Connect Isaiah 44:5 with New Testament teachings on Christian identity. A promise of belonging foretold “This one will say, ‘I belong to the LORD’; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and name himself by the name of Israel.” • Three pictures of identity stand out: – Speaking it: “I belong to the LORD.” – Bearing a covenant name: “call himself by the name of Jacob.” – Marking it permanently: “write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s.’” • The verse literally promises that God will raise up people who openly, boldly, and indelibly identify with Him. • The New Testament shows how these pictures are fulfilled and expanded in Christ. Identity confessed with the mouth • Romans 10:9-10 — “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’… you will be saved.” • 1 Corinthians 12:3 — “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” • Acts 2:38-41 — at Pentecost, new believers publicly declare allegiance to the Lord and are baptized. Like Isaiah’s “This one will say,” believers vocalize their new ownership openly. Identity received by adoption • Romans 8:15-17 — “You received the Spirit of adoption… we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” • Galatians 3:26-29 — “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus… you are Abraham’s seed.” The covenant name “Jacob/Israel” becomes ours; we are grafted into God’s family tree. Identity sealed and written • Ephesians 1:13 — “Having believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” • 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 — God “put His seal on us and placed His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” • Revelation 3:12 — “I will write on him the name of My God.” • Revelation 22:4 — “His name will be on their foreheads.” Isaiah’s picture of writing on the hand finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Spirit’s inward seal and the promised visible mark in glory. Identity lived out in daily life • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 — “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” • 2 Timothy 2:19 — “The Lord knows those who are His,” and everyone who bears the name of the Lord is to depart from iniquity. • Colossians 3:17 — “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Our behavior, choices, and words function as a continual inscription: “The LORD’s.” Key takeaways to carry forward • Belonging to the Lord is first a declaration of faith, just as Isaiah foretold. • It is grounded in a real, legal adoption accomplished by Christ’s redemption. • The Holy Spirit seals that identity, giving inward assurance and future hope. • Genuine identity in Christ shows itself in holiness, witness, and joyful obedience. |
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