The Testing of Faith

God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Will Abraham sacrifice his son whom he loves and through whom the promises of God would be fulfilled?
This account of Abraham and Isaac points forward to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

1. Christ died on the cross not far from where Isaac was nearly sacrificed.
2. Isaac carried on his back the wood that would be used for His sacrifice. Likewise, Jesus carried His cross up Calvary's hill.
3. When we hear the words of Abraham in v8 that God will provide a lamb, we see there the anticipation of Jesus described by John the Baptist as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
4. When we see Isaac, bound and laid upon the altar, with no word of protest or resistance we see a picture of Jesus as described in the prophecy of Isaiah 53 Jesus willingly submitted Himself to God the Father's plan of salvation.
5. When we see God stop the hand of Abraham so that his son, Isaac, is spared, I am reminded that in the case of Jesus, The Father's hand did fall. Christ did die.
6. And when we see Abraham in v 13, take the substitute ram provided by God and offered him up sacrificially in the place of Isaac, we are reminded of the time when God provided His Son as a substitute to be offered up on the cross in our place for our sins.
7. Finally when Hebrews describes Abraham as receiving back Isaac from the dead, we are reminded that God the Father received His precious Son, Jesus back from the dead.
   Let me quickly point out three lessons of faith.
8. God Tests the Quality of Our Faith – v1-2
9. Pure Faith Displays Costly Obedience – v3-14
10. Passing the Test Brings Great Reward! – v15-19.