March 13, 2025

Abraham's Faith: A Prefigurement of Our Own

This post explores how the faith of Abraham, as understood in early Christian writings, prefigures the faith of believers today. It draws primarily from interpretations found in early church writings, highlighting key connections made between Abraham's experiences and the Christian understanding of faith.

Abraham: The Patriarch of Faith

The apostle Paul, in the Epistle to the Galatians, emphasizes Abraham's significance as the patriarch of faith. As stated, "He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, [doeth he it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." This highlights that justification comes through faith, just as it did for Abraham.

Abraham's faith is presented as a model for believers. "Know ye therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. But the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, announced beforehand unto Abraham, that in him all nations should be blessed. So then they which be of faith shall be blessed with faithful Abraham." This passage emphasizes the inclusive nature of faith, extending beyond a specific lineage to encompass all who believe.

Faith in the Future

Abraham's faith was not simply a belief in the present; it was a belief in things to come. He "believed in things future, as if they were already accomplished, because of the promise of God." This anticipation of future fulfillment mirrors the Christian experience of looking forward to the kingdom of God. Believers today, "because of the promise of God, behold through faith that inheritance [laid up for us] in the [future] kingdom." The parallel underscores a continuity of faith across different eras.

Symbolism in Isaac's Story

The narrative of Isaac also carries symbolic weight. The passage in Romans concerning Rebecca's conception highlights the prophecy embedded within their story. It states, "Moreover, when Rebecca had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac," she received the answer "that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth, it was said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people are in thy body; and the one people shall overcome the other, and the elder shall serve the younger."

This is interpreted as a prediction of two nations, with one being greater and free, and the other lesser and under bondage, yet both sharing the same God. The relationship between Jacob and Esau is further explored, demonstrating meaning beyond just a historical account.

Jacob: The Supplanter

Even Jacob's actions at birth are seen as symbolic. Grasping his brother's heel led to his name, Jacob, meaning "supplanter." This action is interpreted as "one who holds, but is not held; binding the feet, but not being bound; striving and conquering; grasping in his hand his adversary's heel, that is, victory." This interpretation suggests a deeper meaning embedded within the narrative, relating to spiritual striving and overcoming adversity.