Expressing Faith:

Abraham’s life and conduct is a shining example for all. His life is a model of how to live by faith.  His faith expressed itself in his life of obedience.  It was by faith that Abraham obeyed God even though he did not know where he was going or what God had in mind for him.  Abraham had a complete confidence in God’s trustworthiness.  When we examine Abraham’s life to determine for ourselves if Abraham was worthy, we discover that our opinion is not really important.  The verdict that really counts is God’s.  Abraham could not stand before God and be declared worthy because of his own good works and obedience.  Abraham believed God and as a result of his belief, he was credited as being righteous (or worthy).  His worthy acts were expressions of his faith.  His worthy acts followed his faith and occurred after Heavenly Father declared him righteous.  He was called God’s friend and his relationship was made possible through God’s works and promises, not his own

“Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.  Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.  And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.  So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”  Galatians 3:6-9