109. Righteousness, Salvation, Judgment
Isaiah 51:5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
God promises: righteousness is near; salvation has gone forth; His power will judge. All three promises are fulfilled when Jesus came to earth and finished His work.
The innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Jesus Christ has earned for us forgiveness of sins and has granted to us the righteousness of God by grace through faith. Now righteousness is near, as close as our mouth and our heart with which we confess and believe. We contact and obtain righteousness every time we repent and believe; it is that near and it is that simple. Whenever we worry and fret, doubt and wonder, become sad and depressed, feel overwhelmed and discouraged, then we may claim the near righteousness promised by the Lord. By sight and by experience we say, “I am a sinner.” By faith we assert, “I am righteous.” Use the promise and claim it when needed.
God’s salvation is gone forth when the Gospel is proclaimed and received. The Holy Spirit has the power to use the Gospel to generate, engender, and produce faith unto salvation. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. The salvation obtained by repentance and faith defeats the enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Salvation brings wholeness and healing. When we are broken and afflicted, even down and out, the Lord sends forth salvation from whatever is fighting against us and wearing us down. Salvation lifts us up, places us on the path, and sets us going.
God’s arms = God’s power. With His power the Lord will judge the people. We don’t like judgment, nor do we even like to talk about it, but it is truly a wonderful promise, for our sin and guilt, death and disease, Satan and his demons are judged. It is a good thing when bad things are judged and the good things of God are granted in their place. So judgment is good, since without it evil would run wild and we would be destroyed. Therefore, we thank God for His power to judge us. Listen to the thunder of the Law and receive the sweetness of the Gospel.