Why did Abraham's faith...make him righteous?

Question

Ge 15:6

Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Answer 1

I think we're answering this question as if it is some popquiz. Why don't we consider Abraham and God's relationship for a minute, before we pop off the "correct" answer as written in the Bible?

For instance, what does it mean to believe God? Sure, Abraham had many visitations from God, and as far as I know from the Bible, he was the only human being ever to have received such visitations in his home.

So we might conclude that Abraham was extremely special to God. Still, why was he ascribed with righteousness? Surely, to be ascribed with righteousness, he had to do something right, right?

Suppose your kid visits with you, and believes everything you're saying, would that mean that your kid actually believed you, and should now be ascribed with righteousness?

As one person commented, there was hardly a standard for morality in those times. For Abraham to be have been able to do something so spitiritually right, he had to know what was wrong. I don't think he did right to believe God, I mean, wow! God is actually visiting him in his tent! Obviously you'll believe anything being said to you!

I think it was more that he believed in the essence of God, and that his soul and spirit and mind was able to grasp the absolute holiness of God, and not to ascribe himself with humanly honour and status because God came and spoke to him. I think it happened in his heart and soul, and not in his mind as much. He honoured God's purity by believing in it!

Do we commit righteousness in our hearts, or in our minds? I think, we would do better to follow the laws of our hearts, as they were imprinted on King David's heart. Those are the laws that won't change, as opposed to the "laws" of people and societies who keep on changing, depending on who makes the law.

If we seek righteousness, we'll dwell with God, and attune our hearts and minds to believing in God. If we were to live in such a state of faith, would we utter evil things, such as bad things about others, about how we are more than others, and even tell lies by making up how great and wonderful and chosen we are above others? We would return to humility before God, believing in God's purity.

Did Abraham puff himself up like that? I think not. Did he quickly run and tell everyone how God was visiting him, and invited the press and millions of believers to come streaming to the tent? No, he did not.

He understood the meaning of the visitation, and he accepted God's intent. He actually believed IN God, and then it became a very private, and personal matter, one of humility and utter respect. I don't think it was even in his heart to develop pride over the visitation. I think he became pure in God's presence, and in a sense, one with God. In another sense, when in that state, which Moses was not even allowed to attain, Abraham was not of this earth, it was as if he was dead to the world, and he was with God, in purity. Such is righteousness...simple, absolute purity in God's presence.

Next time we enter God's presence, what would be found in our hearts? How righteous would we be, just by being in God's pure presence? If we think we do not enter God's presence when we pray, we should rather not pray, as there is no righteousness in that at all.

Answer 2

Because, Abraham wanted a son by his loved wife Sarah and by nobody else.. God promised and yet Abraham did not receive his son till he was a hundred years old..

And yet he stayed with God, now who wants a son when you are a hundred years old..

And who wants a gift of possessing land 400 yrs. later.

So a son he waited over half his life for and a land he and his children would never see till APPOX.. 400 YRS.L LATER.

You must remember that God chose, Abel, Seth, Abraham, Noah and the other people because they were righteous to others in their dealings, not just believing God, They worshiped the spirit of Righteousness to others, therefore worship to the most high God.
So they attained the right to talk, because they walked God's walk.

God said of Abraham:

17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do JUSTICE and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Righteousness to another is a life time study,
and you must stand against the ones doing evil to others.

To do the law of righteousness is to accept the Spirit of Jesus in your life.

To go against those who do evil to others, is to confess Jesus' Spirit in your life

Answer 3

Check out Romans!! A lot of the text is focused on faith and how we are saved not by works but by faith in the abundant grace and love of our Savior. Abraham too was made righteous not through the things he did but by his faith in God. It is interesting to note that when he was heading up the mountain to offer his son as a sacrifice to God that he told his servants "we" will come back after we are done worshiping. I believe that he was fully willing to sacrifice his son, but I think that he was clinging to the promise God had made he, he knew God had promised him a son and not only that but an entire nation. I believe that it was this faith that God would remain true to his word, that was accounted to him as righteousness. From a human perspective he could have easily said no way is this going to work out, if I kill my son how on earth am I supposed to be the 'Father of Many nations'? But he knew God, he had a history with God, God had proven that through Him all things are possible. I believe that Abraham believed that even if Isac died the Lord would fulfill His promise in a miraculous was, even if it meant raising Isac from the dead. Abraham's faith is absolutely beautiful, and reminds me of Stephen (see Acts) whom with the same faith saw the heavens open, and forgave those who sought to silence him forever. Both men of faith are true inspirations!

Answer 4

because without God, no one is righteous- our righteousness is as filthy rags to Him. Before Christ those who had faith in God was considered righteous, because He is the only one that is.It was not Abraham's good works that saved Him, it was faith, which also is a gift from God.

Answer 5

before CHRIST no one could come to the LORD but thru faith just as right now no one man has seen CHRIST but thru faith we become righteous so the same father Abraham he trust in GOD and GOD counted as righteousness on him so thru his faith he was saved for trusting in GOD

Answer 6

Abraham believed God. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Abraham obeyed God and Abraham believed everything God told him. Without faith it is impossible to please God. When you believe and obey someone, you have faith in them enough to do it. Also God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Try seeking the Lord and see for yourself!

Answer 7

Prophet Ibraheem(A.S) had such a strong faith upon his religion.
well what maked him righteous is kinda simply,for example when you do good deeds for a whole day you will feel respected and feel right about yourself for the things you did.

Answer 8

Because Abraham demonstrated his faith in God, God made Him righteous (ultimately in the then future sinless death of His Son, Jesus Christ).

Answer 9

Because our works cannot save us. Abraham did great things, but it was not what he did that saved him, it was his faith in God.

Answer 10

He believed in God with out prove and put his trust in him. we have far more evidance today yet not manny truely put their trust in him.