There is one point, however, wherein the resem- blance does not appear —
[For Isaac was found a substitute ; for Jesus none. Neither the cattle on a thousand hills, nor all the angels in heaven, could have stood in his place. None but Jesus could have made a full atonement for our sins. He therefore saved not himself, because He was determined to save us.]
Infer —
1. How marvellous is the love of God to man !
[We admire the obedience of Abraham : but God had a right to demand it : and Abraham knew, that he was about to give his son to his best and dearest friend. But what claim had we on God ? Yet did he give up his Son for us, for us sinners, rebels, enemies ; nor merely to a common death, but to the agonies of crucifixion, and to endure the wrath due to our iniquities11. What stupendous love ! Shall any soul be affected with a pathetic story, and remain insensible of the love of God ? Let every heart praise him, trust him, serve him : and rest assured, that He, who delivered up his Son for us, will never deny us any other thing that we can ask q.]
2. What an admirable grace is faith !
[The faith of Abraham certainly had respect to Christ, the promised seedr. And, behold how it operated! So will it operate in all who have it. It will keep us from staggering at any promise, however dark or improbable ; and will lead us to obey every precept, however difficult or self-denying. Let us seek his faith : and, while we are justified by it from the guilt of sin, let us manifest its excellence by a life of holiness.]
p Isai. liii. 6. i Rom. viii. 32. r Heb. xi. 17 — 19.