Substitutionary atonement refers to Jesus dying in the place of sinners. The Bible teaches that all men are sinners (Romans 3:23), and the punishment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). Romans 6:10 says, “For the death Jesus died he died to sin, once for all.” There must be a death for our sins, but God […]
abraham
God Prepares Us for Tests
Looking at Abraham’s obedience in sacrificing his son, Isaac, can be discouraging. We doubt that we could be like him if given a a test of such magnitude. But God prepared Abraham for the test in Genesis 22, and it should be an encouragement that He also prepares us for the trials and tests we […]
The Rich History of Moriah & Jerusalem
Jerusalem is mentioned six hundred forty-three times in Scripture, which is more than any other location. This does not even include the times it is called Zion, the City of David, or referenced indirectly. Babylon is second, occurring only two-hundred sixty-two times. Jerusalem is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18 when Melchizedek, the “King of Salem,” […]
Five Lessons from Abraham’s Example
Abraham sets a tremendous example in Genesis 22 when God commanded him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. We can be encouraged by his great faith and challenged by his tremendous obedience. Here are five lessons we can learn from him. First, Abraham was Ready to Obey God Now it came to pass after these things […]
Who Is the Angel of the Lord?
If you want the short answer, the Angel of the Lord is the preincarnate Son of God. In Greek, “theos” is “God,” and “phaino” is “appear.” In the Old Testament, the Angel of the Lord is a Theophany (appearance of God) or Christophany (appearance of Christ). If you want the long answer, read on! People […]
Jesus and Isaac’s Submission to Their Fathers
The summer after eighth grade, I flew from California to upstate New York to work on my uncle’s dairy farm. Being thirteen years old and having no friends in the area, I had to find things to do to entertain myself. A bull stood at the end of the barn staring straight ahead all day. […]