A TEST OF GENUINE FAITH

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:1-2 ESV

The story of Abraham commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac, was a parable of the love of God in sending His Son as a sacrifice for the sins of many. Also, the Son of God who willingly laid down His life for His people. 

Nonetheless, this earthly example never achieved eternal salvation for God’s people. But through the divine covenant between the Father and Son, eternal salvation was achieved in Christ (Ephesians 1:4-10).

In the account of Genesis 22, God put Abraham to a great test. It was not a temptation but an examination of Abraham’s heart (James 1:2-4, 12-18). Abraham genuine love for God was displayed in his obedience to the test of God (John 14:15). The command appeared somewhat contradictory to what God previously promised Abraham about Isaac (Genesis 17:19).

Nonetheless, the promised child of Abraham was to be the son that will produce the nation of Israel. Through Israel all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Isaac was the Church's hope who was the heir of promise. If Isaac was killed then there would have never been no Christ (Romans 4:13, Galatians 3:16).

However, God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son that he loved so dearly. Remarkably, Abraham response to this mysterious command was immediate obedience. He rose up early in the morning to do as God commanded  (Genesis 22:3).

After three days journey, at a distance, he saw a glimpse of the site. The obedience of Abraham became apparent when he separated from his servants (Genesis 22:4-5).

And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. Genesis 22:6 ESV

Isaac willingly carried the wood a type of Christ whom the wood of the cross was laid on Him. Abraham had the fire and knife to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering. On the Cross, the Father poured the full fury of His wrath on His eternal Son that He love (Matthew 27:45-46).

What a terrible thing for a father to do, but Abraham steps were those of faith and hope. Even though Abraham would have been fearful however, his trust was in God. This was revealed in his response to Isaac’s question (Genesis 22:8). 

He believed that God who promised will also provide. Abraham had faith that God will raise Isaac from the dead but also provide the perfect offering.

At the appointed place, Abraham boldly built an altar. So also Isaac willingly laid down his life for his father to carry out the unthinkable. 

As he reached out to slaughter Isaac, Abraham was stopped by God. Abraham believed that God will provide the offering.

Amazingly, God figuratively raised Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19). Also, a temporary offering was provided for a sacrifice (Genesis 22:13).

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 ESV

The language used here is borrowed from Genesis 22:15. God spared Isaac’s life which is a picture of us all. However, God did not spare his Son but gave him for us all. He crushed his Son for our sins, if Christ was not spared then everyone will have to face the judgement of God. Consequently, God who gives the greater gift which is the forgiveness of our sins, will certainly give lesser things.

As we know, Abraham passed the test of God and the covenant promised was fully ratified by God (Genesis 22:13-14).

The full details of the Abrahamic covenant were confirmed. It entails the land, seed and blessing. Furthermore, vivid details of how they will conquer their enemies and gain the land. This covenant blessing was confirmed by God to Abraham, he obeyed God, showing that he truly love God (Genesis 22:15-18).

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says,“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. James 2:21-23 ESV

God’s graciously granted Abraham the gift of righteousness based on faith (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:1-3).

Therefore, Abraham’s evidence of his faith was shown in his obedience to God. The fruit or works of faith is obedience, if there’s no works of faith then there’s no faith at all. Genuine faith reached its end when it demonstrates itself with the fruit of a righteous life. 

Fellow believers, God does test the genuineness of His children’s faith. Amazingly, trials are means God uses to prepare and purify His children’s faith for them to live a fruitful life (James 1:2-3).

He tests to prove, increase and strengthen our faith. Trials should ground our love for God. However those who hate or reject God in times of testing prove that their faith was false.

Therefore, let’s show our genuine love for God through obedience for his Word for us to be blessed.