Abraham

David

Romans 4:1-8 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin

Introduction

Tough Reading

Certain passages in the book of Romans are hard to comprehend outside of the context of Paul showing distinction between justification ‘by faith’ and ‘through faith’. Romans 4 is certainly no exception, in particular to verses relating to Abraham and David.

The biggest mistake made on verses 1 – 8, is teaching that Abraham and David are each a separate Old Testament example of how someone is saved today. Truth is, each one is only half of the total picture of justification which is by grace, through faith and without works, as will be demonstrated in this chapter.

Paul’s preaching of Christ crucified, for salvation, was a stumbling block to the Jew and foolishness to the Greek (1Cor 1:21-24).

1 Corinthians 1:21-24 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom
But we preach Christ crucified
unto the Jews a stumblingblock
and unto the Greeks foolishness

This stumbling block was about to throw a wrench into a Jew's way of thinking as to how one was to obtain righteousness.

Replacement Standard of the Righteousness of God

Paul wrote of a remnant of Jews being saved at that time according to an election of grace, while clarifying what exactly that was and wasn’t; it was no longer of works.

Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace
And if by grace, then is it no more of works
otherwise grace is no more grace
But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work

The Jew, having been under the law for several thousand years indoctrinated with its blessings and curses, had a hard time with the concept of righteousness being imputed by grace and without works. Because of the removal of the works of the law, for the righteousness of God, Paul addressed the issue of being granted a license to sin to which his reply was… God forbid.

Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Two Key Elements Illustrated of Salvation via Grace

Exceptions to the Rule

In God’s foreknowledge of saving the Jew, as He now was the Gentile under Paul’s ministry of salvation ‘by grace’, ‘through faith’, and ‘without works’, God left Israel with two OT examples that illustrated the two key elements of such a salvation:

Abraham (Rom 4:1-3; 9-25)

Imputed righteousness in simply believing a promise of God.

David (Rom 4:6-8)

Imputed righteousness without works and without the imputation of sin.

It cannot be overstressed that both Abraham and David are exceptions to the rule, as observed under the Old Testament, and not the rule. Unfortunately, both Abraham and David are used as standards which leads to confusion and contradiction when Paul is proving distinctions in Romans!

Let it be clear… these aren’t two separate standalone examples, but the both put together is THE EXAMPLE of what justification by grace and through faith without works looks like under Paul’s gospel!

Abraham

Two Specific Time Events

By faith, Abraham obeyed God’s bidding to leave his country, for a land to be shown him for an inheritance, as recorded in Genesis 12. However, righteousness isn't recorded being imputed to Abraham until Genesis 15. There, Abraham is simply believing a promise of God regarding an heir coming forth from his own bowels for a promised seed. Though not admitted in most commentary, righteousness was typically applied via obedience, but here an exception to the rule is seen and used as illustration.

There is much hypocrisy in answering the question as to how an OT saint was justified! Correctly, Abraham is pointed to in reflection back to Genesis 15, when the issue of imputed righteousness is brought up. However, without taking into consideration or ignoring completely, is the fact that he was already living ‘by faith’ in Genesis 12. Let it be clear that Abraham didn't just start living by faith in Genesis 12! He was chosen because he was a man of faith. A distinction here, of a timeline, must clearly be made! There are two recorded events to which each the circumcision and the uncircumcision points to.

When was Abraham saved? A

Obeyed

Genesis 12

Hebrews 11:8-9 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance
obeyed; and he went out

Genesis 12:1-4 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee
I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great
and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed
So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him

Believed

Genesis 15

Romans 4:2-3 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness

Genesis 15:1-6 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. 2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? 3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. 4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless
This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness

When was Abraham Saved?

Abraham was already demonstrating that he was righteous via faithful obedience before Genesis 15. How do I know that? Because, as Abel, Abraham had been offering sacrifices... "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." Hebrews 11:4 The whole lesson seen in the separate events recorded in Genesis 12 and 15 is God pointing out the difference, in the imputation of righteousness, between 'by faith' and 'through faith'! Abraham was already a bona fide OT saint living 'by faith' before Genesis 12.

It is essential to understand that Paul, in addressing the blessedness of righteousness being imputed to the uncircumcision without works, points to Genesis 15 and not Genesis 12!

Abraham Father of Both the Circumcision & Uncircumcision

Romans 4:9-25 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also?
that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also
And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all

Romans 4, can prove to be some tedious reading until understood what Paul is conveying.

At this time, it is well understood that Abraham was one of the fathers, of the nation of Israel, based on two covenants. One covenant being the promise of a physical seed combined with promise of a physical land. The other covenant was the covenant of circumcision, enforced not only on Abraham’s seed, but also with any stranger to be identified to that seed.

A common error made is combining the Abrahamic Covenant with the Mosaic Covenant. In other words… making both the same or equal. The Abrahamic Covenant promised a seed and land, whereas the Mosaic Covenant covenanted for righteousness to remain in the land without repercussion if violated. This is exactly what John the Baptist was distinguishing, when addressing the scribes and pharisees, when preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Luke 3:7-9 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire

Referring back to the statement that Abraham... already being assumed as a father of the circumcision, Paul then proceeded as to how the Gentile, being saved at that time, can now make same claim.

A Father of Many Nations

The following is my personal commentary on verses 9-25, in effort to present Paul’s argument as accurately as possible, in simple explanation of the Gentiles’ legit claim to Abraham also being their father.

Romans 4:9-25 Commentary:

9a Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also?

Blessedness of iniquities forgiven, sins covered and not imputed (4:8-9), can now be applied to the uncircumcision as it was being to the circumcision.

9b for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Faith (having believed a promise), was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness when he was in uncircumcision, that righteousness one day be imputed unto the uncircumcision ‘through faith’ (via grace without works).

“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.” Galatians 3:8

11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Circumcision became a seal of the righteousness of the faith which Abraham had prior to being circumcised.

Circumcision would then be used to identify his physical seed via the Covenant of Circumcision (Gen 17). Circumcision was a mandated act of faithful obedience (by faith), that continued to identify Abraham’s physical seed under the Mosaic Covenant (Ex 4:26; Ex 12:44, 48).

Abraham was first recognized as the father of the circumcision via the Covenant of Circumcision (Gen 17). What transpired in Genesis 15, paved a path for the uncircumcision (Gentile), to one day also lay claim to Abraham. Thus, Paul declares Abraham being the father of all them that believe, both the circumcision and uncircumcision.

13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Again, the promise that Abraham should be the heir of the world was given to Abraham in Genesis 15, through the righteousness of faith (believing a promise of God), which preceded the giving of the law under Moses.

14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

The law was not ‘of faith’, “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.” Romans 10:5

The righteousness of God, under the law, was solely based on faithful obedience with consequence of wrath when Israel was living in disobedience (Dt 6).

16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

In Genesis 12, promise of heirship of blessings had already been made to Abraham regarding a physical seed inheriting a physical land. Both the Covenant of Circumcision and the Mosaic Covenant, excluded the Gentile.

Now, blessings given Abraham have fallen on both, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; therefore, who is the father of both the circumcision & uncircumcision.

Two hopes and callings are seen in the expressions 'stars of heaven' and 'sand of the sea'. One an earthly calling, the other a heavenly (Gen 15:5; 22:17; 26:4).

17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

“As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations” (Gen 17:4-5), is reflecting back to Genesis 15, where Abraham accepted God’s promise by simply believing, which is ‘of faith’.

18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Paul’s reference to Abraham’s ‘seed’, in Galatians 3:16-19, in addressing Gentiles which were of the ‘faith of Abraham’, is a play on words; the words ‘seed’ and ‘thy’. Though the ‘thy seed’, is technically Abraham’s physical seed (Gen 15:3,5,18; 17:7-14), when applied to these Gentiles, which were being blessed with faithful Abraham in pointing back to Genesis 15, is here restricted to being Christ. “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” Galatians 3:16 In context, this play on words now have ‘thy’ being Gentiles (through Abraham) and ‘seed’ being Christ (not Israel/the circumcision)! These Gentiles, though benefiting from Israel’s spiritual things (Rom 15:25), were product of Paul’s gospel, which is ‘of faith’.

“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:” Colossians 2:11

19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Genesis 15:4-6, is the gospel (good news) referred to by Paul, in Galatians 3:8, that the scripture foresaw… “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.” Galatians 3:8 Abraham, having righteousness imputed to him that day for simply believing a promise made by God, is the exact illustration as to how imputed righteousness is applied today! “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

Abraham, being half the equation of imputed righteousness without works, simply believed what God had promised. Believing what God said, constituted… “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Paul says… “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Romans 10:9-11

Unbelievable as it may sound, I've seen attempt to make the gospel, being preached unto Abraham back in Genesis 15, to be the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. This is simply a sign of ignorance, in not being able to discern between familiar words such as faith, grace and gospel, within the contexts found.

Both the circumcision and the uncircumcision claim legitimately, as to Abraham being their father, but from entirely different perspectives.

Thy Seed A

Gospel preached to Abraham B

The Circumcision’s Claim to Abraham

God, justifying the circumcision ‘by faith’, pinpoints to that experience in Abraham’s life to which he was living ‘by faith’ (Gen 12; Heb 11:8-9), coupled with the mandated Covenant of Circumcision (Gen 17). The imputation of righteousness was based upon faithful obedience, as we see Abraham offering sacrifices (Gen 12:7, 8; 13:4, 18), along with the rejection of circumcision resulting in the expulsion from his people.

Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee
And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land

Genesis 17:1-14 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. 6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. 9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. 11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. 12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. 13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant. Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. Genesis 17:21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. Genesis 17:23-27 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him. 24 And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son. 27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee
This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised
And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant

It is both undeniable and indisputable, regardless of any attempt to spiritualize these covenants away, that a physical seed of Abraham doesn't exist that was promised a physical land. This earthly covenant promise to Abraham’s physical seed is yet to be fulfilled!

The Uncircumcision’s Claim to Abraham

As just covered in detail, it is clear to which experience, in Abraham’s life, that Paul points to for the uncircumcision’s claim to Abraham, as being their father!

Galatians 3:6-9 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 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. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

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
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith

On that day in Genesis 15, there was an exception to the rule as to how God applied righteousness! On that day, righteousness was accounted to Abraham in … “being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

Herein lays the distinction between God justifying the circumcision ‘by faith’ and the uncircumcision ‘through faith’! Whereas acceptance of the kingdom gospel to Israel was based on believing, accompanied with repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, Paul’s gospel was ‘of faith’ based on believing via grace without works.

Can the Believer Today Lay Claims to Abraham as being Their father?

Life Experience: I believe the year was 1977, when ministering in a youth camp, that I share the following story. How do I remember what year? It was during camp week in which Alvis Presley died with news media proclamation that the, ‘King’ had died. Of course, the ‘King’ of Rock and Roll.

One of the favorite songs that was sung during this youth camp was, ‘Father Abraham’. I can clearly recall a comment made by one of the Baptist pastors. Though, as most who enjoyed singing the lyrics to this lively tune, jested that there was question as to the doctrinal validity today?

Father Abraham had many sons

Many sons had Father Abraham