17 April 2001

Text: Isaiah 57

WHERE DEATH IS GOD'S SPECIAL BLESSING
1. The somber reality of Death
a) "The righteous perishes…" Isa. 57:1
b) "Merciful men are taken away…" Isa. 57:1

2. A Deeper Understanding
a) "The righteous is taken away from evil…" Isa. 57:1
b) "He shall enter into peace…" Isa. 57:2
c) "Each one walking in his uprightness…" Isa. 57:2

THE IDOLATROUS PRACTICES OF JUDAH REVIEWED
1. Sorcery Isa. 57:3
2. "Children of transgression" Isa. 57:4
3. "Offspring of falsehood" Isa. 57:4
4. Arrogance and rudeness Isa. 57:4
5. "Slaying the children in the valleys, under the cleft of rocks" Isa. 57:5
6. Sacrificing to idols Isa. 57:7
7. Immorality (temple prostitution) Isa. 57:5

CONSEQUENCES OF TURNING AWAY FROM GOD
1. God not remembered Isa.57:11
2. Fear grips the heart Isa. 57:11
3. He is not "taken to heart" Isa. 57:11
4. The idol-worshippers will have to depend upon their idols to hear their prayers, when they are in trouble Isa. 57:13
5. They will be like chaff that the wind blows away Isa. 57:13
6. God becomes angry Isa. 57:17
7. God punishes idolatrous Judah Isa. 57:17
8. God Hides Himself away from sinning Judah Isa. 57:17
6. No peace to the wicked Isa. 57:20-21

RETURNING TO THE LORD
1. "Prepare the way, take the stumbling block out of the way…" Isa. 57:14
2. Contrition and humility important

PROMISES OF THE LORD (New Covenant Context)
1. God will dwell with the contrite and humble Isa.57:15
2. He will revive the spirit of the humble/contrite Isa. 57:15
3. He will cease from anger Isa. 57:16; Cf. Isa. 54:10
4. Promise of healing of backsliding Isa. 57:18
5. Promise of leading Isa. 57:18
6. Promise of restoration of comfort Isa. 57:18
7. Promise of Peace Isa. 57:19