22“Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
23I have sworn by myself. The word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and will not be revoked, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.
24They will say of me, ‘There is righteousness and strength only in Yahweh.’ ” Even to him will men come. All those who raged against him will be disappointed.
22 “Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
23 I have sworn by myself. The word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and will not be revoked, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.
24 They will say of me, ‘There is righteousness and strength only in Yahweh.’ ” Even to him will men come. All those who raged against him will be disappointed.
KJVKing James Version
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
Show all 3 translations
JPSJPS Tanakh (1917)
22 Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.
23 By Myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from My mouth in righteousness, and shall not come back, that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
24 Only in the LORD, shall one say of Me, is victory and strength; even to Him shall men come in confusion, all they that were incensed against Him.
John 6:40(v22)This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise…
Philippians 2:10(v23)that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth,
Romans 14:10-12(v23)But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of…
Micah 7:7(v22)But as for me, I will look to Yahweh. I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.
Hebrews 12:2(v22)looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and…
Show all 67 cross-references
Numbers 21:8-9(v22)Yahweh said to Moses, “Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall…
Isaiah 55:11(v23)so is my word that goes out of my mouth: it will not return to me void, but it will accomplish that which I please, and it will prosper in…
Zechariah 12:10(v22)I will pour on David’s house, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom…
John 3:13-16(v22)No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the…
2 Chronicles 20:12(v22)Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our…
Isaiah 45:21(v22)Declare and present it. Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has shown this from ancient time? Who has declared it of old? Haven’t I,…
Hebrews 6:13-18(v23)For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless…
Isaiah 41:11(v24)Behold, all those who are incensed against you will be disappointed and confounded. Those who strive with you will be like nothing, and…
Isaiah 49:6(v22)Indeed, he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of…
John 10:28-30(v22)I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is…
Deuteronomy 6:13(v23)You shall fear Yahweh your God; and you shall serve him, and shall swear by his name.
Psalms 65:5(v22)By awesome deeds of righteousness, you answer us, God of our salvation. You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth, of those who are…
Titus 2:13(v22)looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Psalms 63:11(v23)But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will praise him, for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced.
Isaiah 45:19(v23)I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness. I didn’t say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, Yahweh,…
Isaiah 65:16(v23)so that he who blesses himself in the earth will bless himself in the God of truth; and he who swears in the earth will swear by the God of…
2 Peter 1:1(vv22, 24)Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our…
Psalms 132:2(v23)how he swore to Yahweh, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
Isaiah 44:3-5(v23)For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on…
Isaiah 54:17(v24)No weapon that is formed against you will prevail; and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the…
Philippians 4:13(v24)I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Genesis 22:15-18(v23)Yahweh’s angel called to Abraham a second time out of the sky, and said, “ ‘I have sworn by myself,’ says Yahweh, ‘because you have done…
Genesis 31:53(v23)The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father, Isaac.
Numbers 23:19(v23)God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and…
2 Chronicles 15:14-15(v23)They swore to Yahweh with a loud voice, with shouting, with trumpets, and with cornets. All Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn…
Nehemiah 10:29(v23)joined with their brothers, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the…
Psalms 22:17(v22)I can count all of my bones. They look and stare at me.
Isaiah 19:18-21(v23)In that day, there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan, and swear to Yahweh of Armies. One will be…
Jeremiah 49:13(v23)For I have sworn by myself,” says Yahweh, “that Bozrah will become an astonishment, a reproach, a waste, and a curse. All its cities will…
John 12:32(v24)And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Romans 11:4(v23)But how does God answer him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
Ephesians 6:10(v24)Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
2 Timothy 4:17-18(v24)But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear.…
Genesis 49:10(v24)The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs. To him will the…
Psalms 2:1-12(v24)Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together,…
Psalms 21:8-9(v24)Your hand will find out all of your enemies. Your right hand will find out those who hate you. You will make them as a fiery furnace in the…
Psalms 72:9(v24)Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him. His enemies shall lick the dust.
Psalms 110:2(v24)Yahweh will send out the rod of your strength out of Zion. Rule among your enemies.
Isaiah 26:4(v24)Trust in Yahweh forever; for in Yah, Yahweh, is an everlasting Rock.
Isaiah 44:8(v24)Don’t fear, neither be afraid. Haven’t I declared it to you long ago, and shown it? You are my witnesses. Is there a God besides me?…
Isaiah 45:25(v24)All the offspring of Israel will be justified in Yahweh, and will rejoice!
Isaiah 55:5(v24)Behold, you shall call a nation that you don’t know; and a nation that didn’t know you shall run to you, because of Yahweh your God, and…
Isaiah 60:9(v24)Surely the islands will wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far, their silver and their gold with them,…
Isaiah 61:10(v24)I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh! My soul will be joyful in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me…
Jeremiah 22:5(v23)But if you will not hear these words, I swear by myself,” says Yahweh, “that this house will become a desolation.” ’ ”
Jeremiah 23:5-6(v24)“Behold, the days come,” says Yahweh, “that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and he will reign as king and deal wisely, and will…
Jeremiah 33:16(v24)In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely. This is the name by which she will be called: Yahweh our righteousness.”
Zechariah 10:6(v24)“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them back; for I have mercy on them; and they…
Zechariah 10:12(v24)I will strengthen them in Yahweh; and they will walk up and down in his name,” says Yahweh.
Matthew 11:27-28(v24)All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the…
Luke 13:17(v24)As he said these things, all his adversaries were disappointed and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by…
Luke 19:27(v24)But bring those enemies of mine who didn’t want me to reign over them here, and kill them before me.’ ”
John 7:37(v24)Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!
1 Corinthians 1:30(v24)Because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
2 Corinthians 5:21(v24)For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10(v24)He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in…
Ephesians 3:16(v24)that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner…
Colossians 1:11(v24)strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy,
Revelation 11:18(v24)The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their…
Revelation 22:17(v24)The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the…
Isaiah 49:12(v22)Behold, these shall come from afar, and behold, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.”
Amos 6:8(v23)“The Lord Yahweh has sworn by himself,” says Yahweh, the God of Armies: “I abhor the pride of Jacob, and detest his fortresses. Therefore I…
67 distinct cross-references across this passage (68 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (18 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Geneva Bible translators1599 · Public DomainOn vv22–24He calleth the idolaters to repentance, willing them to…
He calleth the idolaters to repentance, willing them to look unto him with the eye of faith.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp1656 · Public DomainOn vv22–24Isa 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved,…
Isa 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.
Ver. 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved.] While the moon looketh directly upon the sun, she is bright and beautiful; but if she once turn aside and be left to herself, she loseth all her glory, and enjoys but only a shadow of light, which is her own; so while men look to Christ, the "Sun of righteousness," and toward the "stars in his right hand."
Read full note →
For I am God, and none else.] This Judas Maccabeus acknowledged in his ensign, wherein this motto was written, Mi Camoca Belohim Iehovah, i.e., " Who is like unto thee among the gods, O Lord?" from the capital letters of which motto he took his name Maccabi. {a}
{a} Godw., Heb. Antiqu.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole1685 · Public DomainOn vv22–24Upon these considerations, I advise all people upon earth,…
Upon these considerations, I advise all people upon earth, from one end to the other, to cast away their idols, and to turn their eyes and hearts to me, expecting salvation from me, and from me only; and their labour shall not be in vain; for they shall be saved: the imperative being put for the future, as Gen 42:18, and oft elsewhere. And this is not only an exhortation to the Gentiles to turn from idols to God, but a prediction that they shall turn to him, and look upon Christ, who shall be the author of salvation to all that obey him, whether Jews or Gentiles, which is confirmed by the following verse.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill1763 · Public DomainOn vv22–24Look unto me,.... And not to idols, nor to…
Look unto me,.... And not to idols, nor to any creature, nor to the works of your hands; to your own righteousness and doings; to your wounds; to your tears and humiliations; to your own hearts and frames; to your graces and the exercise of them; all must be looked off of, and Christ only looked unto by a direct act of faith, for righteousness, for pardon, for all supplies of grace, and for glory and eternal happiness. He is to be looked unto as the Son of God, whose glory is the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world; as the only Mediator between God and man; as the Saviour and Redeemer of lost sinners; and considered in all his offices and relations: under all circumstances he is to be looked to; when in the dark, look to him for light; when dead and lifeless, look to him for life; when weak, look to him for strength; when sick, look to him for healing; when hungry, look to him for food; and when disconsolate, look to him for comfort; for none ever look to him and are ashamed or disappointed, they have what they look for; and as it is profitable, so pleasant to look to Jesus, and he himself is well pleased with it; and therefore here encourages to it, adding,
and be ye saved; or, "ye shall be saved" (e): Christ is set up in the Gospel, and the ministration of it to be looked at, that men may be saved by him; and it is the will of God, not only that men should look to him, but that whosoever sees him, and believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life: the ministers of the Gospel are appointed to show men the way of salvation by Christ, and to assure them that he that believes in him shall be saved; and saints in all ages have looked unto him, and have been saved by him; and therefore this may be taken for a sure and certain thing, that such that look to Christ, as the Israelites did to the brasen serpent, the type of him, shall be saved, Joh 3:14,
Read full note →
all the ends of the earth; all that live at the furthest part of the earth; Christ has a people there, the Father has given him for his possession, and which are the purchase of his blood, and for whose sins he became the propitiation; and to these he sends his Gospel and his ministers, to find them out, and publish salvation to them, and to assure them, that however distant they are, both as to place and state, yet through looking to him by faith they shall be saved, even though they are the worst and vilest of sinners:
for I am God, and there is none else; and so mighty to save, able to save to the uttermost, all that come to him, and to God by him, be they where they will; since he is truly God, there is virtue enough in his blood to pardon sin, and cleanse from it; and in his righteousness to justify from all sin; and in his sacrifice to expiate it; and therefore sensible sinners may safely look to him, and venture their souls on him. The Targum is,
"look unto my Word, and be ye saved, &c.''
(e) "salvi eritis", V. L. Pagninus, Tigurine version.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley1765 · Public DomainOn vv23–24In righteousness - It is what I will faithfully…
In righteousness - It is what I will faithfully perform. Return - Without effect. It is a metaphor from ambassadors, who sometimes return to their princes without any success in their business. Every tongue - Not only the Jews, but all nations.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke1810 · Public DomainOn vv22–24Verse 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved,…
Verse 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, c.] This verse and the following contain a plain prediction of the universal spread of the knowledge of God through Christ and so the Targum appears to have understood it; see Ro 14:11; Php 2:10. The reading of the Targum is remarkable, viz., אתפנו למימרי ithpeno lemeymri, look to my WORD, ὁ Λογος, the Lord Jesus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson1811 · Public DomainOn v23Isa 45:23. I have sworn by myself — Which…
Isa 45:23. I have sworn by myself — Which is the highest and most solemn oath possible, Heb 6:13; and therefore signifies that the matter, thus confirmed, is of extraordinary importance. The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness — It is what I will faithfully perform. And shall not return — Namely, unto me void, or without effect, as this phrase is more fully delivered, Isa 55:11. It is a metaphor taken from ambassadors, who sometimes return to their princes without any success in their business. That unto me every knee shall bow — Not only the Jews, but all nations shall worship me, and submit to my laws: which is signified by the bowing of the knee, a posture of reverence and subjection, and by one eminent part of God’s worship, swearing by his name. Surely shall one say — Or, shall he say, each or every one of these, who, he now declared, should bow their knees to God, &c. In the Lord — Hebrew, Jehovah. By, or from God alone, or the Messiah, who is the true Jehovah as well as man; have I righteousness — To justify me from all things, from which I could not be justified by the law of Moses. See Act 13:39. This plainly points us to the Messiah, whose very name is the Lord our righteousness, Jer 23:6; and whose great business it was to bring in everlasting righteousness, Dan 9:24; and who of God is made unto us righteousness, 1Co 1:30. And strength — Support and assistance to bear all my burdens, overcome all my enemies, and perform all my duties. The sense is, The Gentiles shall expect and obtain from Christ both justification, or forgiveness of sins by his blood, and sanctification by his Spirit. Even to him shall men come — The Gentiles shall come to Christ, either, 1st, By constraint, or necessity, to be judged by him at the last day: or, 2d, Willingly by prayer to seek, and by faith to receive, righteousness and strength from him. Coming to Christ is put for believing on him, Mat 11:28; John 5:50, and Joh 6:35-37, and elsewhere. And, or, but, all that are incensed against him — All his implacable enemies shall be brought to shame and punishment.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes1834 · Public DomainOn vv22–24Look unto me, and be ye saved - This…
Look unto me, and be ye saved - This is said in view of the declaration made in the previous verse, that he is a just God and a Saviour. It is because he sustains this character that all are invited to look to him; and the doctrine is, that the fact that God is at the same time just and yet a Saviour, or can save consistently with his justice, is an argument why they should took to him, and confide in him. If he is at the same time just - true to his promises; righteous in his dealings; maintaining the honor of his law and government, and showing his hatred of sin; and also merciful, kind, and forgiving, it is a ground of confidence in him, and we should rejoice in the privilege of looking to him for salvation. The phrase ‘look unto me’ means the same as, direct the attention to as we do to one from whom we expect aid. It denotes a conviction on our part of helplessness - as when a man is drowning, he casts an imploring eye to one on the shore who can help him; or when a man is dying, he casts an imploring eye on a physician for assistance. Thus the direction to look to God for salvation implies a deep conviction of helplessness and of sin; and a deep conviction that he only can save. At the same time it shows the ease of salvation. What is more easy than to look to one for help? What more easy than to cast the eyes toward God the Saviour? What more reasonable than that he should require us to do it? And what more just than that God, if people will not look to him in order that they may be saved, should cast them off forever? Assuredly, if a dying, ruined, and helpless sinner will not do so simple a thing as to look to God for salvation, he ought to be excluded from heaven, and the universe will acquiesce in the decision which consigns him to despair.
All the ends of the earth - For the meaning of this phrase, see the note at Isa 40:28. The invitation here proves:
Read full note →
1. That the offers of the gospel are universal. None are excluded. The ends of the earth, the remotest parts of the world, are invited to embrace salvation, and all those portions of the world might, under this invitation, come and accept the offers of life.
2. That God is willing to save all; since he would not give an invitation at all unless he was willing to save them.
3. That there is ample provision for their salvation; since God could not invite them to accept of what was not provided for them, nor could he ask them to partake of salvation which had no existence.
4. That it is his serious and settled purpose that all the ends of the earth shall be invited to embrace the offers of life.
The invitation has gone from his lips, and the command has gone forth that it should be carried to every creature Mar 16:15, and now it pertains to his church to bear the glad news of salvation around the world. God intends that it shall be done, and on his church rests the responsibility of seeing it speedily executed.
For I am God - This is a reason why they should look to him to be saved. It is clear that none but the true God can save the soul. No one else but he can pronounce sin forgiven; no one but he can rescue from a deserved hell. No idol, no man, no angel can save; and if, therefore, the sinner is saved, he must come to the true God, and depend on him. That he may thus come, whatever may have been his character, is abundantly proved by this passage. This verse contains truth enough, if properly understood and applied, to save the world; and on the ground of this, all people, of all ages, nations, climes, ranks, and character, might come and obtain eternal salvation.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary1859 · Public DomainOn v23Myself, having none greater, Hebrews vi. 13. --- Justice:…
Myself, having none greater, Hebrews vi. 13. --- Justice: sure. --- To me. All that are born belong to me. The Jewish women had seldom recourse to midwives, (Exodus i. 19., and 1 Kings iv. 19.; Calmet) no more than the Ethiopians. (Ludolf. i. 14.) --- Swear, by the true God. (Haydock) --- Oaths on proper occasions, honour him, Deuteronomy vi. 13. Nothing could be spoken more plainly of the Gentiles’ conversion.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown1871 · Public DomainOn vv22–24Look . . . and be ye saved--The second…
Look . . . and be ye saved--The second imperative expresses the result which will follow obedience to the first (Gen 42:18); ye shall be saved (Joh 3:14-15). Num 21:9 : "If a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass he lived." What so simple as a look? Not do something, but look to the Saviour (Act 16:30-31). Believers look by faith, the eye of the soul. The look is that of one turning (see Margin) to God, as at once "Just and the Saviour" (Isa 45:21), that is, the look of conversion (Psa 22:27).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon1874 · Public DomainOn vv22–2422. Look unto me, and be ye saved —…
22. Look unto me, and be ye saved — The “just God” is of most tender mercy also, and here invites all the ends of the earth to be “saved” in like manner with Israel.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges1878 · Public DomainOn vv22–2322. Look unto me] is strictly Turn unto me…
22. Look unto me] is strictly Turn unto me (sc. for help), a phrase elsewhere used of the acknowledgment of false gods (Lev_19:4; Hos_3:1; Deu_30:17 &c., Deu_31:18 &c.; cf. Job_5:1). The second imperative expresses the consequence of the first: “Turn to Me and ye shall be saved.” “Salvation” here has still its ordinary sense of deliverance; although the great judgement is past, it is plainly assumed that only those who own Jehovah’s sovereignty shall be spared (Isa_45:23). But the thought that it depends on knowledge of the true God, who is the God of salvation, conveys the suggestion at least of a more positive meaning; cf. Joh_17:3.
22–25. The demonstration of Jehovah’s deity is followed by the proclamation of salvation to all mankind, and the declaration of His purpose that all the world shall worship Him.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers1878 · Public DomainOn vv23–24(23) I have sworn by myself.—The highest conceivable form…
(23) I have sworn by myself.—The highest conceivable form of asseveration (Gen_22:16; Jer_22:5; Heb_6:13).
Unto me every knee shall bow.—The faith of Israel becomes the religion of mankind, though, from the prophet’s standpoint, Israel does not lose its distinctive nationality. We note the application of the words to the Christ in Php_2:10; Rom_14:11.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary1880 · Public DomainOn vv22–24Look unto me; rather, turn unto me; (as in…
Look unto me; rather, turn unto me; (as in Psa_25:16 Psa_69:16 Psa_86:16) i.e., " Be converted turn unto the Lord your God." It is implied that all can turn, if they will. And be ye saved . On conversion, salvation will follow. It will extend even to all the ends of the earth Psa_98:3, "All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God".
The eye of the soul.
Read full note →
Look unto me, and be ye saved." Faith can look! We have the spiritual vision and the spiritual object. "Blessed are your eyes, for they see." We look, and are saved! Yes; and we look in hours of sorrow and unrest, and our burdens are lightened. This is no dream of the quietist; no meditation of the mystic. We do not look into infinity, and feel awe. We do not merely set religious imagination to work. We have a loving Lord and Saviour, to whom we look. "Sir, we would see Jesus." When our eyes are filled with worldly visions; when we are active in the warehouse, the office, the street, the home; then we have experience of time-visions. When our souls are awake we gaze on the unseen Lord, who has been about our path all the day, and who is always waiting to be gracious. What is the exact word, do you say? I see! You are accustomed to a close exegesis of the Scripture. It is well! The Hebrew means, "flowed together." Is not that beautiful? "They looked unto him, and flowed together." We are lightened by oneness with our Lord.
I LOOKING UNTO JESUS LIGHTENS US BY CONSCIOUS SYMPATHY. This always lightens. In a human sense it does. We can enter into each other"s lives, and bear each other"s burdens. We want not more strength, but more cheer. He does not give new faculty, but the Holy Spirit quickens faith; faculty we already have. Think of the one Divine life. Christ knew what it was to go to his Father in prayer, to be alone, to be misunderstood, to be solitary and forsaken. He was tempted, too, in all points as we are, yet without sin. He suffered, being tempted. We look to the Brother as well as the Saviour. Sympathy! Is it not precious? We get hardened by habits, where each has to struggle for himself or herself. Yes, herself! The womanly life is often a heroism of endeavour in the sense of seeking sometimes a livelihood; and the world to a widow does seem a very selfish place at times. Christ was poor. He was, in a human sense, needy. But, you say, even in these lives of struggle and difficulty, the spiritual anxieties are the deepest: to maintain a pure heart, a faithful love, a true conscience, a gracious progress in heavenward affection. Then remember he knows your inner history. Look to him. Seek oneness. Let your life and his "flow together.
II LOOKING UNTO JESUS LIGHTENS US BY CONSCIOUS POWER. He is able to keep able to save. Have you ever been in a gale at sea, and been nervous and timorous? But there, on the bridge, is the calm, keen-eyed, well-trained captain. You feel that there is confidence coming to your heart as you look at him. What waves cannot Christ calm? What coast of life does not he know the soundings of? What can surprise his vigilance, or blind his knowledge, or binder his commands? Even when the earthly physician came to your sick child, you watched his face and were lightened; he hoped, and you renewed your strength. A Christ less than Divine is no real refuge for such anxious souls as ours. We need not only beautiful ethics, exquisite parables; but we want Divine authority: I will; be thou clean!" We are at rest when we can say with the centurion, "Truly this was the Son of God." We feel how guilty we are. We admit no man, no priest, into the picture-gallery of the soul. We decline to reveal our leprosy of heart to our fellow-men. But we are all polluted and evil; and we have deep repose of heart when we come to the one fountain open for sin and uncleanness, and know that Christ is "able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him." No look lightens us which is merely imitative which is a lesson-look of duty. We need a great Saviour as well as a great Teacher.
III LOOKING UNTO JESUS LIGHTENS US BY CONSCIOUS OBEDIENCE. This comes next. We flow together, not merely in sympathy, but in life and service. We do his commandments; we know in following him we are in the right path; and how it lightens one to feel that the way is right, however hard and painful it may be! Rectitude is the music of the soul. Is not this sometimes forgotten? you say. Or, if not forgotten, is obedience relegated to a very inferior place by some Christians? Yes; they mean well, but they take a superficial view of the gospel. Removal of guilt is not all. Doing is not a deadly thing, it does not end in death if it is life-doing and not law-doing. Christ says, "Keep my commandments." "This do, and thou shalt live." We are never lightened by self-indulgent piety, which leaves all to God. We are to exercise our graces; to use what Paul calls "the gymnastic of godliness a beautiful expression. Looking to Jesus, we shall gain strength for every earnest endeavour after the Divine life. But is there not a danger of spiritual pride? Is it not better to feel God does all? There is no one of us free from the danger of spiritual pride. We must all watch and pray against it. But you may detect spiritual pride often very manifestly in those who think that they, and they alone, know the entire secret of God"s will; and their secret is, a leaving it all to him. Then pride says, See; I am free from legalism, and I have no danger of self-righteousness." Pride may hide under this cloak of confessed humility. We are only safe in Christ"s own way. He and no earthly teacher is to be really our spiritual Director, and he says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments;" "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them;" "He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto eternal life." Not by a cowardly shrinking from duty, but by looking up to the Captain of the great host and gathering nerve to throw one"s self into the thick of the fight is our heart lightened.
IV LOOKING UNTO JESUS LIGHTENS BY CONSCIOUS EXPERIENCE. We have tried it in the days of old! Christ has lightened many a burden we foolishly tried to carry alone. Men are ashamed of their failures. They boast of a certain specific, and it fails. They recommend certain methods of conduct which break down in operation. But our faces are not ashamed. They glow with the consciousness of what Christ has been in past times of test and trial. He has never failed never forsaken. This is a beautiful idea about the countenance a Christian should have no shame there. I do not mean a face defiant or boastful; that is not the meaning of these words, "And their faces were not ashamed." It means no confusion, no flush of anxiety, no prophecy of failure on it. We can all look to him. We are all invited! None of us can measure the weight on the heart. Christ can. And he knows that it is heavy, very heavy. We are often tired and weary. Come to him! You need him! You have slighted and neglected him long time now; but you have found no Friend, no Saviour away from him. down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon my breast.
Let us do so. Then this experience will have brought to us a peace which passeth all understanding. W.M.S.
Salvation by looking.
The illustration at once suggested is that of the Israelites, healed from the bite of the serpents by looking at the God-provided brazen serpent, lifted up on high in the middle of the comp. This familiar subject needs only a bare outline of points to unfold and impress.
I HIM TO WHOM WE SHOULD LOOK. "I, if I be lifted up," said Christ, "will draw all men unto me." "That whosoever believeth on him might not perish, but have everlasting life.
II THE LOOK THAT SAVES.
1. The look of conscious need.
2. The look of personal helplessness.
3. The look of humility.
4. The look of faith.
III THE SALVATION THAT COMES BY LOOKING.
1. Salvation from the penalty due to sin.
2. From the wrong relations brought about by sin.
3. From the bad inward state induced by sin.
"For all within you, Guido, which sighs after a redemption, is Christ come as a Redeemer; he has redeemed your heart and your reason; he has redeemed your spirit and your body; he has redeemed yourself and nature which surrounds you" (Tholuck). R.T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator1887 · Public DomainOn vv22, 24Look unto Me
Isa_45:22
Look unto Me
Read full note →
Turning to God
Turn ye to Me and be saved.
The first imperative exhorts, the second promises. Jehovah desires two things--
1. All mens turning to Him.
2. Their blessedness by so doing. (P. Delitzch, D. D.)
Look
The word does not correspond exactly to the English look, but denotes the act of turning round in order to look in a different direction. The text, therefore, bears a strong analogy to those in which the heathen, when enlightened, are described as turning from their idols unto God (1Th_1:9; Act_14:15; Act_15:19). (J. A. Alexander.)
The ends of the earth
The expression accords with the Jewish notion, that their land was situated in the midst of the earth, and that the countries which lay most remote from them, whose circumstances formed a contrast to theirs, were the ends or extremities of the earth. (R. Macculloch.)
Sovereignty and salvation
It has ever been one of the objects of the great Jehovah to teach mankind that He is God, and beside Him there is none else.
I. HOW HAS GOD BEEN TEACHING THIS LESSON TO MANKIND?
1. He has taught it to false gods and to the idolaters who have bowed before them. How hath God poured con tempt on the ancient gods of the heathen! Where are they now?
2. Mark how God has taught truth to empires.
3. To monarchs. Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, &c.
4. To the wise men of this world.
5. Surely, says one, the Church of God does not need to be taught this Yes, she does! How did the church in Canaan forget it when they bowed before other gods: If God gives us a special mission, we generally begin to take some honour to ourselves.
II. SALVATION IS GODS GREATEST WORK, and in this He specially teaches us this lesson. Our text tells us how He teaches it.
1. By the person to whom He directs us. Me.
2. By the means He tells us to use. Look.
3. By the persons whom He calls to look. All the ends of the earth. (C. H.Spurgeon.)
Life for a look
The great sin of man, ever since he has fallen, has been that of idolatry. He is ever seeking to get away from God, who is real, but whom he cannot see, and to make for himself a god, which can only be an idol, but which pleases him because he can gaze upon it. And thus it comes to pass that, some with images of wood and stone, and others with carnal confidences and the like, put something else into the place which should be occupied by God alone; and they look to that something, and expect good from it, instead of looking for all good to God, and to Him alone. This looking to anything which usurps the place of God cannot but be most offensive to Him, and it must also be very disappointing to ourselves, for it is impossible for the false god to yield us any true comfort. Yet note the Lord s great patience even with those who are thus provoking Him by this idolatry of theirs.
I. FOR SALVATION OUT OF ANY TROUBLE, WE SHOULD LOOK TO GOD ALONE. There are some troubles in which men do look to God alone. I have known even the most profane men turn to God, after a fashion, in the hour of supreme peril. Now, if men will act thus by the compulsion of great calamity, is there not sound reason why you should, cheerfully and willingly, do the same, and resort to God in every trial, and difficulty, and dilemma? Is any trial too slight for you to bring in prayer before Him?
II. FOR ETERNAL SALVATION, WE MUST LOOK TO GOD ALONE.
1. Salvation is not to be found in any mere agent.
2. The great thing that thou needest to know, and look at, and rely upon, is the mercy of God.
3. Since God says, Look unto Me, let me ask you whether you are looking unto Him as He has revealed Himself to us in His Word?
4. Especially is it intended that we should look unto God as He reveals Himself in the person and work of His dear Son.
5. Settle this matter in your mind as an absolute certainty that, whoever and whatever you are, you may look to God in Christ, and be saved.
6. Let no feeling of thine beat thee off from looking to Christ. (C. H.Spurgeon.)
Characteristics of salvation
I. It is a SIMPLE salvation-plain, clear, distinct, intelligible in its terms. It is, in this respect, unlike the false religions referred to in Isa_45:19, whose utterances, being involved in designed obscurity and ambiguity, are there represented as spoken in secret, and in dark places of the earth. Such were the dubious responses which came from the Delphic oracle, the Cave at Lebadea, the Cumean Sybil, the Eleusinian Ceres, the soothsayers and necromancers of Egypt, Phoenicia, and Persia. The salvation of the Gospel is so clear and perspicuous that he who runs may read.
II. It is a FREE salvation, uncumbered and unconditional in its offers. There is no costly, protracted, elaborate preparation or probation needed. No painful penances; no rites, no lastings, no lustrations, no priestly absolutions In Isa_45:13, God says of Cyrus (and He says the same in a nobler sense of a Greater than the earthly liberator), He shall let go My captives, not for price nor reward. This is not, indeed, after the manner of men, nor in accordance with that natural legality of spirit which loves to fetter itself with conditions and terms. If the prophet had bid the Syrian leper of old do some great thing, Naaman would have cordially assented; but he could not brook the trifling expedient of dipping himself in the river Jordan. HI. It is a RIGHTEOUS salvation (Isa_45:19; Isa_45:21). See Ro
3:26. It is a salvation which has been secured in accordance with theprinciples of everlasting truth and rectitude. Let us not, however, misinterpret the relation of justice to mercy, as if between these two Divine attributes there existed any antagonism,--as if they represented two conflicting principles (similar to the Magian), one of which had to be propitiated before the other could exercise its benignant will, or go forth on its benignant behests. Nay, they are in perfect harmony. Love can hold out her blissful sceptre only when standing by the throne of justice. In that glorious salvation, every attribute of the Divine nature has been magnified and made honourable.
IV. It is a SURE salvation. The rites of the heathen leave their votaries in uncertainty, groping in the dark. Their feelings and experiences are well described in Isa_3:16. In impressive and sublime contrast with this, Jehovah avows in Isa_3:23, I have sworn by Myself: the word or truth (Lowth) is gone out of My mouth in righteousness; and in Isa_3:19, I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye Me in vain; or Isa_3:17, Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded. Truly the covenant of grace is a covenant well ordered in all things, and sure.
V. It is here further unfolded to us as the ONLY salvation (Isa_3:24). Bishop Lowth renders it, Only to Jehovah belongeth salvation and power. Neither is there salvation in any other.
VI. It is an ETERNAL salvation (Isa_3:17). (J. R. Macduff, D. D.)
Looking to Christ
Faith is one of the principal subjects of sacred Scripture, and is expressed in various forms: sometimes in plain terms, but more frequently in metaphors borrowed from earthly things, and particularly from the actions of the body.
I. EXPLAIN THE DUTY HERE EXPRESSED BY THE METAPHOR OF LOOKING. Observe in general, that a mans looks often discover his condition and the frame of his mind. Hence we can understand a look of surprise and consternation, of sorrow and compassion, a look of joy, the look of a perishing supplicant, or of a needy, expecting dependant. If an agonising patient casts an eager look upon his physician, we understand it to be a silent petition for relief. Hence looking to Christ implies those suitable dispositions and exercises of heart towards Him, which are expressed by the earnest and significant looks of persons in a distressed condition towards their deliverer.
1. Looking to Christ implies a particular notice and distinct knowledge of Him.
2. An importunate eagerness for relief from Him (Psa_25:15).
3. A wishful expectation of deliverance from Him (Psa_69:3). It may be illustrated by the history of the lame beggar (Act_3:4-5).
4. A humble dependence upon Him for salvation (2Ch_20:12).
5. A universal cheerful submission to His authority (Psa_123:1-2).
6. A hearty approbation of Him as a Saviour, and supreme affection to Him. Love is often expressed by looks.
7. Joy and gratitude for His delivering goodness.
II. URGE YOU TO LOOK TO HIM BY SEVERAL WEIGHTY CONSIDERATIONS. This is the great duty of saints and sinners, and consequently of every one in all ages and places, even to the ends of the earth.
1. It is salvation we are called upon to pursue.
2. It may be obtained upon the easiest terms, without any personal merit, viz., by a look.
3. It is Immanuel, the incarnate God, who commands and invites us to look.
4. He is the glorious and affecting Object to which we are to look.
5. Our looking shall not be in vain, for He is God, who engages to save those who look to Him.
6. It is vain to look elsewhere for salvation, and needless to fear His grace should be controlled by another; for He is God, so there is none else.
7. We, in particular, are invited, being especially meant by the ends of the earth. (S. Davies, M. A.)
The saving look
I. THAT ALL MANKIND ARE ENSLAVED TO SIN.
II. THAT THE UNIVERSAL DESIRE OF MANKIND IS FOR HAPPINESS.
III. THAT THE ONLY SOURCE OF REAL HAPPINESS IS TO BE FOUND IN GOD. Look unto Me. I am God, and beside me, &c.
IV. THAT THE SALVATION WHICH GOD HAS PROVIDED IS BOUNDLESS IN ITS PROVISIONS, AND UNLIMITED IN ITS EXTENT. All the ends of the earth.
V. THAT THE RECEPTION OF THIS BLESSING IS NEVERTHELESS CONDITIONAL. Look unto Me, &c. What does this imply?
1. An apprehension of the object presented.
2. Of the good it proposes to impart.
3. An earnest desire to obtain it.
4. A vigorous use of appointed means.
VI. THE GROUND OF ENCOURAGEMENT. I am God; and therefore, know that you need it--have prepared it for you--invite you to partake of it--promise to impart it--warn you of the consequences of refusing it.None other can save you. Now is the accepted time, &c. (R. Shepherd.)
Life by looking
Sin came by an unbelieving look. Eve saw that the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes. Distrusting God, she looked and plucked and ate. Salvation comes from a believing and trustful look. Look unto Me, and be ye saved. To those who look for Him will He appear with salvation.
I. AS SIN FIRST ENTERED, SO IT STILL ENTERS. It enters through the eye. He who first saw the wedge of gold and the Babylonish garment lusted for them, went after them, took and hid them. Therefore it is wise to say Look not upon the wine when it is red, for temptations come through the eye. The Scriptures tell of those whose eyes are full of sin and cannot cease. This truth is realised in our own mournful experience. We look on injuries and brood over them. We contemplate objects of desire and lust after them. When it has conceived lust bringeth forth sin.
II. SALVATION COMES BY THE SAME EASY METHOD. Look unto Me and be ye saved.
1. This is a spiritual vision. Some regard that which we call spiritual as unreal and dreamy, whereas carnality is unreal, and spiritual things are, of all, the most actual.
2. It is an immediate vision. Of our physical functions sight is the most immediate. So faith is the most positive and assuring. You end a dispute by saying, but I saw it with my own eyes and so I know it. The believer is able to speak thus of Him whom he knows, for he has seen Him.
III. HOW ARE WE TO SEE CHRIST? In what respects?
1. As a Saviour.
2. As an Intercessor.
3. As King and Master.
IV. THERE ARE SPECIAL TIMES WHEN WE SHOULD LOOK EXCLUSIVELY TO CHRIST.
1. In all our acts of public worship.
2. In temptations. Are you injured? Nothing so cleanses the heart of stinging pain as this. Do unholy desires annoy? Here is the remedy.
3. In approaching weakness.
Though the outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day. By looking the light will increase more and more to the perfect day. God has promised to show us the path of life. Evangelist asked the Pilgrim, Seest thou yonder light? I think I do. Evangelist by a long looking had acquired keen vision, and Pilgrim found his eyes opened as he looked. The way grew clearer, and you know the glorious end to which he came. His, weakness was perfected in his Leaders strength. The subject before us has a twofold application.
1. For self-examination. In our worship have we been looking only to God whom we have professed to address? In hymn and prayer and preaching have our acts been merely formal and professional?
2. By way of invitation. The invitation is to all, even to the ends of the earth. (A. Whyte, D. D.)
Salvation offered
These words show us that we have need to be saved. We have to be saved from enormous evils. But there is a great change that must take place in everyone before he can be saved. There is no salvation to an unregenerate man. Let me remind you what God intends when He says, Look unto Me.
1. He bids you look to Him for mercy, to save you gratuitously, without bringing to Him anything.
2. We should look to the Son of God, as well as to the Father--for His meritorious intercession--that we may be saved.
3. Look to God the Spirit, as well as to the Father and the Son. He who wrought mightily in the persecutor Saul, to make him an eminent trophy of grace and a large benefactor to his fellow-creatures, has no less power, condescension and goodness, to extend to you, and to give to you all the same principle, the same courage, and the same perseverance.
4. The same blessed duty rests on all of you who by the grace of God have looked to Him and lived. You are called to prosecute your journey heavenwards, from one degree of faith and grace and comfort and joy to another, till you reach your eternal home, every day looking to God that you may be saved.
5. But He never meant His servants to be selfish, as He is beneficent and good; and therefore let me bid you notice the extent of this invitation: All the ends of the earth. Then it is Gods will that Japan, and China, and India must look to Him and be saved, as well as we. At the time these words were uttered by the prophet, we were the ends of the world to them, as China, Japan, and Borneo are to us; yea, we were beyond the limits of the known world at that time. And we have heard the good news and believed. (B. W. Noel, M. A.)
A Saviour
I. The everlasting God, He who alone is God, declares Himself to be THE SOURCE OF SALVATION.
II. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION. All the ends of the earth. Men of all tribes and kingdoms shall be made to feel the power of Almighty grace. The plan of salvation is adapted to every variety of circumstance. The monarch on the throne of vast empire--he is seated there in the sight of God a poor rebel, and he needs salvation. Or take the other extreme--the lowliest and obscurest of the children of men--he is a sinner before God, an immortal creature.
III. GODS SIMPLE COMMAND to the guilty and the lost, while announcing Himself as the Source of salvation, and while proclaiming its universality, is Look unto Me.
1. To look unto God, as the Source of salvation, implies knowledge of Him.
2. The exercise of faith.
3. Confidence in God.
4. We may give emphasis to the expression, Unto Me. God requires that you should look away from all other objects which would interfere with the entire yielding up of the whole soul to Him.
5. There should be in the mind of the believer a full assurance that He is able to save, and willing to save. (G. Fisk, LL. B.)
Salvation obtained only by looking unto Jesus
I. THE INVITATION, Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, may be regarded as involving an offer of an invaluable blessing, a statement of the means by which the blessing is secured, and finally, an intimation of the extent of the offer made.
II. THE REASON WHY THAT INVITATION SHOULD BE COMPLIED WITH. For I am God, and there is none else. There are two ideas involved in this statement.
1. That Jesus is the true God, and therefore able to save.
2. That on Him only should we depend, for there is no other being in the universe who is able to rescue an immortal soul from eternal ruin.
We see from this subject--
1. The folly and danger of unbelief.
2. The habitual duty of all true Christians. It is to look unto Jesus at every stage of their spiritual history. (P. Grant.)
The Divine invitation
I. THE SPEAKER.
II. THE PERSONS ADDRESSED.
III. THE BLESSINGS PROMISED.
IV. THE MANNER OF OBTAINING THEM. (Bp. R. Bickersteth, D. D.)
Looking to Christ
I. If you look unto the Lord Jesus you will see GOD MANIFEST.
II. If you look to Jesus you will see LOVE INCARNATE--Divine love. According to the medium through which it shines, the same lamp can be made to give a radiance of a very different colour, a cheering or a gloomy light. In a sinful world like this, could you not easily imagine a vindictive incarnation and manifestation of the blessed God, which would have brought into the midst of our sinfulness the consuming fire of His holiness, which, thus coming in contact with our combustible corruption, would have turned our earth into an early perdition? But what was the actual fact? The Word dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.
III. Looking unto the Lord Jesus, there is yet another sight with which the earnest sinner is regaled, and that is RIGHTEOUS RECONCILIATION.
IV. Whosoever looks at Him long enough, simply enough, intently enough, will find in Him TRANSFUSED IMMORTALITY, life transmitted from that Saviour unto his own soul.
V. If you look to Jesus simply as God reveals Him in His Word, and as He is in Himself, you will see A LOVE-ATTRACTING AND A LIFE-ASSIMILATING SAVIOUR; a Saviour who, when he attracts your love, will assimilate your life to His. (J. Hamilton, D. D.)
Looking unto Jesus
In these words, we have the same sort of invitation that we find in the New Testament: Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden; Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. Such texts as these contain the very secret of Christianity. They meet all our wants, they heal all our sorrows, they save our souls. Christianity consists in having to do with Christ, in having the love of Christ implanted in the soul, and then the spirit of Christ guiding and influencing us every moment of our earthly history.
I. AS TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ADDRESSED. All the ends of the earth--all men.
II. WHY ARE THEY TO LOOK? And be saved. Now, under the New Testament you and I are directed especially to Jesus Christ. He tells us that no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Look upon this for your encouragement, what faith sees when she looks upon Jesus. She finds love in Jesus, pardon in Jesus, peace in Jesus, eternal happiness in Jesus. And this is so with God. He sees the sinner in Jesus, He is satisfied with His atoning work, and accepts the believing sinner for His sake.
III. HOW THEY ARE TO LOOK. The term look in the Word of God is ordinarily intended to mean belief. That we should look to the Lord Jesus expecting something, just as the lame man looked at Peter and John at the Beautiful gate of the temple, expecting to receive something of them.
1. If you can take this view of Christ, that He intends your salvation, then there will be a look of real sorrow for sin. We shall mourn for sin on the one hand, but rejoice in Christ Jesus on the other.
2. A look of acquiescence, of trust and confidence.
3. A look of prayer. (J. W. Reeve, M. A.)
The saving look
I. THE NATURE OF THE COMMAND, or what it is to look at the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The very idea of looking to the Saviour, implies a looking off ourselves, our idols, our sins, our righteousnesses, and our unrighteousnesses. It is to look off our duties, our prayers, our tears, our humiliations, our resolutions, and simply and singly to look to Christ for salvation.
2. To look at Christ for salvation implies a conscious need of salvation.
3. To look at Christ is to look at Him not only as the very Christ of God, but as the Son of God.
4. To look at Christ is to look to Him for a whole salvation.
II. THE NECESSITY OF THE PRECEPT. We have a natural disinclination to it; we naturally look at any other object. When in the world, and of the world, this is grossly the case. Our friends, our families, our prospects, profits, our pleasures, our sins, form our world. If we withdraw from its grossness, and are mingled Up with its more decent enjoyments, and add something of religion; its forms, its ceremonies, its worship, quite occupy us. Our little orbit of vision is full, quite full; we can look at nothing else. A mere hand before the eyes hides the sun. We think ourselves far better than many, far from being so vile as some; and even after the Holy Spirit has convinced us of sin, yet still what backwardness to look to Christ!
III. THE BLESSED EFFECT OF OBEYING THE PRECEPT. Salvation.
1. How wonderful is this salvation--that one real look at Christ has eternal life in it; that if the vilest sinner do but look at Him, he is saved even at the eleventh hour!
2. The longer thou livest, the more the Spirit will open the depravities of thy nature to thee. As He does this, pray that He may open the very grace and glories of Jesus to thee.
3. When, through the power of the Holy Spirit, this peace is established in thy conscience, through the precious blood of the Cross, seek its increase into the full assurance of hope, in all the ways of holy walking, still looking to Jesus for all the supplies of His grace and Spirit. (J. H. Evans, M. A.)
The extent of the Gospel call
I. AN OBJECT OF ATTRACTION. Me; the true God--the one Saviour, and none else but Me. But in what capacity is Christ exhibited in the Gospel?
1. As a Mediator.
2. As the Lord our righteousness.
3. As the Fountain to wash away sin.
4. As the sinners Life.
II. AN ACT CALLED FORTH. Look unto Me, or as some would understand the original, Turn your face to Me from false idols. This act implies--
1. Knowledge.
2. Faith.
3. Conversion. Every man has gone astray from God.
4. A waiting posture.
III. THE EXTENT OF THIS CALL. All the ends of the earth. This phrase imples--
1. That all men have gone astray from God.
2. That God is no respecter of persons.
3. That there is salvation in no other.
4. The sufficiency there is m Christ to every returning, soul.
IV. THE BENEFITS inseparably connected with a looking to Jesus Christ. And be saved--not be made rich for threescore years and ten. No! and be saved. (T. Jones.)
Looking unto Christ
I. IN WHAT MANNER WE ARE TO LOOK TO CHRIST.
1. With an eye of faith. To direct our thoughts to Him in the same manner as to any other person, is not enough.
2. With eager desire of relief.
3. With gratitude and love.
4. As an example of righteousness whom it behoves us to follow.
5. As our Intercessor.
II. SOME CONSIDERATIONS TO ENFORCE THE DUTY.
1. Who is the glorious Object to which you are required to look? None other than the Son of God.
2. Who it is that requires you to look.
3. It is salvation for which we are to look.
4. The facility of the duty here enjoined.
5. The boundless extent of the invitation. (A. Ramsay, M. A.)
Looking within, looking around, and looking up
Let us hear the story of the Look--a story in three chapters.
I. Chapter the first. HOW HE LOOKED WITHIN. I do not know much about him, except this. How it came about, indeed, I know not. Whether it was some sermon that smote him; whether it was the death of some neighbour; whether it was some peril of his own; whether it was some sharp sickness that overtook him, I know not; but so it was. One day that man stopped and looked in at himself, and he said, There is no mistake about it; I am wrong, I can see. I am all wrong, and I will just set to work, and I will make things right. I will turn over a new leaf. And he set to work, and he began to tie up his sins with the strong cords of his resolutions and his good desires, and there he set them all of a row. This was never going to be indulged any more, and this should not, and the other should be denied. All went well for a day, and then something or other came across him, and snap went the cords, and up sprang one old sin. Snap went the cords, and another sprang at him. There, he said, I knew that it was no good my trying, and he just gave it up. Who is that? You. I think I see here a man who has turned over a new leaf. Here it is all white and clean without a blot. Ah, there is a blot now. Oh, there is another smudge; there is a mistake. If we cannot find a better way than turning over new leaves, we shall soon give it up in despair. Besides, if thou couldst do so, what would it do for thee? Here is a man who has got into low water, and he cannot make ends meet, and one day a friend steps in to advise him and finds him in a state of glee, and the man says, I have got credit for this, and I have received this; and there he is filling up the column of his receipts. Why, what does this mean? says the friend--My dear fellow, you have forgotten the brought forward. You have left out the carried over. That dreadful carried over! That awful brought forward! What about the past? There it is, what can I do with it? We have not done with that chapter yet, for there is a second part of it. You say to me, Yes; I can see that if I am ever going to be what I want to be, I must just come right up to God, and let Him do it. But, dear friend, what ails thee? Well, you see, I do not know. I have not got any faith. I have not got any repentance I have not got any earnestness. What is a man like I am to do? Hast thou never learnt how to make thy hindrances into thy helps? Hast thou never learnt how to make thy very need thy claim upon thy God? I pray thee now, just as thou art, with all thy sense of want, lift up thine eyes. Why, the only thing that I know about repentance is what I feel in my heart when I see Jesus. I have never found any place of repentance except at the foot of the Cross. The only thing that I know about faith is what springs up in my heart when I look at Jesus. Faith does not come from looking within. Let thy whole soul say, I will look unto Him, and be saved.
II. Chapter the second. HOW HE LOOKED ROUND. You say, There is to-morrow; people would notice the change, and I should not like to tell them that I had given myself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and how I was going to be His soldier and His servant; and there would be the sneer, and scorn, and ridicule, and one would perhaps try this temptation, and another would see whether I could bear the other, and I do not know that I could. The Gospel is, that Christ comes right to me and takes my hand. He lives, and He comes to thee and me, and He saith, Thou art setting forth to be My child and My servant, and I am never going to let thee be alone. Now, wilt thou put thy hand in His? But we have not done with the second chapter quite yet. I can think of some one going a step farther and saying, Well, I do look to Jesus, you know, and I am looking to Him, and I have been trying to look to Him, but somehow or other I cannot get on. Why not? Well, it may be that you are looking around still. Some of you say to me, Well, you see, I look to Him, but I cannot rejoice. I do not feel happy. Well, I do not know that it says, Feel happy. It says, Look unto Me, and be ye saved. I think that we must let the Lord Jesus Christ take care of our feelings. All we have get to do is just to look to Him. But we look around at one man and another. Somebody says to me, John Bunyan went for three months weeping and crying. I am a dry eyes; I cannot shed a tear. Well, who wants you to shed a tear? What have you got to do with other people? We will look no more round.
III. Chapter the third. HOW HE LOOKED UP. You must look up. Will you? (M. GuyPearse.)
Would you be saved?
The object of salvation is to bring a man into harmonious communion with God.
I. ALL MEN NEED TO BE SAVED. We need to be saved--
1. From our propensity to wrong-doing.
2. We need also to be saved from our spirit of unrest.
3. From our weakness in being overcome by pain and trouble.
4. From our fear of death.
II. GOD DOES NOT FORCE ANY MAN TO BE SAVED AGAINST HIS WILL. In the occurrences of this life we may have to employ force sometimes to save the body of a fellow-creature against his will. But God cannot act so, because He is God, and would have men love Him. The only way God has of compelling us to follow Him is through the attraction of His love, as shown in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life on the Cross for love of us. Love is the strongest power in the universe, for God is Love.
III. THE POWER AND SIMPLICITY OF THE SALVATION OFFERED TO US.
1. Its power. Salvation does not exist anywhere except in God. We ministers are only like the boys with handbills inviting you in to buy salvation from our Master without money.
2. The simplicity of the salvation. It is to be had for a look; but it must be--
(1) A penitent look.
(2) A look of entreaty, the sort of look that a man has who is trying to save himself from drowning, and seeing you, calls to you for help.
(3) A look of hope.
(4) A look of faith.
IV. IT IS A UNIVERSAL INVITATION, embracing, all the ends of the earth. You know what the ends are. When a coat becomes frayed, or a shawl worn, the ends are of no use and you cut them off. The outcasts of men, of what use are they? This salvation is for the despised ones, for the very ends that the world throws away; and, better still, it is for you. (W. Birch.)
The Gospel simple, rich, universal
I. HERE IS THE SIMPLEST METHOD. Look unto Me. I give the highest praise to the man of science who can unify the manifold facts of the world, and to the philosopher who can reduce to order the strange and complex phenomena of the mind. How I should thank the God who expresses His will for me in a single word, and that word so easy and unencumbered.
II. HERE IS THE RICHEST BOON. And be ye saved. Salvation is a treasure unutterably and inconceivably great. If it begins with no condemnation, it ends with no separation. There is pardon in it, and holiness, and wisdom, and power; there is the blessed life here, and hereafter there is the life of full and everlasting and passionless renown.
III. HERE IS THE WIDEST OUTLOOK. All the ends of the earth--thus far the love of the Father and the grace of the Son and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit travel and reach. There is nothing calculating, niggardly, arithmetical in Gods largesse and bounty. (A. Smellie, M. A.)
Look and be saved
(Isa_45:22-25):--
I. A BLESSED INVITATION. Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
1. The subject to which it refers is unspeakably momentous. The word saved is easily pronounced, but who can comprehend the fulness of its meaning?
2. The duty it enjoins for securing this great blessing is exceedingly simple. Look unto Me. Many are quite confounded at the simplicity of the Gospel terms of salvation.
3. The range of this invitation is unlimited. All the ends of the earth. The call is wide as the world.
4. The ground on which it rests is highly encouraging. For I am God, and there is none else. In a previous verse it is said, They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. The idols of the heathen are altogether impotent. But our God is able to save, and He alone is able. At the same time, something more than mere power is necessary, and that something is not wanting in Him to whom we are invited to look. He is a just God and a Saviour.
II. AN EMPHATIC PROCLAMATION. I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return; that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. In reference to this subjection two things are stated--
1. Its universality. In the time of Elijah, God had reserved unto Himself seven thousand men who had not bowed the knee to Baal; but here we have a period predicted when idols shall be utterly abolished.
2. Its certainty. I have sworn by Myself. These emphatic expressions denote that the purpose was made in the most solemn manner, and ratified in the most sacred form. It is a purpose, therefore, that will be infallibly executed. From henceforth expecting. says the apostle of the enthroned Redeemer, till His enemies be made His footstool. And has He not ample grounds for such an expectation? The desires even of the righteous shall be granted, their hope will not be disappointed; how certain, then, must be the fulfilment of the desires and hopes of Him whom the Father heareth always? Is it not said, Ask of Me? &c.
III. A WISE RESOLUTION. Surely, shall one say, &c. (Isa_45:24). The two blessings which are here referred to, are absolutely necessary to salvation, and all who are enlightened from above will be led to apply for them where alone they are to be found. It is here stated, Surely shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: let each of us determine, by Divine aid, to be that one. It must be a personal resolution, as the surrender is a personal surrender. It is added, Even to Him shall men come, i.e they will apply to Him for these blessings. On the other hand, He will be made known by terrible things in righteousness to those who refuse to seek His face, and continue to rebel against His authority. All that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed.
IV. AN IMPORTANT DECLARATION. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. (Anon.)
The metaphor of looking
In the language of metaphor the mind has got an eye as well as the body. We say, Look at this fact; look at this or that other historic personage; look at Luther; look at Julius Caesar; look at Abraham; and we all understand what is meant when such language is employed. It is in some such a way that we are told to look at the Saviour. (J. Hamilton, D. D.)
Looking to God
While the moon looketh directly upon the sun, she is bright and beautiful; but if she once turn aside, and be left to herself, she loseth all her glory, and enjoys but only a shadow of light, which is her own. (J. Trapp.)
The contrite soul must look away from self
Passing through a graveyard with her parents, a little girl drew them after her to look at a beautiful stone figure of the Christ, with a face full of suffering and yet of tenderest pity, leaning upon a massive marble cross. As they paused to look, she held her head down and said in a low voice, I can hardly lift up my eyes to look at Him, I have done so many wrong things. It is just because we have done so many wrong things that we have need to lift up our eyes to look at Him. (Quiver.)
Looking
Some years ago I was asked by a workman to see a dying fellow-creature, as this man said in his peculiar way, to pilot him to heaven. I went, and found that the poor man was too far gone to speak. All he could do was to look. I did not know whether he could hear, for when I spoke he only looked at me. Wishing at least to show him the way of salvation, I took a picture from the wall, turned it, and then drew on it with my lead pencil the figure of the Cross with Jesus upon it. I held this picture before the mans eyes, and then he looked at me in an expressive way, and tried to nod his head. Shortly after he died. (W. Birch.)
Looking up and lifted up
In Mrs. Fletchers biography she tells us of a convert who had a strange dream. He thought he was down a very steep well in the night, and, looking up, he saw a single star shining far above him, and it seemed to let down lines of silver light that took hold upon him and lifted him up. Then he looked down and began to go down. He looked up and began to go up, and he looked down again and began to go down; and he found that by simply keeping his eye on that star he rose out of the well, and his foot stood on the firm ground. A parable is in the dream. If you look down, you go down; if you look up, you go up. There must be first the looking up before there can be the lifting up. (J. S. Drummond.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary1892 · Public DomainOn v23(Missionary Sermon.)
CHRIST’S DOMINION
(Missionary Sermon.)
Read full note →
Isa_45:23. I have sworn by Myself, &c.
To “bow the knee” is to render homage as to a king. To “swear” is formally to accept and profess allegiance. It supposes a monarch. The text finds its fulfilment in Christ, and is applied to Him (Rom_14:11; Php_2:9-11). It sets forth the glory of His dominion.
I. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH WHICH IT IS CONSTITUTED.
By His Godhead, He has a right to the allegiance of all His creatures. His dominion over them can never be relinquished. When such as have rebelled return to their allegiance, they restore the right which has been unjustly withheld.
But He has acquired the right of supremacy over the mediatorial kingdom by His mediatorial work. His death on the Cross acquired it. The passage already named from the Epistle to the Philippians, with others, traces the Redeemer’s exaltation to His atoning death. One who has well executed the earlier stages of a great work is likely to be entrusted with its completion. Joseph was the most likely to carry into effect the plans he had indicated to Pharaoh.
II. THE UNIVERSE TO WHICH IT WILL BE EXTENDED.
The terms here and elsewhere are universal. The corresponding passages enter into detail. They specify the world, heaven, the unseen realm of spirits.
1. The inanimate and irrational parts of creation are unconsciously subordinated to His authority. The dominion over the inferior creation was given to the first man. It was weakened by the Fall. Restored and realised in Christ (Psa_8:4-8; Heb_2:6-9). It will be consummated at the resurrection (Rom_8:19-23). They are mixed up with man from the beginning. Therefore subordinated to Christ.
2. The holy and the renewed parts of the universe are willingly subordinated to His authority.
(1.) Holy angels (Isaiah 6, compared with Joh_12:41; Eph_1:20-23). They ministered to Him on earth. Would have come in legions to save Him from death, had He willed. An army always at His command. They are ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation. Beautiful doctrine of their perpetual environment. It is a consolatory thought in perilous crises.
(2.) Renewed men. His dominion over them is a spiritual dominion. He reigns in their hearts. Because of what He has done for them, and because of what He is, they love Him. Therefore they willingly subject themselves to His authority. They are zealous for His honour. They stand up for Him against the world’s hostility.
3. The hostile and impenitent part of mankind will be eventually subordinated to His authority. Prophetic Scripture is full of the idea of a universal reign of righteousness in this world through the universal prevalence of the Gospel. Ignorance will be dispelled; idolatry will disappear; indifference and unbelief will be destroyed; sin, if not extinct, will be hated; peace and righteousness will be the universal characteristic of mankind; primitive purity will be combined with high civilisation. The poetry of the Bible description of the latter day is well worthy the attention of all who are interested in the progress of mankind and in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (H. E. I. 979–1162).
III. THE CERTAINTY WITH WHICH IT IS ASSURED.
The text is the strongest form of asseveration. It rests on the word of God which cannot be recalled or falsified, and on the oath of God which He sometimes uses for confirmation. On certain solemn occasions, when the greatness of the blessing and the difficulties in the way of its realisation rendered it desirable, He has confirmed His word of promise by a solemn oath (Gen_22:16-17). Thus here. And this word is being fulfilled:—
1. In the mission and work of Christ. In order to its fulfilment, He became incarnate, lived His life on earth, offered the sacrifice of Himself. This is the power which is destined to attract all men to Him. He is exalted to the throne, where He reigns until all His enemies shall be subdued.
2. In the dispensations of His Providence. In the exercise of His royal authority, He gave the command to preach the Gospel; a command which is permanently binding on His disciples. He opens doors of entrance in every part of the world; in India, China, and many other countries now, as in the Roman empire at first. He fills the Church with requisite power. Men are raised up with Christ’s love in their hearts and a sacred willingness to enter these doors. Money is placed in the possession of the Church sufficient for the occupation of the fields of usefulness that are from time to time opened. It is His will that by means of His Church the prediction shall be accomplished.
3. In the work of the Holy Spirit. Whatever of sovereignty must be assumed in contemplating the principle on which the Holy Spirit is bestowed in order to the world’s subjection to Christ, it is certain that as much of the Spirit is bestowed as the Church is at any time prepared for by labour, prayer, faith.
Now all this is in the course of being accomplished. It seems slow. Creation was slow. Almost all great works are accomplished slowly. Yet it is really proceeding. See how the principles of the Gospel and the men of the Gospel are leavening society. Our duty is clear. Bow the knee to Christ. Believe in Him. Work for Him. Support His cause. Pray for its extension.—J. Rawlinson.
THE FUTURE TRIUMPHS OF THE GOSPEL
Isa_45:23-24. I have sworn by Myself, &c.
These words announce—
I. A UNIVERSAL SUBJECTION. “Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall swear.”
1. “I have sworn by Myself.” It is implied that God has a right to this subjection. This right is peculiar and perfect; superior to that of any master to a servant, or a sovereign to a subject, for God has an entire and absolute property in us all. Our very existence is owing to Him. We breathe His air, eat at His table, wear His apparel, and are daily living upon His bounty. If He were to call you to Him, and say, “Take that thine is, and go thy way,” what would you take? You could not take even yourself, but would relapse into non-existence (Act_17:28).
2. This submission is not natural. “Unto me shall every knee bow, and every tongue shall swear.” Their previous condition was a state of alienation and rebellion. The Bible, throughout, assumes that this is man’s present state (H. E. I. 3390–3396).
3. This submission is to be universal. “Unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Christ had no doubt that His kingdom, though small in its commencement, would spread far and wide (Mat_13:31-33). Hitherto the progress of Christianity has been comparatively small, and its success much confined. There is no country, or town, or village, where even the majority are as yet governed by it. But it is not to be so always (Psa_72:11; Zec_14:9; H. E. I. 979).
4. This submission is Divinely assured. How strong is the pledge here given! “By Myself have I sworn. The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return.” If it be a righteous thing for God to do, He will do it. Some of God’s words have returned to Him, but they were threatenings, and threatenings are conditional (e.g., Jon_3:4). But here the engagement is absolute: it is nothing less than an oath. But was it necessary for God thus to bind Himself down? No; but “an oath for confirmation is an end of all strife,” “wherein God, willing therefore to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath; that by two immutable things”—for His word is as immutable as His oath—we might be encouraged to look forward with confident hope to a brighter future for our world.
II. THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS SUBMISSION IS TO BE EXEMPLIFIED. “Surely shall one say, In the Lord have I righteousness and strength; even to Him shall all men come.”
This shows us that that universal homage is to be eventually paid to God in Christ. For it is with God in Christ that we have to do (Joh_5:22; Php_2:9-11).
“Even to Him shall all men come.” To whom should men go for help, but to Him in whom all power is to be found? If there were but one well in a neighbourhood, all the inhabitants around would flock to it for water. If there were only one refuge from a cruel and victorious enemy, thither would all the people hasten. When the famine was in Egypt and the surrounding countries, Jacob said in effect to his sons, “Go unto Joseph; he is in possession of the corn.” All that these symbols set forth is to be found in Christ. “To Him,” said dying Jacob, “shall the gathering of the people be.”
III. THE CONSEQUENCES OF REFUSING TO SUBMIT TO OUR MERCIFUL KING. “And all that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed.”
1. It seems strange that such characters as these could be found; yet such is the case (Psa_2:2-3). You are mistaken, if you suppose that the men of the world will love and admire your religion. They hated its Founder, not only “without a cause,” but for the very excellences He displayed. Heathen philosophers thought that if Virtue appeared incarnate, all the world would fall in love with her. It did appear; thirty-three years “the image of the invisible God” was seen going about “doing good,”—and what was the result? The men of the world pursued Him with remorseless malice, and hung Him on a tree!
In like manner, the Church of Christ was opposed by them from its earliest commencement. They employed every kind of persecution against His cause and disciples. So it is still. In every self-righteous character there is a settled opposition against the sovereignty and grace of God (H. E. I. 2677–2679).
2. The future of these foes of Christ. “All that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed” (Rev_17:14; Isa_60:12; Luk_19:27). “All,” whether high or low, the moral as well as the profligate. “All!” There may be many of them, but though hand join in hand, yet shall not the wicked go unpunished. Their multitude will not afford any alleviation to their misery. “The way of transgressors is hard” ever here, and it leads down to the chambers of eternal death. But there is a Saviour able and willing to save the chief of sinners, and who will in no wise cast out any who come unto Him.”—William Jay: Sunday Evening Sermons, pp. 33–40.
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND STRENGTH
Isa_45:24. In the Lord have I righteousness and strength.
One distinguishing praise of the Gospel dispensation is its completeness. All the spiritual wants of those who embrace it are therein provided for. This completeness is all in Christ. In Him are all the believers’ supplies treasured up; out of His fulness they must daily receive “grace for grace.” The great variety of their necessities, and of His gifts, may be reduced to the two mentioned in the text. All they want is a title to heaven, and a qualification for the enjoyment of it; whatever gifts comprehend both these, comprehend all they can require; and righteousness is their title to heaven, strength secures their meetness for it.
I. In the Lord the Believer has Righteousness. In himself, he has none. There is hardly anything more plainly taught in Scripture than this. Nevertheless men are apt to suppose they have a righteousness of their own—a righteousness of the law. Such a righteousness St. Paul had at one time: if you would learn what value he put upon it when he was instructed in the truths of the Gospel, read Php_3:8-10. He counted such a righteousness loss, instead of gain. His prayer was, that in the last day he might be found, not in it, but in “that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” This is the only righteousness which will avail us anything then; and this the believer has in the Lord. It is this, because Christ is his. He has not wrought it himself: Christ has wrought it for him. But though he has not the glory, he has the benefit. The reward of righteousness is his also. Being justified in Christ, he shall also be glorified with Him.
II. In the Lord the Believer has Strength. In him dwelleth no good thing. He cannot produce from the stock of nature one truly holy fruit. “The carnal mind is enmity against God.” What one action truly good and pleasing to God can enmity produce? The enmity must be first removed, and the principle of love implanted in the breast, before the work of love can proceed from it. Man, in his natural state, may imitate good actions, but his actions cannot be really good, however well they may look. The tree must be made good ere the fruit can be good. For this the Saviour’s strength is necessary (Joh_15:5 : 1Co_15:10; Gal_2:20; Php_4:13; H. E. I. 2391, 4080, 4081).
Thus simple and intelligible is our religion. It presents us with one great object, JESUS CHRIST; and bids us seek all we need in Him. In doing this day by day, lies the art of maintaining peace of conscience, and of acquiring a growing victory over every lust within and every foe without.
PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS—
1. Renounce all other righteousness but that of Christ. Otherwise, you dishonour Him and injure your own souls. If you do not trust wholly to Christ’s righteousness, on the ground of your acceptance with God, you do not trust it at all to any saving purpose (H. E. I. 1960, 2411, 2412). A clearer vision of the law would show us that nothing but the righteousness of Christ can satisfy its demands.
2. Renounce all dependence on your own resolutions. So long as you trust in them, the offer of Christ’s strength must be superfluous to you. What have your resolutions amounted to? To anything really holy and spiritual? And what has been the effect of them? How often have you carried them out? Have you not repeatedly failed to do so? Will you go on risking your eternal welfare on those expedients which already have failed you a thousand times? True holiness is within your reach, but not by any strength of your own. You must believe in Jesus for it, if you would be partakers of it in truth. And in Him only must you trust (H. E. I. 932, 933, 4766).
3. Be diligent in making use of Christ for both righteousness and strength. It is not enough that you renounce false grounds of peace and rejoicing. The work of every day must be to live on Christ, that by His righteousness you may have peace, hope, and joy; by His strength, victory and holiness. Does conscience trouble you? Endeavour to get a clearer sight of and a firmer hold on the righteousness of Christ (H. E. I. 1893, 1894, 3350). When worldly cares press upon you, when temptations beset you, when you find it very difficult to walk in the way of duty, lay hold on the Redeemer’s strength. Practical Christianity is, from beginning to end, nothing else but living a life of faith on the Son of God. Let this one thing, then, be the business of every day. Every day brings its trials, its snares, its peculiar duties, its advantages, its opportunities—go forth to meet and use them only in the name and power of Christ. So each day will be a day of victory. To overcome the world is a great thing, a far greater thing than many suppose; but in the strength of Christ it shall be accomplished by the believer (1Jn_5:4; Rom_8:37; H.E.I. 1078, 1098, 938, 945).—John Fawcett, A.M., Sermons, vol. i. pp. 74–89.
GLORYING IN THE LORD
Isa_45:24-25. Surely, shall one say, &c.
Even from the gospel of the Old Testament we may derive an answer to the interesting inquiry, “How can a man be just with God?”
I. THE BELIEVER’S SOURCE OF SALVATION. The text contemplates men as sinful, i.e., polluted, weak, and guilty; accordingly it describes the Lord as being—
1. The source of his “righteousness.” Both the principle and practice originate in the grace of God. And in every stage of the process “salvation is of the Lord” (Joh_20:1-6; Eph_4:24; Php_1:11; Isa_26:12).
2. The source of his “strength.” There is a wide difference between perceiving what is right, or even de siring to act aright, and actually performing the will of God. The Lord imparts the energy by which we do His will (Php_4:13); the fortitude by which we suffer His will (Rom_5:3-5); and the persevering and unconquerable firmness with which we sustain the attacks of our enemies (Rom_8:37). Strength, suited and proportionate, is promised (Isa_40:29; Deu_33:25; Isa_41:10); and these promises are verified by the experiences of the faithful (2Sa_22:40; 2Co_12:9-10).
3. The source of his “justification.” Not personal and perfect innocence, for, Rom_3:23; but that state which results from forgiveness. Of this “the Lord” must have the “glory,” for He has provided the means of pardon (Isa_53:6; Rom_3:25); He propounds the terms of pardon (Joh_3:16; Rom_3:26); He bestows that grace by which we obtain pardon (Eph_2:8; Col_2:12); He grants the pardon desired (Rom_3:24; Rom_8:33; Col_3:13); He blesses with a sense of pardon (Gal_4:4-6); and He will attest their pardon, in a public justification of His servants at the last day (Rom_2:4-10; Mat_25:34-40).
II. THE BELIEVER’S HUMBLE ACKNOWLEDGMENT. This is—
1. The language of humble confession; of weakness and inability. The text may refer to the past and the present.
2. The language of humble gratitude.
3. Or the text may respect the future; and then, by way of anticipation, this is the language of humble confidence (2Co_1:10).
4. This is also the language of humble but exulting triumph (Isa_51:9-11; Rom_8:35-39; Psa_23:4; 1Co_15:55; Rom_2:7-10; Rev_1:5-6).
This language is rendered all the more striking by contrast, “all that are accursed,” &c.; shall be confounded at their stupid infidelity, &c.—Sketches of Sermons, vol. iii. pp. 54–58.
THE SEED OF ISRAEL
Isa_45:25. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory.
I. WHO ARE THE SUBJECTS OF THIS PROMISE? “All the seed of Israel.” To Jacob this name was first given, and you know how he obtained it; how he was knighted on the field of battle. It is a name of high honour: “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel” [i.e., a prince with God]; “for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” The promise is to his “seed.”
“The seed of Israel” may be viewed under two aspects. First, as Jews, the natural descendants of Jacob. They nearly always were, and are now, very far from being the people of God, unless by a national covenant. But the period will come when the veil will be taken away from their hearts, and this promise will then be fulfilled to them.
But there is another aspect under which we may view Israel. Observe the distinction which our Saviour makes when speaking of Nathaniel: “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” In speaking of him as “an Israelite,” He distinguishes him from men of other nations, and by calling him “an Israelite indeed,” He distinguishes him from men of his own nation (Rom_9:6). All along there were some in Israel who, like their ancestors, were partakers of faith and humility. These were peculiarly “the Israel of God,” and the ground of their being so called was not their natural relationship to Jacob, but their spiritual relationship to him (Rom_2:28-29). Therefore, if your hearts are circumcised—if you are renewed in the spirit of your minds—you are “the Israel of God” (Php_3:3; Gal_3:29).
But who of this “seed of Israel” are entitled to the promise? All of them! “In the Lord shall all,” &c.
1. The expression seems to imply number. Though the righteous have always been few when compared with the wicked around them, yet collectively considered, and when gathered out of all nations and tongues, they will be “a number which no man can number” (Heb_2:10, and especially Isa_53:11, “satisfied!”).
2. It expresses impartiality. There is no difference here as to country, condition, or complexion (Rom_8:14; Gal_3:26-28). Children differ in age, size, strength, feature, but they form one and the same family. Before the time of harvest the wheat grows in various places, and is separated by hedges and walls, but when it is reaped it is carried home and gathered into the same garner, while no inquiry is made whether it grew in this enclosure or that. “All the seed of Israel” have one Father, are all included in the same eternal purpose, redeemed by the same precious blood, justified by the same grace, destined to the same glory. Therefore you should love them all, and never be ashamed to hold communion with those with whom Christ holds communion.
III. WHAT IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THIS PROMISE?
1. The dignity of the Benefactor. “In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.” Who is the person here spoken of? A very important inquiry. Wherever you see “the LORD” in capitals in the Bible, you are apprised of the word JEHOVAH in the original. This name is therefore applied to Christ; for it is certainly of Him that it is said in the preceding verse, “Surely shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness,” &c. “Why, then, you would make Jesus Christ to be God?” No, I do not make Him to be so: I find Him to be so. And it is necessary that He should be so, for without this there could not be an all-sufficiency of worth to expiate our offences, or of power to save us from the dominion and pollution of sin. It is necessary for us that we should be able to say, “My Lord and my God!”
2. The relation on which the blessedness here promised depends: “In the Lord. Of this “in” much is said in Scripture (Isa_45:24; 2Co_5:17; Eph_1:3; Php_3:8). Between Christ and all His people there was a virtual union before the world began, and there is now a vital and a visible union—a vital union, when they are enabled to receive and embrace Him by faith; a visible one, when they join His Church, and make a profession of His name. Not only is He the source of blessedness, but we can be partakers of it only by being in Him. A refuge is a place of safety, but you can be secure only by being in it. The ark preserved Noah and his family, but had they been out of it when the rain descended, they would have perished along with the unbelieving world; but “the Lord shut him in,” and therefore he was preserved. Consider also our Saviour’s teaching in Joh_15:4-5.
3. The privilege here promised. It takes in two things:—
(1.) Justification. “In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory.” Does this mean that they shall be justified from imputations and slanders? Yes, in a sense this may be implied, so that the Christian may say, “He is near to justify me” (see Psa_37:5-6). So Joseph and David were in due time cleared from the calumnies that were cast upon them. So shall it be with all God’s people who have borne reproach for His sake (P. D. 3114).
But the greater blessing here promised is justification from sin. This is the blessing that descends on all believers in Christ Jesus (Act_13:39; 2Co_5:21). How was Christ “made sin for us?” By imputation only. Our sin was reckoned to Him, and He became responsible for the consequences (1Pe_3:18). How are we made righteous before God? In the very same way. Christ’s righteousness is reckoned to us, and in consequence of it we are absolved and justified. How far does this justification extend? For answer, see Rom_8:1; Jer_50:20. All true believers in Christ are now “accepted in the Beloved,” both as to their persons and their services, and are not only freed from the curse of the law, but are invested with a title to everlasting life.
(2.) Exaltation. The exultation of which our text speaks will be the natural result and expression of the exaltation which God has in reserve for His people. Poor, mean, despised, they may be now, but then the shout of a King shall be heard among them. Is that King ours? Let us never be ashamed now to own, to talk of, to publish Him in whom we then shall glory. Soon “He will come again to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in them that believe.”—William Jay: Sunday Evening Sermons, pp. 41–47.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv22, 24General Information:
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking.
Read full note →
Turn to me and be saved
This can be stated in active form. AT: "Turn to me and I will save you" (See: Active or Passive)
all the ends of the earth
The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. AT "all the farthest places of the earth" or "the entire earth" (See: Metaphor and Merism)
all the ends of the earth
Here this phrase represents the people who live at "the ends of the earth." AT: "you who live at the farthest places of the earth" or "all of you who live on the earth" (See: Metonymy)
To me every knee will bend, every tongue will swear
The words "knee" and "tongue" represent the people. AT: "Every person will kneel before me, and everyone will swear" (See: Synecdoche)
Tyndale Open Study Notes2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv22–2445:22 Let all the world look to me: All…
45:22 Let all the world look to me: All humanity needs to seek the Lord, the true God who created all things, while he may be found (55:6). • In God there is salvation, the only hope for all of humanity (45:8).
GEBible — Godless Engineer's Bible App
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv22–24 He calleth the idolaters to repentance, willing them to…
He calleth the idolaters to repentance, willing them to look unto him with the eye of faith.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv22–24 Isa 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved,…
Isa 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.
Ver. 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved.] While the moon looketh directly upon the sun, she is bright and beautiful; but if she once turn aside and be left to herself, she loseth all her glory, and enjoys but only a shadow of light, which is her own; so while men look to Christ, the "Sun of righteousness," and toward the "stars in his right hand."
Read full note →
For I am God, and none else.] This Judas Maccabeus acknowledged in his ensign, wherein this motto was written, Mi Camoca Belohim Iehovah, i.e., " Who is like unto thee among the gods, O Lord?" from the capital letters of which motto he took his name Maccabi. {a}
{a} Godw., Heb. Antiqu.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv22–24 Upon these considerations, I advise all people upon earth,…
Upon these considerations, I advise all people upon earth, from one end to the other, to cast away their idols, and to turn their eyes and hearts to me, expecting salvation from me, and from me only; and their labour shall not be in vain; for they shall be saved: the imperative being put for the future, as Gen 42:18, and oft elsewhere. And this is not only an exhortation to the Gentiles to turn from idols to God, but a prediction that they shall turn to him, and look upon Christ, who shall be the author of salvation to all that obey him, whether Jews or Gentiles, which is confirmed by the following verse.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv22–24 Look unto me,.... And not to idols, nor to…
Look unto me,.... And not to idols, nor to any creature, nor to the works of your hands; to your own righteousness and doings; to your wounds; to your tears and humiliations; to your own hearts and frames; to your graces and the exercise of them; all must be looked off of, and Christ only looked unto by a direct act of faith, for righteousness, for pardon, for all supplies of grace, and for glory and eternal happiness. He is to be looked unto as the Son of God, whose glory is the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world; as the only Mediator between God and man; as the Saviour and Redeemer of lost sinners; and considered in all his offices and relations: under all circumstances he is to be looked to; when in the dark, look to him for light; when dead and lifeless, look to him for life; when weak, look to him for strength; when sick, look to him for healing; when hungry, look to him for food; and when disconsolate, look to him for comfort; for none ever look to him and are ashamed or disappointed, they have what they look for; and as it is profitable, so pleasant to look to Jesus, and he himself is well pleased with it; and therefore here encourages to it, adding,
and be ye saved; or, "ye shall be saved" (e): Christ is set up in the Gospel, and the ministration of it to be looked at, that men may be saved by him; and it is the will of God, not only that men should look to him, but that whosoever sees him, and believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life: the ministers of the Gospel are appointed to show men the way of salvation by Christ, and to assure them that he that believes in him shall be saved; and saints in all ages have looked unto him, and have been saved by him; and therefore this may be taken for a sure and certain thing, that such that look to Christ, as the Israelites did to the brasen serpent, the type of him, shall be saved, Joh 3:14,
Read full note →
all the ends of the earth; all that live at the furthest part of the earth; Christ has a people there, the Father has given him for his possession, and which are the purchase of his blood, and for whose sins he became the propitiation; and to these he sends his Gospel and his ministers, to find them out, and publish salvation to them, and to assure them, that however distant they are, both as to place and state, yet through looking to him by faith they shall be saved, even though they are the worst and vilest of sinners:
for I am God, and there is none else; and so mighty to save, able to save to the uttermost, all that come to him, and to God by him, be they where they will; since he is truly God, there is virtue enough in his blood to pardon sin, and cleanse from it; and in his righteousness to justify from all sin; and in his sacrifice to expiate it; and therefore sensible sinners may safely look to him, and venture their souls on him. The Targum is,
"look unto my Word, and be ye saved, &c.''
(e) "salvi eritis", V. L. Pagninus, Tigurine version.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv23–24 In righteousness - It is what I will faithfully…
In righteousness - It is what I will faithfully perform. Return - Without effect. It is a metaphor from ambassadors, who sometimes return to their princes without any success in their business. Every tongue - Not only the Jews, but all nations.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv22–24 Verse 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved,…
Verse 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, c.] This verse and the following contain a plain prediction of the universal spread of the knowledge of God through Christ and so the Targum appears to have understood it; see Ro 14:11; Php 2:10. The reading of the Targum is remarkable, viz., אתפנו למימרי ithpeno lemeymri, look to my WORD, ὁ Λογος, the Lord Jesus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v23 Isa 45:23. I have sworn by myself — Which…
Isa 45:23. I have sworn by myself — Which is the highest and most solemn oath possible, Heb 6:13; and therefore signifies that the matter, thus confirmed, is of extraordinary importance. The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness — It is what I will faithfully perform. And shall not return — Namely, unto me void, or without effect, as this phrase is more fully delivered, Isa 55:11. It is a metaphor taken from ambassadors, who sometimes return to their princes without any success in their business. That unto me every knee shall bow — Not only the Jews, but all nations shall worship me, and submit to my laws: which is signified by the bowing of the knee, a posture of reverence and subjection, and by one eminent part of God’s worship, swearing by his name. Surely shall one say — Or, shall he say, each or every one of these, who, he now declared, should bow their knees to God, &c. In the Lord — Hebrew, Jehovah. By, or from God alone, or the Messiah, who is the true Jehovah as well as man; have I righteousness — To justify me from all things, from which I could not be justified by the law of Moses. See Act 13:39. This plainly points us to the Messiah, whose very name is the Lord our righteousness, Jer 23:6; and whose great business it was to bring in everlasting righteousness, Dan 9:24; and who of God is made unto us righteousness, 1Co 1:30. And strength — Support and assistance to bear all my burdens, overcome all my enemies, and perform all my duties. The sense is, The Gentiles shall expect and obtain from Christ both justification, or forgiveness of sins by his blood, and sanctification by his Spirit. Even to him shall men come — The Gentiles shall come to Christ, either, 1st, By constraint, or necessity, to be judged by him at the last day: or, 2d, Willingly by prayer to seek, and by faith to receive, righteousness and strength from him. Coming to Christ is put for believing on him, Mat 11:28; John 5:50, and Joh 6:35-37, and elsewhere. And, or, but, all that are incensed against him — All his implacable enemies shall be brought to shame and punishment.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv22–24 Look unto me, and be ye saved - This…
Look unto me, and be ye saved - This is said in view of the declaration made in the previous verse, that he is a just God and a Saviour. It is because he sustains this character that all are invited to look to him; and the doctrine is, that the fact that God is at the same time just and yet a Saviour, or can save consistently with his justice, is an argument why they should took to him, and confide in him. If he is at the same time just - true to his promises; righteous in his dealings; maintaining the honor of his law and government, and showing his hatred of sin; and also merciful, kind, and forgiving, it is a ground of confidence in him, and we should rejoice in the privilege of looking to him for salvation. The phrase ‘look unto me’ means the same as, direct the attention to as we do to one from whom we expect aid. It denotes a conviction on our part of helplessness - as when a man is drowning, he casts an imploring eye to one on the shore who can help him; or when a man is dying, he casts an imploring eye on a physician for assistance. Thus the direction to look to God for salvation implies a deep conviction of helplessness and of sin; and a deep conviction that he only can save. At the same time it shows the ease of salvation. What is more easy than to look to one for help? What more easy than to cast the eyes toward God the Saviour? What more reasonable than that he should require us to do it? And what more just than that God, if people will not look to him in order that they may be saved, should cast them off forever? Assuredly, if a dying, ruined, and helpless sinner will not do so simple a thing as to look to God for salvation, he ought to be excluded from heaven, and the universe will acquiesce in the decision which consigns him to despair.
All the ends of the earth - For the meaning of this phrase, see the note at Isa 40:28. The invitation here proves:
Read full note →
1. That the offers of the gospel are universal. None are excluded. The ends of the earth, the remotest parts of the world, are invited to embrace salvation, and all those portions of the world might, under this invitation, come and accept the offers of life.
2. That God is willing to save all; since he would not give an invitation at all unless he was willing to save them.
3. That there is ample provision for their salvation; since God could not invite them to accept of what was not provided for them, nor could he ask them to partake of salvation which had no existence.
4. That it is his serious and settled purpose that all the ends of the earth shall be invited to embrace the offers of life.
The invitation has gone from his lips, and the command has gone forth that it should be carried to every creature Mar 16:15, and now it pertains to his church to bear the glad news of salvation around the world. God intends that it shall be done, and on his church rests the responsibility of seeing it speedily executed.
For I am God - This is a reason why they should look to him to be saved. It is clear that none but the true God can save the soul. No one else but he can pronounce sin forgiven; no one but he can rescue from a deserved hell. No idol, no man, no angel can save; and if, therefore, the sinner is saved, he must come to the true God, and depend on him. That he may thus come, whatever may have been his character, is abundantly proved by this passage. This verse contains truth enough, if properly understood and applied, to save the world; and on the ground of this, all people, of all ages, nations, climes, ranks, and character, might come and obtain eternal salvation.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On v23 Myself, having none greater, Hebrews vi. 13. --- Justice:…
Myself, having none greater, Hebrews vi. 13. --- Justice: sure. --- To me. All that are born belong to me. The Jewish women had seldom recourse to midwives, (Exodus i. 19., and 1 Kings iv. 19.; Calmet) no more than the Ethiopians. (Ludolf. i. 14.) --- Swear, by the true God. (Haydock) --- Oaths on proper occasions, honour him, Deuteronomy vi. 13. Nothing could be spoken more plainly of the Gentiles’ conversion.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv22–24 Look . . . and be ye saved--The second…
Look . . . and be ye saved--The second imperative expresses the result which will follow obedience to the first (Gen 42:18); ye shall be saved (Joh 3:14-15). Num 21:9 : "If a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass he lived." What so simple as a look? Not do something, but look to the Saviour (Act 16:30-31). Believers look by faith, the eye of the soul. The look is that of one turning (see Margin) to God, as at once "Just and the Saviour" (Isa 45:21), that is, the look of conversion (Psa 22:27).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv22–24 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved —…
22. Look unto me, and be ye saved — The “just God” is of most tender mercy also, and here invites all the ends of the earth to be “saved” in like manner with Israel.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv22–23 22. Look unto me] is strictly Turn unto me…
22. Look unto me] is strictly Turn unto me (sc. for help), a phrase elsewhere used of the acknowledgment of false gods (Lev_19:4; Hos_3:1; Deu_30:17 &c., Deu_31:18 &c.; cf. Job_5:1). The second imperative expresses the consequence of the first: “Turn to Me and ye shall be saved.” “Salvation” here has still its ordinary sense of deliverance; although the great judgement is past, it is plainly assumed that only those who own Jehovah’s sovereignty shall be spared (Isa_45:23). But the thought that it depends on knowledge of the true God, who is the God of salvation, conveys the suggestion at least of a more positive meaning; cf. Joh_17:3.
22–25. The demonstration of Jehovah’s deity is followed by the proclamation of salvation to all mankind, and the declaration of His purpose that all the world shall worship Him.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv23–24 (23) I have sworn by myself.—The highest conceivable form…
(23) I have sworn by myself.—The highest conceivable form of asseveration (Gen_22:16; Jer_22:5; Heb_6:13).
Unto me every knee shall bow.—The faith of Israel becomes the religion of mankind, though, from the prophet’s standpoint, Israel does not lose its distinctive nationality. We note the application of the words to the Christ in Php_2:10; Rom_14:11.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv22–24 Look unto me; rather, turn unto me; (as in…
Look unto me; rather, turn unto me; (as in Psa_25:16 Psa_69:16 Psa_86:16) i.e., " Be converted turn unto the Lord your God." It is implied that all can turn, if they will. And be ye saved . On conversion, salvation will follow. It will extend even to all the ends of the earth Psa_98:3, "All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God".
The eye of the soul.
Read full note →
Look unto me, and be ye saved." Faith can look! We have the spiritual vision and the spiritual object. "Blessed are your eyes, for they see." We look, and are saved! Yes; and we look in hours of sorrow and unrest, and our burdens are lightened. This is no dream of the quietist; no meditation of the mystic. We do not look into infinity, and feel awe. We do not merely set religious imagination to work. We have a loving Lord and Saviour, to whom we look. "Sir, we would see Jesus." When our eyes are filled with worldly visions; when we are active in the warehouse, the office, the street, the home; then we have experience of time-visions. When our souls are awake we gaze on the unseen Lord, who has been about our path all the day, and who is always waiting to be gracious. What is the exact word, do you say? I see! You are accustomed to a close exegesis of the Scripture. It is well! The Hebrew means, "flowed together." Is not that beautiful? "They looked unto him, and flowed together." We are lightened by oneness with our Lord.
I LOOKING UNTO JESUS LIGHTENS US BY CONSCIOUS SYMPATHY. This always lightens. In a human sense it does. We can enter into each other"s lives, and bear each other"s burdens. We want not more strength, but more cheer. He does not give new faculty, but the Holy Spirit quickens faith; faculty we already have. Think of the one Divine life. Christ knew what it was to go to his Father in prayer, to be alone, to be misunderstood, to be solitary and forsaken. He was tempted, too, in all points as we are, yet without sin. He suffered, being tempted. We look to the Brother as well as the Saviour. Sympathy! Is it not precious? We get hardened by habits, where each has to struggle for himself or herself. Yes, herself! The womanly life is often a heroism of endeavour in the sense of seeking sometimes a livelihood; and the world to a widow does seem a very selfish place at times. Christ was poor. He was, in a human sense, needy. But, you say, even in these lives of struggle and difficulty, the spiritual anxieties are the deepest: to maintain a pure heart, a faithful love, a true conscience, a gracious progress in heavenward affection. Then remember he knows your inner history. Look to him. Seek oneness. Let your life and his "flow together.
II LOOKING UNTO JESUS LIGHTENS US BY CONSCIOUS POWER. He is able to keep able to save. Have you ever been in a gale at sea, and been nervous and timorous? But there, on the bridge, is the calm, keen-eyed, well-trained captain. You feel that there is confidence coming to your heart as you look at him. What waves cannot Christ calm? What coast of life does not he know the soundings of? What can surprise his vigilance, or blind his knowledge, or binder his commands? Even when the earthly physician came to your sick child, you watched his face and were lightened; he hoped, and you renewed your strength. A Christ less than Divine is no real refuge for such anxious souls as ours. We need not only beautiful ethics, exquisite parables; but we want Divine authority: I will; be thou clean!" We are at rest when we can say with the centurion, "Truly this was the Son of God." We feel how guilty we are. We admit no man, no priest, into the picture-gallery of the soul. We decline to reveal our leprosy of heart to our fellow-men. But we are all polluted and evil; and we have deep repose of heart when we come to the one fountain open for sin and uncleanness, and know that Christ is "able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him." No look lightens us which is merely imitative which is a lesson-look of duty. We need a great Saviour as well as a great Teacher.
III LOOKING UNTO JESUS LIGHTENS US BY CONSCIOUS OBEDIENCE. This comes next. We flow together, not merely in sympathy, but in life and service. We do his commandments; we know in following him we are in the right path; and how it lightens one to feel that the way is right, however hard and painful it may be! Rectitude is the music of the soul. Is not this sometimes forgotten? you say. Or, if not forgotten, is obedience relegated to a very inferior place by some Christians? Yes; they mean well, but they take a superficial view of the gospel. Removal of guilt is not all. Doing is not a deadly thing, it does not end in death if it is life-doing and not law-doing. Christ says, "Keep my commandments." "This do, and thou shalt live." We are never lightened by self-indulgent piety, which leaves all to God. We are to exercise our graces; to use what Paul calls "the gymnastic of godliness a beautiful expression. Looking to Jesus, we shall gain strength for every earnest endeavour after the Divine life. But is there not a danger of spiritual pride? Is it not better to feel God does all? There is no one of us free from the danger of spiritual pride. We must all watch and pray against it. But you may detect spiritual pride often very manifestly in those who think that they, and they alone, know the entire secret of God"s will; and their secret is, a leaving it all to him. Then pride says, See; I am free from legalism, and I have no danger of self-righteousness." Pride may hide under this cloak of confessed humility. We are only safe in Christ"s own way. He and no earthly teacher is to be really our spiritual Director, and he says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments;" "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them;" "He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto eternal life." Not by a cowardly shrinking from duty, but by looking up to the Captain of the great host and gathering nerve to throw one"s self into the thick of the fight is our heart lightened.
IV LOOKING UNTO JESUS LIGHTENS BY CONSCIOUS EXPERIENCE. We have tried it in the days of old! Christ has lightened many a burden we foolishly tried to carry alone. Men are ashamed of their failures. They boast of a certain specific, and it fails. They recommend certain methods of conduct which break down in operation. But our faces are not ashamed. They glow with the consciousness of what Christ has been in past times of test and trial. He has never failed never forsaken. This is a beautiful idea about the countenance a Christian should have no shame there. I do not mean a face defiant or boastful; that is not the meaning of these words, "And their faces were not ashamed." It means no confusion, no flush of anxiety, no prophecy of failure on it. We can all look to him. We are all invited! None of us can measure the weight on the heart. Christ can. And he knows that it is heavy, very heavy. We are often tired and weary. Come to him! You need him! You have slighted and neglected him long time now; but you have found no Friend, no Saviour away from him. down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon my breast.
Let us do so. Then this experience will have brought to us a peace which passeth all understanding. W.M.S.
Salvation by looking.
The illustration at once suggested is that of the Israelites, healed from the bite of the serpents by looking at the God-provided brazen serpent, lifted up on high in the middle of the comp. This familiar subject needs only a bare outline of points to unfold and impress.
I HIM TO WHOM WE SHOULD LOOK. "I, if I be lifted up," said Christ, "will draw all men unto me." "That whosoever believeth on him might not perish, but have everlasting life.
II THE LOOK THAT SAVES.
1. The look of conscious need.
2. The look of personal helplessness.
3. The look of humility.
4. The look of faith.
III THE SALVATION THAT COMES BY LOOKING.
1. Salvation from the penalty due to sin.
2. From the wrong relations brought about by sin.
3. From the bad inward state induced by sin.
"For all within you, Guido, which sighs after a redemption, is Christ come as a Redeemer; he has redeemed your heart and your reason; he has redeemed your spirit and your body; he has redeemed yourself and nature which surrounds you" (Tholuck). R.T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv22, 24 Look unto Me
Isa_45:22
Look unto Me
Read full note →
Turning to God
Turn ye to Me and be saved.
The first imperative exhorts, the second promises. Jehovah desires two things--
1. All mens turning to Him.
2. Their blessedness by so doing. (P. Delitzch, D. D.)
Look
The word does not correspond exactly to the English look, but denotes the act of turning round in order to look in a different direction. The text, therefore, bears a strong analogy to those in which the heathen, when enlightened, are described as turning from their idols unto God (1Th_1:9; Act_14:15; Act_15:19). (J. A. Alexander.)
The ends of the earth
The expression accords with the Jewish notion, that their land was situated in the midst of the earth, and that the countries which lay most remote from them, whose circumstances formed a contrast to theirs, were the ends or extremities of the earth. (R. Macculloch.)
Sovereignty and salvation
It has ever been one of the objects of the great Jehovah to teach mankind that He is God, and beside Him there is none else.
I. HOW HAS GOD BEEN TEACHING THIS LESSON TO MANKIND?
1. He has taught it to false gods and to the idolaters who have bowed before them. How hath God poured con tempt on the ancient gods of the heathen! Where are they now?
2. Mark how God has taught truth to empires.
3. To monarchs. Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, &c.
4. To the wise men of this world.
5. Surely, says one, the Church of God does not need to be taught this Yes, she does! How did the church in Canaan forget it when they bowed before other gods: If God gives us a special mission, we generally begin to take some honour to ourselves.
II. SALVATION IS GODS GREATEST WORK, and in this He specially teaches us this lesson. Our text tells us how He teaches it.
1. By the person to whom He directs us. Me.
2. By the means He tells us to use. Look.
3. By the persons whom He calls to look. All the ends of the earth. (C. H.Spurgeon.)
Life for a look
The great sin of man, ever since he has fallen, has been that of idolatry. He is ever seeking to get away from God, who is real, but whom he cannot see, and to make for himself a god, which can only be an idol, but which pleases him because he can gaze upon it. And thus it comes to pass that, some with images of wood and stone, and others with carnal confidences and the like, put something else into the place which should be occupied by God alone; and they look to that something, and expect good from it, instead of looking for all good to God, and to Him alone. This looking to anything which usurps the place of God cannot but be most offensive to Him, and it must also be very disappointing to ourselves, for it is impossible for the false god to yield us any true comfort. Yet note the Lord s great patience even with those who are thus provoking Him by this idolatry of theirs.
I. FOR SALVATION OUT OF ANY TROUBLE, WE SHOULD LOOK TO GOD ALONE. There are some troubles in which men do look to God alone. I have known even the most profane men turn to God, after a fashion, in the hour of supreme peril. Now, if men will act thus by the compulsion of great calamity, is there not sound reason why you should, cheerfully and willingly, do the same, and resort to God in every trial, and difficulty, and dilemma? Is any trial too slight for you to bring in prayer before Him?
II. FOR ETERNAL SALVATION, WE MUST LOOK TO GOD ALONE.
1. Salvation is not to be found in any mere agent.
2. The great thing that thou needest to know, and look at, and rely upon, is the mercy of God.
3. Since God says, Look unto Me, let me ask you whether you are looking unto Him as He has revealed Himself to us in His Word?
4. Especially is it intended that we should look unto God as He reveals Himself in the person and work of His dear Son.
5. Settle this matter in your mind as an absolute certainty that, whoever and whatever you are, you may look to God in Christ, and be saved.
6. Let no feeling of thine beat thee off from looking to Christ. (C. H.Spurgeon.)
Characteristics of salvation
I. It is a SIMPLE salvation-plain, clear, distinct, intelligible in its terms. It is, in this respect, unlike the false religions referred to in Isa_45:19, whose utterances, being involved in designed obscurity and ambiguity, are there represented as spoken in secret, and in dark places of the earth. Such were the dubious responses which came from the Delphic oracle, the Cave at Lebadea, the Cumean Sybil, the Eleusinian Ceres, the soothsayers and necromancers of Egypt, Phoenicia, and Persia. The salvation of the Gospel is so clear and perspicuous that he who runs may read.
II. It is a FREE salvation, uncumbered and unconditional in its offers. There is no costly, protracted, elaborate preparation or probation needed. No painful penances; no rites, no lastings, no lustrations, no priestly absolutions In Isa_45:13, God says of Cyrus (and He says the same in a nobler sense of a Greater than the earthly liberator), He shall let go My captives, not for price nor reward. This is not, indeed, after the manner of men, nor in accordance with that natural legality of spirit which loves to fetter itself with conditions and terms. If the prophet had bid the Syrian leper of old do some great thing, Naaman would have cordially assented; but he could not brook the trifling expedient of dipping himself in the river Jordan. HI. It is a RIGHTEOUS salvation (Isa_45:19; Isa_45:21). See Ro
3:26. It is a salvation which has been secured in accordance with theprinciples of everlasting truth and rectitude. Let us not, however, misinterpret the relation of justice to mercy, as if between these two Divine attributes there existed any antagonism,--as if they represented two conflicting principles (similar to the Magian), one of which had to be propitiated before the other could exercise its benignant will, or go forth on its benignant behests. Nay, they are in perfect harmony. Love can hold out her blissful sceptre only when standing by the throne of justice. In that glorious salvation, every attribute of the Divine nature has been magnified and made honourable.
IV. It is a SURE salvation. The rites of the heathen leave their votaries in uncertainty, groping in the dark. Their feelings and experiences are well described in Isa_3:16. In impressive and sublime contrast with this, Jehovah avows in Isa_3:23, I have sworn by Myself: the word or truth (Lowth) is gone out of My mouth in righteousness; and in Isa_3:19, I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye Me in vain; or Isa_3:17, Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded. Truly the covenant of grace is a covenant well ordered in all things, and sure.
V. It is here further unfolded to us as the ONLY salvation (Isa_3:24). Bishop Lowth renders it, Only to Jehovah belongeth salvation and power. Neither is there salvation in any other.
VI. It is an ETERNAL salvation (Isa_3:17). (J. R. Macduff, D. D.)
Looking to Christ
Faith is one of the principal subjects of sacred Scripture, and is expressed in various forms: sometimes in plain terms, but more frequently in metaphors borrowed from earthly things, and particularly from the actions of the body.
I. EXPLAIN THE DUTY HERE EXPRESSED BY THE METAPHOR OF LOOKING. Observe in general, that a mans looks often discover his condition and the frame of his mind. Hence we can understand a look of surprise and consternation, of sorrow and compassion, a look of joy, the look of a perishing supplicant, or of a needy, expecting dependant. If an agonising patient casts an eager look upon his physician, we understand it to be a silent petition for relief. Hence looking to Christ implies those suitable dispositions and exercises of heart towards Him, which are expressed by the earnest and significant looks of persons in a distressed condition towards their deliverer.
1. Looking to Christ implies a particular notice and distinct knowledge of Him.
2. An importunate eagerness for relief from Him (Psa_25:15).
3. A wishful expectation of deliverance from Him (Psa_69:3). It may be illustrated by the history of the lame beggar (Act_3:4-5).
4. A humble dependence upon Him for salvation (2Ch_20:12).
5. A universal cheerful submission to His authority (Psa_123:1-2).
6. A hearty approbation of Him as a Saviour, and supreme affection to Him. Love is often expressed by looks.
7. Joy and gratitude for His delivering goodness.
II. URGE YOU TO LOOK TO HIM BY SEVERAL WEIGHTY CONSIDERATIONS. This is the great duty of saints and sinners, and consequently of every one in all ages and places, even to the ends of the earth.
1. It is salvation we are called upon to pursue.
2. It may be obtained upon the easiest terms, without any personal merit, viz., by a look.
3. It is Immanuel, the incarnate God, who commands and invites us to look.
4. He is the glorious and affecting Object to which we are to look.
5. Our looking shall not be in vain, for He is God, who engages to save those who look to Him.
6. It is vain to look elsewhere for salvation, and needless to fear His grace should be controlled by another; for He is God, so there is none else.
7. We, in particular, are invited, being especially meant by the ends of the earth. (S. Davies, M. A.)
The saving look
I. THAT ALL MANKIND ARE ENSLAVED TO SIN.
II. THAT THE UNIVERSAL DESIRE OF MANKIND IS FOR HAPPINESS.
III. THAT THE ONLY SOURCE OF REAL HAPPINESS IS TO BE FOUND IN GOD. Look unto Me. I am God, and beside me, &c.
IV. THAT THE SALVATION WHICH GOD HAS PROVIDED IS BOUNDLESS IN ITS PROVISIONS, AND UNLIMITED IN ITS EXTENT. All the ends of the earth.
V. THAT THE RECEPTION OF THIS BLESSING IS NEVERTHELESS CONDITIONAL. Look unto Me, &c. What does this imply?
1. An apprehension of the object presented.
2. Of the good it proposes to impart.
3. An earnest desire to obtain it.
4. A vigorous use of appointed means.
VI. THE GROUND OF ENCOURAGEMENT. I am God; and therefore, know that you need it--have prepared it for you--invite you to partake of it--promise to impart it--warn you of the consequences of refusing it.None other can save you. Now is the accepted time, &c. (R. Shepherd.)
Life by looking
Sin came by an unbelieving look. Eve saw that the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes. Distrusting God, she looked and plucked and ate. Salvation comes from a believing and trustful look. Look unto Me, and be ye saved. To those who look for Him will He appear with salvation.
I. AS SIN FIRST ENTERED, SO IT STILL ENTERS. It enters through the eye. He who first saw the wedge of gold and the Babylonish garment lusted for them, went after them, took and hid them. Therefore it is wise to say Look not upon the wine when it is red, for temptations come through the eye. The Scriptures tell of those whose eyes are full of sin and cannot cease. This truth is realised in our own mournful experience. We look on injuries and brood over them. We contemplate objects of desire and lust after them. When it has conceived lust bringeth forth sin.
II. SALVATION COMES BY THE SAME EASY METHOD. Look unto Me and be ye saved.
1. This is a spiritual vision. Some regard that which we call spiritual as unreal and dreamy, whereas carnality is unreal, and spiritual things are, of all, the most actual.
2. It is an immediate vision. Of our physical functions sight is the most immediate. So faith is the most positive and assuring. You end a dispute by saying, but I saw it with my own eyes and so I know it. The believer is able to speak thus of Him whom he knows, for he has seen Him.
III. HOW ARE WE TO SEE CHRIST? In what respects?
1. As a Saviour.
2. As an Intercessor.
3. As King and Master.
IV. THERE ARE SPECIAL TIMES WHEN WE SHOULD LOOK EXCLUSIVELY TO CHRIST.
1. In all our acts of public worship.
2. In temptations. Are you injured? Nothing so cleanses the heart of stinging pain as this. Do unholy desires annoy? Here is the remedy.
3. In approaching weakness.
Though the outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day. By looking the light will increase more and more to the perfect day. God has promised to show us the path of life. Evangelist asked the Pilgrim, Seest thou yonder light? I think I do. Evangelist by a long looking had acquired keen vision, and Pilgrim found his eyes opened as he looked. The way grew clearer, and you know the glorious end to which he came. His, weakness was perfected in his Leaders strength. The subject before us has a twofold application.
1. For self-examination. In our worship have we been looking only to God whom we have professed to address? In hymn and prayer and preaching have our acts been merely formal and professional?
2. By way of invitation. The invitation is to all, even to the ends of the earth. (A. Whyte, D. D.)
Salvation offered
These words show us that we have need to be saved. We have to be saved from enormous evils. But there is a great change that must take place in everyone before he can be saved. There is no salvation to an unregenerate man. Let me remind you what God intends when He says, Look unto Me.
1. He bids you look to Him for mercy, to save you gratuitously, without bringing to Him anything.
2. We should look to the Son of God, as well as to the Father--for His meritorious intercession--that we may be saved.
3. Look to God the Spirit, as well as to the Father and the Son. He who wrought mightily in the persecutor Saul, to make him an eminent trophy of grace and a large benefactor to his fellow-creatures, has no less power, condescension and goodness, to extend to you, and to give to you all the same principle, the same courage, and the same perseverance.
4. The same blessed duty rests on all of you who by the grace of God have looked to Him and lived. You are called to prosecute your journey heavenwards, from one degree of faith and grace and comfort and joy to another, till you reach your eternal home, every day looking to God that you may be saved.
5. But He never meant His servants to be selfish, as He is beneficent and good; and therefore let me bid you notice the extent of this invitation: All the ends of the earth. Then it is Gods will that Japan, and China, and India must look to Him and be saved, as well as we. At the time these words were uttered by the prophet, we were the ends of the world to them, as China, Japan, and Borneo are to us; yea, we were beyond the limits of the known world at that time. And we have heard the good news and believed. (B. W. Noel, M. A.)
A Saviour
I. The everlasting God, He who alone is God, declares Himself to be THE SOURCE OF SALVATION.
II. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION. All the ends of the earth. Men of all tribes and kingdoms shall be made to feel the power of Almighty grace. The plan of salvation is adapted to every variety of circumstance. The monarch on the throne of vast empire--he is seated there in the sight of God a poor rebel, and he needs salvation. Or take the other extreme--the lowliest and obscurest of the children of men--he is a sinner before God, an immortal creature.
III. GODS SIMPLE COMMAND to the guilty and the lost, while announcing Himself as the Source of salvation, and while proclaiming its universality, is Look unto Me.
1. To look unto God, as the Source of salvation, implies knowledge of Him.
2. The exercise of faith.
3. Confidence in God.
4. We may give emphasis to the expression, Unto Me. God requires that you should look away from all other objects which would interfere with the entire yielding up of the whole soul to Him.
5. There should be in the mind of the believer a full assurance that He is able to save, and willing to save. (G. Fisk, LL. B.)
Salvation obtained only by looking unto Jesus
I. THE INVITATION, Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, may be regarded as involving an offer of an invaluable blessing, a statement of the means by which the blessing is secured, and finally, an intimation of the extent of the offer made.
II. THE REASON WHY THAT INVITATION SHOULD BE COMPLIED WITH. For I am God, and there is none else. There are two ideas involved in this statement.
1. That Jesus is the true God, and therefore able to save.
2. That on Him only should we depend, for there is no other being in the universe who is able to rescue an immortal soul from eternal ruin.
We see from this subject--
1. The folly and danger of unbelief.
2. The habitual duty of all true Christians. It is to look unto Jesus at every stage of their spiritual history. (P. Grant.)
The Divine invitation
I. THE SPEAKER.
II. THE PERSONS ADDRESSED.
III. THE BLESSINGS PROMISED.
IV. THE MANNER OF OBTAINING THEM. (Bp. R. Bickersteth, D. D.)
Looking to Christ
I. If you look unto the Lord Jesus you will see GOD MANIFEST.
II. If you look to Jesus you will see LOVE INCARNATE--Divine love. According to the medium through which it shines, the same lamp can be made to give a radiance of a very different colour, a cheering or a gloomy light. In a sinful world like this, could you not easily imagine a vindictive incarnation and manifestation of the blessed God, which would have brought into the midst of our sinfulness the consuming fire of His holiness, which, thus coming in contact with our combustible corruption, would have turned our earth into an early perdition? But what was the actual fact? The Word dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.
III. Looking unto the Lord Jesus, there is yet another sight with which the earnest sinner is regaled, and that is RIGHTEOUS RECONCILIATION.
IV. Whosoever looks at Him long enough, simply enough, intently enough, will find in Him TRANSFUSED IMMORTALITY, life transmitted from that Saviour unto his own soul.
V. If you look to Jesus simply as God reveals Him in His Word, and as He is in Himself, you will see A LOVE-ATTRACTING AND A LIFE-ASSIMILATING SAVIOUR; a Saviour who, when he attracts your love, will assimilate your life to His. (J. Hamilton, D. D.)
Looking unto Jesus
In these words, we have the same sort of invitation that we find in the New Testament: Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden; Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. Such texts as these contain the very secret of Christianity. They meet all our wants, they heal all our sorrows, they save our souls. Christianity consists in having to do with Christ, in having the love of Christ implanted in the soul, and then the spirit of Christ guiding and influencing us every moment of our earthly history.
I. AS TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ADDRESSED. All the ends of the earth--all men.
II. WHY ARE THEY TO LOOK? And be saved. Now, under the New Testament you and I are directed especially to Jesus Christ. He tells us that no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Look upon this for your encouragement, what faith sees when she looks upon Jesus. She finds love in Jesus, pardon in Jesus, peace in Jesus, eternal happiness in Jesus. And this is so with God. He sees the sinner in Jesus, He is satisfied with His atoning work, and accepts the believing sinner for His sake.
III. HOW THEY ARE TO LOOK. The term look in the Word of God is ordinarily intended to mean belief. That we should look to the Lord Jesus expecting something, just as the lame man looked at Peter and John at the Beautiful gate of the temple, expecting to receive something of them.
1. If you can take this view of Christ, that He intends your salvation, then there will be a look of real sorrow for sin. We shall mourn for sin on the one hand, but rejoice in Christ Jesus on the other.
2. A look of acquiescence, of trust and confidence.
3. A look of prayer. (J. W. Reeve, M. A.)
The saving look
I. THE NATURE OF THE COMMAND, or what it is to look at the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The very idea of looking to the Saviour, implies a looking off ourselves, our idols, our sins, our righteousnesses, and our unrighteousnesses. It is to look off our duties, our prayers, our tears, our humiliations, our resolutions, and simply and singly to look to Christ for salvation.
2. To look at Christ for salvation implies a conscious need of salvation.
3. To look at Christ is to look at Him not only as the very Christ of God, but as the Son of God.
4. To look at Christ is to look to Him for a whole salvation.
II. THE NECESSITY OF THE PRECEPT. We have a natural disinclination to it; we naturally look at any other object. When in the world, and of the world, this is grossly the case. Our friends, our families, our prospects, profits, our pleasures, our sins, form our world. If we withdraw from its grossness, and are mingled Up with its more decent enjoyments, and add something of religion; its forms, its ceremonies, its worship, quite occupy us. Our little orbit of vision is full, quite full; we can look at nothing else. A mere hand before the eyes hides the sun. We think ourselves far better than many, far from being so vile as some; and even after the Holy Spirit has convinced us of sin, yet still what backwardness to look to Christ!
III. THE BLESSED EFFECT OF OBEYING THE PRECEPT. Salvation.
1. How wonderful is this salvation--that one real look at Christ has eternal life in it; that if the vilest sinner do but look at Him, he is saved even at the eleventh hour!
2. The longer thou livest, the more the Spirit will open the depravities of thy nature to thee. As He does this, pray that He may open the very grace and glories of Jesus to thee.
3. When, through the power of the Holy Spirit, this peace is established in thy conscience, through the precious blood of the Cross, seek its increase into the full assurance of hope, in all the ways of holy walking, still looking to Jesus for all the supplies of His grace and Spirit. (J. H. Evans, M. A.)
The extent of the Gospel call
I. AN OBJECT OF ATTRACTION. Me; the true God--the one Saviour, and none else but Me. But in what capacity is Christ exhibited in the Gospel?
1. As a Mediator.
2. As the Lord our righteousness.
3. As the Fountain to wash away sin.
4. As the sinners Life.
II. AN ACT CALLED FORTH. Look unto Me, or as some would understand the original, Turn your face to Me from false idols. This act implies--
1. Knowledge.
2. Faith.
3. Conversion. Every man has gone astray from God.
4. A waiting posture.
III. THE EXTENT OF THIS CALL. All the ends of the earth. This phrase imples--
1. That all men have gone astray from God.
2. That God is no respecter of persons.
3. That there is salvation in no other.
4. The sufficiency there is m Christ to every returning, soul.
IV. THE BENEFITS inseparably connected with a looking to Jesus Christ. And be saved--not be made rich for threescore years and ten. No! and be saved. (T. Jones.)
Looking unto Christ
I. IN WHAT MANNER WE ARE TO LOOK TO CHRIST.
1. With an eye of faith. To direct our thoughts to Him in the same manner as to any other person, is not enough.
2. With eager desire of relief.
3. With gratitude and love.
4. As an example of righteousness whom it behoves us to follow.
5. As our Intercessor.
II. SOME CONSIDERATIONS TO ENFORCE THE DUTY.
1. Who is the glorious Object to which you are required to look? None other than the Son of God.
2. Who it is that requires you to look.
3. It is salvation for which we are to look.
4. The facility of the duty here enjoined.
5. The boundless extent of the invitation. (A. Ramsay, M. A.)
Looking within, looking around, and looking up
Let us hear the story of the Look--a story in three chapters.
I. Chapter the first. HOW HE LOOKED WITHIN. I do not know much about him, except this. How it came about, indeed, I know not. Whether it was some sermon that smote him; whether it was the death of some neighbour; whether it was some peril of his own; whether it was some sharp sickness that overtook him, I know not; but so it was. One day that man stopped and looked in at himself, and he said, There is no mistake about it; I am wrong, I can see. I am all wrong, and I will just set to work, and I will make things right. I will turn over a new leaf. And he set to work, and he began to tie up his sins with the strong cords of his resolutions and his good desires, and there he set them all of a row. This was never going to be indulged any more, and this should not, and the other should be denied. All went well for a day, and then something or other came across him, and snap went the cords, and up sprang one old sin. Snap went the cords, and another sprang at him. There, he said, I knew that it was no good my trying, and he just gave it up. Who is that? You. I think I see here a man who has turned over a new leaf. Here it is all white and clean without a blot. Ah, there is a blot now. Oh, there is another smudge; there is a mistake. If we cannot find a better way than turning over new leaves, we shall soon give it up in despair. Besides, if thou couldst do so, what would it do for thee? Here is a man who has got into low water, and he cannot make ends meet, and one day a friend steps in to advise him and finds him in a state of glee, and the man says, I have got credit for this, and I have received this; and there he is filling up the column of his receipts. Why, what does this mean? says the friend--My dear fellow, you have forgotten the brought forward. You have left out the carried over. That dreadful carried over! That awful brought forward! What about the past? There it is, what can I do with it? We have not done with that chapter yet, for there is a second part of it. You say to me, Yes; I can see that if I am ever going to be what I want to be, I must just come right up to God, and let Him do it. But, dear friend, what ails thee? Well, you see, I do not know. I have not got any faith. I have not got any repentance I have not got any earnestness. What is a man like I am to do? Hast thou never learnt how to make thy hindrances into thy helps? Hast thou never learnt how to make thy very need thy claim upon thy God? I pray thee now, just as thou art, with all thy sense of want, lift up thine eyes. Why, the only thing that I know about repentance is what I feel in my heart when I see Jesus. I have never found any place of repentance except at the foot of the Cross. The only thing that I know about faith is what springs up in my heart when I look at Jesus. Faith does not come from looking within. Let thy whole soul say, I will look unto Him, and be saved.
II. Chapter the second. HOW HE LOOKED ROUND. You say, There is to-morrow; people would notice the change, and I should not like to tell them that I had given myself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and how I was going to be His soldier and His servant; and there would be the sneer, and scorn, and ridicule, and one would perhaps try this temptation, and another would see whether I could bear the other, and I do not know that I could. The Gospel is, that Christ comes right to me and takes my hand. He lives, and He comes to thee and me, and He saith, Thou art setting forth to be My child and My servant, and I am never going to let thee be alone. Now, wilt thou put thy hand in His? But we have not done with the second chapter quite yet. I can think of some one going a step farther and saying, Well, I do look to Jesus, you know, and I am looking to Him, and I have been trying to look to Him, but somehow or other I cannot get on. Why not? Well, it may be that you are looking around still. Some of you say to me, Well, you see, I look to Him, but I cannot rejoice. I do not feel happy. Well, I do not know that it says, Feel happy. It says, Look unto Me, and be ye saved. I think that we must let the Lord Jesus Christ take care of our feelings. All we have get to do is just to look to Him. But we look around at one man and another. Somebody says to me, John Bunyan went for three months weeping and crying. I am a dry eyes; I cannot shed a tear. Well, who wants you to shed a tear? What have you got to do with other people? We will look no more round.
III. Chapter the third. HOW HE LOOKED UP. You must look up. Will you? (M. GuyPearse.)
Would you be saved?
The object of salvation is to bring a man into harmonious communion with God.
I. ALL MEN NEED TO BE SAVED. We need to be saved--
1. From our propensity to wrong-doing.
2. We need also to be saved from our spirit of unrest.
3. From our weakness in being overcome by pain and trouble.
4. From our fear of death.
II. GOD DOES NOT FORCE ANY MAN TO BE SAVED AGAINST HIS WILL. In the occurrences of this life we may have to employ force sometimes to save the body of a fellow-creature against his will. But God cannot act so, because He is God, and would have men love Him. The only way God has of compelling us to follow Him is through the attraction of His love, as shown in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life on the Cross for love of us. Love is the strongest power in the universe, for God is Love.
III. THE POWER AND SIMPLICITY OF THE SALVATION OFFERED TO US.
1. Its power. Salvation does not exist anywhere except in God. We ministers are only like the boys with handbills inviting you in to buy salvation from our Master without money.
2. The simplicity of the salvation. It is to be had for a look; but it must be--
(1) A penitent look.
(2) A look of entreaty, the sort of look that a man has who is trying to save himself from drowning, and seeing you, calls to you for help.
(3) A look of hope.
(4) A look of faith.
IV. IT IS A UNIVERSAL INVITATION, embracing, all the ends of the earth. You know what the ends are. When a coat becomes frayed, or a shawl worn, the ends are of no use and you cut them off. The outcasts of men, of what use are they? This salvation is for the despised ones, for the very ends that the world throws away; and, better still, it is for you. (W. Birch.)
The Gospel simple, rich, universal
I. HERE IS THE SIMPLEST METHOD. Look unto Me. I give the highest praise to the man of science who can unify the manifold facts of the world, and to the philosopher who can reduce to order the strange and complex phenomena of the mind. How I should thank the God who expresses His will for me in a single word, and that word so easy and unencumbered.
II. HERE IS THE RICHEST BOON. And be ye saved. Salvation is a treasure unutterably and inconceivably great. If it begins with no condemnation, it ends with no separation. There is pardon in it, and holiness, and wisdom, and power; there is the blessed life here, and hereafter there is the life of full and everlasting and passionless renown.
III. HERE IS THE WIDEST OUTLOOK. All the ends of the earth--thus far the love of the Father and the grace of the Son and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit travel and reach. There is nothing calculating, niggardly, arithmetical in Gods largesse and bounty. (A. Smellie, M. A.)
Look and be saved
(Isa_45:22-25):--
I. A BLESSED INVITATION. Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
1. The subject to which it refers is unspeakably momentous. The word saved is easily pronounced, but who can comprehend the fulness of its meaning?
2. The duty it enjoins for securing this great blessing is exceedingly simple. Look unto Me. Many are quite confounded at the simplicity of the Gospel terms of salvation.
3. The range of this invitation is unlimited. All the ends of the earth. The call is wide as the world.
4. The ground on which it rests is highly encouraging. For I am God, and there is none else. In a previous verse it is said, They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. The idols of the heathen are altogether impotent. But our God is able to save, and He alone is able. At the same time, something more than mere power is necessary, and that something is not wanting in Him to whom we are invited to look. He is a just God and a Saviour.
II. AN EMPHATIC PROCLAMATION. I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return; that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. In reference to this subjection two things are stated--
1. Its universality. In the time of Elijah, God had reserved unto Himself seven thousand men who had not bowed the knee to Baal; but here we have a period predicted when idols shall be utterly abolished.
2. Its certainty. I have sworn by Myself. These emphatic expressions denote that the purpose was made in the most solemn manner, and ratified in the most sacred form. It is a purpose, therefore, that will be infallibly executed. From henceforth expecting. says the apostle of the enthroned Redeemer, till His enemies be made His footstool. And has He not ample grounds for such an expectation? The desires even of the righteous shall be granted, their hope will not be disappointed; how certain, then, must be the fulfilment of the desires and hopes of Him whom the Father heareth always? Is it not said, Ask of Me? &c.
III. A WISE RESOLUTION. Surely, shall one say, &c. (Isa_45:24). The two blessings which are here referred to, are absolutely necessary to salvation, and all who are enlightened from above will be led to apply for them where alone they are to be found. It is here stated, Surely shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: let each of us determine, by Divine aid, to be that one. It must be a personal resolution, as the surrender is a personal surrender. It is added, Even to Him shall men come, i.e they will apply to Him for these blessings. On the other hand, He will be made known by terrible things in righteousness to those who refuse to seek His face, and continue to rebel against His authority. All that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed.
IV. AN IMPORTANT DECLARATION. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. (Anon.)
The metaphor of looking
In the language of metaphor the mind has got an eye as well as the body. We say, Look at this fact; look at this or that other historic personage; look at Luther; look at Julius Caesar; look at Abraham; and we all understand what is meant when such language is employed. It is in some such a way that we are told to look at the Saviour. (J. Hamilton, D. D.)
Looking to God
While the moon looketh directly upon the sun, she is bright and beautiful; but if she once turn aside, and be left to herself, she loseth all her glory, and enjoys but only a shadow of light, which is her own. (J. Trapp.)
The contrite soul must look away from self
Passing through a graveyard with her parents, a little girl drew them after her to look at a beautiful stone figure of the Christ, with a face full of suffering and yet of tenderest pity, leaning upon a massive marble cross. As they paused to look, she held her head down and said in a low voice, I can hardly lift up my eyes to look at Him, I have done so many wrong things. It is just because we have done so many wrong things that we have need to lift up our eyes to look at Him. (Quiver.)
Looking
Some years ago I was asked by a workman to see a dying fellow-creature, as this man said in his peculiar way, to pilot him to heaven. I went, and found that the poor man was too far gone to speak. All he could do was to look. I did not know whether he could hear, for when I spoke he only looked at me. Wishing at least to show him the way of salvation, I took a picture from the wall, turned it, and then drew on it with my lead pencil the figure of the Cross with Jesus upon it. I held this picture before the mans eyes, and then he looked at me in an expressive way, and tried to nod his head. Shortly after he died. (W. Birch.)
Looking up and lifted up
In Mrs. Fletchers biography she tells us of a convert who had a strange dream. He thought he was down a very steep well in the night, and, looking up, he saw a single star shining far above him, and it seemed to let down lines of silver light that took hold upon him and lifted him up. Then he looked down and began to go down. He looked up and began to go up, and he looked down again and began to go down; and he found that by simply keeping his eye on that star he rose out of the well, and his foot stood on the firm ground. A parable is in the dream. If you look down, you go down; if you look up, you go up. There must be first the looking up before there can be the lifting up. (J. S. Drummond.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v23 (Missionary Sermon.)
CHRIST’S DOMINION
(Missionary Sermon.)
Read full note →
Isa_45:23. I have sworn by Myself, &c.
To “bow the knee” is to render homage as to a king. To “swear” is formally to accept and profess allegiance. It supposes a monarch. The text finds its fulfilment in Christ, and is applied to Him (Rom_14:11; Php_2:9-11). It sets forth the glory of His dominion.
I. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH WHICH IT IS CONSTITUTED.
By His Godhead, He has a right to the allegiance of all His creatures. His dominion over them can never be relinquished. When such as have rebelled return to their allegiance, they restore the right which has been unjustly withheld.
But He has acquired the right of supremacy over the mediatorial kingdom by His mediatorial work. His death on the Cross acquired it. The passage already named from the Epistle to the Philippians, with others, traces the Redeemer’s exaltation to His atoning death. One who has well executed the earlier stages of a great work is likely to be entrusted with its completion. Joseph was the most likely to carry into effect the plans he had indicated to Pharaoh.
II. THE UNIVERSE TO WHICH IT WILL BE EXTENDED.
The terms here and elsewhere are universal. The corresponding passages enter into detail. They specify the world, heaven, the unseen realm of spirits.
1. The inanimate and irrational parts of creation are unconsciously subordinated to His authority. The dominion over the inferior creation was given to the first man. It was weakened by the Fall. Restored and realised in Christ (Psa_8:4-8; Heb_2:6-9). It will be consummated at the resurrection (Rom_8:19-23). They are mixed up with man from the beginning. Therefore subordinated to Christ.
2. The holy and the renewed parts of the universe are willingly subordinated to His authority.
(1.) Holy angels (Isaiah 6, compared with Joh_12:41; Eph_1:20-23). They ministered to Him on earth. Would have come in legions to save Him from death, had He willed. An army always at His command. They are ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation. Beautiful doctrine of their perpetual environment. It is a consolatory thought in perilous crises.
(2.) Renewed men. His dominion over them is a spiritual dominion. He reigns in their hearts. Because of what He has done for them, and because of what He is, they love Him. Therefore they willingly subject themselves to His authority. They are zealous for His honour. They stand up for Him against the world’s hostility.
3. The hostile and impenitent part of mankind will be eventually subordinated to His authority. Prophetic Scripture is full of the idea of a universal reign of righteousness in this world through the universal prevalence of the Gospel. Ignorance will be dispelled; idolatry will disappear; indifference and unbelief will be destroyed; sin, if not extinct, will be hated; peace and righteousness will be the universal characteristic of mankind; primitive purity will be combined with high civilisation. The poetry of the Bible description of the latter day is well worthy the attention of all who are interested in the progress of mankind and in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (H. E. I. 979–1162).
III. THE CERTAINTY WITH WHICH IT IS ASSURED.
The text is the strongest form of asseveration. It rests on the word of God which cannot be recalled or falsified, and on the oath of God which He sometimes uses for confirmation. On certain solemn occasions, when the greatness of the blessing and the difficulties in the way of its realisation rendered it desirable, He has confirmed His word of promise by a solemn oath (Gen_22:16-17). Thus here. And this word is being fulfilled:—
1. In the mission and work of Christ. In order to its fulfilment, He became incarnate, lived His life on earth, offered the sacrifice of Himself. This is the power which is destined to attract all men to Him. He is exalted to the throne, where He reigns until all His enemies shall be subdued.
2. In the dispensations of His Providence. In the exercise of His royal authority, He gave the command to preach the Gospel; a command which is permanently binding on His disciples. He opens doors of entrance in every part of the world; in India, China, and many other countries now, as in the Roman empire at first. He fills the Church with requisite power. Men are raised up with Christ’s love in their hearts and a sacred willingness to enter these doors. Money is placed in the possession of the Church sufficient for the occupation of the fields of usefulness that are from time to time opened. It is His will that by means of His Church the prediction shall be accomplished.
3. In the work of the Holy Spirit. Whatever of sovereignty must be assumed in contemplating the principle on which the Holy Spirit is bestowed in order to the world’s subjection to Christ, it is certain that as much of the Spirit is bestowed as the Church is at any time prepared for by labour, prayer, faith.
Now all this is in the course of being accomplished. It seems slow. Creation was slow. Almost all great works are accomplished slowly. Yet it is really proceeding. See how the principles of the Gospel and the men of the Gospel are leavening society. Our duty is clear. Bow the knee to Christ. Believe in Him. Work for Him. Support His cause. Pray for its extension.—J. Rawlinson.
THE FUTURE TRIUMPHS OF THE GOSPEL
Isa_45:23-24. I have sworn by Myself, &c.
These words announce—
I. A UNIVERSAL SUBJECTION. “Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall swear.”
1. “I have sworn by Myself.” It is implied that God has a right to this subjection. This right is peculiar and perfect; superior to that of any master to a servant, or a sovereign to a subject, for God has an entire and absolute property in us all. Our very existence is owing to Him. We breathe His air, eat at His table, wear His apparel, and are daily living upon His bounty. If He were to call you to Him, and say, “Take that thine is, and go thy way,” what would you take? You could not take even yourself, but would relapse into non-existence (Act_17:28).
2. This submission is not natural. “Unto me shall every knee bow, and every tongue shall swear.” Their previous condition was a state of alienation and rebellion. The Bible, throughout, assumes that this is man’s present state (H. E. I. 3390–3396).
3. This submission is to be universal. “Unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Christ had no doubt that His kingdom, though small in its commencement, would spread far and wide (Mat_13:31-33). Hitherto the progress of Christianity has been comparatively small, and its success much confined. There is no country, or town, or village, where even the majority are as yet governed by it. But it is not to be so always (Psa_72:11; Zec_14:9; H. E. I. 979).
4. This submission is Divinely assured. How strong is the pledge here given! “By Myself have I sworn. The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return.” If it be a righteous thing for God to do, He will do it. Some of God’s words have returned to Him, but they were threatenings, and threatenings are conditional (e.g., Jon_3:4). But here the engagement is absolute: it is nothing less than an oath. But was it necessary for God thus to bind Himself down? No; but “an oath for confirmation is an end of all strife,” “wherein God, willing therefore to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath; that by two immutable things”—for His word is as immutable as His oath—we might be encouraged to look forward with confident hope to a brighter future for our world.
II. THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS SUBMISSION IS TO BE EXEMPLIFIED. “Surely shall one say, In the Lord have I righteousness and strength; even to Him shall all men come.”
This shows us that that universal homage is to be eventually paid to God in Christ. For it is with God in Christ that we have to do (Joh_5:22; Php_2:9-11).
“Even to Him shall all men come.” To whom should men go for help, but to Him in whom all power is to be found? If there were but one well in a neighbourhood, all the inhabitants around would flock to it for water. If there were only one refuge from a cruel and victorious enemy, thither would all the people hasten. When the famine was in Egypt and the surrounding countries, Jacob said in effect to his sons, “Go unto Joseph; he is in possession of the corn.” All that these symbols set forth is to be found in Christ. “To Him,” said dying Jacob, “shall the gathering of the people be.”
III. THE CONSEQUENCES OF REFUSING TO SUBMIT TO OUR MERCIFUL KING. “And all that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed.”
1. It seems strange that such characters as these could be found; yet such is the case (Psa_2:2-3). You are mistaken, if you suppose that the men of the world will love and admire your religion. They hated its Founder, not only “without a cause,” but for the very excellences He displayed. Heathen philosophers thought that if Virtue appeared incarnate, all the world would fall in love with her. It did appear; thirty-three years “the image of the invisible God” was seen going about “doing good,”—and what was the result? The men of the world pursued Him with remorseless malice, and hung Him on a tree!
In like manner, the Church of Christ was opposed by them from its earliest commencement. They employed every kind of persecution against His cause and disciples. So it is still. In every self-righteous character there is a settled opposition against the sovereignty and grace of God (H. E. I. 2677–2679).
2. The future of these foes of Christ. “All that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed” (Rev_17:14; Isa_60:12; Luk_19:27). “All,” whether high or low, the moral as well as the profligate. “All!” There may be many of them, but though hand join in hand, yet shall not the wicked go unpunished. Their multitude will not afford any alleviation to their misery. “The way of transgressors is hard” ever here, and it leads down to the chambers of eternal death. But there is a Saviour able and willing to save the chief of sinners, and who will in no wise cast out any who come unto Him.”—William Jay: Sunday Evening Sermons, pp. 33–40.
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND STRENGTH
Isa_45:24. In the Lord have I righteousness and strength.
One distinguishing praise of the Gospel dispensation is its completeness. All the spiritual wants of those who embrace it are therein provided for. This completeness is all in Christ. In Him are all the believers’ supplies treasured up; out of His fulness they must daily receive “grace for grace.” The great variety of their necessities, and of His gifts, may be reduced to the two mentioned in the text. All they want is a title to heaven, and a qualification for the enjoyment of it; whatever gifts comprehend both these, comprehend all they can require; and righteousness is their title to heaven, strength secures their meetness for it.
I. In the Lord the Believer has Righteousness. In himself, he has none. There is hardly anything more plainly taught in Scripture than this. Nevertheless men are apt to suppose they have a righteousness of their own—a righteousness of the law. Such a righteousness St. Paul had at one time: if you would learn what value he put upon it when he was instructed in the truths of the Gospel, read Php_3:8-10. He counted such a righteousness loss, instead of gain. His prayer was, that in the last day he might be found, not in it, but in “that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” This is the only righteousness which will avail us anything then; and this the believer has in the Lord. It is this, because Christ is his. He has not wrought it himself: Christ has wrought it for him. But though he has not the glory, he has the benefit. The reward of righteousness is his also. Being justified in Christ, he shall also be glorified with Him.
II. In the Lord the Believer has Strength. In him dwelleth no good thing. He cannot produce from the stock of nature one truly holy fruit. “The carnal mind is enmity against God.” What one action truly good and pleasing to God can enmity produce? The enmity must be first removed, and the principle of love implanted in the breast, before the work of love can proceed from it. Man, in his natural state, may imitate good actions, but his actions cannot be really good, however well they may look. The tree must be made good ere the fruit can be good. For this the Saviour’s strength is necessary (Joh_15:5 : 1Co_15:10; Gal_2:20; Php_4:13; H. E. I. 2391, 4080, 4081).
Thus simple and intelligible is our religion. It presents us with one great object, JESUS CHRIST; and bids us seek all we need in Him. In doing this day by day, lies the art of maintaining peace of conscience, and of acquiring a growing victory over every lust within and every foe without.
PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS—
1. Renounce all other righteousness but that of Christ. Otherwise, you dishonour Him and injure your own souls. If you do not trust wholly to Christ’s righteousness, on the ground of your acceptance with God, you do not trust it at all to any saving purpose (H. E. I. 1960, 2411, 2412). A clearer vision of the law would show us that nothing but the righteousness of Christ can satisfy its demands.
2. Renounce all dependence on your own resolutions. So long as you trust in them, the offer of Christ’s strength must be superfluous to you. What have your resolutions amounted to? To anything really holy and spiritual? And what has been the effect of them? How often have you carried them out? Have you not repeatedly failed to do so? Will you go on risking your eternal welfare on those expedients which already have failed you a thousand times? True holiness is within your reach, but not by any strength of your own. You must believe in Jesus for it, if you would be partakers of it in truth. And in Him only must you trust (H. E. I. 932, 933, 4766).
3. Be diligent in making use of Christ for both righteousness and strength. It is not enough that you renounce false grounds of peace and rejoicing. The work of every day must be to live on Christ, that by His righteousness you may have peace, hope, and joy; by His strength, victory and holiness. Does conscience trouble you? Endeavour to get a clearer sight of and a firmer hold on the righteousness of Christ (H. E. I. 1893, 1894, 3350). When worldly cares press upon you, when temptations beset you, when you find it very difficult to walk in the way of duty, lay hold on the Redeemer’s strength. Practical Christianity is, from beginning to end, nothing else but living a life of faith on the Son of God. Let this one thing, then, be the business of every day. Every day brings its trials, its snares, its peculiar duties, its advantages, its opportunities—go forth to meet and use them only in the name and power of Christ. So each day will be a day of victory. To overcome the world is a great thing, a far greater thing than many suppose; but in the strength of Christ it shall be accomplished by the believer (1Jn_5:4; Rom_8:37; H.E.I. 1078, 1098, 938, 945).—John Fawcett, A.M., Sermons, vol. i. pp. 74–89.
GLORYING IN THE LORD
Isa_45:24-25. Surely, shall one say, &c.
Even from the gospel of the Old Testament we may derive an answer to the interesting inquiry, “How can a man be just with God?”
I. THE BELIEVER’S SOURCE OF SALVATION. The text contemplates men as sinful, i.e., polluted, weak, and guilty; accordingly it describes the Lord as being—
1. The source of his “righteousness.” Both the principle and practice originate in the grace of God. And in every stage of the process “salvation is of the Lord” (Joh_20:1-6; Eph_4:24; Php_1:11; Isa_26:12).
2. The source of his “strength.” There is a wide difference between perceiving what is right, or even de siring to act aright, and actually performing the will of God. The Lord imparts the energy by which we do His will (Php_4:13); the fortitude by which we suffer His will (Rom_5:3-5); and the persevering and unconquerable firmness with which we sustain the attacks of our enemies (Rom_8:37). Strength, suited and proportionate, is promised (Isa_40:29; Deu_33:25; Isa_41:10); and these promises are verified by the experiences of the faithful (2Sa_22:40; 2Co_12:9-10).
3. The source of his “justification.” Not personal and perfect innocence, for, Rom_3:23; but that state which results from forgiveness. Of this “the Lord” must have the “glory,” for He has provided the means of pardon (Isa_53:6; Rom_3:25); He propounds the terms of pardon (Joh_3:16; Rom_3:26); He bestows that grace by which we obtain pardon (Eph_2:8; Col_2:12); He grants the pardon desired (Rom_3:24; Rom_8:33; Col_3:13); He blesses with a sense of pardon (Gal_4:4-6); and He will attest their pardon, in a public justification of His servants at the last day (Rom_2:4-10; Mat_25:34-40).
II. THE BELIEVER’S HUMBLE ACKNOWLEDGMENT. This is—
1. The language of humble confession; of weakness and inability. The text may refer to the past and the present.
2. The language of humble gratitude.
3. Or the text may respect the future; and then, by way of anticipation, this is the language of humble confidence (2Co_1:10).
4. This is also the language of humble but exulting triumph (Isa_51:9-11; Rom_8:35-39; Psa_23:4; 1Co_15:55; Rom_2:7-10; Rev_1:5-6).
This language is rendered all the more striking by contrast, “all that are accursed,” &c.; shall be confounded at their stupid infidelity, &c.—Sketches of Sermons, vol. iii. pp. 54–58.
THE SEED OF ISRAEL
Isa_45:25. In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory.
I. WHO ARE THE SUBJECTS OF THIS PROMISE? “All the seed of Israel.” To Jacob this name was first given, and you know how he obtained it; how he was knighted on the field of battle. It is a name of high honour: “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel” [i.e., a prince with God]; “for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” The promise is to his “seed.”
“The seed of Israel” may be viewed under two aspects. First, as Jews, the natural descendants of Jacob. They nearly always were, and are now, very far from being the people of God, unless by a national covenant. But the period will come when the veil will be taken away from their hearts, and this promise will then be fulfilled to them.
But there is another aspect under which we may view Israel. Observe the distinction which our Saviour makes when speaking of Nathaniel: “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” In speaking of him as “an Israelite,” He distinguishes him from men of other nations, and by calling him “an Israelite indeed,” He distinguishes him from men of his own nation (Rom_9:6). All along there were some in Israel who, like their ancestors, were partakers of faith and humility. These were peculiarly “the Israel of God,” and the ground of their being so called was not their natural relationship to Jacob, but their spiritual relationship to him (Rom_2:28-29). Therefore, if your hearts are circumcised—if you are renewed in the spirit of your minds—you are “the Israel of God” (Php_3:3; Gal_3:29).
But who of this “seed of Israel” are entitled to the promise? All of them! “In the Lord shall all,” &c.
1. The expression seems to imply number. Though the righteous have always been few when compared with the wicked around them, yet collectively considered, and when gathered out of all nations and tongues, they will be “a number which no man can number” (Heb_2:10, and especially Isa_53:11, “satisfied!”).
2. It expresses impartiality. There is no difference here as to country, condition, or complexion (Rom_8:14; Gal_3:26-28). Children differ in age, size, strength, feature, but they form one and the same family. Before the time of harvest the wheat grows in various places, and is separated by hedges and walls, but when it is reaped it is carried home and gathered into the same garner, while no inquiry is made whether it grew in this enclosure or that. “All the seed of Israel” have one Father, are all included in the same eternal purpose, redeemed by the same precious blood, justified by the same grace, destined to the same glory. Therefore you should love them all, and never be ashamed to hold communion with those with whom Christ holds communion.
III. WHAT IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THIS PROMISE?
1. The dignity of the Benefactor. “In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.” Who is the person here spoken of? A very important inquiry. Wherever you see “the LORD” in capitals in the Bible, you are apprised of the word JEHOVAH in the original. This name is therefore applied to Christ; for it is certainly of Him that it is said in the preceding verse, “Surely shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness,” &c. “Why, then, you would make Jesus Christ to be God?” No, I do not make Him to be so: I find Him to be so. And it is necessary that He should be so, for without this there could not be an all-sufficiency of worth to expiate our offences, or of power to save us from the dominion and pollution of sin. It is necessary for us that we should be able to say, “My Lord and my God!”
2. The relation on which the blessedness here promised depends: “In the Lord. Of this “in” much is said in Scripture (Isa_45:24; 2Co_5:17; Eph_1:3; Php_3:8). Between Christ and all His people there was a virtual union before the world began, and there is now a vital and a visible union—a vital union, when they are enabled to receive and embrace Him by faith; a visible one, when they join His Church, and make a profession of His name. Not only is He the source of blessedness, but we can be partakers of it only by being in Him. A refuge is a place of safety, but you can be secure only by being in it. The ark preserved Noah and his family, but had they been out of it when the rain descended, they would have perished along with the unbelieving world; but “the Lord shut him in,” and therefore he was preserved. Consider also our Saviour’s teaching in Joh_15:4-5.
3. The privilege here promised. It takes in two things:—
(1.) Justification. “In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory.” Does this mean that they shall be justified from imputations and slanders? Yes, in a sense this may be implied, so that the Christian may say, “He is near to justify me” (see Psa_37:5-6). So Joseph and David were in due time cleared from the calumnies that were cast upon them. So shall it be with all God’s people who have borne reproach for His sake (P. D. 3114).
But the greater blessing here promised is justification from sin. This is the blessing that descends on all believers in Christ Jesus (Act_13:39; 2Co_5:21). How was Christ “made sin for us?” By imputation only. Our sin was reckoned to Him, and He became responsible for the consequences (1Pe_3:18). How are we made righteous before God? In the very same way. Christ’s righteousness is reckoned to us, and in consequence of it we are absolved and justified. How far does this justification extend? For answer, see Rom_8:1; Jer_50:20. All true believers in Christ are now “accepted in the Beloved,” both as to their persons and their services, and are not only freed from the curse of the law, but are invested with a title to everlasting life.
(2.) Exaltation. The exultation of which our text speaks will be the natural result and expression of the exaltation which God has in reserve for His people. Poor, mean, despised, they may be now, but then the shout of a King shall be heard among them. Is that King ours? Let us never be ashamed now to own, to talk of, to publish Him in whom we then shall glory. Soon “He will come again to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in them that believe.”—William Jay: Sunday Evening Sermons, pp. 41–47.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv22, 24 General Information:
General Information:
Yahweh continues speaking.
Read full note →
Turn to me and be saved
This can be stated in active form. AT: "Turn to me and I will save you" (See: Active or Passive)
all the ends of the earth
The places on the earth that are very far away are spoken of as if they were the places where the earth ends. This phrase also forms a merism and refers to everywhere in between the ends. AT "all the farthest places of the earth" or "the entire earth" (See: Metaphor and Merism)
all the ends of the earth
Here this phrase represents the people who live at "the ends of the earth." AT: "you who live at the farthest places of the earth" or "all of you who live on the earth" (See: Metonymy)
To me every knee will bend, every tongue will swear
The words "knee" and "tongue" represent the people. AT: "Every person will kneel before me, and everyone will swear" (See: Synecdoche)
translationWords
turn
save
earth
God
oath
just
decree
tongue
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv22–24 45:22 Let all the world look to me: All…
45:22 Let all the world look to me: All humanity needs to seek the Lord, the true God who created all things, while he may be found (55:6). • In God there is salvation, the only hope for all of humanity (45:8).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.