God Wants Your Isaacs

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• Dr Desmond Ford
• Dr Eliezer Gonzalez
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Jan 26, 2015 1962

by Desmond Ford

Faith and obedience are the wings that raise the believer heavenward. True Christian experience is dependent upon an understanding of the relationship between these two.

Theology over the centuries has fought many a battle in this area, but the church of God through the ages has ever maintained not only the necessity of both elements but also the vital importance of their true sequence. Faith in Christ must be the fountain of all good works, for “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). But it also remains true that the Holy Spirit is given that believers might be obedient (Acts 5:32). Obedience is the evidence of faith-and the only evidence heaven ratifies.

We need to remember that all God’s commands are promises, and that the power to fulfill the commandment lies in the command as surely as the oak is in the acorn. When Abraham had manifested his willingness to surrender even Isaac, then he was blessed most richly. And it is our Isaac that God wants.

When we have renounced our idols, such as love of money or praise, the life of indolence free from responsibility, or amusements that wean the heart from God, then he will pour out such a blessing “that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:10).

The person who knowingly indulges in some practice forbidden by the Word of God, or who neglects a positive duty, cannot hope for the infilling of the presence of Christ. Said our Master, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46). Either Christ is Lord of all or he is not Lord at all, for it is ever true that God either matters tremendously, or he doesn’t matter at all.

– Des Ford. Rom 8:27–32 (From “Christianity Made Easy”)