What is the meaning of Isaiah 64:5? You welcome those who gladly do right “You welcome those who gladly do right” (Isaiah 64:5a). - God is not distant; He “welcomes” upright people into fellowship (Psalm 15:1-2; 1 Peter 3:12). - “Gladly” highlights more than external obedience. He values a heart that delights in His commands (Psalm 40:8; 1 John 5:3). - Righteous actions never purchase acceptance, but they do please the Father who has already set covenant love on His people (Deuteronomy 7:7-9). - The verse assures believers that living out righteousness is not futile. The Lord meets them with favor, guidance, and joy (Proverbs 3:5-6; John 14:23). who remember Your ways “Who remember Your ways” (Isaiah 64:5a). - To “remember” is to keep God’s character and commands constantly before the mind (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). - Forgetfulness leads to drift; remembrance leads to perseverance (Joshua 23:11-13; Revelation 2:5). - Practically, this means: - rehearsing His mighty acts (Psalm 77:11-12), - meditating on His Word daily (Psalm 1:2), - aligning decisions with His revealed will (James 1:22-25). - Those who remember His ways find renewed strength and direction, because His ways are “steadfast love and faithfulness” (Psalm 25:10). Surely You were angry, for we sinned “Surely You were angry, for we sinned” (Isaiah 64:5b). - The prophet acknowledges God’s righteous anger, a necessary response of holiness toward sin (Habakkuk 1:13; Romans 1:18). - Israel’s history confirms this pattern—blessing when obedient, discipline when rebellious (Judges 2:11-15; Psalm 90:7-8). - Recognizing divine anger: - prevents presumption (Isaiah 59:1-2), - fuels humble confession (Daniel 9:5-7), - underscores the seriousness of sin (Hebrews 10:31). - Yet even in anger, God preserves a remnant and holds out mercy (Isaiah 54:8; Lamentations 3:31-33). How can we be saved if we remain in our sins? “How can we be saved if we remain in our sins?” (Isaiah 64:5c). - This is the cry of conviction: sin separates, and self-reform cannot bridge the gap (Jeremiah 13:23; Ephesians 2:1-3). - The implied answer points forward to God’s gracious provision: - cleansing promised (Isaiah 1:18), - a Redeemer foretold (Isaiah 53:4-6), - salvation by grace through faith accomplished in Christ (Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:4-9). - Application: - turn from sin and trust the Savior (Acts 2:38), - rest in His finished work (John 19:30), - walk in the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17). - Remaining in sin is incompatible with salvation, but deliverance is freely offered to all who call on His name (Romans 10:13; 1 John 1:9). summary Isaiah 64:5 weaves together assurance and alarm: God gladly welcomes people who joyfully practice righteousness and continually remember His ways. At the same time, His holy anger against sin exposes our need; if we cling to iniquity, salvation is impossible. The verse drives us toward repentance and faith in the Redeemer, encouraging a life that both delights in obedience and depends wholly on divine grace. |
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