To view the English translation, please scroll down to the bottom.
為什麼亞伯拉罕被上帝選為歷史上的第一個猶太人呢？ 新約聖經為這個問題做了一個解答：「因為亞伯拉罕信神」。簡略來說，答案只有一個字 ──「信」。果真是如此嗎？
「正如亞伯拉罕信神，這就算為他的義。所以，你們要知道：那以信為本的人，就是亞伯拉罕的子孫。並且聖經既然預先看明，神要叫外邦人因信稱義，就早已傳福音給亞伯拉罕，說：萬國都必因你得福。凡以行律法為本的，都是被咒詛的；因為經上記著：凡不常照律法書上所記一切之事去行的，就被咒詛。」（加拉太書 3:6-10）保羅在這段經文說，那些 「以信為本」的人，就能像亞伯拉罕一樣得福；反之，若以遵守誡命、以「行律法為本」的人就是處於咒詛之下。也就是說，凡以行律法為得救之途徑的人，都必須照一切律法去行。凡不如此行的，或說凡不常常守全律法的（雅各書2:10），他就應當被咒詛。
依照保羅的教導，沒有人有能力完全遵守誡命，所以如果想靠遵循律法稱義，不但被咒詛，而且會與基督隔絕，得不到恩典。如果這些誡命真的如保羅所說，都是在人能遵行的能力範圍之外，那豈不跟申命記的記載有所衝突？「我今日所吩咐你的誡命，對你並不困難，也不太遠； 不是在天上，使你說：『誰為我們上天去取來給我們，使我們聽了可以遵行呢？』也不是在海的那邊，使你說：『誰為我們渡海到另一邊，去取來給我們，使我們聽了可以遵行呢？』 因這話離你很近，就在你口中，在你心裏，使你可以遵行。」（申命記30：11- 14）在羅馬書 6：14，保羅還說「你們不在律法之下，而在恩典之下」。意為，照律法行就沒有恩典；想得到恩典就得摒棄律法，兩者不能並存。他又在羅馬書10：4說「律法的總結就是基督，使凡信他的都得著義。」對保羅來說，信耶穌取代了誡命的履行；因為耶穌來了，律法被做了一個總結。「這樣，律法是我們訓蒙的師傅，引我們到基督那裡，使我們因信稱義。但這因信得救的理既然來到，我們從此就不在師傅的手下了。」（ 加拉太書 3：24-26）如果律法是我們的師傅，那 “不在師傅的手下”就意為“不再在律法之下”了，換句話說，「律法」被「信」所代取了。「我保羅告訴你們，若受割禮，基督就於你們無益了。我再指著凡受割禮的人確實的說，他是欠著行全律法的債。你們這要靠律法稱義的，是與基督隔絕，從恩典中墜落了。」（加拉太書 5:2-4）割禮對猶太人來說是一個非常重要的宗教儀式 (參部落格：閹割了吧！)。所有亞伯拉罕的後裔都要受割禮，作為神與他立約的記號 ( 創世記 17：9-14）。 摩西律法重申了這個要求 ( 利未記 12 : 3) ， 而且幾個世紀以來，猶太人一直保有行割禮的儀式 ( 約書亞記 5:2-3）。在這裡，保羅舉割禮為律法典型之例，要我們二選一，看你要選基督或是選律法；如果選律法，就「與基督隔絕，從恩典中墜落，與你無益」。「既說新約。就以前約為舊了；但那漸舊漸衰的， 就必快歸無有了。 」（ 希伯來書 8:13）這裡再三強調，有新的就沒有舊的，舊約不是建立新約的基礎，因為當新約臨到時，舊約就衰退無有了。換言之，新比舊好，除舊更新。
「信」在新約裡是一個非常重要的主題。所謂的「信」就是指 “相信耶穌是彌賽亞、是那位將世人從罪惡裡拯救出來的救世主”。在前面所舉的眾多例子裡，保羅做了一個極清晰的對比：“信耶穌” 和“遵行律法”是彼此對立的。我們對耶穌的「信」不僅已經代替了「遵行律法」，甚至如果以「行律法為本」還會被咒詛。保羅用盡各種說法，為顯示出「信」的重要性。 他要我們看亞伯拉罕的例子，讓我們知道亞伯拉罕是因為他的信心而被揀選、被稱義。如果我們要被神稱為“義”，我們就要效法亞伯拉罕。
我們轉換一個角度來看看妥拉（註一）是如何講解亞伯拉罕被揀選選的原因。
「亞伯拉罕必要成為強大的國，地上的萬國都必因他得福。 我眷顧他，為要叫他吩咐他的眾子和他的眷屬，遵守我的道，秉公行義，使我所應許亞伯拉罕的話都成就了。」（創世記 18：19） 這裡並沒有闡述信心不重要，但很明顯，“秉公行義” 是「信」的一部分；也就是說，「信」固然重要，但更重要的是我們用這個「信」來做出什麼行為。因為亞伯拉罕“遵守”上帝的道，上帝對他所應許的話就因而 “成就了”。這和哈巴谷書2：4的「惟“義”人因信得生」有一貫性的信息。這一節強調「義人」──行公義的人，因信得生；「信」不僅是一個內心的感受，這內在的信念必須導致一個轉變的生活，才有可能活現。
上帝除了知道亞伯拉罕有信心之外，他也知道亞伯拉罕會聽從他的話，會教導他的子孫後裔遵循神的道路，上帝也因而加添祝福給他和他的後裔。「地上的萬國都必因你的後裔得福，因為你聽從了我的話。」（創世記 22：18）「我要使你的後裔增多，好像天上的星，又要將這一切的地賜給你的後裔，並且地上的萬國都必因你的後裔得福， 因為亞伯拉罕聽從我的話，遵守我的吩咐、誡令、律例和教導。」（創世記26：4-5）。 亞伯拉罕的信心只是一個起點，不是終點。重要的是他透過跟隨神、順服神、聽神的話、走神的道，將他的信心實踐出來。
當保羅抓住「亞伯拉罕信神，這就算為他的義」這句話時，申命記 6：25 節對「義」所下的定義卻被忽略了：「我們若照耶和華我們神所吩咐的一切誡命謹守遵行，這就是我們的義了。」“公義”，不只是擁有一個單純的信心。 在猶太聖經中（註：希伯來聖經，或作Tanakh “塔納赫”，基督徒稱之為“舊約聖經”），神一而再、再而三地強調，「義」是把這個「信」活出來的意思。
所以亞伯拉罕是“信心”之父嗎？他成為猶太人的祖先，蒙神的祝福皆因為他的信心嗎？如果仔細看聖經，我們所得的結論就是，信心固然重要，但是上帝更看重的是我們遵行祂的話語。「如今你們若實在聽從我的話，遵守我的約，就要在萬民中作屬我的子民，因為全地都是我的。你們要歸我作祭司的國度，為聖潔的國民。這些話你要告訴以色列人。」（出埃及記 19：5-6）「所以，你要知道耶和華—你的神，他是神，是信實的神；向愛他、守他誡命的人守約，施慈愛，直到千代。」（申命記7：9）在希伯來聖經裡，我們找不到一處經節說到，當新約一來臨，律法和誡命會被代取。神向那些守他誡命的人守約、施慈愛是到“千代”，是永恆不斷、永不改變也永不會被代取的。相同的，我們行律法、守誡命也是一樣，一代傳一代，直到千代。「所以，你要謹守遵行我今日所吩咐你的誡命、律例、典章。你們果然聽從這些典章，謹守遵行，耶和華—你神就必照他向你列祖所起的誓守約，施慈愛。 」（申命記 7：11-12）「耶和華—你的神今日吩咐你遵行這些律例典章，所以你要盡心盡性謹守遵行。你今日宣認耶和華為你的神，承諾遵行他的道，謹守他的律例、誡命、典章，聽從他的話。耶和華今日照他所應許你的，也認你為他寶貴的子民，叫你謹守他的一切誡命。」（申命記 26：16-18）
猶太人跟上帝的關係深深地鞏固在他們對聖經律法的遵守。「 從亙古到永遠，耶和華的慈愛臨到敬畏他的人；他的公義也歸於他們的子子孫孫，就是那些謹守他的約，記住他的訓詞，並且遵行的人。」（詩篇 103：17-18）在希伯來聖經裡，遵行神的律法是一件美事。神說：「我只吩咐他們這一件說： 你們當聽從我的話，我就作你們的神，你們也作我的子民。你們行我所吩咐的一切道，就可以得福。」（ 耶利米書 7：23）不像保羅在新約裡面，把律法描述成令人懼畏的咒詛；反之，希伯來聖經教導，遵行律法會讓我們凡事亨通，是得到神祝福的最佳渠道。「以色列啊，現在耶和華—你神向你所要的是什麼呢？只要你敬畏耶和華—你的神，遵行他的道，愛他，盡心盡性事奉他，遵守他的誡命律例，就是我今日所吩咐你的，為要叫你得福。」（申命記10：12-13）「遵守耶和華—你神所吩咐的，照著摩西律法上所寫的行主的道，謹守他的律例、誡命、典章、法度。這樣，你無論做什麼事，不拘往何處去，盡都亨通。」（列王記上2：3）不只是遵行律法，聖經進一步教導我們要晝夜思想他給我們的律令：「唯喜愛耶和華的律法，晝夜思想，這人便為有福... …凡他所做的，盡都順利。」（詩篇1：2-3）希伯來聖經用最美的比喻來形容律法：「耶和華的律法全備，使人甦醒；耶和華的法度確定，使愚蒙人有智慧。耶和華的訓詞正直，使人心快活；耶和華的命令清潔，使人眼目明亮。耶和華的典章真實，全然公義，敬畏耶和華是純潔的，存到永遠，比金子可羨慕，比極多的純金可羨慕；比蜜甘甜，比蜂房下滴的蜜甘甜。因此你的僕人受警戒，遵守這些有極大的賞賜。」（詩篇19：7-11）這類的經文，在希伯來聖經裡，真的是不勝枚舉。
最遺憾的是，今天的教會常常將 “遵守律法”貼上一些相當負面標籤：過時、死板、假冒爲善的法律賽人、舊約時代的做法、受限、不自由... …等字眼。衷心期盼基督徒不要藐視輕看了整本舊約聖經強調遵守律法的重要性；不要忽略了那比金子更可羨慕，比蜜更甘甜的律法—這些寶貝律法是耶和華賜給我們最大的福份。
總結，「遵守律法」不是「信」的代取，而是「信」不可缺之實現 ；「遵守律法」是上帝的命令，永不受妥協、永不改變；「遵守律法」帶來的是千代的慈愛與祝福，不是恩典的隔絕，更不是咒詛纏身。亞伯拉罕信上帝，遵守上帝的道並秉行公義。他不單是信心之父，他更是守律法之父。
註一：妥拉（Torah），又稱Pentateuch「摩西五經」，就是舊約聖經的頭五本書──創世記、出埃及記、利未記、民數記及申命記
Is Abraham Father of Faith?
Why was Abraham chosen by God as the first Jew in history? The New Testament provides an answer to this question: "Because Abraham believed in God." In brief, the answer is just one word - "faith." Is it really that simple?
"So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you. So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’” (Galatians 3:6-10) In this passage, Paul explains that those who have faith, like Abraham, are blessed, while those who rely on following the law are under a curse. This means that anyone seeking salvation through the law must follow all aspects of the law. Anyone who does not do so or does not continually keep the whole law is subject to a curse.
"Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe." (Galatians 3:19-22) In these verses, Paul explains that the law was added because of transgressions and was temporary until the promised offspring (Jesus) came. The law could not give life or righteousness; instead, it served to highlight human sinfulness and the need for faith in Jesus Christ. The law was not contrary to God's promises but rather part of His plan to lead people to faith in Jesus.
Regarding circumcision (Please refer to my blog post: Go Emasculate!), Paul uses it symbolically to illustrate that choosing to rely on the law for righteousness separates one from Christ and nullifies the grace of God. Circumcision was a central ritual in Judaism, and Paul is emphasizing that even this important aspect of the law should not be relied upon for salvation; instead, faith in Christ is what matters.
Finally, in Hebrews 8:13, the author of Hebrews highlights the superiority of the new covenant over the old covenant. The new covenant, established through Jesus Christ, supersedes the old covenant, which was temporary and fading. This emphasizes the transformative nature of the new covenant and its superiority to the old law.
In the New Testament, "faith" is indeed a crucial theme. This "faith" refers to believing in Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior who redeems humanity from sin. In the examples mentioned earlier, Paul makes a stark contrast between "faith in Jesus" and "keeping the law." Our "faith in Jesus" not only replaces "keeping the law," but if one relies on "keeping the law," they may even be under a curse. Paul uses various expressions to emphasize the importance of "faith." He wants us to look at the example of Abraham, showing us that Abraham was chosen and justified because of his faith. If we want to be considered "righteous" by God, we should follow the example of Abraham.
Let’s take a perspective and see how Torah (Note 1) explains the reason why Abraham was chosen.
In Genesis 18:19, it is stated, "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." This passage does not diminish the importance of faith, but it clearly emphasizes that "doing righteousness and justice" is part of faith. In other words, while faith is important, what's even more critical is how we translate that faith into actions.
Because Abraham kept the way of the Lord and acted righteously, God's promises to him were fulfilled. This aligns with the message in Habakkuk 2:4, which states, “...the righteous person will live by his faithfulness." This verse emphasizes that the "righteous" – those who live righteously – obtain life through faith. "Faith" isn't just an internal feeling; this inner belief should lead to a transformed life to be truly meaningful.
Besides knowing that Abraham had faith, God also knew that Abraham would obey His words, teach his descendants to follow God's path, and as a result, God added blessings for him and his descendants. “…and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me" (Genesis 22:18). "I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I required of him, keeping my commands, my decrees and my instructions" (Genesis 26:4-5).
Abraham's faith was just a starting point, not the endpoint. What mattered was that he practiced his faith by following God, obeying God, listening to God's words, and walking in God's ways.
When Paul seizes upon "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness," he overlooks the definition of "righteousness" given in Deuteronomy 6:25: "And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness." "Righteousness" is more than having a simple faith. In the Jewish Bible (or Old Testament), God repeatedly emphasizes that "righteousness" means living out this "faith" in action by obeying His law.
So, is Abraham the "father of faith"? Did he become the ancestor of the Jewish people and receive God's blessings solely because of his faith? When we carefully examine the Bible, our conclusion is that while faith is important, what God values even more is our obedience to His word.
"Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites." (Exodus 19:5-6) "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments." (Deuteronomy 7:9)
In the Hebrew Bible, there is no verse that says when the New Covenant comes, the Law and commandments will be replaced. God's covenant to those who keep His commandments, showing steadfast love, extends to "a thousand generations" (Deuteronomy 7:9), it's eternal, unchanging, and will never be replaced. Similarly, our practice of the Law and keeping of commandments is the same, passed down from generation to generation, for a thousand generations. "Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills" (Deuteronomy 8:6-7) "You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws—that you will listen to him." (Deuteronomy 26:17)
The relationship between the Jewish people and God is deeply rooted in their observance of the biblical law. "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts." (Psalm 103:17-18) In the Hebrew Bible, obeying God's law is regarded as a beautiful thing. God said, "but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you." (Jeremiah 7:23)
Unlike how Paul describes the law in the New Testament as something associated with fear and curses, the Hebrew Bible teaches that obeying the law leads to prosperity and is the best way to receive God's blessings. "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13) “…observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go." (1 Kings 2:3) “Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord…whatever they do prospers..." (Psalm 1:2-3)
The Hebrew Bible uses beautiful metaphors to describe the law: "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them, your servant is warned; in keeping them, there is great reward." (Psalm 19:7-11) These kinds of verses in the Hebrew Bible truly highlight the beauty and significance of the law.
It is unfortunate that today's churches often attach somewhat negative labels to "obeying the law": outdated, rigid, hypocritical legalism, practices of the Old Testament era, restrictive, and unfree, among others. It is my sincere hope that Christians do not belittle or underestimate the importance of obeying the law emphasized throughout the entire Old Testament. We should not overlook these precious laws that are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey—these are the treasures of the Lord and the greatest blessings He has given us.
In summary, "obeying the law" is not a replacement for "faith," but rather the essential realization of "faith." "Obeying the law" is God's commandment, unchanging and unwavering. It brings the love and blessings of God for generations, not separation from grace, and certainly not curses. Abraham believed in God, obeyed God's ways, and upheld righteousness. He is not only the father of faith but also the father of keeping the law.
Note 1: Torah, also known as Pentateuch, consists of the first five books of the Old Testament—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
The Hebrew Bible, also known as Tanakh, is referred to as the Old Testament by Christians.
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