AIM:  To study and see if Isaiah taught the doctrine of premillennialism.

INTRODUCTION  

A. The Old Testament is often abused and seldom used by some (cf. Romans  15:4).

B. There are many erroneous ideas about the prophets and their messages.

 1. Some think they did nothing but foretell the future.
 
 2. Others think foretelling the future is an impossibility (cf. Isaiah 42:8,9).    This is the liberal, modernistic idea.
 
C. The primary meaning of “prophet” is to speak for another.

 1. The secondary meaning is to  “foretell.”

 2. A prophet was more a “forth-teller” than a “fore-teller.”

 3. A prophet of God is one who, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, spoke   for God (cf. II Peter 1:20,21).

 4. Note God’s definition of a prophet (Exodus 4:15,16; 7:1).

D. The true prophet was called of God (cf. Amos 7:15).

 1. He was not self-appointed and often tried to evade his “call.”  Jonah (1:3);   Moses (Exodus 3:11; 4:1,10); Jeremiah (1:5,6).

 2. He was constrained to prophesy (Jeremiah 20:9).

E. God revealed His will in the Old Testament through the prophets (Hebrews 1:1).

DISCUSSION

I. BASIC RULES FOR UNDERSTANDING THE PROPHETS.

 A. The prophet was a person who was moved by the Holy Spirit (II Peter   1:20,21).

 B. God’s prophet could not introduce strange religions, nor make new laws  (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).

 C. The true prophet’s oracles came to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

II. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND.

 A. The call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3).

 B. The birth of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

 C. Joseph was sold into Egypt.

  1. His family came and dwelt in Goshen.

  2. They were in bondage in Egypt.

  3. They were delivered into Canaan and ruled by Judges 450 years (Acts 13:20).

 D. They asked for a king (I Samuel 8:1-5,7,9-17,19,20; cf. Hosea 13:11).
 
  1. Saul, David, and Solomon each reigned for forty years.

  2. The kingdom was united for one hundred twenty years.

 E. In 935 B.C., after the death of Solomon, the nation divided.

  1. The Northern Kingdom Israel consisted of ten tribes.

  2. The Southern Kingdom Judah was comprised of two tribes.

  3. Israel was carried into Assyrian captivity about 722 B.C.

  4. Babylon came against Jerusalem three times:  606, 597, and 586 
   B.C.

 F. There were three returns back to the land.

  1. Zerubbabel returned in 536 B.C. to rebuild the temple.

  2. Ezra returned in 457 B.C. to restore the law.

  3. Nehemiah returned in 445 B.C. to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem.

 G. The prophets did their work before, during, and after the Assyrian and   Babylonian exiles.

III. DEFINE PREMILLENNIALISM.

 A. “Pre” means before.

 B. “Millennial” means 1000 years.

 C. “Ism” refers to a doctrine or system.

 D. Thus, it is the doctrine that Christ will return to the earth before the    establishment of the kingdom.

 E. The theory varies with different individuals; but, here are their basic   beliefs.

  1. Christ came to earth the first time to set up his kingdom and rule on the throne of David in Jerusalem.

  2. Because of the unexpected opposition from the Jews, He was unable to establish His kingdom and substituted the church instead (cf. John 1:11,12).

  3. Christ is coming back the second time to the earth to establish His    earthly kingdom and rule on David’s throne in Jerusalem for a thousand years, which is the millennium.

  4. When Christ comes again, the Jews will be restored to Palestine to live and reign with Him.

 F. If we can show that the kingdom is already established and Christ is now   reigning, we will upset the theory.

IV. A STUDY OF ISAIAH TWO.

 A. The prophet deals with the glorious age of the Messiah in Isaiah 2:1-4.

  1. Chapter one gives a picture of total failure of the earthly kingdom of Judah.

  2. The kingdom (church) of chapter two is spiritual in nature (cf. John    18:36).

 B. Isaiah declares that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be estalished   in the top of the mountains in the last days (2:2).

  1. The “last days” refers to that period of time between the first and second coming of Christ, the Messianic age (cf. Acts 2:14-21).

  2. The term “mountain” denotes government.  Thus, God’s “house” (the church} (Ephesians 2:19; I Timothy 3:15), will be exalted    above all the governments of the world.

  3. The Lord’s government will be intentional; that is, all nations will flow into it.

 C. One is drawn into the house (church) of the Lord through teaching (2:3).

  1. Christianity is a taught religion (cf. Isaiah 54:13; John 6:44,45).

  2. Man cannot direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23); the philosophy    allowing one to do “that which is right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6) is false.

  3. The law would go forth from Jerusalem (2:3b).

 D. The prophet discusses the peaceful character of the church in Isaiah 2:4.

  1. Acts 2 and Ephesians 2 show the significance of these passages (cf. Ephesians 2:14-17).

  2. This shows the peaceful nature of the church (cf. Isaiah 11:6,9).

  3. Peace and righteousness go together.

 E. The teaching of others concerning the kingdom.

  1. John announced the immediate approach of the kingdom (Matthew    3:1,2).

  2. Some months later Jesus taught the same thing (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14,15).

  3. The twelve taught the same thing on the limited commission (Matthew 10:7).

  4. The seventy taught the same truth (Luke 10:9).

  5. Was Jesus mistaken?

   a. If yes, so were 83 other preachers.

   b. If yes, so was Isaiah and the other prophets.

   c. So, we might as well reject all prophecies and rewrite the Old Testament!

  6. The Apostles and early Christians were in the kingdom (Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 1:9).

 F. There is no escape from the conclusion that the kingdom (church) was   set up some time during the lifetime of the Apostles.

 G. The exact date of the beginning of the church is so fixed as to leave no   room for doubt (cf. Mark 9:1; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, 14-47).

 H. Isaiah turns his attention back to wayward Judah (2:5-11).

 I. Isaiah then discusses a day of reckoning to come (2:12-22).

V. A STUDY OF ISAIAH NINE.

 A. The Messiah is to emerge in the darkest gloom (9:1-3).

 B. The reign of the Messiah is spiritual in nature (9:4-7).  His name shall be   called:

  1. Wonderful.  This is a description of His marvelous works and words (John 7:46; 20:30,31).

  2. Counsellor.  He possesses supreme wisdom and knowledge    (Colossians 2:3).

    3. Mighty God.  He is deity, on an equality with God the Father     (Philippians 2:5-8).

  4. Everlasting Father.  He is eternal in nature (Micah 5:2; John 1:1;    Colossians 1:16,17).

  5. Prince of Peace.  Compare Matthew 5:9.  What is the peace of which Jesus speaks?

   a. It is the peace of Romans 10:15.

   b. The peace that Jesus came to preach (Ephesians 2:14-17).

   c. It is the peace that Peter preached (Acts 10:36).

   d. The peace that comes through justification (Romans 5:1).

   e. It is the peace of reconciliation by Christ’s blood  (Colossians 1:20).

  C. The statement, “For unto us a child is born,” refers to the virgin birth (cf. 7:14).

   1. The virgin birth fulfilled the Scriptures (Genesis 3:15; 
    Galatians 4:4; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:16-25).

    a. Jesus did not come into the earth as a full-grown man.

    b. The promise following the fall of Adam and Eve involves the virgin birth (Genesis 3:15; cf. Matthew      1:16).

    c. The virgin birth is set forth in clear, simple language (Isaiah 7:14).

   2. He is called Emmanuel:  “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

   3. Reasons why Jesus is not a mere man.

    a. No mere man was in the beginning with God (John !:1-3,14,15; Genesis 1:26; Hebrews 1:1-3; John      17:5).

    b. No mere man first existed in heaven (John 6:62; Philippians 2:5-8; John 3:16,17; 6:38).

    c. Christ is the only one born of a woman who had never known man (Luke 1:30-35).

    d. The signs and miracles Jesus performed proved He was the Son of God (John 20:30,31).

    e. The resurrection is proof that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4).

    f. Jesus is mediator between God and man (I Timothy 2:5,6).
   g. If Jesus was just a mere man, why not raise up greater men today?

  4. Nothing is impossible with God.
 
  5. The fact of the virgin birth rests upon infallible testimony, not  human reasoning.

  6. Our souls are in the balance when we answer the question:  “What    think ye of Christ?  Whose Son is He?”

 D. Isaiah predicts the defeat of Israel (9:8-21).
 
  1. He discusses the arrogance of Ephraim (9:8-12).

  2. Israel is to be cut off head and tail (9:13-17).

  3. The devouring fire of God’s wrath would burn through the land    (9:18-21).

VI. A STUDY OF ISAIAH ELEVEN.

 A. The shoot of Jesse (11:1-5).

  1. The Messiah is predicted as a righteous Branch out of David (cf.    Jeremiah 23:5,6; 33:14-16).

   a. Zechariah mentions this same Branch (Zechariah 6:12,13).

   b. Paul referred to Jesus as the seed of David (Acts 13:21-23).

  2. The Spirit of God would rest upon the coming Branch.

   a. A reference to the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus (cf. Matthew 3:16,17; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32; 3:34; Acts 10:38).

   b. He will be adorned with wisdom and understanding 
    (I Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:3).

   c. He would bring divine counsel to mankind.

  3. Isaiah lists six characteristics of the Spirit.

  4. The Messiah would delight in doing God’s will (11:3; cf. Psalm 40:8; John 8:29).

  5. The wicked will be justly punished (11:4).

  6. The Messiah is qualified to render proper judgment (11:5).

 B. The nature of those who submit to the government of the Branch (11:6-9).

  1. Graphic symbols are used, such as wild animals living together in    harmony and peace.

   2. Premillennialists believe this language to be literal; that it refers to the earth during Christ’s millennial reign.

   a. The context nor the overall teaching of the Bible does not allow such an interpretation.

   b. Isaiah is showing the power of the gospel to change the hearts and lives of those who enter into God’s “holy mountain,” the church.

  3. Furthermore, the gospel will be preached throughout the entire earth, like the flowing of a mighty river (11:9b; cf. Habakkuk 2:14;    Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8).

   a. The New Testament clearly refutes the claim that this prophecy has not been fulfilled.

   b. Compare Acts 17:6; Romans 10:18; Colossians 1:6,23.

  4. Isaiah is describing the carnal nature of man as it is brought under    subjection to the will of Christ.

 C. The Branch will be a universal ruler (11:10).

  1. Paul quotes this verse and applies it to the present time under Christ (Romans 15:12).

  2. This shows that the Gentiles of Paul’s day had a right to the gospel.

  3. This verse is fulfilled in Christ now; Jesus is ruling and reigning now.

  4. If Jesus is ruling now, and He is, then the scene describing the harmony among the animals refers to the gospel age, not some future period.

 D. The unity of believers (11:11-16).

VII. A STUDY OF ISAIAH FIFTY-THREE.

A. The extreme humiliation of the Messiah (53:1-3).

  1. The servant would be rejected and His message would not be believed (verse 1). 

   a. The question implies that He would not be believed (cf .John 1:11,12; 12:37-43).

   b. John makes it clear that his prophecy was fulfilled when the Jews refused to believe.

   c. Many who did believe refused to confess; thus, they had a dead, inactive faith (cf. James 2:14-26).

  2. Reasons why the Messiah will be rejected (verse 2).

   a. There was nothing from a human standpoint to draw people to Him.

   b. Who would have dreamed that one under such circumstances would become what Christ became (cf. John 12:32)?

   c. Christ was a rustic type person, from an area not highly respected; there was no royal comeliness about Him.  There was nothing about Him to make one think he was a king (cf. John 1:46).

   d. Note His background:

    1) He rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey.

    2) He observed the passover in a borrowed room.
 
    3) He used a borrowed boat on the Sea of Galilee.

    4) He was buried in a borrowed tomb.

    5) He was born to a poor family.  Consider the offering made at His birth (Luke 2:22-24; cf. Leviticus 12:1-8).
   
   e. He was not the kind of Messiah the Jews were looking for.  They were looking for the Messiah to come and throw the Roman yoke off them and establish an earthly kingdom (cf. John 18:36).

  3. He was despised and rejected (verse 3).

   a. There is no way this could refer to the Jewish nation.

   b. There was nothing attractive about Jesus that attracted the Jews.  His appearance caused them to despise Him because they used a worldly standard by which to measure Him.

   c. He was “a man of sorrows.”  Compare Luke 18:31-33.

    1) He was mocked, made fun of, and spat upon.

    2) He indeed was a man of sorrows.

 B. The purpose of the Messiah’s suffering (53:4-6).

  1. The servant will bear the sins of others though He Himself is guiltless (verses 4,5).

   a. The New Testament clearly teaches that Christ’s death was a vicarious death (see II Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:26).

   b. God made Jesus to become sin for us, though He knew no sin.

  2. He will be the means by which God calls the straying sheep back to the fold (verse 6).

  3. John 10:1-18 deals with Jesus’ being the good shepherd.

 C. How the Messiah endured sufferings (53:7-9).

  1. He would suffer in silence (verse 7).

   a. He would be mistreated, but submissive.

   b. Jesus was silent before Pilate; He held His peace and refused to answer (Matthew 27:12-14).

   c. Only when placed under oath did He answer Caiphas (Matthew 26:59-63).  The word “adjure” in verse 63 is from a Greek word meaning, “to exact an oath” (Strong’s); “charge under oath” (Arndt and Gingrich); “to put an oath to a person” (Bagster).
 

   d. Jesus was silent before Herod (Luke 23:6-12).  Such is strange for one on trial for his life.

   f. See I Peter 2:21-25.

  2. His crucifixion (verse 8).

  3. He made His grave with the wicked and the rich in His death (verse 9).

   a. When Christ was put to death, He was crucified between two thieves (Mark 15:27,28).

   b. When Jesus was buried, His body was taken by Joseph, a rich man, and laid in his own tomb (Matthew 27:57-60).

 D. The result of Messiah’s sufferings (53:10-12).

  1. It pleased the Lord to bruise His servant (verse 10).

   a. This simply means it was God’s will for Jesus to die on the cross (cf. Acts 2:23).
 
   b. His soul, or life, was made an offering for sin (cf. Leviticus     5).  Life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11).

   c. He shall “see His seed,” that is, His spiritual descendents (see Psalm 22:30; Romans 7:4; Hebrews 2:13).

   d. God would “prolong His days,” which is a reference to the glorious resurrection (cf. Romans 1:4; Revelation 1:18).

  2. Here is the mediatorial work of Christ (verse 11).

   a. Note the inspired statement in Hebrews 9:24-28.

    1) One sacrifice is sufficient.

    2) That is the reason the passage says, “and shall be satisfied.”

   b. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to satisfy the justice of God and extend pardon to mankind (cf. Romans 3:23-26; Hebrews 9:13-17).

 c. Through the knowledge of Christ, justification is obtained (cf. Isaiah 54:13; John 6:44,45; 17:3).

  3. The victory of the suffering servant is set forth (verse 12).

   a. The picture is of a conquering prince who enjoys the spoils of war.

   b. The victory is His because He poured out His soul (life) in His death on the cross (cf. Matthew 26:28).

   c. He was “numbered with the transgressors” identifies Him with sinful humanity, in a general way; and that He was crucified between two thieves, specifically.

   d. He “made intercession for the transgressors,” (cf. Luke 23:34), and He continues to intercede for all who follow Him (cf. I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25).

 E. The Biblical evidence is that Isaiah 53 applies to Christ.

  1. In Acts 8 Philip and the Eunuch were reading from Isaiah 53.

  2. According to inspired Philip, Isaiah 53 is a reference to Christ.

  3. This chapter does not refer to the nation of Israel.

CONCLUSION

A. We must conclude that Isaiah was not a Premillennialist.

B. The kingdom (church) has been established and Jesus is reigning and ruling as  King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
 
 

C. There are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament relating to the birth, life,  ministry and death of Christ.  The odds against a person accidentally fulfilling all  these prophecies are 10/123 zeroes of 1 percent.

        Clifford E. Rumley
        413 North Avenue
        Hapeville, GA 30354