October 22, 2006
FAITH'S STEPS TO PERFECTION
Hebrews 11:8-9

   "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Do you see how faith wrought with his works, and by works his faith was made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousnes" (James 2:21-23). This is the final step which perfected Abraham's faith, offering "Isaac his son on the altar." Let's follow his steps.
   Abraham's first step toward maturity (perfection) began when called of by God, but not taken until Terah, his father, died. Terah represents the "old man," our connection with Adam. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him (Christ)" (Rom. 6:6).
   His next step required separation from Lot, who represents the flesh. Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the promised land. Lot lifted up his eyes and saw by Sodom "the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered." His cattle, herds, and flocks would flourish abundantly there, never mind the hazard to his spiritual growth. But are to learn that "they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts" (Gal. 5:24).
   As Abraham returned from the "slaughter of the kings," he was met by Melchisedek, priest of the Most High God. After exchanging blessing and tithe he met the King of Sodom who (representing the world) offered him all the spoils! Abraham said to the king of Sodom, "I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, (and sworn) that I will not take from a thread even to a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take any thing that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich'" (Gen 14:21-22). We must say with Paul, "God forbid that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world" (Gal. 6:14).
   Finally God said, "Take...your only son Isaac, whom you love, and... offer him...for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains." What is the picture but Father and Son journeying to Calvary's cross? And what is this for us except knowing Him, "and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death...
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus... Let...as many as be perfect, be thus minded" (Phil 3:10-16).

Ivan L. Burgener