What role does the Redeemer play in Isaiah 59:20 for believers today? Backdrop of Isaiah 59 - Isaiah 59 paints a grim picture of national sin: “your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God” (v. 2). - Human effort is powerless to bridge that gap, so the LORD “saw that there was no one… so His own arm brought salvation” (v. 16). - Into that context, verse 20 declares: “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their transgressions,” declares the LORD. Who the Redeemer Is - The title “Redeemer” (Hebrew goel) refers to a kinsman who pays a price to buy back family land or relatives (Leviticus 25:25; Ruth 4:6). - Isaiah progressively reveals this Redeemer as the Servant who suffers for sinners (Isaiah 53:4-6) and reigns as King (Isaiah 60:1-3). - The New Testament identifies Him unmistakably as Jesus Christ (Romans 11:26, quoting Isaiah 59:20; Titus 2:14). Already Fulfilled in Jesus - Redemption accomplished: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). - Sin removed: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7). - Peace secured: “He Himself is our peace… He reconciled both to God through the cross” (Ephesians 2:14-16). Ongoing Ministry to Believers Today • Forgiver – He continually cleanses those who confess (1 John 1:7-9). • Advocate – He intercedes when accusations arise (Romans 8:34). • Liberator – He breaks the power of present sin, enabling holy living (Romans 6:6-14). • Covenant Keeper – God’s Spirit places His words in believers just as promised in Isaiah 59:21; the gospel remains living and active in every generation. • Protector – As Kinsman-Redeemer He defends His people against spiritual enemies (John 10:28-29; 2 Thessalonians 3:3). • Unifier – He gathers a repentant people from every nation, forming one body (Galatians 3:13-14). Future Consummation - The Redeemer “will come” still carries a forward look. Jesus will return to Zion in power (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16). - National Israel will experience the promised outpouring of repentance and salvation (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:26-27). - Creation itself will be set free from corruption when the Redeemer finishes His work (Romans 8:21). Living in Light of the Redeemer’s Role - Rest in accomplished redemption—nothing remains to be paid. - Practice daily repentance; the promise targets “those…who repent.” - Walk in newness of life, empowered by the indwelling Spirit. - Stand firm against accusation, trusting your active Advocate. - Persevere with hope, looking for the Redeemer’s appearing and final victory. |
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