The Foreshadowing Of Faith

Carl Pollard

The Bible’s divine nature never ceases to amaze me. The more I study it, the more I’m convinced it’s God’s Word—perfect, infallible, and life-giving. It’s unlike any other book, offering purpose, wisdom, and a unified story of salvation through Christ.

What proves a book is divinely inspired? It must be free of errors, contain knowledge beyond human reach, and fulfill prophecies with precision. The Bible does all this. It reveals scientific truths unknown until recently, remains consistent from Genesis to Revelation, and fulfills thousands of prophecies. The odds of just 48 prophecies coming true by chance are 1 in 10^157—an impossibility for human authors. Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22, written centuries before Christ, detail His suffering with uncanny accuracy. Archaeological discoveries and identical manuscripts further confirm its reliability.

For a moment, let’s explore one proof of the Bible’s divine origin: the parallel between Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 and God’s sacrifice of Jesus. Written 2,000 years before Christ, this account mirrors His sacrifice with stunning precision.

1. A Father’s Love: God asked Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac (Gen. 22:2). Similarly, God gave His only Son, Jesus, for us (John 3:16). God’s love for humanity surpassed even His love for His Son.

2. The Son’s Obedience: Isaac, a young man, carried the wood for his sacrifice and didn’t resist (Gen. 22:6, 9). Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, submitting to God’s will (Luke 22:42). Both show obedient trust we’re called to emulate.

3. The Journey: Abraham and Isaac traveled three days to Moriah (Gen. 22:4). Jesus’ ministry led to the cross. Both journeys reflect trust in God’s plan.

4. A Substitute: God stopped Abraham, providing a ram instead of Isaac (Gen. 22:11-13). Jesus, the Lamb of God, became our substitute, bearing our sins (John 1:29).

5. Resurrection Hope: Abraham believed God could raise Isaac (Heb. 11:19). Jesus rose on the third day (1 Cor. 15:4). Both stories proclaim God’s power over death.

6. Blessing for All: Through Abraham’s obedience, God promised blessings for all nations (Gen. 22:18), fulfilled in Christ’s salvation (Gal. 3:16).

Genesis 22 foreshadows God’s sacrifice of Jesus for humanity. Both Isaac and Jesus, only sons, carried the means of their sacrifice. Isaac was spared; Jesus took our place. The Bible points to the One who gives eternal life. Do you know Him?