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HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY www.godcannotlie.org Welcome to our web site We here at His Servants' Ministry, teach the whole Truth of God's Holy Word. We teach God's goodness and mercy and Heaven; but we also teach God's righteous wrath and judgment to come and an eternal Hell, a Lake of Fire. It deeply saddens me the way that the world is turning away from the goodness of Almighty God. The vast majoriy of people in the world today never, ever, think of eternity. They just keep on keeping on in their sin, and they really must think they will go to Heaven. My dear friend, there really IS a Hell, and there really IS a Judgment Day when ALL people will be held accountable for their sins. BEWARE!!! Many of our articles are linked to other Christian web sites. We do not always agree 100% with everything these sites say, but as a rule, they have the same basic beliefs that we do. This is our 'godcannotlie' web site. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Book of Isaiah Chapters 49-57 give us God’s gracious provision of redemption. This second section (chapters 49-57) points to an effective cure for their (and our) real problems. On the outside, their exile would seem to be the bad guy ruining their lives. If from section one they can understand that their judgment is because of their own sin, then they will look for relief not only in a return to their homeland but in the healing of their sins, and ONLY God alone can provide this healing. Although they are comforted about their return to Palestine, it is just a small part of the complete worldwide plan of healing that Almighty God will provide through His gracious and Humble Servant. The Servant serves as the Center of Hope in these chapters. Because of this awesome Servant, Israel can be assured that God has NOT forsaken them, nor will He ever forsake them (Jer.31:35-37). Dear one, Israel is here to stay! In reality, the Servant will lead ALL nations to serve God. Slowly this Majestic Servant is introduced. His work is not easy, but He finds strength in the LORD God. Through the multitude of verses describing the Suffering Servant, the Israelites (and we as well), should begin to realize the cost of salvation. It is easy enough to arrange for their passage back to Judah as the first section emphasized using Cyrus the Persian emperor as His servant. But, this Suffering Servant, brings God’s people back through sufferings which climax with His death on the cross, and in this way He has become their Saviour (and ours). He died for their sins. What should have been OUR sufferings, became His sufferings. Do you honestly realize just what Jesus did for us? For you and for me? And because He faithfully did and does His work, He prospers and leads all those who are made righteous (justified) by Him (Rom.3:24; 5:1, 9). God ever so patiently taught the Jews that His plan was to incorporate people all around the world. The many was to include people from all around the world . . . Jews AND Gentiles! The every one in chapter 55:1 is all-encompassing. Chapter 56 deliberately assures these strangers (Gentiles) not to feel inferior or unimportant. Consider the following: How great and immeasurable is God’s grace! Chapter 57 brings us back to the operating table. God spreads out our wickedness right before our eyes, and IF you sincerely want salvation of your soul, and long for hope of everlasting life, you must be willing to hear what the LORD has to say to you. Are you listening??? Ch.40-48: Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. (KJV) All three of these last sections end with the same idea . . . there shall be no peace, to the wicked. The Messiah brings peace, but any and all who reject Him will NEVER know peace. Turning TO idols is turning AWAY from the Messiah. As we have seen, this section has majored in a condemnation and rebuke of idolatry. Idolatry is a road that leads to Babylon. The LORD, in the Book of Isaiah, is traveling the lonely road to Calvary. BEWARE!!! ALL idolatry and witchcraft are an abomination to the LORD: (Deut.27:15; 1 Ki.11:7; 23:13; Isa.44:19; Jer.32:35; Eze.18:12; Dan.12:11; Mal.2:11; Rev.21:27) ISAIAH 56 parallels with TITUS. Isaiah 56 speaks of God's rest. It is also a picture of the Millennial rest. Titus tells us how to enter into God's rest. Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, We are admonished in Titus, while we are resting, to do good works. Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. We are to maintain (keep up) good works. Isaiah Chapter 56 contains a prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles, and their succession to the church, and of the corrupt state of the church afterwards, especially of its rulers, which brought in men compared to wild beasts that devour. It begins with an appeal to the duties of judgment and justice, enforced by the nearness of Christ's salvation, and the clear relation of His righteousness in the Gospel, and by the blessedness of the man that does those duties, and lays hold on those blessings, and observes the whole of religion, established and moral (vs.1), when encouragement is given to eunuchs, and strangers (Gentiles), sensible and religious persons, have hope of acceptance by God, and that they shall be welcome to His House, with an answer to their objections, and Promises of special favors (vs.3), to which is added a Promise or prophecy of future additions, both of Jews and Gentiles, to the church of God in the latter day (vs.8), and then follows a call upon those savage people (blind, ignorant and greedy watchmen) who are compared to wild beasts, to come and devour, which will precede the above prophecy (vs.9), the reason being the wretched corruption of the rulers of the church, their ignorance, negligence, avarice and drunkenness (vs.10). Theme: Outstanding particulars of the future Kingdom; predicament of the present kingdom. This Chapter follows a pattern that goes back to that amazing Isaiah Chapter 53, which tells us of the salvation of the LORD provided for lost mankind by the Sacrifice of His only begotten Son upon the Cross. Isaiah now returns to the nation of Israel and is speaking to his own people, the Jews. What we have in this chapter is not a retreat to Mount Sinai (as some think) but instead a majestic victory march into the Millennium Kingdom! It is common-sense of what has preceded. It refers mainly to Israel, but radiates out into a wide circle of global advantages and benefits . . . all of which rests on the new covenant which God has made with Israel. It will be the blessing for the Earth in the future. At the time of Isaiah the Mosaic Law was existent . . . BUT the Lord Jesus lifted that Law to the highest degree in His Sermon on the Mount, and it shall be strictly enforced in the Earth in the last days because Christ will be KING! It will be His will and it will be His Law. . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/sermon_on_the_mount_intro.htm The importance in this chapter is on beliefs, morals and integrity, not on events. The emphasis is on practice, not prophecy, and all of this should impact how we live today. The study of prophecy should NOT be to entertain the curious . . . it should instead encourage holy living. Isaiah now is looking forward into the Kingdom Age, the Millennium. The Lord Jesus is reigning as King (Ps.2; Isa.11:6-9; 35:1-10; 65:17-25; Rev.20:1-15). When our LORD lifted the Mosaic Law to the highest degree in His Sermon on the Mount, it shall be absolutely impossible for anyone to be saved by keeping the Law. Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.(KJV) . . . Dear one, on this basis, very few of us would escape. So . . . HOW are people going to be saved? We have a Saviour who saves us, but when He reigns as King on Earth, there will be NO hijacking of cars or planes, NO kidnapping, NO murder, NO stealing, NO mugging, NO sexual violence, NO drugs, NO fear of his neighbor, etc., etc. We will be able to walk in safety down any street in Jerusalem! The Earth will be a safe place in that day. Every man will dwell in peace under his own vine and fig tree, which means he is going to have to forget about handouts from the government! No work, no eat! 2 Thes. 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. (KJV) . . . The LORD condemns laziness: (Pro.6:6-11; 10:4-5, 26; 12:9, 24, 27; 13:4, 23; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4, 13. 21:25-26; 22:13; 23:21; 24:30-34; 26:13-16; Ecc.4:5; 10:18; Isa.56:10; Eze.16:49; Mat.20:6-7; Lk.19:20-25; Rom.12:11; 1 Tim.5:13; 2 Thes.3:10-12; Heb.6:12). Grand Particulars of the Future Kingdom (56:1-8) The first 8 verses of this chapter, seem to some, to belong to the foregoing prophecy. From the consideration of God's Promises made to them, He moved them to perform their duty to Him. Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. (KJV) Thus saith the Lord, keep ye judgment, and do justice . . . do justice and judgment, this phrase elsewhere means the duties which one man owes to another (Gen.18:19; 1 Ki.10:9; 2 Chron. 9:8; Pro.21:3; Jer.22:15); but here it seems to mean the duties which men owe to God, as it is explained in the following verses. *****My salvation is near to come . . . it seems that the prophets expected the Kingdom to be established immediately. Although they made allowance for the possibility of an interval, they speak of it in the immediate future. Salvation, I believe is meant the national salvation of Israel. This is what I think was in the mind of the apostle Paul: Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: (KJV) . . . I think that anticipating the coming salvation was to encourage them to do justice . . . just as our hope of the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ at the Rapture is a reason today to lead a holy life . . . . . . . . . http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_signs_rapture.htm Isaiah 56:2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. (KJV) Blessed is the man that doth this . . . blessed is the man; every man, not only Jews, but Gentiles, or strangers, as it is explained in the following verses. Blessed is the man that does justice, and keeps judgment; a man should always exercise a good conscience towards both God and men; for he enjoys fellowship with God in his ways, worship, and ordinances he attends to, and has proof of his right to eternal happiness in Heaven (Jn.20:31; Tit.1:2; 2:13; 3:7; 1 Jn.5:13). *****This is for a people who believe that they are back under the Sabbath. The Sabbath will be restored to this Earth during the Millennium, but during this present day of grace (Rom.6:14), we are definitely told: Col. 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: (KJV) . . . IF a person insists on respecting the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday), and not the Lord’s Day (Sunday), they must respect ALL the Jewish Sabbaths! Isaiah 56:3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. (KJV) Neither let the son of the stranger . . . the stranger is a Gentile by birth, being the son of one that is an alien from the commonwealth of Israel, a stranger from the Covenants of Promise, and so had no right to come into the congregation of the LORD under the former dispensation; but now the middle wall of partition being broken down. In the last days, the times to which this prophecy belongs, strangers are encouraged to expect admission. Isaiah 56:4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; (KJV) For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths . . . the eunuchs that fear (reverence and respect) the LORD and serve Him; faithfully observe all times of divine worship, and walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the LORD. They highly regard the Gospel, and perform all religious exercises, private and public, on the LORD'S days, and at other times. Seven things that establish righteousness: Even to them will I give in mine house and within my walls . . . In mine house, in the Temple, eunuchs were not allowed serve in the Temple as priests according to the Law (Lev.21:17; Deut.23:1). Will I give in mine house . . . meaning that eunuchs and strangers (vs.3), shall be admitted to all the privileges of entering God’s House of prayer, and being considered as His true worshippers, and this shall be to them a more priceless privilege than would be any earthly advantages. House here refers without a doubt to the Temple, regarded as symbolic of the place of public worship in all ages. Within my walls . . . the walls of the city where God dwelt, which refer mainly to the walls of Jerusalem. The eunuchs and strangers would be permitted to dwell with God, and be admitted to ALL the privileges of others. ALL people, of all classes and all conditions, under the reign of the Messiah, shall be seen in His Eyes as on the same level, and entitled to equal advantages as the Jews (Gal.3:26-29). There shall be NO religious disabilities arising from class, age, country, color or rank of life. Anyone with any physical defect shall not on that account be excluded from His favor, or be seen as not entitled to His offers of love and mercy. The lame, the blind; the person of color, the red man of the woods; the Islander . . . ALL shall be regarded as the same, and are invited to participate in the gracious favor of the LORD. In the Targum, it is, in the house of my sanctuary, and in the land of the house of my Shekinah. Shekinah Scriptures: (Ex.13:21-22; 24:16-18; 25:22; 29:43; 40:34-38; Lev.9:6, 23; 16:2; Num.5-23; 10:11-36; 14:10; 16:19, 42; Ps.18:7-15; Eze.9:3; 10:3, 18-19; 11:22; Hag.2:9. Zec.2:5; Lk.2:9). Twelve rewards for Obedience: Isaiah 56:6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; (KJV) Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the LORD . . . having answered the objection and removed the discouragement of the eunuch, he now returns to the sons of the stranger, who also join themselves to the LORD, as the eunuch had done (vs.4). Isaiah 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. (KJV) Even them will I bring to my holy mountain . . . the Church in the last days is called a mountain for its height, visibility and immovableness (Isa.2:2-4). The TRUE members of the Church being are those who are sincerely interested in the unchangeable love of God (Mal.3:6; Rom.8:35-39; Heb.13;8; Jam.1:17). The holy mountain is Jerusalem, which is the Church in the last days (Isa.11:9; 56:7; 57:13; 65:1, 25; 66:20; Eze.20:40; 28:14; Dan.9:16, 20; 11:45; Joel 2:1; 3:17; Oba.1:16; Zep.3:11; Zec.8:3). For TRUE members of the Church, see: http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm There are TRUE members of the family of God (possessors of Christ), and there are hypocrites (saying they are Christians). The LORD knows which is which. Isaiah 56:8 The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him. (KJV) The Lord GOD, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel, saith . . . which will gather to Himself, and bring into their own land, the Israelites which are, or shall be, cast out of their own land, and from God's Presence, and dispersed in various parts of the world (Jer.16:15; 24:9; Jn.7:35). *****The Millennial Kingdom is to be worldwide in its extent and will include members of every family of the human race . . . red, yellow, black or white; and there will be absolutely NO physical handicap or deformity that will shut anyone out in the last days. It seems that the greatest time of turning to Christ will take place during the Millennial Kingdom. Predicament of the Present Kingdom (56:9-12) Now that we have seen the marvelous view of the Coming Kingdom of Christ, Isaiah returns to the predicament of the kingdom of his day. Sadly, the same problems exist in today’s world. All ye beasts of the field, come to devour . . . which may be understood either literally of savage beasts being called to devour the slain, indicating a great slaughter that would be made to which the fowls of the heaven are invited, as to a great supper (Eze.39:17-20; Rev.19:17). Some say that the beasts here refer to the kings of the people; by whom some understand the Chaldeans, Babylonians and other nations who spoiled the Jews, and carried them captive; but it seems to me this refers to the Romans in the last days, and the Antichrist. A great question arises here . . . what connection does the last part of this chapter have to do with the first part? We may consider that Isaiah spoke mainly concerning the Messiah, His church and His Kingdom, and especially of the great access and conversion of the Gentiles to it, and of the unfaithfulness, apostasy and countless evils of the Jewish nation. The LORD having comforted and encouraged the Gentiles with God's gracious Promises made to them, He now proceeds to terrify the unbelieving and ungodly Jews, by showing them that since the Gentiles would believe and be saved . . . for them to reject their Messiah, means that they would be utterly destroyed. Although we need not wonder much about the reason; for this may be the start of a new sermon, and for that reason, many educated interpreters think that this the beginning of the 57th chapter. *****Our prophecy is now shifted from the lofty contemplation of the glorious future Kingdom to the sad condition of the then existing kingdom. God was permitting the nations of the world to come in like wild and ferocious beasts, and they were robbing and pillaging His people. Assyria had already broken in, Babylon was soon to break in; and later others would come to plunder and destroy the Jews. It is quite obvious that Jerusalem has been destroyed repeatedly. History tells us that Jerusalem has been destroyed many times, and today it is built upon wreckage. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Jerusalem Isaiah 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. (KJV) His watchmen are blind . . . His is Israel's watchmen, as is clear from the following verses. Watchmen were priests and prophets, and too, teachers are commonly called watchmen (Eze.3:17; 33:2; Hos.9:8). Being blind is an extremely sad character of watchmen! They must have good sight, to see who is coming, to discover an enemy, to recognize approaching danger, and to be capable of giving notice of what is seen. Some apply this to the Scribes and Pharisees, who are often called blind guides (Mat.23:16, 24), and blind leaders of the blind (Mat.15:14), and very well suits the character of false teachers. Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (KJV) . . . Dear one, IF a teacher teaches something OTHER than the Holy Word of God, they are teaching the commandments of men, and the commandments of men CANNOT save your soul! BEWARE!!! *****This is the sad picture of the prophets and priests who spoke for God in that day. God allowed the enemy to take Jerusalem because of the weak and inadequate leaders of the people. They were blind, ignorant and dumb dogs. The apostle Paul warned the people to beware of dogs: Phil. 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. (KJV) . . . What did Paul mean? He is NOT talking about being cautious of a dog that barks at you! He is speaking of false teachers and false preachers who are not bringing the full counsel of God, but instead were bringing damnable heresies (2 Pet.2:1). In Isaiah's day every shepherd had a dog to help him watch the sheep. The dog would lie down at night, but he always kept one eye open for any danger to the sheep. The minute a dangerous animal or human being came to harm or to steal a sheep, the dog would sound an alarm! He would bark. Israel’s watchmen, the prophets and the priests who should have been warning God's people and giving out the Word of God . . . were totally ignorant of the Word. They were like dumb dogs who did not bark when there was danger. It was easier for them to sleep and keep quiet. So it is in today’s churches! 2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; Isaiah 56:11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. (KJV) Yea, they are greedy dogs . . . having great appetites, and are never satisfied, greedy dogs which Isaiah 56:12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant. (KJV) Come ye, say they . . . they were perfect food lovers, given to their pleasures, never so much in their element as in their drunken revels, joyfully carousing; encouraging them in luxury and self-indulgence. *****These blind, ignorant and greedy watchmen felt very secure and confident that their prosperity and ease would continue on indefinitely. They thought that tomorrow would be as this day, only much more abundant. They had no fear at all of their own frailty, weakness and death, even though they were shortening their days and hurrying their deaths by their excesses. They had absolutely no worry or fear of the judgments of God, even though they provoked Him daily and made themselves liable to His wrath and condemnation (Jn.3:18; 8:24; 1 Jn.5:10-12). Not once did they consider the uncertainty of all the sensual delights and enjoyments, or how they would perish with the lusts of them. They continued on in their wicked course, no matter what their consciences tried to tell them. They wanted to be as merry tomorrow as they are today. Description of wicked watchmen: Special Comments This Prpphecy in Isaiah Chapter 56 Book of Isaiah . . Isaiah's Mini-Bible Isaiah Ch.1 . . Isaiah Ch.2 . . Isaiah Ch.3 . . Isaiah Ch.4 . . Isaiah Ch.5 . . Isaiah Ch.6 . . Isaiah Ch.7 . . Isaiah Ch.8 . . Isaiah Ch.9 . . Isa.Ch.10 . . Isa.Ch.11 . . Isa.Ch12 . . Home Page JUDGMENT ON THE NATIONS . . . . . Isaiah Ch.13 . . Isaiah Ch.14 . . Isaiah Ch.15 . . Isaiah Ch.16 . . Isaiah Ch.17 . . Isaiah Ch.18 . . Isaiah Ch.19 . . Isaiah Ch.20 . . Isaiah Ch.21 . . Isaiah Ch.22 . . Isaiah Ch.23 . . Home Page ISAIAH’S APOCALYPSE . . . . . Isaiah Ch.24 . . Isaiah Ch.25 . . Isaiah Ch.26 . . Isaiah Ch.27 . . Home Page ISAIAH'S SIX WOES . . . Isaiah Ch.28 . . Isaiah Ch.29 . . Isaiah Ch.30 . . Isaiah Ch.31 . . Isaiah Ch.32 . . Isaiah Ch.33 . . Isaiah Ch.34 . . Isaiah Ch.35 . . Home Page Isaiah's Historic Part . . Isaiah Ch.36 . . Isaiah Ch.37 . . Isaiah Ch.38 . . Isaiah Ch.39 . . Home Page Isaiah Speaks of Messiah's Incarnation. . Isaiah Ch.40 . . Isaiah Ch.41 . . Isaiah Ch.42 . . Isaiah Ch.43 . . Isaiah Ch.44 . . Isaiah Ch.45 . . Isaiah Ch.46 . . Isaiah Ch.47 . . Isaiah Ch.48 . . Home Page Isaiah's Introduction to the Suffering Servant Isaiah's Suffering Servant Prophecy. . . Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Isaiah's Redemption Through the Suffering Servant . . . Isaiah Ch.49 . . Isaiah Ch.50 . . Isaiah Ch.51 . . Isaiah Ch.52 . . Isaiah Ch.53 . . Isaiah Ch.54 . . Isaiah Ch.55 . . Isaiah Ch.56 . . Isaiah Ch.57 . . Home Page Isaiah's Vision of the Dispersion . . . Isaiah Ch.58 . . 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