Hebrews 11:8-19 "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is GOD. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged HIM faithful WHO had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the seashore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embrace them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the Earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore GOD is not ashamed to be called their GOD: for HE hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that GOD was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure."
This lengthy passage describes the faith exercised by Abraham, considered to be the father of all who live "by faith" (believers of every dispensation). Abraham illustrated his faith through his actions.
First, the LORD told him to leave all he had known and travel to a land completely unfamiliar to him (Genesis 12:1-6 two pictures above). Taking GOD at HIS WORD, Abraham did not hesitate or mull over this offer from the LORD. The word "obeyed" means that as GOD was calling him, Abraham was already submitting to HIS command (v.8). In other words, while the LORD was speaking, Abraham's heart was yielded in obedience. Note also: GOD did not tell him specifically where his destination would be, only that it was "unto a land that I will show thee" (Genesis 12:1 pictured above) -- Abraham was to travel to an undisclosed territory. Second, he illustrated his faith by willingly becoming a foreigner (v.9). Abraham arrived in the land of promise, not as an owner of it, but as an outsider. The word "dwelling" (v.9) indicates he was "a stranger in temporary dwellings," and in Genesis we find this transiency became the norm for Abraham for the rest of his earthly life. Yet, GOD had promised that Abrahm would one day live in the land as the owner of it, and he, along with Isaac and Jacob (Israel), trusted in this covenant, even if it would not be fulfilled until after their resurrection.
Do you truly believe all that GOD has declared ? The benefits of our salvation are incredible to ponder (Ephesians 1:3-14; 2nd.Peter 1:3-4 pictured above). The same GOD WHO assured Abraham of a glorious future is the same LORD WHO has made promises to us (Romans 8:28-39). HE will fulfill HIS WORD. Display your faith by obeying immediately and continually. GDF
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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