SEPARATING TRUTH FROM ERROR PART TWO
 
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/june2006/bobd615.htm
 
This is one of the most amazing studies I have ever endeavored to look into.This is Part 2 of "Separating truth from error." If you missed part 1 and desire to read the article just click onto the link at the top and I am sure much of this subject will come together.
 
I find it very interesting that God called Abram out of Haran after his father passed away and the command was in Genesis chapter 12:verse 1.Twelve is the number of Governmental perfection. It just seems to me that Haran symbolizes God urging His children to make a real commitment of faith before Him. Remember the Bible says in Genesis 11:31 "And Terah took Abram his son,and Lot the son of Haran his son's son,and Sarai his daughter in law,his son Abram's wife,and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees,to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran,and dwelt there." When we truly step out in faith we can't have the baggage of false gods because our Savior wants us all to Himself.It is not by accident that God commanded Abram to leave Haran in chapter 12 (Governmental perfection) and verse 1 (Unity of God). At this point Abram was no longer under and dragging with a political and religious Babylonian system. He was commanded by God (12; God's governmental perfection) to step out before Him (1; Unity of God) to be totally surrendered before his Savior.The very first commandment is "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3. This to me was God saying to Abram "you are under me and my government." Not only is it in the command but the jutapostioning of the numbers tell the story.Abram was now truly stepping out in faith and it is very interesting to me that this is when he faced his true trials in life to refine his faith.Technically since he stopped at Haran it was probably incomplete obedience so God was not only reminding Abram but Haran seems to be one of the many landmarks in this man's life.
 
I'm looking back on my life and I remember that I was at Haran a few times.In simple terms when God brings us to this point our best response is to listen because God wants us all to Himself. I beseech you therefore,brethren,by the mercies of God,that ye present  your bodies a living sacrifice,holy, acceptable unto God,which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1.When Abram was called to leave Haran this was a turning point in his life.For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit,which are God's.1st Cor 6:20. His earthly father who was not even a believer was no longer leading. God was calling Abram to step out in faith before His Savior. I think Abram deep down at this point understood that he was..."bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." 1st Cor 7:23. Clearly this was a defining moment in Abram's life.It's an opportunity for our faith in Jesus Christ not a burden against us. Lord willing in future articles I will show you that opportunity involves so many things such as worship,refinement,and wisdom. This is just to mention a few.The very first question I asked the Lord when I read about Abraham's life was did each of his steps symbolize our faith and what we go through? I think I received a resounding yes. This journey ought to be very interesting,exciting, and insightful as to what we go through and why as we do a little comparison study.
 
Bob D.