The Call of Abraham…1 (Heb. 11:8)
“The scope of the apostle in this chapter is to prove that the doctrine of faith is an ancient doctrine and that faith hath been always exercised about things not seen, not liable to the judgment of sense and reason. The first after the flood is Abraham—who was the father of the faithful, and a person of whom the Hebrews boasted; his life was nothing else but a continual practice of faith. The first thing for which Abraham is commended in Scripture is his obedience to God, when He called him out of his country; now the apostle shows this was an effect of faith” (T. Manton, 1660). From v. 8 to the end of the chapter, the Holy Spirit gives us fuller details concerning the life of faith, viewing it from different angles, contemplating varied aspects, and exhibiting the different trials to which it is subject and the blessed triumphs which Divine grace enables it to achieve.
- Abraham is designated “the father of all them that believe” Rom. 4:11, which means not only that he is (as it were) the earthly head of the whole election of grace, but the one after whose likeness his spiritual children are conformed. There is a family likeness between Abraham and the true Christian, for if we are Christ’s then are we “Abraham’s seed and heirs according to promise” Gal. 3:29, for “they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham” Gal. 3:7, which is evidenced by them doing “the works of Abraham” Jn. 8:39, for these are the marks of identification. In like manner, Christ declared of the Pharisees, “Ye are of your father the Devil, and the lusts (desires and behests) of your father, ye will (are determined) to do” Jn. 8:44. The wicked bear the family likeness of the Wicked one. The “fatherhood of Abraham” is twofold: natural, as the progenitor of a physical seed; spiritual, as the pattern to which his children are morally conformed. Pink Arthur W.
- “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out… obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (v. 8). The central thing referred to is the Divine call of which Abraham was made the recipient. Gen. 12:1, is where we have the historical account and further proof is furnished by Act 7:2, 3. “And we know that all things work together for good… to them who are the called according to His purpose” Rom. 8:28-30 1Cor. 1:26-29, Rom. 9:6-16,20-26; 2Tim. 1:9.
- We want to examine the call of God and election. God has called us.
- From the foundation of the world. Eph. 1:4-6; 2:10, Mat. 25:34, Jn. 3:25; 17:2
- To be separated unto Him. Rom. 9:23-26, 1Pet. 2:9-10, 24-25, Eph. 1:4-5, Col. 1:20-22, Jn. 1:12.
- To fulfill His purpose. Matt. 13:24, 27, 28, 30, 37-43, 1Thess. 5:9-10, 2Cor. 4:14-15, 2Tim. 1:8-9
- Let us look at our call on earth. Rom. 1:1. This call is refused by all. It is found in such passages as the following: “Unto you, O men, I call…” Prov. 8:4; “For many be called…” Matt. 20:16); “And sent His servant at suppertime to say to them that were bidden, Come… they all with one consent began to make excuse” Lk. 14:17, 18.
- General Calling. Phil. 3:12,14.” A slave for Christ “ 1Cor. 7:22-23; 6:20, Exd. 21:1-6, 2Cor. 5:15.
- The Particular Calling. -Separated to the Gospel. Jn. 10:3, 4, 16, as Matthew (Luke 5:27, 28), Zacchaeus Lk 19:5, 6, Saul of Tarsus Acts 9:4, 5, 1Pet. 2:9. 1Tim. 2:7, Rom. 11:13.
- The Special Calling- Called to be an Apostle. Rom. 12:3-8, Eph. 4:7-16, 1Cor. 12:4-11
- Election: The sovereign act of God in grace whereby certain persons are chosen from among mankind for Himself. Jn. 15:19, Tit. 2:14. (ii) The sovereign act of God whereby certain elect persons are chosen for distinctive service for Him. Lk. 6:13, Act. 9:15. Is according to foreknowledge of God. 1Pet. 1:2 and wholly by grace apart from human merit. Rom. 9:11; 11:5-6. It also proceeds from the divine volition. Jn. 15:16. It can be:- (i) cooperate, like Israel as a nation or the church. Is. 45:4, Eph. 1:4. (ii) Individual. 1Pet. 1:2
