Abrahamic Faith

Historian and archaeologist James D Tabor’s book, Restoring Abrahamic Faith, is a brilliant summary of what he calls “Torah faith for all nations”. It offers a compelling proposal for the 21st century, namely a return to the “ancient paths” of the Hebrew faith with Abraham, the first Hebrew, as a prime model. As such it is foundational to the origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the three great Abrahamic Faiths that subsequently developed in different directions.

The following are the principles of Tabor’s Abrahamic faith…

There is One Creator God, YHVH, the One who will be, is, and always was, besides Whom there is no other. He is the Great, the Mighty, and the Awesome One – merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loyal love and faithfulness. To Him alone we offer our deepest love and highest devotion. (Genesis 1:1; 17:1; Exodus 3:13-15; 6:3; 34:5-7; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 42:8; 43:10-11; 44:6-8, 24; 45:5-6, 21-22; Hosea 12:5)

The Holy Scriptures consist of the 22 books of the Hebrew Bible: the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings, (Tanakh or Protestant Old Testament). The Hebrew and Aramaic texts of these books reflect the fundamental historical revelation of YHVH to humankind. (Deuteronomy 4:4; 12:32; Psalm 1:2; 19:7-11; 119:89, 142, 160; Isaiah 8:16-20; Malachi 3:22-24 [4:4-6])

The Way of God for humanity is revealed and reflected in the TORAH and amplified in the Prophets and Writings. It is chiefly summed up in the Ten Commandments spoken to all Israel at Sinai, but is known and illustrated by precept, example, principle, and admonition, throughout the Holy Scriptures. That Way is ultimately applicable to all nations – the universal WAY of peace, justice, love, truth, and righteousness for all humankind (Psalm 119:89, 142, 160; Isaiah 2:2-4)

Salvation is an individual matter involving repentance or turning one’s life in faith and trust to YHVH. All who call upon YHVH as Savior, Redeemer, and Lord, receive forgiveness, grace, and the Holy Spirit. There are no mediators required, and no sacrifices, animal or human, will suffice. Like a compassionate parent, God forgives sins for His own sake, and those who turn to Him experience an intimate relationship as sons and daughters of a heavenly Father. Like Abraham, they become the “friends of God,” and enter into the Abrahamic Covenant of faith. (Zechariah 1:3 7 Malachi 3:7; Isaiah 1:16-20; 45:22-24; 43:25; Psalm 145:18; 103:9-14; 25; 40:6-8; 51; Micah 6:6-8; Ezekiel 18; Genesis 12:1-3; Jeremiah 16:19; 31:31-34; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2-3)

The Kingdom of God is the goal and meaning of history; it is the chief longing of those who know, love, and serve God in the present age. In that Day YHVH Himself will dwell with humankind, the will of God will be done on earth as it is in heaven, violence among men and beasts will cease, and the knowledge of YHVH will fill the world as the waters cover the sea. YHVH will be King over all the earth, the TORAH will reach all nations, and all humankind will experience the benefits of a new age. Human beings will be able, at long last, to reach their full potential as creatures made in the image and likeness of their Creator God. (Isaiah 2:2-4; 11; 24; 66; Zechariah 14:1-9; Daniel 2:44; 7:27; Malachi 3:23-24 [4:5])

The Nation of Israel, descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, has a continuing Covenant with YHVH that has not been revoked. They are the Chosen nation, the priestly kingdom, the Servant of YHVH through whom He has vowed to bring the light of TORAH to the whole world. Because of this historic mission, the full restoration of all twelve tribes to the Land is the central theme of all the Prophets. (Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:27-31; Jeremiah 31:27-40; Ezekiel 36-37)

The Second Coming of YHVH as Lord, Redeemer, Savior, and King of Kings, to rule over all the earth is the hope of humankind. This great turn in history will be ushered in by His prophetic Messiahs / Anointed Ones, as His chief human agents who prepare the way for His coming – the Branch of David as Prince, and the final Priest / Teacher, who stands beside him. They will be empowered by YHVH to fully restore TORAH faith in the land of Israel, complete the re-gathering of the Twelve Tribes, rebuild the Sanctuary as a House of Prayer for all Peoples, and call upon all nations to repent and turn to God. (Isaiah 11; Micah 5:2-4; Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:14-26; Zechariah 2-4; 6:11-14; Malachi 3-4)