How to receive the blessings of Christ?

The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 22:15-18

If you are a believer, you will be tested by God. The purpose of the testing is to determine your obedience to God regardless of the cost to you.

This scripture is an extreme example of the testing of God. Abraham had one son by the promise of God. And, he waited a very long time to have Isaac.

God spoke to Abraham and he was obedient because he knew the reality of God. He lived in oneness with God. Abraham was in a personal relationship with almighty God and knew the character of God–greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty. There was really no decision to make even though this caused Abraham deep pain and sorrow.

Abraham complied with the instructions of God and did not withhold his son. The response from God was to reassure Abraham all the promises made to him would become reality. 

Abraham was rewarded for his faith and obedience to God.

God makes promises to the people of Christ. The promises are not free or handed out without commitment.

God fulfills His promises to those who walk by faith and are obedient to the requests of God regardless of how costly they are to you.

Here is the sticky point! You will not be obedient to God unless you know who He is and are willing to do whatever He asks of you. 

God speaks through the Holy Spirit living within believers. If you are not under the authority of the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to honor the requests of God. They will fall on deaf ears. 

The promises of God do not come without sacrifice and pain. You have to be willing to give up what is most valuable to you if you want the blessings of God.

Walk by faith with Jesus submitting to the authority of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus speaks respond with obedience. This will bring the blessings of God!