There is No Substitute

Genesis 22:1-14

In this popular passage we see Abraham being told by God to sacrifice his son to God. Abraham does not hesitate and does everything that God tells him. Just before he is about to sacrifice Isaac God stops him. A ram is caught in a thicket nearby and Abraham offers him as a sacrifice. In this sermon we will look at Isaac as a type of Jesus Christ to show that there is truly no substitute for Jesus Christ.

It is interesting to note that as they are going up the mountain, they have 3 items; the wood, the fire, and the knife but there was no sacrifice. Note the response given by Abraham to Isaac’s question about the lamb.

Verse 8 “And Abraham said My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together”

Why must God be the Sacrifice?

• He is the one who was sinned against (Genesis 3:1-7 ; Ephesians 2:11-18)
• He is the only one who can justify use (Romans 3:21-26)

How could God do this?

• By becoming flesh and flesh and being the sacrifice for us (John 1:1,14,29 ; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21) 

There is no substitute for Jesus Christ:

1)  For Salvation (Acts 17:31 ; 4:12)

• Jesus is the only way for a person to have salvation and make it to heaven.

2)  For Service (Philippians 4:13)

• Wood (potential) – Potential is no substitute for Jesus Christ.
• Fire (Passion or Zeal) – Passion cannot replace Jesus Christ.
• Knife (knowledge) – Knowledge does not replace Jesus Christ.

3)  For Death (1 John 5:11-28)