Abraham moved south to the Negev and lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur, and then he moved on to Gerar. While living there as a foreigner, Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace. [Genesis 20.1-2]
The "Father of Faith" was a liar.
Should this discourage us or encourage us?
If nothing else, Abraham's and Sarah's circumstance with Abimelech tells us that even those with God-pleasing faith can be found to have inconsistencies. Does this make it okay for us to willingly do wrong then? I don't think so, but it does acknowledge that humans sin and can still be "in faith."
While I don't even like what I wrote in the previous paragraph, it is impossible to draw any other conclusion from the Word of God as it is written. Abraham pleased God with his faith but premeditatedly lied like a dog to Abimelech conspiring with Sarah in so doing. What's more, the lie to Abimelech was not the first time Abraham had done such a thing! "Faith Man" and his wife were serial liars!
Abraham's reason for lying was for fear of his own life. And, here is where it gets really difficult to process... How can "Faith Man" fear for his life? How is that faith? This just gets messier...
So, "Faith Man" is now (at least for the moment) not walking in faith. When the New Testament writers made such a big deal about Abraham, were they unaware of Abraham's fearful (therefore faithless) lying? Paul made the following observation:
Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. [Romans 4.13]
Perhaps a "right relationship with God" needs some definition. Could it be correct to understand that faith, even though it has "moments" is still "faith" in God's eyes as long as one comes back to it even if he strays off? Again, it just seems wrong to even come to this conclusion, but the Bible record leaves no other possible option. Certainly Peter, in the New Testament is proof of that!
Jesus' life and ministry didn't seem to allow much for willful sin. In fact, Jesus seemed quite intolerant of ongoing sin in the life of anyone who would follow Him. And yet God's boundless grace was on display as Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified...
So, let's get to the bottom line, shall we? Paul said it best:
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. [Philippians 2.12]
In the NKJV, this same passage reads like this:
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; [Philippians 2.12 NKJV]
We are are duty-bound to process what the Bible says about our salvation with a healthy dose of the fear of God in so doing. This attitude will not prevent us from sinning (as seen in Abraham), but it will ALWAYS bring us back to repentance. Now, I can feel good with that statement.
Won't you join me in praying this prayer?
Father, Your grace is truly amazing. May I always always always be found returning to You from episodes of sin in humble repentance, thanksgiving and faith.
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