The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATIONThe NT asserts that when sinners turn to Jesus in repentance and faith, they are instantaneouslyjustified and sanctified. This is their new position in Christ. His righteousness has been imputed tothem (cf. Rom. 4). They are declared right and holy (a forensic act of God).But the NT also urges believers on to holiness or sanctification. It is both a theological position inthe finished work of Jesus Christ and a call to be Christlike in attitude and actions in daily life. Assalvation is a free gift and a cost-everything lifestyle, so too, is sanctification.Initial ResponseA Progressive ChristlikenessActs 20:23; 26:18 Romans 6:19Romans 15:16 II Corinthians 7:1I Corinthians 1:2-3; 6:11 Ephesians 1:4; 2:10II Thessalonians 2:13 I Thess. 3:13; 4:3-4,7; 5:23Hebrews 2:11; 10:10,14; 13:12 I Timothy 2:15I Peter 1:12 II Timothy 2:21Hebrews 12:14I Peter 1:15-16} “They have turned away from Him” This literally is “turned away backward” (BDB 30, cf. 44:25).We would say, “they have willfully turned their back on Him” (cf. v. 2).NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:5-65Where will you be stricken again,As you continue in your rebellion?The whole head is sickAnd the whole heart is faint.6From the sole of the foot even to the headThere is nothing sound in it,Only bruises, welts and raw wounds,Not pressed out or bandaged,Nor softened with oil.1:5 Here God’s people are personified as physically sick individuals. This is a good example ofphysical sickness as a metaphor for sin (cf. 53:4-6; Ps. 103:3; Hos. 5:13). Physical healing is not part ofthe promise of atonement, but a full and complete forgiveness is! Sin and sickness are related (cf. John9:2; James 5:5).} “Where” NKJV, NRSV, TEV, NIV, RSV, and ASV correctly translate this as “why” (BDB 752 II),which focuses on the reason for such continuing rebellion.} “As you continue in your rebellion” This VERB (BDB 414, KB 418, Hiphil IMPERFECT) denotes arepeated, continuing attitude of rebellion against God’s clearly revealed will.22