In Isaiah 1:24,25,28-31 the Lord tells the House of Israel–His chosen people–that He will curse them and purge out those who refuse to obey Him (28-31). Contrarily, He will forgive the sins of those who turn from their wicked ways and obey Him. He will give them righteous judges and counselors as in the former days. Afterward they would be called “… the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

The initial chapters of the Book of Isaiah give the believer a look at both the first and the final eras of God’s church, beginning with the “church in the wilderness” (Acts 7:38) which He established at Mt. Sinai following Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. The New Testament along with church history tell us what happened during the years following the God’s meeting with Israel at Mt. Sinai. Today we are living in the final era of His church–His “little flock” which will be alive when He returns to establish His Father’s kingdom on earth. As was the case in the first era of the church, the professing church of this age is comprised of two groups of totally different people. There is the false church made up of some 99% of those who, though they call themselves by His name, refuse to obey Him. Then there a tiny remnant–His “little flock” (Lk. 12:32)–who faithfully obey His Word which He calls Truth (Jn. 17:17). As was the case in olden times, the false church rejected both God and those who embraced Him by disobeying His Word. One will recall the persecution inflicted upon the Old Testament prophets. New Testament readers are aware of the hardships suffered by the New Testament apostles which resulted in the martyrdom of 11 of the 12 original messengers sent out during the last days of this final era which began on the Day of Pentecost, A.D. 31.

In 1 Corinthians 10:11 the Apostle Paul tells us that what took place during ancient times was recorded “for our (the church’s) instruction.” The prophets recorded what they said and did in the hope that those who followed them would not make the same mistakes their predecessors made. Those who believe and obey what they and the apostles wrote will qualify to enter God’s kingdom upon the arrival of His Son at the end of the age. Those who dine at His table–consume His Word–in this age will sit with Him at His eternal table in the Kingdom of God. These will help Him rule the earth for 1000 years. Then, following the creation of a new earth and new heavens, His faithful few (Mat. 7:13,14) will with Him rule the universe.  L.J.