Isaiah 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel… The subject of this chapter is "Messiah God's Light" to the ends of the earth (John 8:12)., In order fully to enter into our text, we will illustrate its meaning by St. Paul s own words (Acts 26:18). Comparing both these passages, we find the design of God's salvation to be that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs (Ephesians 3:6). I. THE PURPOSE OF GOD IN THIS SALVATION. 1. To make men to inherit the kingdom of God and home of the Redeemer. 2. To offer this glory to the Gentiles. II. THE GROUND ON WHICH THIS SALVATION IS OFFERED. "My salvation," or, as in Acts 26:18, "By faith that is in Me." 1. The object of this faith. "In Me." Jesus Himself. 2. The nature of this faith. Believing in His life and work; receiving for our own salvation His offer of mercy; trusting Him wholly. III. THE NATURE OF THE SALVATION THUS OFFERED. 1. "To turn them from darkness to light," i.e. conversion. 2. Forgiveness of sins. (H. Linton, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. |
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