We may consider this chapter from two different points of view:

(1) As a record of the testing of Abraham's faith.

(2) As typical of the work of Christ.

Let us consider each of these aspects in turn.

Abraham had been declared by the Lord to be righteous as far back as Gen. 15: 6,

and Paul uses this passage in Rom. 4: as an argument for justification by faith. The

apostle James, however, after alluding to the blessedness of enduring temptation or

testing (1: 12), speaks of Abraham as being justified by works, when he had offered his

son upon the altar (2: 21-23), and says that the scripture was fulfilled, which spoke of his

justification by faith in Gen. 15: 6. So with us all--in the lawcourt of the Lord--those

who believe into Christ are legally and for ever justified and cannot possibly come into

condemnation, but, having received this new life, they must demonstrate it by love and

good works, apart from which they will fail of the enjoyment of peace with God, and also

fail with regard to future reward. Abraham's obedience, or practical righteousness,

fulfilled or manifested his imputed righteousness which he had by faith.

We must notice next the character of Abraham's testing and the nature of his

obedience. His dearest possession, the one in whom all the promises of God to him were

centred, was demanded from him without explanation.  Heb. 11: 17-19 shows that

Abraham's faith was in resurrection--the key to the Christian's victory. His obedience,

also, was marked. He rose up early (verse 3) and started off unhesitatingly. Abraham

was a man of keen susceptibilities and affection, but he possessed the love and faith

which overcomes all, and puts God first. The result of this testing is seen in verses 16-18.

So, in our own time, the believer who is willing to deny himself, and take up his cross

and follow the Lord, will by no means lose his reward.

We now come to the second aspect of the passage--its typical teaching in relation to

the work of Christ. The language used concerning Isaac in verse 2 sets forth very clearly

the Lord as the only begotten and well-beloved Son of God; and the place--a mountain

in the land of Moriah--at once calls to mind the spot where, years afterwards, David

offered a sacrifice and purchased the site for the temple (II Chron. 3: 1). It also reminds

us of the "hill called Calvary", where the Lord of glory died in the place of guilty sinners.

In verse 5 the phrase "I and the lad" is suggestive of the truth that that awful

transaction on Calvary was between the Lord Jesus and His Father alone. In verse 7 we