"Cast Out The Bondwoman And Her Son"

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. - Galatians 4:30

    Abraham had two sons. Ishmael was the son of the bondwoman, Hagar, who represents the covenant of law and works. Isaac was the son of promise born to Sarah, who represents the covenant of grace. Although Sarah was the original wife of Abraham (actually the first and only wife), Hagar brought forth the first son! Even so, the covenant of grace in Christ is eternal and before the covenant of works; but the first man Adam was a son of works and flesh. When the son of promise is brought forth the child of works must be cast out. They cannot share the inheritance. Hagar (the law) and Ishmael (my righteousness) must be cast out that Christ might have all the preeminence and our hope of redemption be in him alone!

    Can you imagine the turmoil and conflict in Abraham's home while both of these sons lived there? Ishmael hated Isaac as works hates grace. Ishmael mocked Isaac as my righteousness rises up in conflict with Christ's righteousness. This is the reason why some do not have rest, peace and joy in their household of faith—they are trying to raise these boys together. They try to hold to Christ's righteousness and at the same time feed and nourish Ishmael, the son of law and human merit. There will be no real peace until the bondwoman of law and the son of human merit is disowned, disinherited and put out. Works and grace cannot share the same heart. Ishmael must not be allowed to have even a foot of ground, he must be forever deserted.

    That which is born of flesh is flesh and can never share the inheritance with the son of promise; therefore he must not be kept around to mock and rob the house of its happiness. There will be no real assurance, peace and comfort in the heart until the Ishmael of human merit, righteousness and self-glory is deserted and forgotten.

"In my hands no price I bring
Simply to the cross of Christ I cling."