Question: Why was Abraham called the friend of God?

    Answer: Abraham was not sinless, but he was one of the great men mentioned in the Bible. His faith is cited for our example (Jas. 2, Heb. 11). Abraham is called a "friend of God" three times (2 Chroni. 20: 7, Isa. 41: 8).

    Abraham was a man of obedience. Abraham obeyed God when he left his country and kindred (Gen. 12, Heb. 11: 8-10). He exhibited great faith regarding the offering of Isaac (Gen. 22, Heb. 11: 8-10). We never find Abraham rationalizing and attempting to circumvent God's commandments.

    A man of promptitude and peace. God told Abraham, "…get out of thy country…." We immediately read, "…So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him…" (Gen. 12: 1, 4). Outstanding men of the Bible were always men of immediacy of action (Matt. 4: 18-22, Acts 9: 20, 10: 33). Abraham's desire for peace is seen in his dealings with Lot (Gen. 13: 5-12). The gospel is the "gospel of peace" (Rom. 10: 15).

    Abraham was a man characterized by unselfishness and control of his family. He was a man who generously gave (Gen. 14: 17-24, Heb. 7: 4, 20). Many of us live to consume and simply satisfy self (Lk. 9: 23). Also, it was said of Abraham, "…for I know him that he will command his children and his household after him…" (Gen. 18: 18, 19).

    Friendship with God is a worthy goal. Jesus said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (Jn. 15: 14). Too many are the enemies of God (Jas. 4: 4). Abraham was God's friend because of the quality of the character he possessed. Are you a friend of God? The way to determine friendship with Jesus, as we have seen, is in our obeying the commandments of God (Jn. 15: 14). Asked another way, are we obeying the things Jesus commands?