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The sermon recap from November 9, 2008:
1. Though Abraham had sons other than Isaac, sons by Keturah, as well as Ishmael by Hagar, none of them were of the promised line, the line of Christ (see Matthew 1). Abraham treated his other sons well, but sent them away to preserve and safeguard Isaac’s inheritance. Abraham ordered his life around God’s promises to the very end: “…thru Isaac your offspring will be reckoned” (Genesis 21:12).
2. Abraham died at the age of 175. Verse 8 notes that he died at a good old age and “full of years.” That means “full of life” or “satisfied.” How important it is for us to live well-to live a full life, not just mark time ‘til our death. That was Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90: that God would teach him to live well, to live “wisely and well,” in whatever years God had allotted to him.
3. Genesis also records that Abraham was “gathered to his people,” a reference to the fact that death is not extinction, those who die continue in existence after death, awaiting a day of resurrection. Those who are believers in Jesus Christ (who have placed their faith in Christ alone for salvation) go into his presence to await the resurrection of the body. Those who are unbelievers go into Hades (the temporary place of the unsaved dead) to await the resurrection of the body, after which they will be cast into the Lake of Fire (which is eternal death, away from the presence of God).
