The Friend of God (James 2:23)

2023-02-02

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (James 2:23)

Abraham believed God and took Him at His word as was evident in his obedience. Here is where he was called God’s friend:

Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? (2 Chronicles 20:7)

Jehoshaphat prayed this when he knew three enemy nations were invading. He “reminded” God that He gave the land to His friend’s seed forever. The king appealed to the Lord in the name of Abraham, who walked closely with God throughout his life.

But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. (Isaiah 41:8)

Here we see again Abraham as the friend of God. God called Abraham His friend this time. It is again referencing the seed of Abraham.

Christ, the Seed of Abraham, the Son of God calls His people friends:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:13-15)

We also are God’s friends if we believe on His name and “do whatsoever I command you.” And to His friends He says, “for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”