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Abraham's Sacrifice (Part One): Faith Perfected
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAbraham's journey of faith, as exemplified in his willingness to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah, stands as a profound demonstration of righteousness through works. His actions elevate him to the status of father of the faithful, not merely for his initial belief in God's promise of a son, but for the sacrificial act that completed his faith. At the age of 80, Abraham was justified by faith when he believed God's promise, and this righteousness was credited to him without any work or deed, purely through trust in God. However, his life did not end there; spanning another 95 years until his death at 175, his faith was tested and proven through works, culminating in the offering of Isaac. This act of sacrifice, occurring when Abraham was likely between 125 and 130 years old, showcases the necessary flip side of justification by faith. While faith initiated his righteousness, it was through works that his faith was made perfect, mature, and complete. James emphasizes this in his epistle, asserting that Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac on the altar, fulfilling the righteousness God had credited to him years earlier. His works demonstrated that he was upright, aligning with God's standard, and proved the reality of his spiritual belief. Until the moment he raised the knife over Isaac, his righteousness was merely a profession; but through this act, his faith became manifest, producing tangible fruit from his conviction. Abraham's story illustrates that faith and works are inseparable in the process of spiritual growth. Faith starts the journey, but works complete it, showing God the reality of belief through action. Over a period of approximately 45 years, from the promise of a son to the near-sacrifice on Mount Moriah, Abraham's faith grew into righteousness, evidenced by his readiness to obey even in the face of profound personal loss. His unwavering focus on the Kingdom of God, rather than complacency in the comfort of Beersheba, sustained his faith through decades of waiting and trials. This steadfastness, rooted in his longing for a city with foundations built by God, ensured that prosperity and peace did not weaken his resolve, preparing him for the ultimate test of sacrificing his heir.
Works of Faith (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by StaffGod's spiritual law, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments and demonstrated in the life of Jesus Christ, reveals His way of life, which we must emulate.
What Kind of Faith is Required for Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletMillions who say they believe in Jesus Christ have no salvation at all because they trust in the wrong kind of faith. Saving faith is largely misunderstood.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book of James applies to us after the sanctification process has begun. The most effective way of eliminating sin is to do righteousness.
The Providence of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus and Abraham rose above their emotional pulls by exercising living faith—a faith built on acts of obedience. Faith can never be separated from works.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Galatians, Paul took issue with the Halakhah, not God's word. Halakhah was a massive collection of human opinion that placed a yoke on its followers.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.