Isaiah 53
When the Savior said -
"...for great are the words of Isaiah." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 23:1)
I don't believe there are greater words as Isaiah prophecies of the coming atonement of the Savior in the 53rd Chapter of Isaiah. Isaiah even began this writing with the question -
"WHO hath believed our report?" (Old Testament | Isaiah 53:1)
And I think he could have also asked "who will believe this report or testimony?"
And then who will receive the blessings of the atonement as he asks -
"...to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?" (Old Testament | Isaiah 53:1)
As Isaiah describes the atonement, the suffering of the Savior, and the marvelous blessings, he writes -
"...by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 53:11)
Paul would later teach that not all are justified by the law of Moses saying -
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight...
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..." (New Testament | Romans 3:20 - 24)
The very summary of the law of justification was made by the Prophet Joseph Smith -
"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:3)
Or as Nephi summarized -
"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:23)
In this manner will He "justify many"
<< Home