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Grounded-In-Biblical-Truth | |
Sovereign Grace Doctrine
Concerning 'THE GOSPEL' - JESUS CHRIST
Christ Typified in Jacob's Ladder
GENESIS 28:10-22
GOOD NEWS FROM THE REDEEMER
DANIEL E. PARKS, PASTOR
SEPTEMBER 4, 1999 - RADIO MESSAGE #283
The conversion of the patriarch Jacob is recorded in Genesis 28:10-22. It occurred on the occasion of his vision of a ladder, or staircase, stretching from earth to heaven. Jehovah stood at the top of this ladder, declaring His promise to bless Jacob. Angels were ascending and descending it.
The ladder seen by Jacob was a type of Christ. Christ regarded Himself as this ladder’s antitype when He spoke of “the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man” (John 1:51).
This ladder typifies Christ as Mediator. Jacob beheld only one ladder, and it stretched all the way from earth to heaven. Likewise, Christ is the “one Mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5), the only way from earth to the Father (John 14:6).
The steps of this ladder suggest the steps in the humiliation and exaltation of Christ (see Philippians 2:6-11). The descending steps of His humiliation are His incarnation, suffering, death, and burial. He stepped down from His heavenly glory in order to assume humanity (1 Timothy 3:16) and to become subject to the law He had given to mortals (Galatians 4:4). He stepped down so low as to assume in His own sinless body the sins of God’s elect, and to suffer and die as their penal substitute (Isaiah 53) -- even in the most accursed manner (Galatians 3:13; cp. Deuteronomy 21:23). And finally He stepped down so low as to be entombed in the belly of the earth (Matthew 27:58-60).
The ascending steps of Christ’s exaltation are His resurrection, ascension, enthronement, and second advent. He arose from the dead (Romans 4:25). He afterward ascended to heaven in victory (Ephesians 4:8). He afterward was enthroned in glory (Hebrews 1:3), where He presently reigns as sovereign of the universe until He has conquered all His enemies (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). And finally He shall return to earth in all His glory to judge the world (Matthew 25:31-46).
God manifested Himself to Jacob in the same manner in which He manifests Himself to all who behold Christ. He was seen in heaven at the head of the ladder because He had by it provided a means of access for a believer to Himself. He was seen standing because this is the posture He assumes when He has made Himself available and ready to receive a believer. He identified Himself by His covenant name Jehovah because this is the name by which He is known to a believer. And He promised to Jacob what He promises to all believers: continual attendance -- “Behold, I am with you”; constant protection -- “and will keep you wherever you go ”; complete fidelity -- “I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you” (see Isaiah 41:8-14).
The angels walking up and down this ladder represent the manner in which God will keep His promise to believers. They are “ministers of [God], who do His pleasure” (Psalm 103:21), “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Believers in Christ are therefore promised “He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:11f). Angels minister to believers the same way they ministered to Christ (Matthew 4:11).
Jacob is here a type of believers in Christ. Jacob was declared to be, even from his mother’s womb, the special object of God’s electing love (Genesis 25:19-26). Likewise, believers are the special objects of this same love (Romans 9:10-13ff). Jacob, prior to his conversion, manifested his depravity (see e.g. Genesis 27:1-29). Likewise, believers manifested the same depravity prior to their conversion (Ephesians 2:1-3). Jacob saw his vision while he slept (Genesis 28:11). Likewise, believers were spiritually asleep -- “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1) -- when they first beheld the beauties and glories of Christ. Jacob, upon seeing this vision, worshipped God and vowed to serve Him for the rest of his life (Genesis 28:16-22). Likewise, believers, upon seeing the glory of Christ, forevermore worship God and serve Him. Have you?
Your servant for Jesus' sake.
Address all questions to pastor
Daniel E. Parks (2 Corinthians 4:5) e-mail RedeemerBC@aol.com
Pastor, Redeemer Baptist Church
2801 Cleveland Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40206 / 502.899-9205
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