What Salvation Requires

Isaiah chapter 56 begins with admonition to the Jews. However, all true worshipers should take heed of what the prophet writes.  We read:  This is what Jehovah has said:  'Keep justice, you people, and do what is righteous.  For my salvation is at hand to come in, and my righteousness  to be revealed.  Happy is the mortal man that does this, and the son of mankind that lays hold of it, and keeping his hand in order not to profane it, and keeping  his hand in order not to do any kind of badness.' " (Isaiah 56:1, 2)  The inhabitants of Judah who seek salvation from God must obey the Mosaic Law, observing justice and leading  righteous lives.  Why?  Because Jehovah himself is righteous.  Those who pursue righteousness enjoy the happiness that comes from having Jehovah's favor. -Psalm 144:15b.

The prophecy highlights Sabbath observance because the Sabbath is an important feature of the Mosaic Law. Indeed, one of the reasons why the inhabitants of Judah eventually go into exile is their neglect of the Sabbath.  (Leviticus 26:34, 35; 2 Chronicles 36:20, 21) The Sabbath is a sign of  the special relationship  Jehovah has with the Jews, and those who observe the Sabbath show that they value the relationship. (Exodus 31:13)  Further, observing the Sabbath would remind Isaiah's contemporaries that Jehovah is the Creator.  Such observance  would also bring to mind his mercies toward them.  (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15) Finally, keeping the Sabbath would provide a regular, structured  arrangement for worshiping Jehovah. Resting once a week from their regular work would give the inhabitants of Judah opportunity for prayer, study, and meditation.
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What, though, of Christians?  Does the encouragement to observe the Sabbath apply to them?  Not directly, since Christians are not under the Law and are therefore  not required to observe the Sabbath.  (Colossians 2:16, 17) Still, the apostle Paul explained that there is  "a Sabbath resting" for faithful servants. This "Sabbath resting" involves  having faith in Jesus' ransom  sacrifice for salvation and ceasing to rely on works alone.  (Hebrews 4:6-10)  Hence, the words of Isaiah's prophecy regarding the Sabbath remind Jehovah's servants today of the vital need to have faith in God's arrangement for salvation.  It is also a fine reminder of the need to cultivate a close relationship with Jehovah and to pursue a course of regular, consistent  worship.

Next time: Comfort for the Foreigner and the Eunuch

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001