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“Isaiah’s Church"

Thesis: To teach the hearers the truth concerning the nature of the church and its members.

Text: Isa 2:2-4

Isa 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. Isa 2:3 And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem. Isa 2:4 And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Introduction
1. As we look at this section of Scripture, (which is almost identical to Micah 4:1-3; Isaiah was to take God’s message to the peoples in the city, while Micah to those in the country), we can but marvel at the accuracy and the descriptive measures that the LORD God has used to bring forth His prophetic word.

2. That along with the harmonious nature of God's word from beginning to end is such a faith builder and sustainer for the Christian that we can but say concerning our God, “If God is for us, who is against us?”(Rom 8:31).

3. In this brief study we will look at Isaiah 2:2-4 basically in the form of an exegesis (“a discourse intended to explain or illustrate a subject”; Webster), and show how these verses depict the church, God's eternal purpose (Eph 3:11) concerning . . .
1) The time of its establishment (Isa 2:2a)
2) Its nature (Isa 2:2b)
3) The place of its establishment (Isa 2:3).
4) The nature of its peoples (Isa 2:4)

I. THE TIME AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH

A. (v 2a)

Isa 2:2a And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established

Let us note the opening words in this passage, “And it shall come to pass”. This phraseology asserts that this message is from the one true God, and more specifically that the prophet Isaiah is a true prophet of God based upon the standards set forth in Deut 18:20-22. For we know that it is Jehovah God alone Who can declare “the end from the beginning, and from the ancient times that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand” (Isa 46:9-10). Thus the establishment of the church, the when, its nature, and the where, sets forth the deity of the LORD God as that which is “without question” to the logical mind.

1. This in itself is why many attempt to discredit the Bible, for if these prophecies are valid (which they are), then God is Who He claims to be, and all those that do not submit to His sovereign rule only have a devils hell to look forward to “without question”! (Mt 25:46)

2. Let us look at the term “in the latter days”. Based upon its usage in Dan 2:28 which refer to “the days of those kings” (Dan 2:44), we can conclude that this passage speaks of the days of the Roman empire, specifically that first Pentecost after the death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when the first Gospel sermon was preached by Peter and the other apostles in Acts 2 wherein they used the keys of the kingdom and revealed the Way of salvation under Christ.

a. We can also look at Peter’s inspired interpretation of Joel 2:28 in Acts 2:16-17 wherein he refers to the events taking place on that day saying “this is that” and informs us that “afterward” (Joel 2:28) refers to “the last days” (Acts 2:17).

b. When we combine these passages with 2 Tim 3:1-5; Heb 1:2; Ja 5:3; 1 Pet 1:2, 20; 2 Pet 3:3; we must conclude that all these passages refer to the Christian dispensation, that time span that exists between the 1st and 2nd coming of our Lord.

c. Thus the church will be established after the ascension of our Lord (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9), and before His 2nd coming (1 Thess 4:16). When we put the fact that people “called on the name of the Lord” and were saved and added to the church on that very day (Acts 2:47), we must conclude that “the church”, “the kingdom” (Mt 16:16-19; Heb 12:23, 28)“the mountain of Jehovah’s house” was indeed established on that Pentecost day in about A.D. 30.

d. It was always spoken of as being in the future before that day (Mt 3:2; 4:17; 10:7), and after that day it was spoken of in the present tense (Acts 2:47; 5:11; 8:1; 9:1; Col 1:13; Rev 1:6, 9).

II. THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH

A. (v 2b-3a)

Isa 2:2b the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. Isa 2:3a And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths

We should also note the usage of the figure of a “mountain” which is used throughout this passage. This word when used in a figurative sense in the OT consistently is used to denote a government, a kingdom (Isa 11:9; Jer 51:25; Dan 2:35).

1. Thus Jehovah’s house, the house of God, the church of the living God (1 Tim 3:15), is in fact a government, a kingdom.

a. This term “kingdom” would describe the nature thereof. It would consist of a King, subjects, and a law through which the King would rule over His subjects.

b. This idea of law and subjection is not too popular among some of the religious peoples around us, and even some biblical Christians think this very same way, yet it is what the Scriptures teach concerning the church, the body, the kingdom.

2. This kingdom “the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills”. The Lord’s kingdom, His church (these terms are used synonymously; Mt 16:18-19; Heb 12:23, 28), would be established, and would continue in, through, on top, and despite the kingdoms of men.

a. For it would be spiritual in nature (Lk 17:21; Jn 18:36),

Luk 17:21 neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom of God is within you.

Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

b. The physical kingdoms of men would have no defense against that which works upon the heart, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, thus it would be “exalted” above such physical kingdoms by its very nature, in other words it would be unstoppable.

3. “All nations shall flow into it” shows us the universal nature of the Gospel (Rom 1:16; Gal 3:28). There would be no distinctions as we see under the Law of Moses, all would be priests (1 Pet 2:5, 9), thus all would be able to enter into the temple (Lk 1:8-10) through the one Mediator, “Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:5), our High Priest (Heb 3:1; 8:1), the only way unto the Father (Jn 14:6).

a. Also it shows us the velocity and the nature of those entering therein.

b. Under the Law of Moses others were able to approach God through that system (Ex 12:48; Num 14:15; Deut 14:21; 1 Ki 8:41-43). They would hear of the mighty works of God (Ex 9:16), and submit to Him and come, as did Rahab and her house (Joshua 2).

c. Yet the distinctions, the lack of evangelism, and the traditions of men probably hindered many from accessing the grace of God through said system.

d. But under the Gospel dispensation a more aggressive approach would be taken, individuals would be “sent” (Rom 10:15), they would “go” into “all” the world (Mk 16:15), and make disciples of “all the nations” (Mt 28:19), and then “teach” them all things (Mt 28:20).

e. This is what we see in the inspired words “many peoples shall go and say, come ye, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways; and we will walk in his paths:” Thus this aggressive approach fueled by the fervency of those that are members of Jehovah’s mountain would cause all nations to “flow,” not “trickle” unto it.

4. They would also “flow” in respect to the nature thereof, they would not be forced into subjection as an attacking army might do to its enemies, but rather they would willingly put them self into subjection to God and His gospel (Rom 10:3), because they would be able to clearly see its truths, one of which is that everyone is a slave, the only question is “whose slave are you, sin unto death, or obedience (unto God) towards righteousness” (Rom 6:16-18)

5. “He will teach us of His ways” here refers to the fact that Christianity, the Way, is a taught religion (John 6:45; Mt 28:20a)

Joh 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

a. This teaching will center around Christ and the fact that we are to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6),

1Jo 2:6 he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.

b. In other words we are to imitate Him (1 Cor 11:1).

1Co 11:1 Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

c. Which is going to be difficult, yet it is the only way that mankind will be saved (John 14:6; Luke 13:24)

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Luk 13:23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

III. THE PLACE WHERE THE CHURCH WAS TO BE ESTABLISHED

A. (v 3b)

Isa 2:3b for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.

Jehovah’s mountain, the kingdom, the church, would go forth “out of Zion”. We know that the word “Zion” is metaphorically used in prophecy in reference to the spiritual Zion, the church, as defined by inspiration in Heb 12:22-23, where is seen the “heavenly” thus “spiritual” Jerusalem, the church of the firstborn ones enrolled in heaven (Heb 12:22-23).

Heb 12:22 but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

1. But considering this is a prophecy which was to lead the remnant of the Jewish nation unto hope, unto faithfulness, and ultimately unto the forgiveness of their sins by the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Rom 3:25; Heb 9:15).

2. I believe we must consider this statement to be that of the physical, the shadow, the type (Heb 10:1a).

Heb 10:1a For the law having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things,

a. Homer Hailey writes in his commentary on Isaiah writes concerning “Zion”. “Physical Zion was the steep hill on which David had built his fortress and on which Solomon later built the temple. It became a symbol of an impregnable stronghold against enemies and the dwelling place of God among His people”.

b. Thus we can conclude that the place, physical Zion was Jerusalem, in fact in the closing words of Isaiah 2:3, it states that it is from “Jerusalem” which the law, the word shall go forth, we can consider this a Hebrew parallelism (Zion vs. Jerusalem).

c. In fact our Lord Himself stated “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Lk 24:47), and thus told them to wait there for the baptism of the Holy Spirit which would enable them to use the keys of the kingdom on that Pentecost, in other words they would be inspired preachers of the gospel.

3. Let us note “what” will go forth from Jerusalem at that time, the beginning of the last days, “the law, and the word of Jehovah” these are not two separate entities being referred to, but again what we are looking at is a Hebrew parallelism (law vs. word), a common figure of speech that is used for emphasis.

a. Thus what this teaches us is that God's word is law (His commandments), and the law (His commandments) are God's word as also seen in 1 John 2:3-5 where the terms are used synonymously (1 John 2:3-5),

1Jo 2:3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 1Jo 2:5 but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:

b. And the conclusion must be that we are under a law system through which God’s favor (grace) is more abundantly manifested than ever before, and that is exactly the meaning of Rom 6:14 and John 1:16-17 (Rom 6:14; John 1:16-17) .

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace.

Joh 1:16 For of his fulness we all received, and grace for grace. Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

c. God has always had a system of law in place ever since the beginning of creation (Gen 2:16-17), the sacrifices and the doing of them properly and improperly during the system of patriarchy (as seen in the case of Cain and Able; Gen 4:3-7) teaches that law was in place also then, even though we do not have many direct statements, yet plenty of implications. And that based upon the same standard as always, by faith (Heb 11:4) thus by God's word (Rom 10:17).

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

d. The difference between the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ is that the Law of Moses could not take away sins and clear one’s conscience (Acts 13:38-39; Heb 10:1-4),

i. it merely rolled one’s sins forward year after year waiting for the Christ (Rom 10:4)

ii. also it made sin to be seen for what it truly is, “terrible!” Made more apparent from the almost constant flow of animal blood (Rom 7:7, 17)

iii. and it was purposed to be a guardian over them to keep them from sinning themselves out of existence (Gal 3:19, 23-24) in the sight of God’s just nature.

4. The same is true today, out of Zion, from Jerusalem went forth God's word, God's new and final law (Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10; 10:16),

Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

a. And through this law, that perfect law of liberty (Ja 1:25), designed for imperfect man, mankind could be redeemed (bought and brought back from the power of the devil) through the blood of Christ,

b. Even the faithful of the former covenants who were locked up in Hades could attain true forgiveness through this all sufficient sacrifice (Rom 3:25; Heb 9:15)

Rom 3:25 whom God set forth to be a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God;

Heb 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

c. This again is one of those areas where many, some even in the church are attempting to twist to the destruction of many (2 Pet 3:16), stating that the New Testament is nothing more than a compilation of love letters from God, which in one sense I can believe, seeing that God's love is manifested in the giving of His law, which when obeyed purifies us (1 Pet 1:22).

1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: 1Pe 1:23 having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth.

d. But the bottom line is sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 Jn 3:4), and without law there is no sin (Rom 4:15), and all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23).

e. Thus we must conclude that we are under some sort of law, as the Scriptures indeed teach (Rom 8:2, 7; 1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2; Heb 8:10; 10:16; Ja 1:25; 2:12), or believe in the false doctrine of Universalism, which the Scriptures will not support (Rom 6:17; 2 Thess 1:6-9; Heb 5:9; 1 Pet 1:22; ect).

f. In fact the epistle of 1 John was written specifically concerning those in the apostle’s day who believed they were not under any law (antinomian [against-law] Gnostics),

g. I can’t see how one could read that epistle (nor any of the epistles) and believe that there is no law for God’s people today, Paul; himself wrote (1 Cor 9:21b) . . .

1Co 9:21b (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,)

h. The fact is that this law, God’s word, Christ’s law, the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) is able to change and impart life to its adherents (John 6:63; 8:31-32; Heb 4:12)

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Joh 8:31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; Joh 8:32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

IV. THE NATURE OF ITS PEOPLES

A. (v 4)

Isa 2:4 And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Through the gospel all are called (2 Thess 2:14), yet not by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon one’s heart, but through the foolishness of preaching (1 Cor 1:18), which induces faith (Rom 10:17), the response to gospel preaching depends on the heart of each individual, as seen in the parable of the sower (Mt 13:3-23, Mk 4:3-20; Luke 8:5-15).

1. The response to this call is how God judges between many peoples, how one is chosen for entrance in the kingdom or not (Mt 22:14).

Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few chosen.

a. For the fact that most wont pay the high price due to enter into God’s kingdom (Luke 14:33)

Luk 14:33 So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

b. Therefore there are going to be few that find it (Mt 7:13-14)

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. Mat 7:14 For narrow is the gate, and straitened (difficult) the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.

c. Because half-heartedness is not going to be a quality of those that will be in eternity with God (Mt 22; 37; Rev 22:3-5)

Mat 22:37 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him; Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads. Rev 22:5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

2. Those that have the type of heart that God is looking for, one likened unto David or Paul who followed whole-heartedly when confronted with the truth, these are the same ones that allow themselves will be transformed (Rom 12:2), renewed into one that is likened to God, regaining that part of God’s image (Col 3:9-10) which is lost through the deceitfulness of the world (1 John 2:16), but is regained through the power of the gospel (Rom 1:16), with its facts to believe, promises to receive, commands to obey, and warnings to heed.

a. This is the type of person that will strive to enter into the kingdom (Luke 13:24), they will continue to work out their salvation with trembling and fear (Phili 2:12) which is rightfully due unto God (Heb 12:28-29)

Heb 12:28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: Heb 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.

b. They will determine to make themselves of a more passive nature, even though the world teaches differently (Mt 5:38-39)

Mat 5:38 Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: Mat 5:39 but I say unto you, resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

c. This is the type of person whose warfare will become one that is spiritual in nature, not like those of the world, trusting in the Lord and the strength of His great might (Eph 6:10; 2 Cor 10:3-5)

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh 2Co 10:4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), 2Co 10:5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

d. It will be those who look to Jesus as their perfect example, the Author and Perfecter of their faith (Heb 12:1-2a)

e. For He Himself said (John 14:6)

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

f. And this section of scripture speaks of that which I am proclaiming to you (turn to Luke 14:25-35)

Luk 14:25 Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them, Luk 14:26 If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luk 14:27 Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luk 14:28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have wherewith to complete it? Luk 14:29 Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him, Luk 14:30 saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Luk 14:31 Or what king, as he goeth to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Luk 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and asketh conditions of peace. Luk 14:33 So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luk 14:34 Salt therefore is good: but if even the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned? Luk 14:35 It is fit neither for the land nor for the dunghill: men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Conclusion

1. In conclusion we can sum up our section of scripture (Isa 2:2-4) paraphrased as such . . .

“God has promised, and will fulfill, that in the Christian (the last) dispensation, which began on the first Pentecost after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, Christ’s church will be established. It will be spiritual, not physical in nature, this will make it unstoppable. It will be for whosoever wills to come. Those therein will aggressively propagate the spread it borders. It will be a system that must be taught and learned, by and through obedience to its Kings words, which are its law. And it will begin at the city of Jerusalem. Those that are therein will hand chosen by God, for they will be those who shall conform to His will”


"That in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written"

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