Why Is Abraham Called the Father of Faith — Meaning Explained

Abraham is the premier example of faith in Scripture. God called him to leave his country 'unto a land that I will shew thee' (Genesis 12:1), and 'he went out, not knowing whither he went' (Hebrews 11:8). God promised him descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5), though he and Sarah were childless and elderly. 'He believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness' (Genesis 15:6) — a verse Paul uses as the foundation of justification by faith (Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6). When Isaac was finally born, God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22). Abraham obeyed, 'accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead' (Hebrews 11:19). God provided a ram instead, foreshadowing Christ. Abraham is called 'the Friend of God' (James 2:23) and the spiritual father of all who believe: 'They which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham' (Galatians 3:7). His life demonstrates that faith is trusting God's promises regardless of circumstances.