The Book Of Isaiah - Executable Outlines

The Book Of IsaiahThe Future Glory For God’s People (54-66)Mark A. CopelandOBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION1) To conclude our study of Isaiah with a look at the future glory promised for God’s people2) To note the inclusion of Gentiles in the fulfillment of this promise3) To consider how this promise relates to the first coming of Christ, with the inauguration of theMessianic age, but also how it may look forward to when the Lord’s reign is culminated at the endof time (following His second coming, the resurrection of the dead, and the Day of Judgment)SUMMARYWe come to the last section of the book of Isaiah (chapters 54-66). It contains more words of comfortdesigned especially for the Babylonian captives who would experience God’s judgment foretold in thefirst half of the book. The focus is mostly on The Future Glory For God’s People, yet also with areminder that their present shame (captivity) was due to their own wickedness.The future splendor of Zion is the theme of 54:1-56:8. Though barren in her present condition ofcaptivity, the Lord promises to show mercy and a covenant of peace to the faithful remnant. Aninvitation is given to all who thirst, and people are encouraged to seek the Lord while He may be foundif they desire joy and peace. Participation in the future glory of Zion is offered also to righteousGentiles, who will be given a place in the house of God and in His holy mountain. This future glory ofZion pertains to the age of Messiah, inaugurated with the first coming of Christ and the proclamation ofthe gospel beginning in Jerusalem (cf. Lk 24:44-47; He 12:22-24).The captives in Babylon are then reminded of the conditions that led to her downfall, and the contritionthat will led to her restoration (56:9-59:21). Her watchmen (i.e., religious leaders) had failed in theirduties, and the death of the righteous became a blessing because it removed them from such evil. Theiridolatry had profited them nothing, and cost them everything. Yet those who were humble and contritewould experience God’s mercy if they would cast away hypocritical formalism and return to truereligion. Rebuking them for their sins, Isaiah then joins with them in confessing their sins. In response,the Lord promises salvation through a Redeemer who will come to Zion and to those who turn fromtheir transgression. Again, this is looking forward not just to their restoration from Babyloniancaptivity, but also to the coming of Jesus Christ who would bring full redemption through His blood (cf.Ro 11:26-27).The final seven chapters (60-66) concentrate on the glory to come for restored Zion. Her light will comeand even Gentiles will come, contributing their wealth to the glory provided by the Lord. The missionof the Servant (Christ) is reviewed, who will come to rebuild and restore, prompting Isaiah to expressgreat joy for His salvation. The Lord promises not to rest until that times comes, and thus appointswatchmen who are charged not to give Him rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.Following a brief look back at the judgment on Edom and the Lord’s mercy on Israel in the past, Isaiahoffers a prayer for the present condition of Israel, and the Lord responds with a promise of a gloriousThe Book Of Isaiah 59