Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible




How then can we assert, "that Abraham our father obtained this from circumcision?" for if Abraham was justified by works, he had matter of pretension, whereas he had no such claim from God. for what saith the scripture? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." read more.
the reward is not counted as a favour to him that has done good actions, but as a debt: whereas he that trusts in God to be made righteous, tho' he has not done such actions, shall find his faith accounted as righteousness. even as David also speaks of the happiness of the man whom God accounted righteous independently of his works, " happy are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. happy is the man to whom the Lord will not account sin." Is this happiness then for the circumcised only, or for the uncircumcised also? for we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. how was it then accounted? whilst he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? he was not then circumcised, but uncircumcised: and he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the justification by that faith, which the uncircumcised have: that he might be the father of all those who believe, tho' they are uncircumcised, that it might be accounted to them also for righteousness: and the father of the circumcised, that is of those who are not barely circumcised, but who imitate that faith which our father Abraham had, being yet uncircumcised. Besides, the promise that he should possess the world, was not made to Abraham, or to his posterity in consideration of the law, but with regard to the righteousness by faith. for if they only who are of the law have right of possession, faith is made useless, and the promise becomes of no effect. because the effect of the law is punishment: for if there had been no law, there could have been no transgression. therefore the inheritance is of faith, that it might be meerly of favour, to the end the promise might be assured to all his posterity, not to that part only who have the law, but to that also who have the faith of Abraham, the father of us all, as it is written, " I have made thee a father of many nations," then existing in the sight of God, whom he believed, who gives life to the dead, and calls forth things that are not, as if they were: he it was who against hope believed in hope, that he should become the father of many nations, according to what was told him, "so shall thy posterity be:" far from being weak in faith, unconcern'd at his own bodily decay, being then about an hundred years old, and at Sarah's incapacity of child-bearing, he was not incredulously diffident of the divine promise; but was strong in faith, and did honour to God, by the full persuasion he had, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. and therefore it was accounted to him for righteousness.

As Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness: so hence ye know, that it is they who believe who are the children of Abraham. and the scripture insinuating, that God would justify the Gentiles thro' faith, gave Abraham an intimation of the gospel in these words, " in thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
so that it is they who believe, who are blessed with Abraham, who did believe.

'Twas by faith that he who was named Abraham, showed his obedience in travelling to a foreign country, which he was afterwards to inherit; and began his journey without knowing where he was going. 'twas by faith that he sojourned in a land that was promised, as in a strange country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were equally entitled to the same promise. for he had in view the city, whose foundations are sure, the architect and founder being God.

'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good: of whom it was said, "only the descendants of Isaac shall be counted your posterity:" concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd.

was not our father Abraham treated as just, in consequence of his actions, when he had attempted to sacrifice his son upon the altar? don't you see his actions and his faith conspir'd, and that his faith had its perfect effect in his conduct? it was then, that those words of scripture were accomplished, "Abraham believed God, and he was regarded for it as a man of virtue, and was the favourite of God." read more.
you see then, that a man is accounted just for his actions, and not for his bare faith.

'Twas by faith that Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he was declared righteous, God himself having testified that he accepted his offering, and after he died for his faith, he was not silent. Verse ConceptsAbelAbel and CainFaith, As Basis Of SalvationCommendationExamples Of FaithAtonement, Types OfRighteousness, As FaithWorship, Acceptable AttitudesThe Witness Of GodRighteous By ObedienceSacrificeExcellence




concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd. Verse ConceptsAtonement, Types OfForeshadowingAbility, God's PowerOld Testament ParablesThe Dead Are RaisedRaising ChildrenAbraham Believed Godaccounting

'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good: of whom it was said, "only the descendants of Isaac shall be counted your posterity:" concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd.

'Twas by faith that he who was named Abraham, showed his obedience in travelling to a foreign country, which he was afterwards to inherit; and began his journey without knowing where he was going. Verse ConceptsAbrahamFaith, Nature OfExamples Of FaithCommitment, to GodReceiving An InheritanceHistoryAbraham, New Testament ReferencesAbraham, Calling And LifeCalling, Of IndividualsDestinationsExploits Of FaithNot Knowing Where


he it was who against hope believed in hope, that he should become the father of many nations, according to what was told him, "so shall thy posterity be:" far from being weak in faith, unconcern'd at his own bodily decay, being then about an hundred years old, and at Sarah's incapacity of child-bearing, he was not incredulously diffident of the divine promise; but was strong in faith, and did honour to God, read more.
by the full persuasion he had, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

'Twas by faith that he who was named Abraham, showed his obedience in travelling to a foreign country, which he was afterwards to inherit; and began his journey without knowing where he was going. 'twas by faith that he sojourned in a land that was promised, as in a strange country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were equally entitled to the same promise. for he had in view the city, whose foundations are sure, the architect and founder being God. read more.
'Twas likewise through faith that Sara, though barren, received the power of becoming pregnant, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. so that even a single person whose vigour was gone, gave rise to a posterity as numerous as the stars of the sky, or the sands on the sea-shore, which cannot be numbred. These all died in faith, without receiving what was promised, having only a distant view of what they eagerly expected, professing to live as strangers and pilgrims in the land. for they. that make such a declaration, show plainly that they seek some other country. and truly, if that had been in their view, they might have had an opportunity of returning to the place from whence they came. they desired therefore a better, that is, an heavenly country: so that God is very justly stiled their God: for he had appointed a city for them. 'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good: of whom it was said, "only the descendants of Isaac shall be counted your posterity:" concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd.

'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good: of whom it was said, "only the descendants of Isaac shall be counted your posterity:" concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd.


'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good: of whom it was said, "only the descendants of Isaac shall be counted your posterity:" concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd.


your christianity is very well known in the world. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you as expert in that which is good, as unpractis'd in what is evil. Verse ConceptsGenuinenessInnocence, Teaching OnJoy, Of The ChurchWisdom, Human ImportanceCharacter Of SaintsHarmlessnessGuileBe Wise!Obeying The GospelYou Will Rejoice In Salvation

and it was for their faith that our fore-fathers acquired so great a reputation. Verse ConceptsApprovalPeople Commended By God


as the brethren of Lystra and Iconium gave him a good character, Paul had a mind he should accompany him. Verse ConceptsChristians Being Called Brothers

'Twas by faith that Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he was declared righteous, God himself having testified that he accepted his offering, and after he died for his faith, he was not silent. By faith Enoch was translated that he might avoid dying; and he could not be found, because God had translated him: for 'tis recorded, that before his translation he was approved by God. now without faith it is impossible to be acceptable to him: for he that presents himself to God, cannot but believe he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who make their addresses to him. read more.
'Twas by faith that Noah being divinely warned of unforeseen events, with a religious concern built an ark to the preservation of his family; whereby the world became inexcusable, and he obtained the reward of that righteousness which is by faith. 'Twas by faith that he who was named Abraham, showed his obedience in travelling to a foreign country, which he was afterwards to inherit; and began his journey without knowing where he was going. 'twas by faith that he sojourned in a land that was promised, as in a strange country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were equally entitled to the same promise. for he had in view the city, whose foundations are sure, the architect and founder being God. 'Twas likewise through faith that Sara, though barren, received the power of becoming pregnant, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. so that even a single person whose vigour was gone, gave rise to a posterity as numerous as the stars of the sky, or the sands on the sea-shore, which cannot be numbred. These all died in faith, without receiving what was promised, having only a distant view of what they eagerly expected, professing to live as strangers and pilgrims in the land. for they. that make such a declaration, show plainly that they seek some other country. and truly, if that had been in their view, they might have had an opportunity of returning to the place from whence they came. they desired therefore a better, that is, an heavenly country: so that God is very justly stiled their God: for he had appointed a city for them. 'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good: of whom it was said, "only the descendants of Isaac shall be counted your posterity:" concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd. By faith Isaac predicted the future fortunes of Jacob and Esau. by faith Jacob when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped leaning upon the top of his staff. by faith Joseph when he died, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave directions concerning his burial. 'Twas by faith that the parents of Moses conceal'd him for three months after his birth, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. by faith Moses when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the sufferings of Israel greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had an eye to the reward. by faith he left Egypt without being apprehensive of the king's resentment: for he remain'd firm, as if he saw him who is invisible. through faith he celebrated the passover, and sprinkled blood, that the destroying angel might pass by the first-born. By faith they passed thro' the red sea, as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting to do, were drowned. by faith they made the tour of Jericho for seven days, in consequence of which the walls fell down. by faith Rahab having given the spies a safe reception, escap'd being destroyed with unbelievers, tho' she had led a dissolute life. And what shall I say more? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, of Barak, of Samson, of Jephthae, of David, of Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, practis'd justice, obtained what was promised, stopped the mouths of lions, were proof against the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, show'd their resolution in distress, and their valour in fight, putting to flight the armies of the aliens. women recovered their children, tho' dead, by their being raised to life again: some expired under torments, refusing to be delivered; that they might obtain a better deliverance at the resurrection. others suffer'd cruel indignities and scourgings, besides chains and imprisonment. they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandred about in sheepskins, and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented: (of whom the world was not worthy) they wandred in desarts, and in mountains, having no retreat but the dens and caves of the earth. Tho' these were all celebrated for their faith, they did not receive the reward that was promised:


concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd. Verse ConceptsAtonement, Types OfForeshadowingAbility, God's PowerOld Testament ParablesThe Dead Are RaisedRaising ChildrenAbraham Believed Godaccounting


concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd. Verse ConceptsAtonement, Types OfForeshadowingAbility, God's PowerOld Testament ParablesThe Dead Are RaisedRaising ChildrenAbraham Believed Godaccounting

for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly: so shall the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Verse ConceptsFishesStomachsTypes Of ChristForetelling Christ's DeathMinistry Of The Son Of ManThree Days And NightsFishmathjonahJesus Foretelling His Resurrection


your christianity is very well known in the world. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you as expert in that which is good, as unpractis'd in what is evil. Verse ConceptsGenuinenessInnocence, Teaching OnJoy, Of The ChurchWisdom, Human ImportanceCharacter Of SaintsHarmlessnessGuileBe Wise!Obeying The GospelYou Will Rejoice In Salvation

and it was for their faith that our fore-fathers acquired so great a reputation. Verse ConceptsApprovalPeople Commended By God


as the brethren of Lystra and Iconium gave him a good character, Paul had a mind he should accompany him. Verse ConceptsChristians Being Called Brothers

'Twas by faith that Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he was declared righteous, God himself having testified that he accepted his offering, and after he died for his faith, he was not silent. By faith Enoch was translated that he might avoid dying; and he could not be found, because God had translated him: for 'tis recorded, that before his translation he was approved by God. now without faith it is impossible to be acceptable to him: for he that presents himself to God, cannot but believe he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who make their addresses to him. read more.
'Twas by faith that Noah being divinely warned of unforeseen events, with a religious concern built an ark to the preservation of his family; whereby the world became inexcusable, and he obtained the reward of that righteousness which is by faith. 'Twas by faith that he who was named Abraham, showed his obedience in travelling to a foreign country, which he was afterwards to inherit; and began his journey without knowing where he was going. 'twas by faith that he sojourned in a land that was promised, as in a strange country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were equally entitled to the same promise. for he had in view the city, whose foundations are sure, the architect and founder being God. 'Twas likewise through faith that Sara, though barren, received the power of becoming pregnant, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. so that even a single person whose vigour was gone, gave rise to a posterity as numerous as the stars of the sky, or the sands on the sea-shore, which cannot be numbred. These all died in faith, without receiving what was promised, having only a distant view of what they eagerly expected, professing to live as strangers and pilgrims in the land. for they. that make such a declaration, show plainly that they seek some other country. and truly, if that had been in their view, they might have had an opportunity of returning to the place from whence they came. they desired therefore a better, that is, an heavenly country: so that God is very justly stiled their God: for he had appointed a city for them. 'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good: of whom it was said, "only the descendants of Isaac shall be counted your posterity:" concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the grave; from whence, in a figurative sense, be may be said to have been recover'd. By faith Isaac predicted the future fortunes of Jacob and Esau. by faith Jacob when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped leaning upon the top of his staff. by faith Joseph when he died, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave directions concerning his burial. 'Twas by faith that the parents of Moses conceal'd him for three months after his birth, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. by faith Moses when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the sufferings of Israel greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had an eye to the reward. by faith he left Egypt without being apprehensive of the king's resentment: for he remain'd firm, as if he saw him who is invisible. through faith he celebrated the passover, and sprinkled blood, that the destroying angel might pass by the first-born. By faith they passed thro' the red sea, as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting to do, were drowned. by faith they made the tour of Jericho for seven days, in consequence of which the walls fell down. by faith Rahab having given the spies a safe reception, escap'd being destroyed with unbelievers, tho' she had led a dissolute life. And what shall I say more? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, of Barak, of Samson, of Jephthae, of David, of Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, practis'd justice, obtained what was promised, stopped the mouths of lions, were proof against the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, show'd their resolution in distress, and their valour in fight, putting to flight the armies of the aliens. women recovered their children, tho' dead, by their being raised to life again: some expired under torments, refusing to be delivered; that they might obtain a better deliverance at the resurrection. others suffer'd cruel indignities and scourgings, besides chains and imprisonment. they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandred about in sheepskins, and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented: (of whom the world was not worthy) they wandred in desarts, and in mountains, having no retreat but the dens and caves of the earth. Tho' these were all celebrated for their faith, they did not receive the reward that was promised: