The Binding of Isaac - A Shadow of Things to Come

 

In the Binding of Isaac, we see a “shadow” of things to come. (Colossians 2:16-17, Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 10:1).

"Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual." - 1 Corinthians 15:46 KJV

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them,

“Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:44-49 KJV

Isaac is a shadow of God’s people. Just as Isaac carried the wood on his back for his sacrifice, we are to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Matthew 16:24 KJV

 Isaac willingly laid down his life as an offering to God. Because the ram took Isaac’s place, Isaac become a living sacrifice.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1 KJV

It appears that the wood that Isaac carried on his back represents the cross and the death of our flesh (sinful nature). We crucify our sinful nature by repentance.

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6 KJV

It appears the knife represents the spiritual circumcision of our heart by Christ, which is baptism in Jesus name.

"At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time." - Joshua 5:2 KJV

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, [When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized.]" - Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

It appears the fire represents the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" - Matthew 3:11 KJV

Thus, the wood, knife, and fire representing our obedience to the gospel as a living sacrifice for Jesus.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

To be continued