How does Isaiah 46:13 connect with Romans 1:16-17 on righteousness? Setting the Stage: One Righteousness, Two Testaments - Isaiah 46:13 and Romans 1:16-17 sit centuries apart, yet they proclaim the same divine reality: God brings His righteousness near and sets it before people as salvation. - Isaiah speaks before the cross, Romans after it; both look to the same righteous Lord acting on behalf of sinners. Isaiah 46:13—Righteousness Promised and Brought Near “I bring near My righteousness; it is not far off, and My salvation will not delay. I will grant salvation in Zion, and My splendor to Israel.” Key observations: • God Himself initiates—“I bring near.” • Righteousness and salvation are inseparable twins; when one arrives, the other is present. • Nearness means accessibility; Israel need not climb to heaven (cf. Deuteronomy 30:11-14). • The promise is covenant-rooted: Zion and Israel are specifically named, previewing a blessing that will later extend to the nations (cf. Isaiah 49:6). Romans 1:16-17—Righteousness Revealed and Received “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and then to the Greek. For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” Key observations: • The gospel is God’s present power, not merely information. • Salvation is for “everyone who believes”—Jew first, then Gentile—fulfilling the widening circle hinted at by Isaiah. • Righteousness is “revealed,” not achieved; it comes “by faith from start to finish.” • Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4, underscoring that living by faith was always God’s design. Thread of Connection: How the Passages Converge - Divine Initiative: In Isaiah, God “brings near” righteousness; in Romans, He “reveals” it in the gospel. Same Actor, same gift. - Salvation and Righteousness United: Isaiah links righteousness to salvation; Paul does the same, declaring the gospel “the power of God for salvation” precisely because it unveils God’s righteousness. - From Israel to the Nations: Isaiah promises salvation in Zion yet anticipates wider glory; Romans explicitly states the extended reach—“to everyone who believes.” - Faith as the Doorway: Isaiah’s nearness implies trust rather than toil; Romans names that trust—faith—as the sole means of receiving the righteousness God supplies. - No Delay, No Shame: Isaiah says salvation “will not delay”; Paul says he is “not ashamed.” Both signal confidence that God’s righteousness is already operative and available. So What? Living in the Nearness of God’s Righteousness • Rest instead of strive—God has already brought His righteousness within reach through Christ. • Believe instead of earn—faith receives what works cannot (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Proclaim instead of hide—if Paul is “not ashamed,” neither should we be; the same power that saved us is offered to others. • Hope instead of doubt—Isaiah’s “will not delay” assures us God keeps time perfectly; Romans shows He has kept that promise in the gospel. Supporting Scriptures for Further Reflection - 2 Corinthians 5:21—God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, “so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” - Philippians 3:9—Paul seeks to “be found in Him, not having my own righteousness… but that which is through faith in Christ.” - Isaiah 61:10—“He has clothed me with garments of salvation; He has wrapped me in a robe of righteousness.” - Hebrews 10:19-22—We now “draw near” because Christ’s sacrifice has opened the way, fulfilling Isaiah’s promise of nearness. |
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