Definition: Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous Bible verse! It's a really important one that gets a lot of confusion around. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is asking a question about how faith and good works can work together. It challenges the idea that only good deeds or works can earn your worth before God. Let's unpack it step-by-step: 1. “Abraham our father…” – This refers to Abraham, who was a very important figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience. He’s considered the patriarch of the Jewish people and a key example of trusting God. 2. “…had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” – This is where it gets a little tricky. It describes a very sad event in Abraham's past – he sacrificed his son, Isaac, as an offering to God. It’s a horrific moment, and it’s important to remember that this wasn't about doing something good; it was about giving something precious away. 3. “Was not?” – This is the crucial question. “Was not?” means "Did he not ?" It’s a challenge to the idea that Abraham's righteousness came solely through his actions (the sacrifice). 4. “…our father…” - This reinforces that it’s about Abraham, not just any human being. 5. “Justified by works?” – This is the core of the verse. “Justified” means to be declared right with God and have a special relationship with Him. Traditionally, this meant earning God's favor through good deeds like helping others, being kind, and following God’s laws. So, what does the verse really mean? The Bible is saying that Abraham's righteousness wasn't just about his sacrifices. It was rooted in his faith. He believed in God and trusted Him completely, even when it meant facing a terrible situation. His faith was so strong that it led him to offer his son as a sacrifice. The Point: The verse is saying that God already accepted Abraham for his faith, not just because of the sacrifice itself, but because of his belief in God. It’s about the power of God's love and acceptance that transcends our efforts. It emphasizes that faith in God is enough to be declared right with Him. In a nutshell: Abraham's actions were significant, but they weren't the only thing that mattered. His faith was what earned him God’s favor. --- Resources for Further Learning (Optional): Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/read](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/read) - Allows you to read the verse in context with other verses and translations. GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/James_2.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/James_2.html) - A good overview of this passage and its meaning. Do you want me to: Explain a different part of the verse? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical stories?