The faith that justified Abraham
In this Unity Series reflection, we look again at Abraham’s faith—what made it genuine, what God saw in him, and what this means for our own walk of trust today.
The Faith That Justified Abraham
Genesis 22 — Abraham Tested (NIV)
“Some time later God tested Abraham… ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac… Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering…’” (Genesis 22:1–2)
Abraham obeyed. He told his servants, “We will worship and then we will come back to you.” He told Isaac, “God himself will provide the lamb.”
When Abraham raised the knife, the angel of the Lord stopped him:
“Do not lay a hand on the boy… Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” (Genesis 22:12)
A ram was provided, and Abraham named the place: “The Lord Will Provide.”
What Justified Abraham?
Paul explains the heart of it:
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3)
Abraham’s faith was not in his own understanding. It was his trust that the One True God knew exactly what He was doing. Even if Abraham didn’t know how God would resolve the command, he trusted Him.
He could not have told his servants or his son the truth without horrifying them. And even if he believed God would intervene, that belief must have been tested when he raised the knife.
Yet God said, “Now I know that you fear God.” Abraham truly intended to obey.
Faith That Justifies
Paul continues:
“To the one who does not work but trusts God… their faith is credited as righteousness.” (Romans 4:5)
This is the same faith I cling to: God is in control, and I trust Him in whatever the outcome.
I’m dealing with health issues right now, including lower back pain. People have prayed for me, and hands have been laid on me. Sometimes the pain eases, sometimes it returns. Whether I am healed now or later, I trust that God has a reason for the timing. I will wait on Him.
The Fall — What Died That Day?
God told Adam:
“When you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:17)
Yet Adam lived 930 years. So what died?
I believe the death was separation from God—stepping out of trust, stepping into self‑rule.
Scripture says:
“God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)
Light and life go together. Darkness and death go together. By becoming “gods,” deciding good and evil for ourselves, we stepped out of the light and into death.
Can We Return to God on Our Own?
Scripture says no:
“There is no one who seeks God… not even one.” (Romans 3:11–12)
Jesus taught the same truth. After His teaching about the rich entering the kingdom, the disciples asked:
“Who then can be saved?”
Jesus replied:
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:25–26)
And Jesus declared:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Taking Christ In
Jesus said:
“Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you… Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” (John 6:53–58)
We’ve all heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” I believe Jesus is saying something similar spiritually: I must take Him in—invite Him into my life and allow Him to be Master.
We don’t naturally see our need for God. He must open our eyes.
Seeing Ourselves Clearly
Paul writes:
“For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
One day we will see ourselves clearly—our true condition apart from God. Paul felt this deeply:
“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24–25)
Prayer
Father, thank You for the example of Abraham’s faith. Teach me to trust You in all things, even when I cannot see the outcome. Keep my heart in Your light, draw me close through Your Son, and strengthen my faith day by day. Amen.
