishmael. The free child and the bond child which is analogous to liberty in Christ and under bondage to sin. It all begins with God's choice of Abraham !!

[mattfivefour]

I would think he matters because he exercised faith in God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Hebrews 11:8) He believed in God's promises, hoping against hope. Jesus told us in scripture: "They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham." (John 8:39-40)

In other words, "Abraham's children" are not necessarily those that are physically descended from him, but those who do like Abraham did. Abraham serves as the prototype of those that have faith in the promises of God Almighty, and trust in him.

Very well put, Robert. Absolutely spot on.

[Price is paid]

Correct me if I am wrong, but Abraham was the father of the Jewish people. Also the parallel of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son, and the Son of man being sacrificed. Hence, Jesus said, You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. I could go on and more indept, but time restraints as always hinder me.