Divinity of Christ (7)

Isaiah 9:6, Isa 42:8, and Isa 44:24

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 42:8
I am the LORD; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.

Isaiah 44:24
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer,
who formed you from the womb:
“I am the LORD, who made all things,
who alone stretched out the heavens,
who spread out the earth by myself,

Notes

The first three sermons showed that Jesus is God through the writings of John. The fourth examined Paul’s witness to Christ’s divinity. The fifth drew from the book of Hebrews. The sixth sermon was from the letters of Peter. This seventh sermon highlights the divinity of Christ as seen in the writings of Isaiah, the prophet. The spotlight will be on the Messiah to come and the attributes of YHWH. The apostles would use these attributes of YHWH to Christ, emphatically stating that Christ is God.

1. Mighty God

   Isaiah prophesied of a child to be born who would rule (see Matthew 28:18 and Hebrews 1:1-14). The child would have several titles, one of which is Mighty God. In Hebrew, El Gibbor, is a phrase also used for YHWH (see Isaiah 10:21). Another phrase used for YHWH is Everlasting Father, meaning the source of eternity, describing the Son’s eternal nature.

   
   Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given;
   and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
   and his name shall be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

   
   Gems in the text

   1. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would rule.

   2. The Messiah is described as Mighty God, a title used by YHWH.

   3. The Messiah is known as Everlasting Father. It does not mean that Jesus is the Father. It means, like the Father, He is the source of eternity.

2. Glory to God Alone

   Isaiah wrote the words of God. His name is YHWH, and He does not share His glory with another, nor with idols. God’s glory belongs only to Him. Jesus prayed to the Father to glorify the Son, and in heaven, the inhabitants declared that the Lamb is worthy to receive glory.1 Therefore, the Messiah, Jesus, is God.

   Isaiah 42:8: I am the LORD; that is my name;
   my glory I give to no other,
   nor my praise to carved idols.
   
   John 17: 5: And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
   
   Revelation 5:12: …“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
   to receive power and wealth and wisdom
   and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
   

   Gems in the text

   1. YHWH does not share His glory with any other.

   2. Jesus prayed for the Father to glorify the Son.

   3. All heaven declared that the one who sits on the throne is worthy of glory

3. Redeemer and Creator

   Isaiah wrote YHWH’s claim as the Redeemer and Creator of heaven and earth. Paul mentioned to Titus that Christ is the one who redeemed us, and before that, called Him, God and Savior. Paul also wrote to the Colossians that Christ created the heavens and the earth. YHWH is the creator and redeemer; Christ is the creator and redeemer. Thus, Christ is God.

   Isaiah 44:24: Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer,
   who formed you from the womb:
   “I am the LORD, who made all things,
   who alone stretched out the heavens,
   who spread out the earth by myself,

   Gems in the text

   1. The OT describes YHWH as the Redeemer. The NT describes Christ as the Redeemer. It is not a contradiction.

   2. Isaiah wrote that YHWH created all things. Paul wrote that Christ made all things. Both are true.

   Application:

   1. Believe in the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

   2. Proclaim the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

   3. Defend the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ

Reflection & Discussion

1. What does Isaiah 9:6 reveal about the identity and authority of the promised child?

2. What does Isaiah 42:8 teach us about God's exclusive claim to glory? What do John 17:5 and Revelation 5:12 reveal about Christ?

3. How does Isaiah 44:24 emphasize God's role as both Creator and Redeemer? Explain the connection of Titus 2:13-14 and Colossians 1:16 to Isaiah 44:24.