- May 20, 2016
- 120
- 147
- 33
- Country
- United States
- Faith
- Non-Denom
- Marital Status
- Single
- Politics
- US-Others
First off, I am a Bible believing Christian who has received Jesus, so I am not trying to question the truth of the gospel. However, I have been seriously skeptical of Abraham's testimony lately because I can't find an answer to my dilemma.
God very plaining asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac to Him. This was obviously a test, because God stopped Abraham and became convinced of Abraham's faith when he saw his obedience. However, in Deuteronomy 18:10 God forbid human sacrifices. God did not just invent this rule when he gave Moses the law because He said He doesn't change in Malachi 3:6. Jeremiah 19:5 says God doesn't even imagine child sacrifices during this time when it was common in Israel.
I hope you understand the paradox I seem to have. Abraham was commanded by God to do something we as Christians can't, because God has revealed to us after Abraham's time that we mustn't do it (and no, please don't just reiterate that to me as your answer to my question). I've heard news stories about people who have killed their own children because they believe God told them to, but how can you prove them wrong? God has commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, even though he says we mustn't do it.
I don't ask like my faith depends on an answer, but I have been trying to listen for God's voice for a while and I'm afraid I might have misinterpreted my own feelings to make reckless decisions in the past, and now my confidence in listening is starting to be put on the line. Any helpful (and hopefully brief) explanation would be appreciated. Thanks.
God very plaining asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac to Him. This was obviously a test, because God stopped Abraham and became convinced of Abraham's faith when he saw his obedience. However, in Deuteronomy 18:10 God forbid human sacrifices. God did not just invent this rule when he gave Moses the law because He said He doesn't change in Malachi 3:6. Jeremiah 19:5 says God doesn't even imagine child sacrifices during this time when it was common in Israel.
I hope you understand the paradox I seem to have. Abraham was commanded by God to do something we as Christians can't, because God has revealed to us after Abraham's time that we mustn't do it (and no, please don't just reiterate that to me as your answer to my question). I've heard news stories about people who have killed their own children because they believe God told them to, but how can you prove them wrong? God has commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, even though he says we mustn't do it.
I don't ask like my faith depends on an answer, but I have been trying to listen for God's voice for a while and I'm afraid I might have misinterpreted my own feelings to make reckless decisions in the past, and now my confidence in listening is starting to be put on the line. Any helpful (and hopefully brief) explanation would be appreciated. Thanks.