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paralleling ASFG 1, lesson on “KNOW THYSELF”
GENESIS 21 TO 26
(pages 19 and 20)
A symbolic parallel between the story of Isaac (Genesis 22) and the later sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The Offering of Isaac as a Shadow
In the Bible, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac.
Just before the act, God stopped Abraham and provided a ram (lamb substitute) to be offered instead.
This event is described as a “shadow” or foreshadowing—a symbolic preview—of what would later happen with Jesus.
God’s Son as the Fulfillment
Unlike Isaac, Jesus (the Son of God) was not spared.
When Jesus was offered as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins, no hand was stayed—the sacrifice was allowed to go forward.
In Isaac’s case, the lamb saved him; in Jesus’ case, He became the Lamb, offered for the sins of the whole world.
The Role of Trust and Promise
Isaac trusted his father and submitted without resistance.
Jesus, too, submitted wholly to the Father’s will, even though He had the power to resist or escape.
The key here is complete reliance on God’s promise—the promise of resurrection, victory over death, and ultimate redemption.
The Deeper Lesson
Isaac’s story points to the idea that salvation comes through substitution (a lamb in his place).
Jesus fulfills this symbol by being the true substitute—the Lamb of God.
Whereas Isaac was saved from death, Jesus went through death but overcame it through trust in the Father.
His resurrection proved that death itself could be conquered.
In summary:
The offering of Isaac is like a prophetic picture: God showed through Isaac’s rescue that a greater sacrifice would come. Jesus became that sacrifice—not spared like Isaac, but given up fully—yet through His absolute trust in God’s promise, He triumphed over death, offering redemption to all.
Isaac’s role in salvation history and how it connects to the promise we share today.
Isaac’s Life and the Promise
Isaac’s very existence was the result of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah.
His life was dedicated to carrying forward the covenant—that through Abraham’s seed, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 26:4).
Isaac’s obedience, faith, and willingness to be used by God preserved the lineage that would eventually bring forth Christ.
The Same Promise Today
Just as Isaac carried the promise of Christ’s coming, we are invited to carry the Christ life in our own generation.
That means living in alignment with Christ’s teachings—love, service, truth, and obedience to God’s will.
By doing so, our lives can become channels of blessing to others, just as Isaac’s life secured blessings for future nations.
The Promise Fulfilled in Christ
In Isaac’s time, the promise was future and symbolic.
Today, the promise is even more certain because it has been fulfilled in Christ.
Jesus Himself declared: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23).
This is a direct assurance that God’s presence will dwell with those who live in true relationship with Him.
The Greatest Promise
Nothing can surpass this: the Creator of the universe promises to dwell within us.
This transforms the promise from something external (Isaac carrying forward a lineage) into something internal (Christ and the Father abiding in us).
It means each believer now becomes a “bearer of blessing” to the world, just as Isaac was, but in a fuller sense.
In summary:
Isaac’s life embodied God’s promise by preserving the line through which Christ would come. Today, we inherit an even greater promise—that Christ Himself will live within us if we live His life. This makes us active participants in blessing the world, carrying forward God’s presence in love, service, and truth.
Self in Relation to Creative Force
This part of the lesson emphasizes that by remaining in touch with the Creative Force (God), we rise above the confusion of life—avoiding situations where “the blind lead the blind.” Instead, we are guided by the All-Seeing Eye, which represents divine awareness. The Psalm cited (139:8–10) reinforces the idea that God’s presence is inescapable: whether one ascends to the heavens or descends to the depths, God is always there to guide.
The passage stresses:
God’s Spirit bears witness that we are children of God.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.
God identifies Himself as “I Am that I Am,” speaking through the human body, which becomes His holy temple.
This leads to the concept of true awakening: humans possess three aspects—physical, mental, and spiritual. These become one in love, service, and unity when aligned with God.
Isaac as an Example of “Know Thyself”
When we turn to the life of Isaac (Genesis 21–26), as studied in the Cayce class:
Child of Promise – Isaac, born after Sarah’s laughter at God’s promise, reminds us how often humans doubt God’s word. Yet God’s promises always hold true.
Connection to the Creative Force – Isaac lived close to God, embodying a spirit of peace and quiet faith, in contrast to Abraham’s forceful faith and Jacob’s ambition.
Pacifism and Willingness – Isaac’s life shows a disposition of yielding to God’s will. At his near-sacrifice, Isaac (already a young man) could have resisted but instead submitted, reflecting full trust in God.
The episode of Isaac’s offering parallels the later sacrifice of Christ. Whereas Abraham’s hand was stayed, Christ was given up—yet through perfect trust in the Father, He overcame death. This shows that the true relationship to God means holding nothing back, but listening and obeying His voice.
Connection to “Know Thyself”
The ASFG lesson “Know Thyself” teaches that discovering one’s identity in relation to God is central. Isaac’s story demonstrates:
Awareness of self as a child of promise (spiritual identity).
The necessity of trust and surrender to God’s Creative Force.
The balance of body, mind, and spirit in unity with divine purpose.
To know thyself is therefore not just intellectual—it is awakening to one’s full nature as a physical, mental, and spiritual being aligned with God’s will, just as the supplement passage concludes.
In summary:
The supplement and Isaac’s life both illustrate that true self-knowledge comes only through alignment with God, who is always present, guiding, and calling us to unity in love, truth, and service.
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