As I am reading through the Book of Genesis, I’m struck by how one act of either obedience or disobedience makes such a huge impression on God that it will determine for many generations how things will go for them.

For example, the act of Abraham willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, at the altar. Once this act is performed, it’s as if Abraham could do no wrong in God’s eyes. To be sure, Abraham does certain things that are questionable morally after this “big obedience”, but God doesn’t really seem to care. For example, Abraham seemed to have taken for himself some concubines (Gen. 25:6), but this is not censured at all by the Lord. That one act of obedience trumps all other flaws that Abraham might have had. It’s as though once the Lord truly knows the core of our faith through one defining act, He’s willing to turn a blind eye to “little” sins, especially if they are culturally acceptable…

This is dangerous and yet liberating. It is dangerous because we can use this knowledge to justify our sins. But it is liberating in that ultimately we are living on borrowed time. Jesus has done the “big obedience” and we are the beneficiaries. It made such great impression on God that anyone who is willing to identify with Him would be treated like His Son, and we can do no wrong!

So, have confidence. Do not give into the belief that God will abandon you just because of your sins. Be bold in coming to God not through your own righteousness but through the righteousness that has been earned by Jesus on your behalf.

“Since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Hebrews 10:19, 22

PH