Children Ishmael Or Isaac?

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.” (Gal. 4:22-23) “Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” (Gal. 4:30)

Religion is the great imitator of Biblical Christianity. It is born of good intentions with a desire to inherit the promises of God; but it has no solid rock foundation to build its house upon. It seeks to lay claim to the faith of father Abraham; but it has no ability to even touch the hem of its garment. Religion cloaks itself in the works of true believers; but they are merely wishful adornments embroidered upon empty hopes, which shall never embezzle the inheritance of Abraham’s promises. The faith of Abraham is reserved for the sons of the freewoman. They both have Abraham as their blood father; but they both do not have Abraham as their father of the faith of God. As our Lord said, that which is of the flesh is flesh and that which is of the Spirit is spirit. Faith is of the Spirit, not of religion.

That which is born out of the Spirit is heir of the faith of Abraham, and that which is born out of the works of the flesh is heir to the corruption of the flesh, which is sin, and sin brings forth death. Observe the distinction the Holy Scripture draws in the sands of eternity. Mark the place of separation. That which is of the flesh comes out of the hearts of men; yet, that which is of the Spirit comes from the mercies and grace of the heavens through the blood of the heart of the sacrificial Lamb of God, not by merit but by the will of our sovereign God. Religion of the flesh kills, but salvation wrought by the power and grace of God is life everlasting.

Man out of his fleshly heart easily deceives himself because his flesh is as the flesh of a chameleon changing colors to blend in with his surroundings. He mingles with the sons of the freewoman desperately desiring to belong, but the Father knows who is of the bondwoman and who is of the freewoman. He is not fooled by the disguise. Is it not written: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (II Cor. 13:5)