Saved by Substitution

TEXT: Genesis 22:1-14; Isaiah 53:4-8; Hebrews 2:9-10

It takes no stretch of the imagination to know that Abraham went through the most crucial trial of his life in the offering of his beloved son, in complete surrender. But this trip to Mount Moriah signified far more than just a trial for Abraham. When Isaac was taken to Mount Moriah to be sacrificed, to a point he typified the “Lamb of God” who would be offered for the sins of mankind on the cross of Calvary.

QUESTIONS

1. What were the circumstances which might have made it particularly hard for Abraham to obey God’s command about his son? See Genesis 17:19 and 22:2.
2. What similarity can be noted between God offering His Son and Abraham’s offering of his son?
3. What parallel can be drawn between Isaac’s response to the situation and Jesus’ response? See Isaiah 53:7.
4. As Abraham and his son journeyed toward Mount Moriah, Isaac asked his father: “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” What was Abraham’s reply and in what way was it prophetic? See John 1:29.
5. While Isaac is typical of Christ, the comparison between the two stops at a certain point. What is that point? Explain its significance.
6. Why could there be no substitute for Christ? See Acts 4:10-12.
7. Note the similarities in the Scriptures given below.

• Genesis 17:7 and Luke 1:33
• Genesis 17:19 and Luke 1:31
• Genesis 22:2 and John 3:16
• Genesis 22:8,13 and John 1:29,36

In concluding this lesson, the important fact should be realized that it was Abraham’s love for God and his absolute faith in Him that made it possible for Abraham to obey God in this test. It was God’s love for Abraham that provided the substitute of a ram to be offered in the place of Isaac. It is the same love of God for all mankind that brought about Jesus’ death on Calvary. No substitute could take the place of Jesus. He became our substitute, without which we would have died eternally for our sins. But Jesus died for all. Through His substitution, we can be redeemed and have the gift of everlasting life.