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Fundamental Beliefs of Seventh-day Adventists

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The Scriptures particularly highlight Abraham's<br />

faithfulness to the covenant conditions. Abraham<br />

believed God and He "accounted it to him for<br />

righteousness" (Gen. 15:6). That Abraham's<br />

participation in the covenant blessings, while<br />

grounded in the grace <strong>of</strong> God, was also contingent<br />

upon his obedience reveals that the covenant<br />

upholds the authority <strong>of</strong> God's law (Gen. 17:1;<br />

26:5).<br />

Abraham's faith was <strong>of</strong> such quality that he was<br />

given the title "the father <strong>of</strong> all those who believe"<br />

(Rom. 4:11). He is God's model <strong>of</strong> the<br />

righteousness by faith that reveals itself in<br />

obedience (Rom. 4:2, 3; James 2:23, 24). The<br />

covenant <strong>of</strong> grace does not automatically bestow its<br />

blessings on Abraham's natural descendants, but<br />

only on such as follow Abraham's example <strong>of</strong> faith.<br />

"Only those who are <strong>of</strong> faith are sons <strong>of</strong> Abraham"<br />

(Gal. 3:7). Every individual on earth can<br />

experience the covenant promises <strong>of</strong> salvation by<br />

meeting the condition: "If you are Christ's, then<br />

you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the<br />

promise" (Gal. 3:29). From the Godward side the<br />

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