As I spent time studying Genesis 22 this afternoon I was reminded of the most basic truths of Scripture. As preachers we are often trying to find new ways to present the old story of redemption. This is not bad so as long as we remember the gospel of Jesus Christ is always relavent whether it's culturally acceptable or not. The Bible itself contains innumerable examples of the gospel in picture form. Nowhere in the Old Testament could the doctrine of salvation be more clearly illustrated than in Genesis 22. The story of Abraham's journey to Mt. Moriah to sacrifice his son Isaac is heartwrenching. The Holy Spirit goes to great pains to show the affections that Abraham feels for Isaac. Isaac was no ordinary son-- he was a miracle baby. He was the child of promise born in his parents old age. He was everything a father could ask for in a son. Then one day, for no apparent reason, God commanded old Abe to place him on an altar of stone as an act of worship. Why would God do this? Certainly to test the faith of his friend Abraham. But I know there is more to the story than that. In fact there is even a grander reason. God allowed Abraham to feel (and consequently for us to feel by faith) the real cost of salvation. The Old Testament was full of animal sacrifces, but just this once, God gave us all a glimpse of the real cost of redemption. The price of salvation was to be paid in human blood. The writer of Hebrews says, "without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin." Isaac did not resist his father's command just as Jesus surrended Himself wholly to the Father's will. I could not give up my beloved sons for another's depravity but God did it for me. What a story! Who can express words to respond to such love!