Topical Bible: Church: Sought Out, a City not Forsaken

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken" is derived from the prophetic book of Isaiah, specifically Isaiah 62:12, which states, "And they will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken." This passage is rich with theological significance and has been interpreted as a prophetic vision of the Church, the body of believers in Jesus Christ.

Biblical Context

Isaiah 62 is a chapter that speaks of the restoration and glorification of Zion, a theme that resonates deeply with the concept of the Church in the New Testament. The chapter begins with a declaration of God's unwavering commitment to Zion, promising that her righteousness will shine forth like the dawn (Isaiah 62:1). The imagery of a city and its people being sought out and not forsaken is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

Theological Significance

1. Chosen and Redeemed: The Church is often understood as the continuation and fulfillment of God's covenant people. Just as Israel was chosen and redeemed by God, so too is the Church. The term "Sought Out" implies a deliberate and purposeful action by God to gather His people. This aligns with New Testament teachings where believers are described as a chosen people, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

2. God's Faithfulness: The assurance that the Church is "Not Forsaken" underscores the perpetual faithfulness of God. Despite trials, tribulations, and the apparent desolation that may befall the Church, the promise remains that God will not abandon His people. This is echoed in the New Testament where Jesus promises, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

3. A Light to the Nations: The Church, as a "City Not Forsaken," is called to be a beacon of hope and light to the world. This is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:14, where He declares, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." The Church is to reflect God's glory and righteousness, drawing others to Him.

4. Eschatological Hope: The prophetic vision of a restored Zion points to the ultimate hope of the Church in the eschaton. The New Testament speaks of the New Jerusalem, a city where God will dwell with His people (Revelation 21:2-3). The Church looks forward to this fulfillment, where it will be fully realized as the "City Not Forsaken."

Practical Implications

For believers, the identity of the Church as "Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken" carries profound implications for how they live and witness in the world. It calls for a life of holiness, reflecting the character of the "Holy People" mentioned in Isaiah 62:12. It also encourages believers to trust in God's unwavering presence and to engage actively in the mission of the Church, knowing that they are part of a divine plan that will not be abandoned.

In summary, the phrase "Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken" encapsulates the Church's identity as a chosen, redeemed, and enduring community, called to reflect God's glory and to participate in His redemptive work in the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 62:12
And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and you shall be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

God's Purpose for his Church
... the Lord designs to accomplish through His church, that His ... His mercy God did not
blot them out of existence ... was driven away, neither have ye sought that which ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 1 gods purpose for.htm

Epistle xviii. Reply of St. Ambrose to the Memorial of Symmachus.. ...
... but ennobled by chastity, the enticement of beauty not sought out but laid ... straw,
and the blade of corn sought in the ... of souls; the grace of the Church is the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle xviii reply of st.htm

The God of the Aged
... The self-same reason I gave at the Church-meeting." When I ... met with abundance of
what they had sought for in ... Here they heard voices from out of the City, loud ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm

Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called...
... The Church is not a theatre, that we should listen for ... now time that we should proceed
to lay out before you ... Afterwards at least when he sought to obtain but a ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii spoken in antioch.htm

The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant
... the acts of the risen Lord, in and for His Church. ... one of the other Apostles in outward
form sought to do ... All clasped hands are unclasped; and we set out on the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the death of the master.htm

About the Prefigured Change of the Israelitic Kingdom and ...
... lofty things, neither let vaunting talk come out of your ... this is done is as it were
sought; "for the ... he belonged to them he persecuted the Church, "What things ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 about the prefigured change.htm

The Shadow of Death
... It is said that the gospels have sought to blend ... Jerusalem, after which Jesus led
his disciples out as far ... account for the faith of the early church, but they ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm

The Fulton St. Prayer Meeting.
... man forgot the promise he had made and sought not after God. ... meeting when it was
held in the old church, and was ... man, and was about driving the boy out of his ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the fulton st prayer meeting.htm

The Youth of Count Zinzendorf, 1700-1722.
... May 26th, 1700, in the picturesque city of Dresden ... Count was enjoined to be regular
at church, and to ... Redeemer ever present to his mind, sought out the company ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter i the youth of.htm

Psalm CIV.
... bars are now strengthened and the city closed, whence ... serpent is the enemy of the
Church: ye have ... These matters have been sought out and discovered with great ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm civ.htm