“God Will Provide Himself a Lamb”
This lesson continues our review of events from the life of the prophet Abraham. Thus far we have considered early stories of his childhood in Chaldea, being cast into a raging furnace, his sojourn in Egypt, his triumphs in battle, being blessed by Melchizedek, entertaining heavenly hosts, and receiving the Abrahamic Covenant. A study of this lesson will help us better understand Heavenly Father’s sacrifice in offering his Son as we learn of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac. The biblical account is set forth in Genesis 22:1-19.
Latter-day Saints accept this event as having truly happened. It is confirmed repeatedly in modern scripture. In its way it seems to have presaged the sacrifice of Christ. The Father gave his own Beloved Son to die on the cross. Abraham’s obedience is one of the greatest examples of complete faith we know about, and should be a constant inspiration to us.
When the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob discussed the sacrifice of Isaac, he said that it “is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.” (Jacob 4:5.)
Doctrine & Covenants 132 (v. 36) confirms that God commanded Abraham to offer up his son Isaac. That scripture specifically says: “Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.”
Regarding the purpose of this event, the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “The sacrifice required of Abraham in the offering up of Isaac, shows that if a man would attain to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life, he must sacrifice all things.” (HC 5:555.)
OVERVIEW:
- Abraham is nearly sacrificed by the false priests of Pharaoh.
- Abraham has children through Hagar and Sarah.
- God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.
Reading Assignment – study the following scriptures: Abraham 1; Genesis 15–17; 21–22.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 8.
pax vobiscum
Filed under: Gospel Doctrine Tagged: | Abraham, Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Genesis, Gospel Doctrine, LDS, Mormon, Old Testament Study, Religion, Sacrifice of Isaac
