Isaiah 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. I. WHAT ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND BY ZION. The word signifies a heap of stones — a monument — a sepulchre. This figuratively describes the literal Zion; and spiritually sets forth the visible and mystical Church. The true members of the Church of Christ are as lively stones, built up a spiritual house; and for their security God Himself has laid a foundation. (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:5.) Every stone of this sacred building is hewn out of nature's quarry, and when prepared by the transforming power of God the Holy Ghost is placed in that part of the spiritual edifice which it is appointed to occupy. And the building thus formed is, indeed, as the word Zion signifies, a monument — an everlasting monument of God's grace; whilst a mere professing, but not a confessing, protesting, and believing Church may very properly be compared to a sepulchre. Hence Zion of old contained a church within a church; those who were circumcised outwardly in the flesh, and those whose circumcision was that of the heart. According to the New Testament we understand by Zion the Church visible and the Church mystical. II. WHAT MAY BE CONSIDERED ZION'S TRANSGRESSION. If we look at Zion of old, we behold formality manifestly pervading the Church, and the most lofty and presumptuous hypocrisy characterising the outward worship of God. Now, turn your attention to the Church of God in her present state. Such an examination will bring to light many evils, which are serious hindrances to the spread of evangelical truth, and afford ground for sarcasm and opposition, to the enemies of the Church. 1. Pride. 2. Laodicean lukewarmness. 3. Abuse of doctrine and discipline. III. ZION'S VISITATIONS AND CHASTISEMENTS. The history of the Church, as well as of nations, affords the most impressive evidence of the truth of that often fulfilled declaration, "Be sure your sin will find you out." (Romans 11:19-22; Ezekiel 34:2-5, 9, 10; Revelation 2:15; Revelation 3:1-3, 14-20.) IV. ZION'S DELIVERANCE. In the exercise of justice, in the overthrow of the enemies of His Church and deliverance of His people, as well as by the faithful performance of His promises, God has engaged that Zion shall be redeemed with judgment and her converts (or those that return of her) "with righteousness." (J. F. Witty.) Parallel Verses KJV: Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.WEB: Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her converts with righteousness. |
    |