The Sacrifice

A Test of Faith

The very famous account of Abraham and Isaac is found in Genesis 22. Hebrews 11:17-19 explains that Abraham was facing a test of his faith and that he recognized that the very promises of God were bound up in this child that he was now being asked to sacrifice. Trusting God (taking him at his word), Abraham concluded that God must have intended to raise Isaac from the dead. So without doubting God’s goodness or wisdom or authority, Abraham proceeded. We know that God stopped him and presented a substitute sacrifice after it was evident that Abraham was acting with the obedience of faith. Indeed, Abraham obeyed the voice of God (cf. Gen 22:18). Looking forward in redemptive history we see that there would come a better Son to be sacrificed by a better Father and through this better Son would be fulfilled every promise of God.