The second section of Isaiah, from chapters 40 to 66, has to be read carefully for a clearer, fuller and deeper understanding of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The message here is not about initial salvation, i.e. being redeemed from Egypt. But it is about redemption from Babylon, after the Lord has dealt with His people in judgment and chastening. After He has refined them in the furnace of affliction, Isa 48.10.

From an overview of the 27 chapters we gather an important message for our times. We are living in an age of shallow evangelism, of the preaching of a gospel rooted in emotionalism and sentimentality; a superficial gospel which seems to convey the impression that once you are ‘saved’ that’s all there is to it, and you have reserved for yourself a corner in heaven. And you can go ahead with all the preoccupations and pleasures of earthly existence.

The Lord in this latter section of Isaiah is talking about judgment; how Jerusalem has received double for all her sins, Isa 40.2. There are warnings against idolatry, uncleanness, hypocrisy, lies, deceit, mischief, rebellion and violence. The intention of the Lord in His severe dealings with His chosen people is that they should become humble and contrite, Isa 57.15, 66.2. The Lord hates the proud and self-righteous; He abhors the worldly and the carnal. This is a serious warning to Christians, not only those from established denominations, but even those from evangelical Christianity. The latter present the gospel as a formula; they do not know God in an inward way; they have not experienced judgment, chastening and brokenness. They ‘talk’ the gospel, but do not ‘walk’ with Christ.

The Lord condemns the deafness and blindness of Israel. This we see even in the last chapter of Acts, in verses 26 and 27. It is typical of human nature to walk in the flesh, to set our minds on earthly things, to be easily deceived. There is no conviction, no repentance, no turning from our carnal and wicked ways. Our faith is a kind of mental assent, entirely lacking in practical testimony.
You are My witnesses! declares the Lord [Isa 43.10] How can we be true to Him who died, was buried and rose again the third day? Only by being true to the testimony of baptism, being identified with His death, burial and resurrection. Only then can we be ‘witnesses of His resurrection’ [Acts 4.33] It is the inward work of the cross that makes us humble, holy and transparent.