Theology: God is 1 - Abraham and the Rise of Monotheism Study Guide

Who is Abraham?

The founder of the Hebrew nation and one of the greatest examples of faith in God

What religious environment existed during Abraham's time?

Most people were polytheistic (believing in more than one god)

What is polytheism?

A religious tradition that believes in more than one god

What is monotheism?

A religious tradition that believes in only one God

Why did God choose Abraham?

To prepare a nation that would proclaim the truth that there is only one God (the rise of monotheism)

What was Abraham's original name when God first came to him?

Abram

When did God first make promises to Abraham?

During his old age

What three main promises did God make to Abraham?

1. A great nation would descend from him, 2. His descendants would be as numerous as the stars, 3. His name would be made great

What two reasons made God's promise seem far-fetched?

1. Abraham and Sarah were old/past child-bearing years, 2. Sarah was thought to be barren

How many descendants did God tell Abraham he would have?

As numerous as the stars

What was Abraham's reaction to God's reassurance about descendants?

"And Abraham believed the Lord; and he reckoned it to him as righteousness."

What is a covenant?

An agreement between God and His people with mutual benefits on each side

How does God act regarding covenants when humans fail?

God ALWAYS keeps His end of the covenant, even when we fail to do so

What was God's end of the covenant with Abraham?

Abraham would be the "father of a multitude" and his descendants would receive the land of Canaan (Israel)

What was Abraham's end of the covenant with God?

All male descendants must be circumcised on the 8th day

What is the name of Abraham and Sarah's son born in their old age?

Isaac

When was Isaac circumcised?

On the 8th day, keeping Abraham's end of the covenant

Did both God and Abraham keep their end of the covenant?

Yes, both God and Abraham kept their promises

What difficult instruction did God give Abraham regarding Isaac?

To take Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice

Who stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac?

An angel came to Abraham and instructed him not to sacrifice Isaac

What is one major lesson/reason for the Sacrifice of Isaac story?

It tested Abraham's faith/trust in God and showed that God provides and does not desire human sacrifice