DIVINITY OF CHRIST part 7
The writings of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6, Isa 42:8, and Isa 44:24)
Part 7 of the sermon series, Divinity of Christ.
The first three sermons showed that Jesus is God through the writings of John. The fourth examined Paul’s witness to Christ’s divinity. The fifth drew from the book of Hebrews. The sixth sermon was from the letters of Peter. This seventh sermon highlights the divinity of Christ as seen in the writings of Isaiah, the prophet. The spotlight will be on the Messiah to come and the attributes of YHWH. The apostles would use these attributes of YHWH to Christ, emphatically stating that Christ is God.
Mighty God
Isaiah prophesied of a child to be born who would rule (see Matthew 28:18 and Hebrews 1:1-14). The child would have several titles, one of which is Mighty God. In Hebrew, El Gibbor, is a phrase also used for YHWH (see Isaiah 10:21). Another phrase used for YHWH is Everlasting Father, meaning the source of eternity, describing the Son’s eternal nature.
Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The child that was born holds the attributes of YHWH. Therefore, the Son cannot be reduced to a moral teacher or another religious leader. The Messiah, Jesus Christ, is God Himself. He has the same substance as the Father, yet distinct as a person and distinct in His role.
Gems in the text
1. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would rule.
2. The Messiah is described as Mighty God, a title used by YHWH.
3. The Messiah is known as Everlasting Father. It does not mean that Jesus is the Father. It means, like the Father, He is the source of eternity.
Glory to God Alone
Isaiah wrote the words of God. His name is YHWH, and He does not share His glory with another, nor with idols. God’s glory belongs only to Him. Jesus prayed to the Father to glorify the Son, and in heaven, the inhabitants declared that the Lamb is worthy to receive glory.[1] Therefore, the Messiah, Jesus, is God.
Isaiah 42:8: I am the Lord; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.John 17: 5: And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
Revelation 5:12: …“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
If Jesus is not God, then He is an impostor. If He is only a man, then He does not deserve glory, and He does not have glory. However, Scripture is clear that the Father glorified the Son because the Son is of the same essence and nature as the Father. One God existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Gems in the text
1. YHWH does not share His glory with any other.
2. Jesus prayed for the Father to glorify the Son.
3. All heaven declared that the one who sits on the throne is worthy of glory.
Redeemer and Creator
Isaiah wrote YHWH’s claim as the Redeemer and Creator of heaven and earth. Paul mentioned to Titus that Christ is the one who redeemed us, and before that, called Him, God and Savior. Paul also wrote to the Colossians that Christ created the heavens and the earth. YHWH is the creator and redeemer; Christ is the creator and redeemer. Thus, Christ is God.
Isaiah 44:24: Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,
who formed you from the womb:
“I am the Lord, who made all things,
who alone stretched out the heavens,
who spread out the earth by myself,Titus 2:13-14: waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Colossians 1:16: For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
YHWH formed Israel from the womb. He destined Israel to be His people just as He destined all who would believe in Christ. Christ being the Redeemer who created all things in heaven and earth, the same as YHWH. YHWH planned to redeem Israel not only from Babylonian captivity but from their sins, and that would be through Christ.[2] Therefore, the Father and Son are one God, but distinct in persons.
Gems in the text
1. The OT describes YHWH as the Redeemer. The NT describes Christ as the Redeemer. It is not a contradiction.
2. Isaiah wrote that YHWH created all things. Paul wrote that Christ made all things. Both are true.
Application
1. Believe in the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Proclaim the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Defend the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Notes
[1] Heb 1:8 and 13
[2] Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology: The Complete Three Volumes in Four Parts (Louisville, KY: GLH Publishing, originally published 1872–73), 444, Kindle edition.
Bibliography
Hodge, Charles. Systematic Theology: The Complete Three Volumes in Four Parts. Originally published 1872–73. Louisville, KY: GLH Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Poem
CREATOR AND REDEEMER by Ed Pilapil Jr Savior and ruler of the world That is according to God’s word Mighty God, that’s one of His names The saved would believe in His claims Attention, every believer YHWH, Israel’s Redeemer Christ is also the Redeemer The faith of every believer Everlasting Father, His claim We shall proclaim all of His names Christ is God, clearly in the Word He’s the creator of the world
Study Guide
1. What does Isaiah 9:6 reveal about the identity and authority of the promised child?
2. What does Isaiah 42:8 teach us about God's exclusive claim to glory? What do John 17:5 and Revelation 5:12 reveal about Christ?
3. How does Isaiah 44:24 emphasize God's role as both Creator and Redeemer? Explain the connection of Titus 2:13-14 and Colossians 1:16 to Isaiah 44:24.
An expanded version of the study guide is in the attached file.
Downloadable PDF files in English and Tagalog
