Topical Encyclopedia Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His life is a profound testament to godly fear, which is characterized by reverence, obedience, and faith in God. Abraham's journey of faith is chronicled primarily in the Book of Genesis, where his relationship with God unfolds through a series of divine encounters and tests.Call and Covenant Abraham's account begins in Genesis 12, where God calls him to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He would show him. This call is accompanied by a promise: "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" (Genesis 12:2). Abraham's response to God's call is immediate and marked by obedience, demonstrating his godly fear. He leaves behind his country, people, and father's household, trusting in God's promise. Faith and Righteousness Abraham's faith is further highlighted in Genesis 15, where God reiterates His promise of numerous descendants. Despite his advanced age and the barrenness of his wife Sarah, Abraham believes God's promise. "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). This verse underscores the essence of godly fear—faith in God's word and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. The Test of Sacrifice One of the most profound demonstrations of Abraham's godly fear is found in Genesis 22, where God tests him by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. This test is a pivotal moment in Abraham's life, as Isaac is the child of promise through whom God had said Abraham's descendants would be named. Despite the gravity of the command, Abraham's response is one of unwavering obedience. He prepares to sacrifice Isaac, trusting in God's provision and faithfulness. At the last moment, God intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute. This act of obedience and trust exemplifies the depth of Abraham's reverence for God. Intercession and Justice Abraham's godly fear is also evident in his role as an intercessor. In Genesis 18, God reveals to Abraham His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness. Abraham approaches God with humility and boldness, interceding for the righteous within the cities. His plea, "Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" (Genesis 18:25), reflects his understanding of God's justice and mercy. Abraham's intercession demonstrates his reverence for God's character and his concern for righteousness. Legacy of Faith Abraham's life of godly fear leaves a lasting legacy, as he is often referred to as the "father of faith." His relationship with God sets a precedent for future generations, illustrating the importance of faith, obedience, and reverence. The New Testament echoes Abraham's example, with the Apostle Paul highlighting his faith as a model for believers: "He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God" (Romans 4:20). In summary, Abraham's life is a profound illustration of godly fear, characterized by unwavering faith, obedience, and reverence for God. His journey with God serves as an enduring example for all who seek to live a life pleasing to the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 22:12And he said, Lay not your hand on the lad, neither do you any thing to him: for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son from me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence Ascension Day God and the Godly Counter-Statements of Theodoret. Sanctification and Justification. The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth (Preached at the Chapel ... A Treatise of the Fear of God; But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the ... Meditations for Household Piety. Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ... Resources Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about fear? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |