Justified By Faith Only? Series

3. Abraham and Isaac’s ascent: “So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac, his son, and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham, his father, and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together,” Genesis 22:6-8.

4. Isaac an offering: “Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order:”

a. First, “He bound Isaac, his son.” Abraham tied Isaac up with rope to restrain him. No doubt at this time: his heart is filled with fear, and eyes with tears. He perhaps even comforted the lad. It will be alright, son.

b. Further, “He laid him on the altar, upon the wood.” I don’t see the lad trying to get off the altar. Isaac was a “living sacrifice unto God.” And so must we be also, Romans 12:1-3.

c. Next, “And Abraham stretched out his hand: and took the knife to slay his son,” Genesis 22:9-10. With great heaviness of heart, he stretched forth his hand, preparing himself for what was coming. He is now about to take the lad’s life.

d. Subsequently, Abraham summoned: "But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham...Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now, I know that you fear God since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me, “Genesis 22:11-12. Listen to Jehovah:

1) For NOW, I know that you fear God.

2) Since you have not withheld your son.

3) Your ONLY son, from me.

4) God acknowledges Abraham's faith and obedience. You have not withheld your son, your only son, from me. In other words, you have, in fact: "offered him as a burnt offering unto me,” as I had commanded thee, Genesis 22:2; Genesis 22:18.

e. Finally, Abraham’s substitute: “Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided,” Genesis 22:13-14.

NOTE: Illustrate, God prepared for Abraham a substitute. Christ is our substitute. Not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world, 1 John 2:1-2.

1) Jesus took our place on the cross of suffering and death that we might live! And be justified by faith and sincere obedience unto God.

2) When the Lord witnesses your faith and obedience and blesses you. Lift up your eyes to see those blessings and give Him thanks!

3) Don’t wallow in what could have been, but thank Him for the gracious gift of eternal life, through Jesus Christ, John 3:16; Romans 5:1-2; Romans 6:23.

5. Abraham’s faithful obedience: “Then the Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said:”