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Reading: Hebrews 11:1-16

"Let us run...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith" (Heb 12:1,2)

"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." This text occurs four times in the Bible. We will find out its significance.

Romans 4:3,10, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness... How then was it accounted?... While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised." This is comparable to salvation the initial experience of Christian life. This points out that salvation is not by good deeds but by faith alone.

James 2:21-23, "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?... Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Abraham shows his faith through deeds. In obedience to God's command, he laid on the altar his beloved son for whom he had been waiting for so many years. This refers to our surrender to Christ and walking in holiness.

Galatians 3:6,8, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness... The Scripture...preached the Gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, In you all the nations shall be blessed." The Great Commission given to us two thousand years ago was given to Abraham even several thousands of years earlier! Thus Abraham is the genesis of missionary work.

Genesis 15:4-6, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them... So shall your descendants be. And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness." When Abraham did not have strength to bring forth a child, he took God at His Word. God gave life and strength to a man, who was as good as dead, and multiplied his descendants. This is a picture of resurrection.

Our text in Romans refers to Salvation; in James it refers to Sanctification; in Galatians it is the Great Commission; and in Genesis it portrays Resurrection. Which means, Christian life is one of faith from new birth to the new earth. It's faith from beginning to end!

Simply trusting every day, trusting thro' a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus, that is all!