Faith That Is Approved by God

Genesis 22:1-3, NIV

1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.
2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.


When we believe in Jesus Christ and live as children of God, the most important thing for us is to live a life that is approved by God. Believers ought to be approved by God in every way, and live a life that pleases Him. If so, what kind of faith is approved by God?

1. God who tested Abraham (v.1-2).

Abraham dearly loved his only son Isaac who was born to him at the age of 100. God tested Abraham to see whether he loved his son more than God (Ge 22:1), so God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac as a burnt offering (Ge 22:2). All believers encounter tests while living in this world. When we are tested, we ought to keep our faith and rely more on God. Just as Job did not blame God when he was tested (Job 1:22; 2:10), we must also pass the test to be approved by the Lord (Ro 5:3-4).

2. Abraham’s obedience (v.3).

Abraham quickly obeyed God’s word without delay. Early in the morning, Abraham took Isaac to the place where God had told him about (Ge 22:3). It was a three-day journey. On his way there, Abraham was completely broken before God (Ge 22:4). Likewise, we will be flowing with God’s grace if we first choose to be broken before God (Gal 2:20; 1 Co 15:31). God saw Abraham’s obedience and blessed him (Heb 11:8; Ge 12:1-3).

3. Abraham’s faith (v.5).

When Abraham reached the mountain to offer his sacrifice, he told his servants to wait for “us” to return (Ge 22:5). He believed that God would give him a son again, even if He took away his son who was born to him at the age of 100. Abraham said to Isaac, “God himself will provide a lamb for the burnt offering” (Ge 22:8). He never doubted God’s word, “Your generation will come from Isaac” (Heb 11:17-19). Abraham was a true man of faith.

4. Abraham’s decision (v.10).

When Abraham reached the place that God had told him about, he took a knife to slay his son Isaac, just as God had commanded him to do (Ge 22:10). Then an angel of God appeared and said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy. Now I know that you fear God” (Ge 22:12). God approved the faith of Abraham. Also, God prepared a ram as a burnt offering. Abraham sacrificed it as a burnt offering (Ge 22:13). God has prepared everything we need during our entire lives. But He demands our faith and obedience before giving us what He has prepared (Ge 22:16-18). The blessings of God will come as a result of our faith and obedience.

The faith that is approved by God is a faith of believing and obeying. We will receive the blessings of God when we determine to overcome all tests, by having absolute faith and absolute obedience to the Lord.