Before we conclude this discussion of God’s covenant with Abraham, we need to take a glimpse as to Abraham’s part—since a covenant is between two parties. The full definition is that of a formal, binding agreement between two parties. We have discussed with great detail the fact of God’s Faithfulness in completing all that He promised. God’s promises to Abraham as outlined in Genesis had been to include 5 promises.
1. That God would make of Abraham a great nation
2. That God would bless Abraham both in material and spiritual blessings
3. That God would make the name of Abraham great.
4. That through Abraham, nations would be blessed (The Messiah would come)
5. That God would give Abraham and his seed the Promised Land.
photo used courtesy of @Istockphoto.com
God’s covenant of Faithfulness and redemption is to those who accept Him by faith. Faith is the willingness to sign over all the details of your life, trusting that God has the perfect plan for you. Faith is trusting God and is demonstrated by obeying Him—and leaving all the consequences to Him even when we cannot see tomorrow’s light.
Certainly, if we look at history we can see that God has performed and fulfilled His part of the contract with Abraham. What we have failed to look at was what Abraham’s part of the contract was? We did speak about faith, but faith is something that is demonstrated by actions as well. Let us look at James 2: “17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” So you might say then is it works or is it Grace? True faith by its nature will be demonstrated
by the choices and the actions that we take as was the case with Abraham. God had said to Abraham in Genesis 17:(AMP) “I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete). 2 And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you.” We have seen that Abraham did not always get it right; but, Abraham’s heart was right—he followed after and sought after God. He believed God’s words to be true and He trusted God. This is demonstrated as Abraham demonstrated faith by being willing to give up all to follow God’s commands.
1. Abraham left his home and all that was familiar to go to a land he had never seen
2. Abraham demonstrated his dependence on God’s provision when he offered his tithe to Melchisedek (the priest of the most high God) and then when Melchisedek tried to give him back the goods—Abraham refused to take anything in return beyond the blessing.
3. Abraham had to separate himself from Lot whom he loved because of Lot choosing to make choices that brought dishonor to God.
4. Abraham trusted God when God told him to send Ishmael away.
5. Abraham was willing to obey God—trusting that God had a plan when God asked him to offer up Isaac.
Works cannot save us; because we at our best cannot live up to a righteous God’s commands as we saw even in Abraham’s life. It is by faith that we are saved through grace. It was faith that was counted to righteousness even in the life of Abraham. Still, how can one say they have faith if they never trust God? Do you know Him as your Savior, your King, and your greatest treasure? Would you be willing to go where ever He commands? Do you meditate upon His word to guide you? Do you love Him above all else? Do you trust Him or do you fret whenever things don’t go your way?
I hope you enjoy this song I found—Faith is Living by John Waller.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”