The Faith of Abraham.

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. (Romans 4:11-12)

We will look deeper into two phrases from the foregoing scripture. The first is, ‘he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of faith.’ This means that there is a particular type of faith. The second phrase is, ‘the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised.’ This second phrase speaks about the steps of this faith this means there are definite steps to be taken where this faith is concerned.

This scripture speaks about the type of faith that Abraham expressed before God. Therefore, we refer to the steps of the faith that Abraham took whilst he was still uncircumcised. Furthermore, circumcision is referred to as the seal of the righteousness of Abraham’s faith. We can see that God is being specific where the faith of Abraham is concerned, in terms of the faith that Abraham had and the steps that this faith requires.

It is thus inferred, with reference to this type of faith that there can be other types of faith apart from the faith of Abraham. People can walk in steps that are not the steps of the faith of our father Abraham.

It is important at this point in time as things unfold on the earth for people to be sure about their roots and to understand the faith of Abraham. The essence of our faith and the root of that faith is our covenant with God. It is essential to emphasise this because there are a lot of ideologies developing on the earth. We need to understand the root of our covenant with God and also understand the faith of our father Abraham because our faith is built upon the promises of God.

For instance when you say you believe God for something or you believe someone for something, it means the person must have told you something that made you believe. What this means is that you cannot say you believe anything, unless you have been told about it.

The Bible says, ‘Abraham was persuaded that God was able to perform that which He had promised. (Romans 4:21) For Abraham to believe God means God told him something that became the basis of his (Abraham) faith. As a result Abraham was fully persuaded that God was able to perform what He had promised. This was about the promise that God had given to him in particular and for him to understand that God had the ability to fulfil His promise.

We need to understand that there was a foundation for Abraham’s interaction with God and also recognise what God was communicating when He established this covenant with Abraham. It was this covenant that the scripture says was ratified, sealed or signed in Christ.

This covenant was four hundred and thirty years, before the law (Galatians 3:17). This means that the law cannot annul the content of that particular covenant. Concerning this covenant the scriptures says: now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ (Galatians 3:16).

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6). The seed of that particular covenant with Abraham is Christ as a result Jesus is now the mediator of the covenant between God and Abraham along with its promises.
The Bible says if we are Christ’s then are we Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Thus, in order to function in this covenant you must identify totally with the body of Christ as one and keep the unity of the Spirit... Pastor Poju Oyemade