Abraham: Faith Tested | Genesis 22.1–19

Abraham: Faith Tested

Genesis 22.1–19

Series: Faith Over Doubt

Preacher: Richard Glover

'Some time later, the Lord tested Abraham.' 

The story of Abraham offering his son Isaac is an incredibly confronting story. A prominent atheist has asked: 'What kind of morals could one derive from this appalling story?' 

It is confronting. But when we understand what's really going on in this test, the story reaches into the luminous depths of who God is, and the breadth and depth of his love for us. For Abraham's aborted offering of his one and only son whom he loves prefigures the actual offering by God of his one and only Son, Jesus Christ. 

When we pay close attention to this text, we begin to see that the deepest desires of our hearts can be ours in Christ—but only if we can first offer them up to him. Our journey through the story of Abraham, which we bring to a close with this sermon, teaches us that responding in faith to the demanding call of God is never easy—but it leads to life.

To know the God revealed in Abraham's story, and to see him made flesh in Jesus Christ, can be the source of a faith that neither death nor doubt can overcome. 

Sermon text: Genesis 22.1–19