The Gospel According to Abraham (in Galatians) - Overview Part 2

We are looking at Paul's letter to the Galatian Churches and seeing how he understood the Gospel. In the previous Blog we examined Chapter 1, as an overview.  We now look at Chapter 2. In this chapter Paul shows us that the Gospel:

• Is a transaction that brings a person from slavery to freedom (v4);
• Is for Jew and Gentile alike (v7);
• Demands a certain behavior that is consistent with it trans-cultural application (v14);
• Responds to to works/lawkeeping but to faith in Jesus Christ (v16);
• Overpowers sinful self by promoting Christ actively living through the believer (v22a); and
• Is an intimate and personal expression of Christ's love for individual and real people (v22b).

Father, again we are bathed in the overflow of grace from Your Gospel. Your Gospel stands strong in the face of all racism and prejudice.  The goal of Your Gospel is to bring every tongue, every tribe, every nation around the worshiping throne of God -- all for Your glory. There is a behavior that just doesn't work in the Gospel.  There is no proud Aryan super-race.  We are all sinners destined for Hell, saved only by faith in Christ.  Anything I have done on my own has not only rendered me ineligible for salvation, but my so-called good works have contributed to my damnation. Father, your love is most deeply seen and experienced in the Gospel.  You did not send Your Son to die for nameless masses of humanity.  You died for actual sinners with actual names; and for those you died for, you loved.  My name was on Your heart on Calvary's Cross. What joy!  What grace!  Your Gospel has freed me from self-promotion and self-exaltation and self-sufficiency.  I am now free -- free to serve You with infinite joy -- free to serve You not bound by the restraints of sin.   Praise is Yours, Oh holy and righteous Father.  To You be glory for ever and ever, amen!

The Gospel According to Abraham (in Galatians) - Overview Part 1

Paul wrote Galatians to churches that are in present day Turkey.  Paul wrote to Churches who were messing with the Gospel.  The key verse I think is found in Galatians 2:16 (NIV)

¹⁶ know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

Before we dig deeply into the letter, let's look at some of the obvious things, starting in the First Chapter.  For example, notice how in Chapter 1 Paul gives us hints as to how he understands the Gospel.  For example:

• The Gospel is about God who raised His Son, Jesus Christ from the dead (v1)
• The Gospel is about Christ being given for our sins so we might be delivered from them in this life (v4)
• The Gospel is Jesus.  To desert the Gospel is to desert Jesus (v6)
• The Gospel was not developed by man (v11)
• Recipients of the Gospel are set apart to receive it before their birth, called to it by grace and in it Jesus is revealed (v15).

Father, I thank You today for the Gospel.  I thank You for this letter of Paul that gives such a clear insight into the Gospel. The Gospel is Jesus; and is about Jesus. Jesus and the Gospel are inseparable. To leave one is to leave the other.   The Gospel works and that I know with great joy.  Thank you Father that in the Gospel sins are forgiven and sins are removed.  No man could devise such a plan to deliver us from such a plight.  This is Your doing, worked in us who believe before the foundations of the world.  Thank You Father that the Spirit is a willing agent of cooperation Who calls me to this grace and by grace makes me a willing agent of cooperation. The best part of the Gospel, Father, is we get Jesus.  We get to see Him and know Him.  Thank you Father for this very, very Good News.  Amen.

VI - Abraham's Story in the New Testament - Steadfast Hope

“And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” (Hebrews 6:15, NIV).  The discussion in the Book of Hebrews is an important one.  It is a call to press on; to endure; to not go back.  It is, as others have said, "A letter by a Hebrew, written to Hebrews; telling them not to be Hebrews."  There are told not to be Hebrews in the sense of the Old Covenant.  But Abraham stands here, as he does elsewhere in the New Testament as one who is different.

People of faith are to believe the promise.  Don't go back under the Law, but believe the Promise. Why is the Promise so significant.  The author's answer is: “When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”” (Hebrews 6:13–14, NIV). "That God, whose “word is truth” (John 17:17; cf. Titus 1:2), should reinforce the surety of that infallible promise through an oath underscores the permanence and seriousness of the divine promise (Gen. 15:8–21; 22:17). While sinful and fallible human beings “swear by the greater” than themselves (v. 16), God, the highest authority, “swore by Himself” (v. 13)." [1]

Within the notion of the promises of God we see in Hebrews 6 that there are two things that must be kept in mind: One, is that it is impossible for God to lie (v18a); and Two, that it was confirmed by an oath -- an oath established with the highest and Ultimate Authority -- Himself.  With all that as a backdrop then, "Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise." [2]  

Abraham is represented to us then as someone who through patience and trusting faith received what was promised.  The unique difference between the Old Covenant ("Do or die.") and the New Covenant (God says, "I will do and you will live.") is this special feature.  In the New Covenant God is the guarantor and He swears to accomplish it by Himself. This is also the Gospel.  So the writer to the Hebrews can say to us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure . . ..” (Hebrews 6:19, NIV).

How do we know that our hope is secure? "It is steadfast as to its object; it is an anchor that has taken good hold, it enters that which is within the veil; it is an anchor that is cast upon the rock, the Rock of ages. It does not seek to fasten in the sands, but enters within the veil, and fixes there upon Christ; he is the object, he is the anchor—hold of the believer’s hope." [3]

Our salvation is only as secure as Christ is trustworthy.    

Father, You have given us several magnanimous examples of faith and patience, trust and perseverance, in Your Word.  Undoubtedly most people think of Job and the patient suffering he endured.  But there is also Abraham -- quietly trusting and believing Your Promise. He did not believe in vain for You laid Yourself on the line when You promised Him.  Your Word is backup up with Your character.  But there is no question, the greatest example of trust and hope in You is seen through Your Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  “Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.’ ”” (Hebrews 10:5–7, NIV). Grant today this world changing, all-encompassing passion to trust You and obey You, no matter what happens for in the end we will say with Joshua, "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” (Joshua 23:14, NIV). Amen.

 

  

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1. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Heb 6:13). Nashville: T. Nelson.

2. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Heb 6:15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

3. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (2390). Peabody: Hendrickson

   

V - Abraham's Story in the New Testament - Our Story

“The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone,” (Romans 4:23, NIV). Paul's argument is profound.  If a promise is made based upon faith alone, and one finds out that it is to be gained by law-keeping, the notion of faith is irrelevant. "Paul explains why one cannot be an heir through the law: human beings cannot keep the law, and they therefore face God’s wrath." [1] Paul's view is sola fide -- faith alone.

“Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16, NIV).

Abraham's faith in God, that God was able to do what He promised was the "instrumental cause" of his salvation. But here's the good news: “The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone,” (Romans 4:23, NIV).  No, this amazing promise was “also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:24–25, NIV).

True saving faith then clothes itself with these two realities: One, it works for everyone -- not just the Jew.  Because the basis is faith, all people from all nations can be saved.   Secondly, saving faith works.  Notice: “Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead . . . Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,” (Romans 4:19–20, NIV). "The word translated [waver] (Gr diakrinomai), means to separate, distinguish, and as a deponent means “dispute.” In regard to faith in God, Abraham was not of a divided mind." [2]  This faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8f); and it is a faith that works.  When the writer to the Hebrews discussed the matter of apostacy, he understood that the faith received in salvation was not a stagnant or passive faith.  No, he wrote, “Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation.” (Hebrews 6:9, NIV)

"The proof of justification by faith in Abraham’s case leads Paul back to the foundation of justification in the work of Christ (3:24–26). Christ’s death and resurrection are two aspects of one saving work. In the first part, Christ bore the legal penalty for our guilt. In the second, He rose from the dead, His resurrection confirming that His death was a sufficient and effective offering for sin, pleasing the Supreme Judge." [3]

"The noun faith occurs ten times in this chapter and the corresponding verb believe occurs six times. Together the idea of believing faith is found no less than sixteen times in Romans 4. . . . The application of Romans 4 is simple: faith imputes righteousness. There isn’t a thing anyone can do to become clothed with God’s righteousness except have faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour from sin." [4]

Father, apart from the horrible slaughter of Christ as He bore the wrath of God in my place; and apart from the glorious and almost-mind-blowing resurrection of Jesus from the grave, I would have nothing tangible and infinitely worthy to place my faith in.  And apart from Your free gift of faith I would not have a faith that finds its rest in Your finished work.  And Father apart from a faith that is given, a faith that is established on the eternal work of the Son; and a faith that actually works something in me -- I would be lost.  So Father, You get all the glory -- You get all the credit. Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the Cross I cling.

 

 

   

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1.  Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2164). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. 

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2226). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ro 4:25). Nashville: T. Nelson.

4. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2227). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

IV - Abraham's Story in the New Testament - The Prototype

In Romans 4, Paul borrows equity from the life of Abraham to make important doctrinal distinctions. These are not minor elements of the faith.  These are bastions of Christian theology that are irreducible.

Paul obviously uses a technique of question and answer.  In this first section (Romans 4:1-12) Paul asks 4 questions:

1. ¹ What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 
2. ³ What does Scripture say?
3. ⁹ Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? 
4. ¹⁰ Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before?

The first question points back to the context.  "Paul has just firmly established that the righteousness of God is apart from the law (3:21) and that man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law (3:28)." [1]  Because the Jews so highly regarded Abraham it seems that Paul then in response to an unstated question chooses to use Abraham to support the truth that we are justified by faith. 

So question two asks the all-important-question, "What does the Bible say?"  And the answer is: "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” [2] Off course this is cited from Genesis 15:6.  Through this quotation, Paul is proving that the basis of Abraham’s righteousness was faith, not works.  Paul uses an example from everyday life making the point that if if get something because of your labor it is not a gift -- you earned it.  Then "Paul introduces David as a second example of righteousness by faith, citing Ps. 32:1–2 to demonstrate that David’s righteousness (“whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered”) was not based on his works." [3]

"Paul now addresses a further criticism of his argument. Even if he has shown that righteousness comes by grace through faith in the case of Abraham, has he forgotten that Abraham was the father of the circumcised (and therefore not of the uncircumcised)?" [4]  But wait a minute  Abraham was justified before he was circumcised. 

It is here we understand the biblical rationale for circumcision.  “And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised . . ..” (Romans 4:11, NIV).  Circumcision was visible evidence of the preceding justification.  And circumcision was God's seal -- His stamp of approval on the individual.

Romans 4:11–12 [5] clarify then that Abraham is both an example to the Jew and the Gentile -- all who will believe.  He is an example of faith -- it is faith that is the instrumental cause of justification.  The circumcision was the sign and seal of that event.  Today in Christian baptism it is the same.  Salvation occurs through faith by grace.  Baptism is the sign of that and the seal of God's approval.

The story of Abraham gives us a living illustration that salvation is by grace through faith.  It is also proof that genuine salvation (the righteousness of God given freely to believing man) brings to pass a true and evident response. "This one and firm rock, which we call the doctrine of justification," insisted Luther, "is the chief article of the whole Christian doctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness." 

Father apart from your free offer of a righteousness that I could never earn on my own, there would be no salvation -- no hope. As Luther said it gives me understanding of what true godliness is.  I know I can never be enough, do enough, merit enough brownie points to gain your favor.  True godliness is perfect and true godliness is something that You alone have.  So Father if you did not offer it to me on the basis of faith I could never, in a billion years, achieve it.  Thank you for your great, great grace.  Thank you for the true insight into what is righteous and godly.  You alone are holy. May this day be further evidence of my justification as I seek to obey You -- not so that I can be justified, but because I am justified.

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1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2223). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

2. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ro 4:3). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2164). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

4. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ro 4:9–12). Nashville: T. Nelson.

5. ¹¹ And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. ¹² And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

III - Abraham's Story in the New Testament - His Unique Privilege

"Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham . . ..” (Acts 7:2, NIV).

Seven men were chosen to serve the early church recorded in Acts 6. One of them was Stephen.  He is one that was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Stephen is mentioned first among these "servants" and seemed to be in a place of prominence.  He became known as a preacher and a miracle-worker.  He was accused of being disloyal to Judaism.  He was an able debater.  He was eventually arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin.  It was there he intended to correct his national leaders about their understanding of history.

Acts 7:51–53 (NIV) records the punchline of the sermon to the Sanhedrin and probably records the point where their anger turned malicious and Stephen was martyred:

⁵¹ “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵² Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—⁵³ you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”  

But at the beginning of his message he recounts, as filled with the Spirit, the inspired history of Israel starting with Abraham. It is there he records that "The God of glory" appeared to Abraham. Stephen's lesson recounts the direction of God to Abraham and the promises God gave him.  "Stephen’s emphasis was on how God revealed himself outside the holy land and how he promised a place of true worship to come." [1]

"Here, Stephen begins recounting Israel’s history, affirming the preeminence of Israel’s God . . . Although he is being interrogated by the high priest, he takes all of Israel’s leaders to court to condemn them." [2]  It is none less than the God of glory appearing to Abraham. "This title recalls the divine glory God showed His people in the time of Moses: the pillar of cloud (Ex. 14:19; 16:10; Ps. 105:39), the pillar of fire (Ex. 14:24), the glory of the Lord on the mountain (Ex. 24:15–18; 2 Cor. 3:7), and the glory on the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34, 35; cf. John 1:14)." [3]

The God of glory -- El Hakkavod.  Kavod means weight, honor and worth. “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.” (Psalm 29:3, NIV).   Abraham saw the God of glory in Mesopotamia. Stephen’s use of this name at the beginning of his apologetics exhortation to these rulers of Israel was probably to remind them that the same glorious God who called Abraham also was the same God who would bring into being not just an earthly nation, but a Promised Seed who would be the blessings to all nations. 

God's glory is revealed to us in Jesus Christ. 

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:17–18, NIV)  

What amazing, unbelievable truth.  The God of Glory appears to us in the Person of Jesus Christ; and as the Holy Spirit enables our gaze to rest upon Him in contemplative worship we too are being transformed into a glorious being.  What grace is that?  What mercy!

Father it is not Abraham that deserves our contemplation.  Nor is it the religious heroes of our day. The point of revelation is transformation into the likeness of Jesus.  He alone deserves our worship. He alone is the kavod of God.  Grant time to us today to stop in the busyness and the rush -- stop just to contemplate -- to worship the God of glory as revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.  And may we be changed in that experience for the ongoing glory of our Savior, in His Name be praised.

The place of true worship to come, promised to Abraham was not the Holy Land -- it was in the Spirit contemplating the face of Christ.

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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2093). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ac 7:2). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

3. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ac 7:2). Nashville: T. Nelson.

II - Abraham's Story in the New Testament - His Joy

“Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”” (John 8:56, NIV) 

In John 8:31–59 "Jesus debates His Jewish audience over the value of their Abrahamic ancestry in bringing them into right standing with God. Initially, the audience is depicted as Jews who had believed Jesus, but their belief was superficial since they are prepared to stone Him for blasphemy by the end of the passage." [1]

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31–32, NIV) These Jews responded by claiming that their ancestry removed them from bondage from anyone. Jesus told them that it was sin that held them in bondage, implying that regardless of race, the slave master is sin. Again they played the ancestry card. ““Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did.” (John 8:39, NIV).  "Christ gives a logical sequence of statements. Given the assumption that they were Abraham’s children, they would do the works of Abraham (he believed in God, Gen 15:6)." [2]

Christ identified Satan as their father, not Abraham; and then they threw their insults back at him. “You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”” (John 8:41, NIV).  They then accused him of being demon-possessed. They also accused him of lying.  All the great men of the Bible had died.  They hadn't lived forever, they claim.  “Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”” (John 8:53, NIV).

It seems that Jesus understood them as to taking the glory to Himself.  Then Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”” (John 8:56, NIV).  "In Jewish tradition, details about the final judgment of all people are revealed to Abraham before his death." [3]  I doubt if that is the case. The KJV Commentary takes this position:

"The joy of Abraham refers to the birth of Isaac. Abraham saw in Isaac the hope of mankind and the promise of a Messiah."

My opinion is that it is more specific than that. I think that when Abraham saw God's substitute in a ram on Mount Moriah -- the one who would deliver his son from death, he saw in the future the coming Messiah and rejoiced. As the other men and women of faith, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” (Hebrews 11:13, NIV).  Abraham saw Christ in the ram and rejoiced. 

This gives us unique insight into the spiritual apprehension of the Old Testament saints. "This statement shows clearly that even in Old Testament times, believers were saved through faith in Christ presented to them in the foreshadowing given by God to reveal His redemptive plan (cf. Acts 4:12)." [4]

"Note, A believing sight of Christ and his day will put gladness into the heart. No joy like the joy of faith; we are never acquainted with true pleasure till we are acquainted with Christ." [5]

Father, Your secret and grace-filled work in the hearts of believers under the Old Covenant is amazing. As the hymn-writer teaches us: it is a mystery how you teach the heart to fear. What joy Abraham must have experienced to see a ram caught in a thicket with his human eyes and yet see Christ his eternal Redeemer with his Spirit-given eyes.  Indeed there is no greater joy in the hearts of the faithful than to see Christ in all His glory.  Father, in the mundane and earthy experiences of this day, "we would see Jesus."  Come Holy Spirit Divine and fill this poor hungry soul of mine.  Glorify the Savior, that we too would rejoice to see His Day.  Amen!

 

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1.  Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Jn 8:31–59). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2097). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Jn 8:56). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

4. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Jn 8:56). Nashville: T. Nelson.

5. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (1974). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Heaven is Real, But the Book and the Movie Aren't!

A few years ago some excited Christians gave me this book.  They claimed it gave them encouragment and hope for heaven. At that time I thought, "Isn't that what the Bible is for?"  Anyway, setting aside my cynicism I tried to read the book. I quickly set it aside as uninteresting, unedifying and untrue.   My views of this book did not make friends and influence people.

I get to write this blog today because I learned that the real mother of the real boy agrees with me. (I love it when people agree with me.) Here's an excerpt of an letter she sent to Hank Hanegraaff:

"Dear Hank, 

 My name is Beth Malarkey. I am the mom of Alex Malarkey who is the subject of the book, The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven. I wanted to let you know that I agree, as does Alex himself, that the book is deceptive and biblically wrong…Thank you for standing for and teaching truth! Says Beth, “These heaven books are dangerous and destructive!” [Emphasis is mine.]

To read more of Hank Hannegraff's article click HERE.  It is well worth your time to read the heartache and thoughts of this boy's mother.  Typically people know that many Christians are gullible and lack discernment, so they continue to produce books that hit the bestseller's list. Humbly here is my maxim:  If it  is FAVORED by many; it has many FLAWS.  The Gospel is not popular.   Truth is not popular.   Do not be deceived.

Tim Challies is right: "If you struggle believing what the Bible says, but learn to find security in the testimony of a toddler, well, I feel sorry for you. And I do not mean this in a condescending way. If God’s Word is not sufficient for you, if the testimony of his Spirit, given to believers, is not enough for you, you will not find any true hope in the unproven tales of a child. This hope may last for a moment, but it will not sustain you, it will not bless you, in those times when hope is waning and times are hard."

May God grant the Church discernment!

I - Abraham's Story in the New Testament - His Geneology

In Matthew 1:1 (NIV), we read these words:

"This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham."

And then we read, “Abraham was the father of Isaac . . . “and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.” (Matthew 1:2,16, NIV).

Then we read that the writer had broken the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham to the Christ into 3, fourteen separate generations (“Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.” (Matthew 1:17, NIV).

  

"God’s covenant with Abraham established Israel as a chosen people and also affirmed that the whole world would be blessed through his line (Gen. 12:1–3; 22:18)." [1] God promised Abraham that he would be the source of blessing for all peoples (Gen 12:3; see also Acts 3:25 and Gal 3:8). For Matthew, this promise is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. [2]  He " is the fulfillment of "the covenant promises to Abraham, the forefather of the Jews (cf. Gen 12:3; 13:15; 22:18)." [3]

Because God's covenant blessings are seen ultimately and primarily in a Person, not a thing, this enables us to understand how the New Testament writers viewed the Abrahamic Covenant.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:18–20 (NIV),

¹⁸ But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” ¹⁹ For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” ²⁰ For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

"God’s promises find their fulfillment in Christ, indicating that the OT Scriptures should be read as pointing to Christ;" [4] "and all our confidence in God’s promises must come from our trust in Jesus Christ as a person whom we know and can rely on." [5]

Father this is a very difficult concept for me to grasp and apply.  I understand that You have made very specific promises -- tangible promises.  I know that You are faithful and that You are a covenant-keeping God.  But to grasp the fullness of the fulfillment.  To wrap my mind around the fact that it is not ultimately things You promise but a Person -- Your own Son.  This boggles my mind.  It can only mean that as I fully surrender my will and my way to Him, that He alone is the source of blessings.  It can only mean that Christ is better than life; that He is the fountainhead of life; and that there can be nothing better than to gain Christ.  Indeed, Father, to know Him renders everything as garbage. May Your grace grant me increased measure of understanding and faith in this incredible truth.  For the fame and the glory of Jesus I pray.

_________________________________________________

1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (1820). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Mt 1:1). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1869). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

4. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2224). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

5. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (2 Co 1:20). Nashville: T. Nelson.

 

The Gospel in the Story of Abraham - The Finale

Note in Genesis 22:

Genesis 22:2 (NIV), ² Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

Genesis 22:12 (NIV), ¹² “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

Genesis 22:16 (NIV), ¹⁶ and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son,

Three times in this story God referred to Isaac as "your son your only son." Abraham, a this point had two sons: Ishmael and Isaac.  "Isaac is the beloved son, the only son of the promise . . . Ishmael had been disinherited and sent away (21:10, 14), leaving Isaac as Abraham’s only son." [1]  

"The Code of Hammurabi (Laws 170–171) shows that a man’s offspring by a slave woman were not ordinarily given the rights that belong to the son born of his wife. Only if in the course of his lifetime the father had said to the male offspring of his slave woman (in public and in an official manner), “Thou art my son,” would the slave woman’s offspring be treated as a real son of the father. If so, then he was counted as an heir; if not, he was given gifts and separated from the household before the inheritance was divided. Isaac remained Abraham’s only son in the legal sense; though he had several other offspring (25:1–4), he had only one son in the unique sense, and he gave him his entire inheritance (25:5–6)." [2] 

In Hebrews 11:17 we read: “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son."  In the Greek New Testament the verse reads: Πίστει προσενήνοχεν Ἀβραὰμ τὸν Ἰσαὰκ πειραζόμενος, καὶ τὸν μονογενῆ προσέφερεν ὁ τὰς ἐπαγγελίας ἀναδεξάμενος. [3]  Isaac is referred to as monogenes -- only son. This was Isaac, the only son -- the son whom is loved.  These terms are used of Christ by the New Testament writers:

•    “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”” (Matthew 3:17, NIV)
• “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”” (Matthew 17:5, NIV)
• “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)
• “to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” (Ephesians 1:6, NIV)
• “He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”” (2 Peter 1:17, NIV)  

Pointing forward to the coming of Christ, Isaac represents the Lord Jesus who is the only Son, the Son loved by the Father who was not tested on Mount Moriah, but was sacrificed on Mount Calvary. There Jehovah Jira did provide the lamb ". . . takes away the sin of the world!" [4]

Father You willingly gave Your Son to die for sinners.  This was no mere sacrifice. You gave Your only begotten Son.  You gave the Son whom You loved, for the sake of people who hated You.  Oh Lord help us to capture this truth.  You raised Him from the grave on the third day.  His voluntary sacrifice paid for an infinite number of sins for many people.  What grace! What love! “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32, NIV)

 

What wondrous love is this

O my soul O my soul
What wondrous love is this O my soul
What wondrous love is this
That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul

_______________________________________

1. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ge 22:2). Nashville: T. Nelson.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (60). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Holmes, M. W. (2010). The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition (Heb 11:17). Lexham Press.

4. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Jn 1:29–30). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Of Sons and Sacrifice - Part 5 (Genesis 21:1–21; 22:1–24)

“and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son,” (Genesis 22:16, NIV).

"God reinforces the surety of His infallible promise by an oath (15:8–21; 22:17; cf. Heb. 6:13–18). While sinful and fallible human beings swear by an authority higher than themselves, God, the supreme Being and Authority, swears by Himself (Heb. 6:13)."[1]  Without this insight, one might think that the test of Abraham was conditional upon the promise, but no, God knew the outcome of the test.  The results were for Abraham to know and for us.  This we can know that when we trust Christ we are accounted righteous.  The tests and trials that will come prove to us and others the genuineness of the work that Christ accomplished initially in us. Sanctification gives validity to justification, in other words.  But whether the topic is justification or sanctification, can has unilaterally sworn to accomplish both.   

“I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,” (Genesis 22:17, NIV)  

"God then assured Abraham that His covenant with him would be fulfilled; and as the sand which is upon the sea shore is like 13:16 and 15:5. And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies anticipates the conquest under Joshua, something additional promised (cf., 12:1–3, 15, 17)." [2]

"The spiritual history of Abraham was marked by four great crises, each of which involved the surrender of something which was naturally dear to him. First, he was called on to separate himself from his native land and kindred (Gen. 12:1); Second, he was called on to give up Lot (Gen. 13:1–18); Third, he had to abandon his cherished plan about Ishmael (Gen. 17:17, 18); Fourth, God bade him offer up Isaac as a burnt offering. The life of the believer is a series of tests, for only by discipline can Christian character be developed." [3]

One acronym for FAITH is 'Forsaking All I Trust Him'.  All trust in God is, in a sense, a forsaking, a giving up.  We cannot say that we have faith in Christ while continuing to trust other things. 

Father it is clear that Christian faith has a singular agenda.  It is an exclusive trust in You and you alone.  Today I wonder if our struggles with faith have less to do with the veracity and infallibility of Your promises; and have more to do with the battle we engage because trusting You means not trusting someone or something else?  We are pulled by the unworthy.  We are magnetized by the unreliable. Thus we are confronted by the foolishness of sin. How ludicrous we are to be drawn toward that which is destined to fail.  How silly!  Grant faith to us today and courage to trust You only.  For You alone are impeccable, invincible, infallible and indestructible. Amen.

_________________________________________

1.  Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ge 22:16). Nashville: T. Nelson.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (60–61). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Pink, A. W. (2000). Gleanings in Genesis (electronic ed.) (226). Escondido, CA: The Ephesians Four Group.

Of Sons and Sacrifice - Part 4 (Genesis 21:1–21; 22:1–24)

“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”” (Genesis 22:14, NIV).

Early the next day Abraham prepared the material and headed with two servants and his boy,Isaac and the traveled more than three days to Mount Moriah. The instructions to the two servants were that they wait there while Abraham and Isaac go worship. “. . . Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,” (Genesis 22:5–6, NIV). 

Then comes the question of all questions, "Father, we have everything for the sacrifice, but where's the sacrifice?"  "God will provide," says the Patriarch.  What a strange event was to occur in the next few moments.  With the altar prepared, Abraham laid his son, bound, on the altar and prepared to sacrifice him.  The ESV says "slaughter" him.

“But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”” (Genesis 22:11–12, NIV)

Abraham passed the test.  He saw the ram caught in the bushes.  God had provided a sacrifice.  Three times in the narrative we are reminded that God Will Provide.  The Hebrew is "Jehovah-jireh (meaning the Lord will see to it thus He will provide)." [1]  "Let it be recorded for the generations to come, 1. That the Lord will see; he will always have his eye upon his people in their straits and distresses, that he may come in with seasonable succour in the critical juncture. 2. That he will be seen, be seen in the mount, in the greatest perplexities of his people. He will not only manifest, but magnify, his wisdom, power, and goodness, in their deliverance." [2]

Father You are Jehovah-Jireh.  The circumstances of Your chosen ones are never beyond Your sight. We are never beyond Your mercy.  Thank you Father that You do not abandon us in our needs.  Today we worship You our God as the One who will always provide -- at the right time, in the right place; and for Your glory.  “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.” (Psalm 139:2–3, NIV). Where can we possibly go that You cannot see or provide help? We rest in You today for all our needs and we worship You with all our hearts.

 

.

________________________________________________

1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (60). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

2. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (53). Peabody: Hendrickson

  

 

Of Sons and Sacrifice - Part 3 (Genesis 21:1–21; 22:1–24)

“Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.” (Genesis 22:1, NIV).

The NIV uses the better word here than found in the KJV.  The Hebrew word is " נָסָה [nacah /naw·saw/] meaning: to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test." [1]  The word is better translated "put to the test" instead of tempt because God does not tempt us to sin (James 1:13).  But He does try to "prove" us -- show us to be real, to be genuine.  1 Peter 1:6–7 (NIV) teaches us:

⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

"In His Parable of the Sower, Jesus identifies the ones who fall away as those who receive the seed of God’s Word with joy, but as soon as a time of testing comes along, they fall away. James clearly explains that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, which leads to maturity in our walk with God. Perseverance in times of trial and testing will result in our spiritual maturity, our completeness (James 1:3-4). James goes on to say that testing is a blessing, because when the testing is over and we have “stood the test,” we will “receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12)." [2]

What a huge test, God put to Abraham.  “Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”” (Genesis 22:2, NIV).

"The outcome of the incident makes it clear that God never intended the directive to be fulfilled. Thus, taken as a whole (in terms of both the command and the outcome), the incident cannot be seen to conflict with God’s moral law. Because this was by far the greatest demand that God could have made of Abraham, it confirmed the depth of the Patriarch’s commitment. Abraham was willing to kill his own son, although as the author of Hebrews observes (Heb. 11:17–19), he prepared to do so believing that God was able to bring Isaac back to life again (see note on Gen. 22:5–8)." [3]

Father, even as I conduct this study based upon Abraham and his faith, I am troubled by what I read. I find that my own faith is being questioned.  How could You ask Abraham to do what was morally wrong?  If this was just a hypothetical test, was it a real test?  I trust You to bring me answers to these questions, but this I know, to Abraham, this was a real test.  He really intended to obey You.  I know You test me.  Some of my tests also border on the unusual.  I've never thought before that You test me even in those things that I might rest in the assurance that in all this, You will provide a way of escape. Help me to trust you.  Even as Paul was to say later when he was in prison:“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:18–20, NIV). Amen.

  

____________________________________

1. Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

2. http://www.gotquestions.org/why-does-God-test-us.html#ixzz31hHJyWve

3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (87). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

  

It's Unbiblical. It's Insulting. It's Defeating.

"OVER AGAINST WHAT is claimed in much modern pseudo-Christian theology, the Bible never promises that any human being will know in this life only good health, financial prosperity, and happiness. Moreover, it certainly never ties faith and righteousness to the attainment of these things in any simplistic way. It is true that the way of faith and obedience to God is in the end the blessed way, and God’s blessings can include good health, financial prosperity, and happiness. It is untrue, however, that the faithful and obedient person will only and ever possess such things and can somehow be sure of avoiding illness, disaster, and death if he or she can simply muster enough religious devotion. To believe this is to believe something profoundly unbiblical; to teach it is to insult every Christian throughout the past two thousand years who has known illness, poverty, and misery; and to press it on the sick, the poor, and the unhappy of the present day is to place a millstone around the neck of those who are drowning, rather than offering them the comfort and hope of the gospel. God is much more concerned to make us holy and to shape us in the image of Christ than he is to make us happy, rich, and healthy." [1] [Emphasis Mine]


___________________________________________
1. Provan, I. (2001). Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. The NIV Application Commentary (183–184). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Of Sons and Sacrifice - Part 2 (Genesis 21:1–21; 22:1–24)

“The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son.” (Genesis 21:11, NIV)

After Isaac's birth there appeared a conflict between him and Ishmael.  Ishmael was Abraham's son who he fathered through Sarah's servant, Hagar in Genesis 16.  The story records that   “But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking,” (Genesis 21:9, NIV). Now that must have seemed innocuous to say the least.  Laughing?

"The Hebrew verb translated laughing is ambiguous and may be interpreted as denoting either “mocking” or “playing.” The verbal form used here possibly favors “mocking.” Galatians 4:29 follows this interpretation. Ishmael was probably making fun of Isaac’s role as Abraham’s promised son." [1]

The solution to the problem, in Sarah's mind is to exile Hagar and Ishmael.  It might seem that Sarah wanted to protect Isaac as the promised heir, but it is likely that it just boiled down to rivalry and conflict. Genesis 16:5–6 shows that Sarah and Hagar did not have a good relationship prior to the birth of Isaac. This solution did not immediately sit well with Abraham. “The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son.” (Genesis 21:11, NIV).

Abraham consented and sent Hagar and Ishmael away.  Their dismissal led them into arduous conditions but in the midst of their distress God assured Hagar "that Ishmael would survive and God will make him a great nation. God watched over him (Lk 2:52), and they lived in the northeast part of the Sinai peninsula." [2]

This was obviously a difficult decision for Abraham for it is obvious that he loved Ishmael.  But we read in Genesis 21:12–13 (NIV),

¹² But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. ¹³ I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”

Then we read in the narrative, "Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar." [3]  This is "an expression that implies a habit of facing a hard task resolutely as in 22:3." [4]

"Abraham’s obedience to the divine command in this matter was speedy—early in the morning, we may suppose immediately after he had, in the night’s visions, received orders to do this. It was also submissive; it was contrary to his judgment, at least to his own inclination, to do it; yet as soon as he perceives that it is the mind of God he makes no objections, but silently does as he is bidden, as one trained up to an implicit obedience." [5]

Father, You are in Heaven, may Your Name be treated as holy in my life.  I pray for your promised Kingdom.  I pray that in all things Your will to be done.  I pray that Your will, will be done as in Heaven, with heartfelt, speedy, joy-filled obedience.  Forgive me for the sins of omission.  Forgive me for delayed obedience which is tantamount to disobedience.  Today as I face the unknown circumstances of this day, grant me the grace to obey -- right away, with joy; with excellence; and to Your glory.  Amen. 

____________________________________________

1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (86). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (59). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. The New International Version. 2011 (Ge 21:14). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan

4. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (59). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

5. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (51). Peabody: Hendrickson.

 

MTD - The New Religion

When Paul spoke passionately in Galatians 1:6-7 about another gospel, he could not imagined what that might look like in 2014.   Canadians are unaware of "another gospel" creeping into our churches.   Like the Galatian problem it is deceptive and not immediately recognizable.   We could say, "[We] am astonished that [we] are so quickly deserting" the true Gospel.  This gospel has come with a name: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. [1]  According to Dr. Christian Smith it has several tenets of belief:

 1. "A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth." 
2. "God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions." 
3. "The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself." 
4. "God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem." 
5. "Good people go to heaven when they die."

Indian theologian Vinoth Ramachandra describes it this way: 

"The Good News is packaged and marketed (using, uncritically, all the techniques of modern advertising) as a religious product: offering “peace of mind”, “how to get to heaven”, “health and prosperity”, “inner healing”, “the answer to all your problems ” etc. What is promoted as “faith in God” often turns out to be a means for obtaining emotional security or material blessing in this life and an insurance policy in the next. This kind of preaching leaves the status quo untouched. It does not raise fundamental and disturbing questions about the assumptions upon which people build their lives . It does not threaten the false gods in whose name the creation of God has been taken over; indeed it actually reinforces their hold on their worshippers. This kind of “gospel” is essentially escapist , the direct descendent of the pseudo-gospels of the false prophets of the Old Testament. It is simply a religious image of the secular consumerist culture in which modern men and women live.” {emphasis mine} [2]

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism is also "about providing therapeutic benefits to its adherents." As the researchers explained, "This is not a religion of repentance from sin, of keeping the Sabbath, of living as a servant of sovereign divinity, of steadfastly saying one's prayers, of faithfully observing high holy days, of building character through suffering, of basking in God's love and grace, of spending oneself in gratitude and love for the cause of social justice, et cetera. Rather, what appears to be the actual dominant religion among U.S. teenagers is centrally about feeling good, happy, secure, at peace. It is about attaining subjective well-being, being able to resolve problems, and getting along amiably with other people."

This is a religion that anyone can do if they try hard enough.  God is unnecessary.   This modern movement in the Church is killing God -- it's doing the work that the Atheists failed at.   



________________________________________________
1. http://www.christianpost.com/news/moralistic-therapeutic-deism-the-new-american-religion-6266/
2. Tripp, Paul David (2007-10-31). A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger than You (p. 74). New Growth Press. Kindle Edition. 

Of Sons and Sacrifice - Part 1 (Genesis 21:1–21; 22:1–24)

“Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.” (Genesis 21:2, NIV).

A child is a joy to most expectant parents.  But what if you were nearly 100 years old?   “Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”” (Genesis 21:6, NIV). Abraham obeyed God and named the boy Isaac (17:19) and also obeyed Him in the rite of circumcision (17:12).    "Both Abraham and Sarah at first laughed in disbelief (17:17; 18:12), but when Isaac was born Sarah laughed for joy at the supernatural work of grace (v. 6)." [1]

"Abraham was 75 years old when he originally responded to God’s call by leaving his home (12:4). Twenty-five years have passed since God promised Abraham that he would make him a great nation (12:2)." [2]   As the passage reminds us, God is faithful to His Word.  ". . . the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised . . . at the very time God had promised him." [3]   In Genesis 18:10 (NIV), God said to them:

"¹⁰ Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him."

Faith is always trusting in the revealed Word of God -- always.  Today we often hear of people who are trusting in their faith, but that is not faith.  Apart from correctly hearing and believing the Word of God there is no faith.  My advice, always to Christians is to rest only on the properly interpreted, objective, Word of God -- the Bible.  For those areas where God does not give specific promises, He gives us confidence to trust in Him and His character.

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.” (Hebrews 11:11–12, NIV).

Father, to us who are so dependent and so depraved, You have give to us Your Book -- Your Word. Outside of this precious Book, there is no object strong enough; there is no object wise enough; and there is no object perfect enough to trust in.  You have given to us sufficient promises to live life with great joy.  In Your Will You have revealed to us that You are faithful, that You will cause all things to work together for the good of Your people; and You will not abandon those whom You have set Your electing love upon.  We are truly blessed.   Father, help me in my unbelief to trust You more today and rest solely upon Your grace.  Amen.

_________________________________________

1.  Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ge 21:3). Nashville: T. Nelson.

2. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ge 21:5). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

3. The New International Version. 2011 (Ge 21:1–2). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan

God’s Faithfulness Despite Relapse – Part 3 (Genesis 20:1-18; 21:22-34)

“At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do.” (Genesis 21:22, NIV)

The inspired historian records the birth of Isaac after the debacle with Abimelek.  But there is one more segment in the Abraham, Abimelek story before we deal with the birth of Isaac.  Not only did Abimelek recognize that Abraham was a prophet but he also recognized that Abraham was fearfully more powerful than he -- because he had God on his side.  So to protect his interests he comes to Abraham to establish a treaty.

“Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.” Abraham said, “I swear it.”” (Genesis 21:23–24, NIV)

"Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant to deal honestly with each other (vv. 23–24). Abraham originally dealt falsely with Abimelech by telling him that Sarah was his sister." [1] But now they promise to tell the truth.  So in keeping with that, and to make sure the slate is clean, Abraham brings up an issue of contention.  Abraham had to confront Abimelek about a well Abimelek's servants had seized.  Abimelek responded to Abraham that he wasn't aware of the problem. So they went ahead and made a covenant.

"The oaths were in God’s name . . . By accepting the gift, Abimelech was obliged to acknowledge Abraham’s right to the well. The covenant had to be ratified by witnesses and oaths (v. 31) . . . The planting of this small tree in the Negev probably served as a landmark of God’s grace, a pledge that Abraham would stay in the land, and perhaps as a symbol of God’s shading presence." [2]

It was there that "called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God." [3] That is El Olam in Hebrew. "The everlasting God would be 'a logical epithet of a Deity called upon to support a formal treaty … expected to be valid for all time'" [4] Later, the prophet Isaiah would record these words:

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” (Isaiah 40:28, NIV).

Elmer Towns comments that by calling on God as El Olam, Abraham was calling on the One Who is always and eternally available to us....People today need just such a God as the eternal, unchangeable Lord, El Olam. [5]

• Brenton Brown & Ken Riley [6] co-wrote this popular song, sung by Chris Tomlin:

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

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1. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ge 21:22–34). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.  

2. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ge 21:23–33). Nashville: T. Nelson.

3.  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ge 21:33–34). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

4. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (60). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

5. http://www.preceptaustin.org/el_olam-everlasting_god.htm

6. 2005 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)