Landry Brewer
“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Heb. 11:8 ASV).
The above text refers to an event recorded in Genesis 12:1-4. In the first verse, he is commanded to, “get thee out of thy country.” In verses two and three is the promise of blessing if Abraham will obey. The complete story of his obedient faith is found in the first three words of the fourth verse: “So Abraham departed.” Abraham did not argue, he did not quibble, he did not make excuses, he did not philosophize. He obeyed!
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Romans 5:1 says we are “justified by faith.”
Question: What kind of faith justifies us? James 2:17 says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” A dead faith cannot justify anyone. In 1 Corinthians 15:2, Paul mentions a vain faith which cannot save.
Conclusion: The faith that saves is the faith that obeys.
Our faith must constrain us to repent (Luke 13:3), confess Him as God’s Son (Matt. 10:32; Acts 8:37), and to be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21). Then we must give diligence to make our calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10).
