Topical Bible: Courage: The Courage of Conviction: Abraham, in Leaving his Fatherland

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The narrative of Abraham, originally Abram, is a profound testament to the courage of conviction, as demonstrated by his willingness to leave his homeland in obedience to God's call. This act of faith is foundational in the Judeo-Christian tradition, illustrating the profound trust and courage required to follow divine direction without knowing the destination.

Divine Call and Obedience

The account begins in Genesis 12:1-4, where the LORD commands Abram: "Go from your country, your people, and your father's household to the land I will show you." This directive is significant, as it requires Abram to leave behind his familiar surroundings, his kin, and the security of his father's house. The courage of conviction is evident in Abram's immediate response; "So Abram went, as the LORD had told him" (Genesis 12:4). This obedience is not merely a physical journey but a spiritual one, marking the beginning of a covenant relationship with God.

Faith in the Unseen

Abram's courage is further highlighted by the uncertainty of his destination. Hebrews 11:8 reflects on this aspect of his faith: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." This passage underscores the essence of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1 : "Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." Abram's journey is a vivid illustration of this principle, as he steps into the unknown, guided solely by the promise of God.

The Promise and the Covenant

God's promise to Abram is multifaceted, involving land, descendants, and blessing. In Genesis 12:2-3 , God declares, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." This promise is not only personal but also universal, as it includes the assurance that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). Abram's courage in leaving his fatherland is thus intertwined with a divine purpose that extends beyond his immediate circumstances.

Challenges and Perseverance

Abram's journey is not without challenges. He faces famine, conflict, and the complexities of family dynamics. Yet, his courage of conviction remains steadfast. In Genesis 13:14-17 , after a separation from Lot, God reaffirms His promise, saying, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever." Abram's perseverance in the face of adversity is a testament to his unwavering faith and courage.

Legacy of Faith

The courage of conviction demonstrated by Abram in leaving his fatherland sets a precedent for future generations. His faith journey is a cornerstone of biblical history, influencing the narratives of Isaac, Jacob, and the nation of Israel. In the New Testament, Abraham is frequently cited as a model of faith and righteousness, as seen in Romans 4:3 : "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Abram's courage in responding to God's call, despite the uncertainties and challenges, exemplifies the essence of living by faith. His account encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to act with courage, even when the path is not fully revealed.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 12:1-9
Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you:
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The First Epistle of St. Peter
... viii.56, xii.41) prophets like Abraham and Isaiah ... control, and thus, with calm
conviction, put your ... his own person, he affectionately calls his readers beloved ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... breathe, and no doubt went to Abraham's bosom. ... took effect: others were brought under
conviction for sin ... In this service his patriotism and courage were equally ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... meaning in it is our training in courage and patience ... large a part of the universe,
leaving only unilluminated ... When our father Abraham offered his son Isaac on ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... finger, and returned it to him bathed in his wound, leaving to him ... had Apollonius
of Tyana, and as a writer of his times says, Christ, Abraham, and Orpheus ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... Were they directed by courage, but not by prudence, or ... godliness, and with them the
new Abraham, our Patriarch ... This indeed was the conviction of those who were ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

part i
... manner, but sensibly to my soul, I simultaneously receive a strong conviction that
this ... precisely by that doctor, and not by anyone else; that his illness has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm