Course 1, Chapter 24: The Messiah promised and prefigured — Isaac the fifth figure of the Messiah, A. C. 1871-1836

1. After Abraham had delivered Lot, his nephew, what promise did God make him?

After the deliverance of Lot, God promised Abraham a son.

2. What was the sign of the covenant which God made with Abraham?

The sign of the covenant which God made with Abraham was the ceremony of circumcision.

3. On what occasion did God renew to Abraham the promise of a son?

God renewed to the holy patriarch the promise of a son, after he had given hospitality to three angels in the guise of travelers.

4. What are we taught by the interview between Abraham and God in the guise of three angels?

The interview between Abraham and &od teach es, 1 st, with what holy familiarity God permits us to address him in prayer; 2d, that the prayers and merits of a small number of the just may save a multitude of the guilty. For the sake of ten just, God would have spared five whole cities.

5. Was no one saved from the burning of Sodom?

Lot, his wife, and his two daughters alone were saved from the burning of Sodom; but the wife of

82 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

Lot, in punishment of her curiosity, was changed into a pillar of salt, which was still to be seen in the time of the apostles.

6. What order did God give to Abraham?

Many years after the burning of Sodom, God ordered Abraham to immolate Isaac.

7. How did Abraham obey the order of God?

Abraham obeyedthe order of God promptly and without a murmur. He himself conducted his son to the mountain which God had shown him; he fastened Isaac to the pile and was about to strike this beloved victim, when God, satisfied with his obedience, direct ed him to spare him.

8. What does the sacrifice of Isaac represent?

The sacrifice of Isaac represents that of our Lord. 1st, Isaac is the well-beloved son of his father - — our Lord is the object of the complaceny of God, his Father. Isaac, though innocent, is condemned to death; our Lord, innocence itself, is condemned to die. It is the father of Isaac who must immolate him; it is God the Father who, by the hands of the Jews, himself immolates our Lord. 2d, Isaac himself carries the wood which is to consume him; our Lord himself carries the wood of the cross on which he is to die. Isaac suffers himself to be tied to the pile without a murmur; our Lord, like a tender lamb, suffers himself to be raised upon the cross. It is on Calvary that Isaac offers his sacrifice; it is on Calvary also that our Lord offers his sacrifice. Isaac is blessed by God as a reward for his obedience; our Lord, in recompense for his obedience, is blessed by God, and receives, for his inheritance, all the nations of the earth.