How does Isaiah 59:20 connect with New Testament teachings on salvation? Text of Isaiah 59:20 “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD. Setting the Scene • Isaiah 59 paints a grim picture of Israel’s sin—hands stained with blood, lips that speak lies, justice far removed. • Right in the middle of that darkness, God promises a personal rescue: a Redeemer who arrives for repentant people. • The promise is both immediate (hope for Isaiah’s audience) and prophetic (pointing to a future, decisive act of salvation). Key Words That Bridge Testaments • Redeemer (Hebrew go’el): a kinsman-rescuer who pays the price to set family members free (cf. Ruth 4). • Turn from transgression: repentance—an about-face that God requires and empowers (Isaiah 55:7; Acts 3:19). • Zion/Jacob: Israel is the launch point, but the scope ultimately widens to include the nations (Isaiah 49:6; Luke 2:32). New Testament Echoes • Romans 11:26-27 directly quotes Isaiah 59:20-21: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob.” Paul applies the prophecy to Jesus and God’s ongoing plan for Israel’s salvation. • Luke 1:68-69: Zechariah rejoices, “He has visited and redeemed His people,” seeing Jesus as the long-awaited Redeemer. • Acts 3:26: “God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” Peter links Jesus’ resurrection with the repentance Isaiah envisioned. • Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” The Redeemer pays the price with His own life. • Titus 2:14: Christ “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people…”—language straight from Isaiah’s promise. Jesus Fulfills Isaiah 59:20 1. He is the Kinsman-Redeemer—fully God yet born into the human family (John 1:14; Hebrews 2:17). 2. He comes to Zion (His earthly ministry among Israel) but invites Gentiles too (John 10:16; Acts 13:47). 3. By His cross and resurrection, He removes sin, the very barrier Isaiah described (1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 3:5). 4. He establishes the new covenant promised in the very next verse, Isaiah 59:21 (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6-12). What Isaiah 59:20 Teaches About Salvation • Salvation is God-initiated: the Redeemer “will come,” not merely offer advice. • Salvation is substitutionary: a Redeemer pays a cost the guilty cannot. • Salvation is conditional on repentance: God’s grace never bypasses a turned heart. • Salvation is covenantal: God binds Himself to His people with unbreakable promises. • Salvation is both national (for Israel) and personal (for every believer), reaching Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 1:16). Practical Takeaways for Today • Trust the Redeemer, not self-reform—He alone removes transgression. • Keep repentance fresh; turning from sin is not a one-time event but a lifestyle of daily alignment with God’s heart. • Celebrate the harmony of Scripture—from Isaiah’s scroll to Paul’s letters, one story, one Savior, one plan. • Share confidently: the same Redeemer promised to Zion is available to every neighbor, coworker, and family member who will turn and believe. |
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