The Faith of Abraham, Moses & Jesus

 

When we speak of “The Faith”, we are looking at an object. To Abraham it took the shape of a promise. To Moses it took the shape of law, but to Jesus it took the shape of sacrifice.  This subject helps us understand God’s view of law and grace, the tools of our salvation.                 Jesus said…

ABRAHAM WAS OVERJOYED THAT HE WOULD SEE MY DAY, HE SAW IT AND REJOICED…I ASSURE YOU, BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM.

(Jn. 8:56-68)

The faith of Abraham was based on trusting God’s promise, and the more he showed his trust, the more God assured him of His gift of Righteousness, (approval & acceptance), Gen. 15:6, Rom.4:3. Abraham got God’s gift of Righteousness because of his faithful trusting actions for the promise to be fulfilled. Abraham didn’t get God’s righteousness because of his circumcision (works), but because he lived a life which followed God and was granted the rightouesness which exceeded that of the Pharisees, Mt. 5:20.

 

THE LAW WAS GIVEN THROUGH MOSES, GRACE AND TRUTH CAME THROUGH JESUS CHRIST    (Jn. 1:17)

Moses was honored in being present with Jesus during his transfiguration, Mt. 17:3. The salvation of Moses was delivered by God despite the sins of Moses, (ie. Murder Ex. 2:11-12, and Pride Num.20:9-12). Proving to us that we are saved by grace, not by law. If the law Moses delivered could save a person, then Moses would have needed to obey the law flawlessly, but he didn’t and yet was still saved. Saved by the grace of God!

 

There are several truths and/or actions which work together to produce our salvation.

God’s Part

1. The grace of God, Ephesians 2:7-8

2. The blood of Jesus, 1st Peter 1:18-19

3. The work of The Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5-6

Man’s Part

4. Hearing God’s word.

5. Repentance in a person’s lifestyle.

6. Confession of the Lordship of Christ Jesus from a disciple.

7. Baptism of a disciple.

8. Living faithfully til death.

Where is Faith on our part?  Faith is in each and every part.

4. Without faith in hearing the word, we can’t accept it as God’s word, 1st Thess. 2:13.

5. Without faith, repentance in a person’s life is impossible, Matthew 3:1-12.

6. Without faith, confession of the Lordship of Christ is just words, Matthew 7:21-27.

7. Without faith, baptism is simply getting wet, Romans 6:3-8.

8. Without faith expressed in our daily life, we negate everything we began with God and

      refuse his gift of eternal life, Rev. 2:10.

 

When our faith takes the shape of sacrifice, we are growing in His sanctification, and we are continually being consecrated (made holy). See Romans 12:1-2 & 1st Peter 1:16. Do we make sacrifices or contributions? 

 

Prayer pointer this week: In view of the fact that NONE of us fully live up to our part in producing our salvation, how does God save us? We should thank Him daily for His grace and express our hope in His mercy daily.