Allinall 's reply #1
Abraham's life up to that point had been marked by a lesser faith. That is, he believed God's promises, but leaned on his understanding of how those promises would pan out. It wasn't until he gained a better understanding of God's sovereignty that Abraham began to live a life of greater faith. How so? Consider these less faithful responses:
1. God called Abraham to the Promised Land - Abraham only went part of the way there.
2. God called him to stay in the land - when famine came, Abraham left.
3. God said He'd make a mighty nation out of his seed with Sarah - Abraham takes Sarah's handmaiden to wife and has a son with her.
It wasn't until Abraham's view of the sovereignty of God changed, that his faith grew. I believe that was a lesson he learned when he nearly cost Abimelech and his nation their lives by his lack of faith in God's care for his well-being, and subsequent lie. Interestingly, it is right after this that God tries Abraham with the sacrifice you brought up. Some would say that it was a test of Abraham's love. Who did he love more? I disagree. It was a test of Abraham's faith. Heretofore he had given partial obedience. Unique to our obedience is our faith. You see, we obey what we believe. Abraham believed, but put too much of his own thought into the process. He "leaned on his own understanding." When God told him to sacrifice Issaac, he didn't linger, or partially obey. He simply did what God told him to do, and in so doing, passed the test.
Allinall,
Excellent points,
I am also reminded that the word tells us itself, that Abraham was
tested of God, notice;
Heb 11
17 By faith Abraham,
when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
It needs to be pointed out that Abraham, disobeyed God, you pointed this out, which is important in order to understand, where Abraham rested in his faith.
This is the reason for Abraham being
tried of God , the result was that he (Abraham) was justified by his actions,
James in Chapter 2, says this concerning righteous Abraham;
21 Was not Abraham our father
justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,
Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
In the vernacular, the word
justified in verse 21, means
vindictated.
God having already imputed righteousness to Abraham by his FAITH, vs 23. (Gen 15:6)
Athanael's response #2
Good point--but why would anyone want to have faith in such a cruel god?
Christians, I believe, think that people's notions of good and evil come from God. But they, as well as atheists, would also say that certain actions are obviously wrong even when not viewed through a religious lens, because they are clearly detrimental to society. For instance, every reasonable person agrees, without reference to religion, that murder is wrong.
Now what happens if God asks us to do something we know is objectively wrong, like killing our children? Is it really acceptable to say, "Since God told me to do it, it's the right thing to do"? Wouldn't it be more morally courageous to question God's judgment and apply our own conscience to the problem? If God has the right to judge us, then we should have the right to judge him--particularly when he contradicts his own 10 Commandments.
The word of God declares that
"to obey is better than sacrifice," (1 Sam 15:22),
"rebellion (disobedience) is as the sin of witchcraft," (1 Sam 15:23)
Disobedience is the sin which brought death into the world, and death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. (Rom 5:12)
But the scripture declare plainly that men are saved by being obedient to Gods Word.
Note:
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?As I stated above
"God having already imputed righteousness to Abraham by his FAITH, vs 23."
If you turn to Gen 15:1-6, we read the account where God spoke to Abraham, this was before he fathered Issac, the son through which the promise was to come, God declared him righteous and thirteen years later at the age of 99 years God appears to him again, and makes The Covenant, sealed by the sign of circumscion (Ishmael his son was thirteen years old,Gen 17:25) and God changed the name of Abram to Abraham.
So, Abraham was not saved by working nor by his actions at the mount where he went in obedience to God's Word to "offer up Isaac", but his work was the result of Him already being saved and having FAITH in God, this is why He was obedient, the scripture simply says;
HE BELIVED GOD, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Rom 4:1-8)
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Heb 11:6)
Faith produces OBEDIENCE, and obedience to Gods word, shows forth the faithfulness of those who live by faith as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Rom 1:17)
And the object of ones faith is the Word of God.
And those that have placed the free gift of FAITH given of God to them, UPON Jesus the Living Word, enter into Gods rest.
Note;
Heb 4
3
For we which have believed do enter into rest,Blessings,
Petro
