The Gospel Prophet

The Gospel According to Isaiah

Isa. 55:1

Isaiah has been called the gospel prophet. It is true that in his message he anticipated the Good News of the New Testament. In the 55th chapter he proclaims the principles of the evangelical faith. It is a universal invitation. It is without money and without price.

In describing the Suffering Servant and what He provided by His death on the Cross, the prophet said, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (53:5). A well-known scholar has said, "The profoundest remarks upon the meaning of Calvary are not to be found in the New Testament." Truly they are in the 53rd chapter of Isaiah.

Another great evangelical truth is announced in our text. "Come ye to the waters.., come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk." In Isaiah's prophecy water is always a symbol of God's presence. His invitation is to come and drink of that life-giving stream of salvation. A drink from this fountain that never runs dry will bring new life and complete cleansing of the sin-filled heart of man.

Milk is for nourishment. The newborn grow thereby. They come to maturity in Christlikeness.

Wine is to gladden the spirit of man. The gospel helps him carry his cross with a smile.

The gospel preached by Isaiah was also evangelistic. He called upon those who heard, to seek the Lord now. Those who respond receive mercy and abundant pardon.

The gospel of Isaiah is both evangelical and evangelistic.