Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.
22. Look unto me ] is strictly Turn unto me (sc. for help), a phrase elsewhere used of the acknowledgment of false gods (Lev 19:4; Hos 3:1; Deu 30:17 &c., Deu 31:18 &c.; cf. Job 5:1). The second imperative expresses the consequence of the first: “Turn to Me and ye shall be saved.” “Salvation” here has still its ordinary sense of deliverance; although the great judgement is past, it is plainly assumed that only those who own Jehovah’s sovereignty shall be spared ( Isa 45:23). But the thought that it depends on knowledge of the true God, who is the God of salvation, conveys the suggestion at least of a more positive meaning; cf. Joh 17:3.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
22 25. The demonstration of Jehovah’s deity is followed by the proclamation of salvation to all mankind, and the declaration of His purpose that all the world shall worship Him.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Look unto me, and be ye saved – This is said in view of the declaration made in the previous verse, that he is a just God and a Saviour. It is because he sustains this character that all are invited to look to him; and the doctrine is, that the fact that God is at the same time just and yet a Saviour, or can save consistently with his justice, is an argument why they should took to him, and confide in him. If he is at the same time just – true to his promises; righteous in his dealings; maintaining the honor of his law and government, and showing his hatred of sin; and also merciful, kind, and forgiving, it is a ground of confidence in him, and we should rejoice in the privilege of looking to him for salvation. The phrase look unto me means the same as, direct the attention to as we do to one from whom we expect aid. It denotes a conviction on our part of helplessness – as when a man is drowning, he casts an imploring eye to one on the shore who can help him; or when a man is dying, he casts an imploring eye on a physician for assistance. Thus the direction to look to God for salvation implies a deep conviction of helplessness and of sin; and a deep conviction that he only can save. At the same time it shows the ease of salvation. What is more easy than to look to one for help? What more easy than to cast the eyes toward God the Saviour? What more reasonable than that he should require us to do it? And what more just than that God, if people will not look to him in order that they may be saved, should cast them off forever? Assuredly, if a dying, ruined, and helpless sinner will not do so simple a thing as to look to God for salvation, he ought to be excluded from heaven, and the universe will acquiesce in the decision which consigns him to despair.
All the ends of the earth – For the meaning of this phrase, see the note at Isa 40:28. The invitation here proves:
1. That the offers of the gospel are universal. None are excluded. The ends of the earth, the remotest parts of the world, are invited to embrace salvation, and all those portions of the world might, under this invitation, come and accept the offers of life.
2. That God is willing to save all; since he would not give an invitation at all unless he was willing to save them.
3. That there is ample provision for their salvation; since God could not invite them to accept of what was not provided for them, nor could he ask them to partake of salvation which had no existence.
4. That it is his serious and settled purpose that all the ends of the earth shall be invited to embrace the offers of life.
The invitation has gone from his lips, and the command has gone forth that it should be carried to every creature Mar 16:15, and now it pertains to his church to bear the glad news of salvation around the world. God intends that it shall be done, and on his church rests the responsibility of seeing it speedily executed.
For I am God – This is a reason why they should look to him to be saved. It is clear that none but the true God can save the soul. No one else but he can pronounce sin forgiven; no one but he can rescue from a deserved hell. No idol, no man, no angel can save; and if, therefore, the sinner is saved, he must come to the true God, and depend on him. That he may thus come, whatever may have been his character, is abundantly proved by this passage. This verse contains truth enough, if properly understood and applied, to save the world; and on the ground of this, all people, of all ages, nations, climes, ranks, and character, might come and obtain eternal salvation.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Isa 45:22
Look unto Me
Turning to God
Turn ye to Me and be saved.
The first imperative exhorts, the second promises. Jehovah desires two things–
1. All mens turning to Him.
2. Their blessedness by so doing. (P. Delitzch, D. D.)
Look
The word does not correspond exactly to the English look, but denotes the act of turning round in order to look in a different direction. The text, therefore, bears a strong analogy to those in which the heathen, when enlightened, are described as turning from their idols unto God (1Th 1:9; Act 14:15; Act 15:19). (J. A. Alexander.)
The ends of the earth
The expression accords with the Jewish notion, that their land was situated in the midst of the earth, and that the countries which lay most remote from them, whose circumstances formed a contrast to theirs, were the ends or extremities of the earth. (R. Macculloch.)
Sovereignty and salvation
It has ever been one of the objects of the great Jehovah to teach mankind that He is God, and beside Him there is none else.
I. HOW HAS GOD BEEN TEACHING THIS LESSON TO MANKIND?
1. He has taught it to false gods and to the idolaters who have bowed before them. How hath God poured con tempt on the ancient gods of the heathen! Where are they now?
2. Mark how God has taught truth to empires.
3. To monarchs. Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, &c.
4. To the wise men of this world.
5. Surely, says one, the Church of God does not need to be taught this Yes, she does! How did the church in Canaan forget it when they bowed before other gods: If God gives us a special mission, we generally begin to take some honour to ourselves.
II. SALVATION IS GODS GREATEST WORK, and in this He specially teaches us this lesson. Our text tells us how He teaches it.
1. By the person to whom He directs us. Me.
2. By the means He tells us to use. Look.
3. By the persons whom He calls to look. All the ends of the earth. (C. H.Spurgeon.)
Life for a look
The great sin of man, ever since he has fallen, has been that of idolatry. He is ever seeking to get away from God, who is real, but whom he cannot see, and to make for himself a god, which can only be an idol, but which pleases him because he can gaze upon it. And thus it comes to pass that, some with images of wood and stone, and others with carnal confidences and the like, put something else into the place which should be occupied by God alone; and they look to that something, and expect good from it, instead of looking for all good to God, and to Him alone. This looking to anything which usurps the place of God cannot but be most offensive to Him, and it must also be very disappointing to ourselves, for it is impossible for the false god to yield us any true comfort. Yet note the Lord s great patience even with those who are thus provoking Him by this idolatry of theirs.
I. FOR SALVATION OUT OF ANY TROUBLE, WE SHOULD LOOK TO GOD ALONE. There are some troubles in which men do look to God alone. I have known even the most profane men turn to God, after a fashion, in the hour of supreme peril. Now, if men will act thus by the compulsion of great calamity, is there not sound reason why you should, cheerfully and willingly, do the same, and resort to God in every trial, and difficulty, and dilemma? Is any trial too slight for you to bring in prayer before Him?
II. FOR ETERNAL SALVATION, WE MUST LOOK TO GOD ALONE.
1. Salvation is not to be found in any mere agent.
2. The great thing that thou needest to know, and look at, and rely upon, is the mercy of God.
3. Since God says, Look unto Me, let me ask you whether you are looking unto Him as He has revealed Himself to us in His Word?
4. Especially is it intended that we should look unto God as He reveals Himself in the person and work of His dear Son.
5. Settle this matter in your mind as an absolute certainty that, whoever and whatever you are, you may look to God in Christ, and be saved.
6. Let no feeling of thine beat thee off from looking to Christ. (C. H.Spurgeon.)
Characteristics of salvation
I. It is a SIMPLE salvation-plain, clear, distinct, intelligible in its terms. It is, in this respect, unlike the false religions referred to in Isa 45:19, whose utterances, being involved in designed obscurity and ambiguity, are there represented as spoken in secret, and in dark places of the earth. Such were the dubious responses which came from the Delphic oracle, the Cave at Lebadea, the Cumean Sybil, the Eleusinian Ceres, the soothsayers and necromancers of Egypt, Phoenicia, and Persia. The salvation of the Gospel is so clear and perspicuous that he who runs may read.
II. It is a FREE salvation, uncumbered and unconditional in its offers. There is no costly, protracted, elaborate preparation or probation needed. No painful penances; no rites, no lastings, no lustrations, no priestly absolutions In Isa 45:13, God says of Cyrus (and He says the same in a nobler sense of a Greater than the earthly liberator), He shall let go My captives, not for price nor reward. This is not, indeed, after the manner of men, nor in accordance with that natural legality of spirit which loves to fetter itself with conditions and terms. If the prophet had bid the Syrian leper of old do some great thing, Naaman would have cordially assented; but he could not brook the trifling expedient of dipping himself in the river Jordan. HI. It is a RIGHTEOUS salvation (Isa 45:19; Isa 45:21). See Ro
3:26. It is a salvation which has been secured in accordance with theprinciples of everlasting truth and rectitude. Let us not, however, misinterpret the relation of justice to mercy, as if between these two Divine attributes there existed any antagonism,–as if they represented two conflicting principles (similar to the Magian), one of which had to be propitiated before the other could exercise its benignant will, or go forth on its benignant behests. Nay, they are in perfect harmony. Love can hold out her blissful sceptre only when standing by the throne of justice. In that glorious salvation, every attribute of the Divine nature has been magnified and made honourable.
IV. It is a SURE salvation. The rites of the heathen leave their votaries in uncertainty, groping in the dark. Their feelings and experiences are well described in Isa 3:16. In impressive and sublime contrast with this, Jehovah avows in Isa 3:23, I have sworn by Myself: the word or truth (Lowth) is gone out of My mouth in righteousness; and in Isa 3:19, I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye Me in vain; or Isa 3:17, Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded. Truly the covenant of grace is a covenant well ordered in all things, and sure.
V. It is here further unfolded to us as the ONLY salvation (Isa 3:24). Bishop Lowth renders it, Only to Jehovah belongeth salvation and power. Neither is there salvation in any other.
VI. It is an ETERNAL salvation (Isa 3:17). (J. R. Macduff, D. D.)
Looking to Christ
Faith is one of the principal subjects of sacred Scripture, and is expressed in various forms: sometimes in plain terms, but more frequently in metaphors borrowed from earthly things, and particularly from the actions of the body.
I. EXPLAIN THE DUTY HERE EXPRESSED BY THE METAPHOR OF LOOKING. Observe in general, that a mans looks often discover his condition and the frame of his mind. Hence we can understand a look of surprise and consternation, of sorrow and compassion, a look of joy, the look of a perishing supplicant, or of a needy, expecting dependant. If an agonising patient casts an eager look upon his physician, we understand it to be a silent petition for relief. Hence looking to Christ implies those suitable dispositions and exercises of heart towards Him, which are expressed by the earnest and significant looks of persons in a distressed condition towards their deliverer.
1. Looking to Christ implies a particular notice and distinct knowledge of Him.
2. An importunate eagerness for relief from Him (Psa 25:15).
3. A wishful expectation of deliverance from Him (Psa 69:3). It may be illustrated by the history of the lame beggar (Act 3:4-5).
4. A humble dependence upon Him for salvation (2Ch 20:12).
5. A universal cheerful submission to His authority (Psa 123:1-2).
6. A hearty approbation of Him as a Saviour, and supreme affection to Him. Love is often expressed by looks.
7. Joy and gratitude for His delivering goodness.
II. URGE YOU TO LOOK TO HIM BY SEVERAL WEIGHTY CONSIDERATIONS. This is the great duty of saints and sinners, and consequently of every one in all ages and places, even to the ends of the earth.
1. It is salvation we are called upon to pursue.
2. It may be obtained upon the easiest terms, without any personal merit, viz., by a look.
3. It is Immanuel, the incarnate God, who commands and invites us to look.
4. He is the glorious and affecting Object to which we are to look.
5. Our looking shall not be in vain, for He is God, who engages to save those who look to Him.
6. It is vain to look elsewhere for salvation, and needless to fear His grace should be controlled by another; for He is God, so there is none else.
7. We, in particular, are invited, being especially meant by the ends of the earth. (S. Davies, M. A.)
The saving look
I. THAT ALL MANKIND ARE ENSLAVED TO SIN.
II. THAT THE UNIVERSAL DESIRE OF MANKIND IS FOR HAPPINESS.
III. THAT THE ONLY SOURCE OF REAL HAPPINESS IS TO BE FOUND IN GOD. Look unto Me. I am God, and beside me, &c.
IV. THAT THE SALVATION WHICH GOD HAS PROVIDED IS BOUNDLESS IN ITS PROVISIONS, AND UNLIMITED IN ITS EXTENT. All the ends of the earth.
V. THAT THE RECEPTION OF THIS BLESSING IS NEVERTHELESS CONDITIONAL. Look unto Me, &c. What does this imply?
1. An apprehension of the object presented.
2. Of the good it proposes to impart.
3. An earnest desire to obtain it.
4. A vigorous use of appointed means.
VI. THE GROUND OF ENCOURAGEMENT. I am God; and therefore, know that you need it–have prepared it for you–invite you to partake of it–promise to impart it–warn you of the consequences of refusing it.None other can save you. Now is the accepted time, &c. (R. Shepherd.)
Life by looking
Sin came by an unbelieving look. Eve saw that the tree was good for food and pleasant to the eyes. Distrusting God, she looked and plucked and ate. Salvation comes from a believing and trustful look. Look unto Me, and be ye saved. To those who look for Him will He appear with salvation.
I. AS SIN FIRST ENTERED, SO IT STILL ENTERS. It enters through the eye. He who first saw the wedge of gold and the Babylonish garment lusted for them, went after them, took and hid them. Therefore it is wise to say Look not upon the wine when it is red, for temptations come through the eye. The Scriptures tell of those whose eyes are full of sin and cannot cease. This truth is realised in our own mournful experience. We look on injuries and brood over them. We contemplate objects of desire and lust after them. When it has conceived lust bringeth forth sin.
II. SALVATION COMES BY THE SAME EASY METHOD. Look unto Me and be ye saved.
1. This is a spiritual vision. Some regard that which we call spiritual as unreal and dreamy, whereas carnality is unreal, and spiritual things are, of all, the most actual.
2. It is an immediate vision. Of our physical functions sight is the most immediate. So faith is the most positive and assuring. You end a dispute by saying, but I saw it with my own eyes and so I know it. The believer is able to speak thus of Him whom he knows, for he has seen Him.
III. HOW ARE WE TO SEE CHRIST? In what respects?
1. As a Saviour.
2. As an Intercessor.
3. As King and Master.
IV. THERE ARE SPECIAL TIMES WHEN WE SHOULD LOOK EXCLUSIVELY TO CHRIST.
1. In all our acts of public worship.
2. In temptations. Are you injured? Nothing so cleanses the heart of stinging pain as this. Do unholy desires annoy? Here is the remedy.
3. In approaching weakness.
Though the outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day. By looking the light will increase more and more to the perfect day. God has promised to show us the path of life. Evangelist asked the Pilgrim, Seest thou yonder light? I think I do. Evangelist by a long looking had acquired keen vision, and Pilgrim found his eyes opened as he looked. The way grew clearer, and you know the glorious end to which he came. His, weakness was perfected in his Leaders strength. The subject before us has a twofold application.
1. For self-examination. In our worship have we been looking only to God whom we have professed to address? In hymn and prayer and preaching have our acts been merely formal and professional?
2. By way of invitation. The invitation is to all, even to the ends of the earth. (A. Whyte, D. D.)
Salvation offered
These words show us that we have need to be saved. We have to be saved from enormous evils. But there is a great change that must take place in everyone before he can be saved. There is no salvation to an unregenerate man. Let me remind you what God intends when He says, Look unto Me.
1. He bids you look to Him for mercy, to save you gratuitously, without bringing to Him anything.
2. We should look to the Son of God, as well as to the Father–for His meritorious intercession–that we may be saved.
3. Look to God the Spirit, as well as to the Father and the Son. He who wrought mightily in the persecutor Saul, to make him an eminent trophy of grace and a large benefactor to his fellow-creatures, has no less power, condescension and goodness, to extend to you, and to give to you all the same principle, the same courage, and the same perseverance.
4. The same blessed duty rests on all of you who by the grace of God have looked to Him and lived. You are called to prosecute your journey heavenwards, from one degree of faith and grace and comfort and joy to another, till you reach your eternal home, every day looking to God that you may be saved.
5. But He never meant His servants to be selfish, as He is beneficent and good; and therefore let me bid you notice the extent of this invitation: All the ends of the earth. Then it is Gods will that Japan, and China, and India must look to Him and be saved, as well as we. At the time these words were uttered by the prophet, we were the ends of the world to them, as China, Japan, and Borneo are to us; yea, we were beyond the limits of the known world at that time. And we have heard the good news and believed. (B. W. Noel, M. A.)
A Saviour
I. The everlasting God, He who alone is God, declares Himself to be THE SOURCE OF SALVATION.
II. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION. All the ends of the earth. Men of all tribes and kingdoms shall be made to feel the power of Almighty grace. The plan of salvation is adapted to every variety of circumstance. The monarch on the throne of vast empire–he is seated there in the sight of God a poor rebel, and he needs salvation. Or take the other extreme–the lowliest and obscurest of the children of men–he is a sinner before God, an immortal creature.
III. GODS SIMPLE COMMAND to the guilty and the lost, while announcing Himself as the Source of salvation, and while proclaiming its universality, is Look unto Me.
1. To look unto God, as the Source of salvation, implies knowledge of Him.
2. The exercise of faith.
3. Confidence in God.
4. We may give emphasis to the expression, Unto Me. God requires that you should look away from all other objects which would interfere with the entire yielding up of the whole soul to Him.
5. There should be in the mind of the believer a full assurance that He is able to save, and willing to save. (G. Fisk, LL. B.)
Salvation obtained only by looking unto Jesus
I. THE INVITATION, Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, may be regarded as involving an offer of an invaluable blessing, a statement of the means by which the blessing is secured, and finally, an intimation of the extent of the offer made.
II. THE REASON WHY THAT INVITATION SHOULD BE COMPLIED WITH. For I am God, and there is none else. There are two ideas involved in this statement.
1. That Jesus is the true God, and therefore able to save.
2. That on Him only should we depend, for there is no other being in the universe who is able to rescue an immortal soul from eternal ruin.
We see from this subject–
1. The folly and danger of unbelief.
2. The habitual duty of all true Christians. It is to look unto Jesus at every stage of their spiritual history. (P. Grant.)
The Divine invitation
I. THE SPEAKER.
II. THE PERSONS ADDRESSED.
III. THE BLESSINGS PROMISED.
IV. THE MANNER OF OBTAINING THEM. (Bp. R. Bickersteth, D. D.)
Looking to Christ
I. If you look unto the Lord Jesus you will see GOD MANIFEST.
II. If you look to Jesus you will see LOVE INCARNATE–Divine love. According to the medium through which it shines, the same lamp can be made to give a radiance of a very different colour, a cheering or a gloomy light. In a sinful world like this, could you not easily imagine a vindictive incarnation and manifestation of the blessed God, which would have brought into the midst of our sinfulness the consuming fire of His holiness, which, thus coming in contact with our combustible corruption, would have turned our earth into an early perdition? But what was the actual fact? The Word dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.
III. Looking unto the Lord Jesus, there is yet another sight with which the earnest sinner is regaled, and that is RIGHTEOUS RECONCILIATION.
IV. Whosoever looks at Him long enough, simply enough, intently enough, will find in Him TRANSFUSED IMMORTALITY, life transmitted from that Saviour unto his own soul.
V. If you look to Jesus simply as God reveals Him in His Word, and as He is in Himself, you will see A LOVE-ATTRACTING AND A LIFE-ASSIMILATING SAVIOUR; a Saviour who, when he attracts your love, will assimilate your life to His. (J. Hamilton, D. D.)
Looking unto Jesus
In these words, we have the same sort of invitation that we find in the New Testament: Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden; Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. Such texts as these contain the very secret of Christianity. They meet all our wants, they heal all our sorrows, they save our souls. Christianity consists in having to do with Christ, in having the love of Christ implanted in the soul, and then the spirit of Christ guiding and influencing us every moment of our earthly history.
I. AS TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ADDRESSED. All the ends of the earth–all men.
II. WHY ARE THEY TO LOOK? And be saved. Now, under the New Testament you and I are directed especially to Jesus Christ. He tells us that no man cometh unto the Father but by Him. Look upon this for your encouragement, what faith sees when she looks upon Jesus. She finds love in Jesus, pardon in Jesus, peace in Jesus, eternal happiness in Jesus. And this is so with God. He sees the sinner in Jesus, He is satisfied with His atoning work, and accepts the believing sinner for His sake.
III. HOW THEY ARE TO LOOK. The term look in the Word of God is ordinarily intended to mean belief. That we should look to the Lord Jesus expecting something, just as the lame man looked at Peter and John at the Beautiful gate of the temple, expecting to receive something of them.
1. If you can take this view of Christ, that He intends your salvation, then there will be a look of real sorrow for sin. We shall mourn for sin on the one hand, but rejoice in Christ Jesus on the other.
2. A look of acquiescence, of trust and confidence.
3. A look of prayer. (J. W. Reeve, M. A.)
The saving look
I. THE NATURE OF THE COMMAND, or what it is to look at the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The very idea of looking to the Saviour, implies a looking off ourselves, our idols, our sins, our righteousnesses, and our unrighteousnesses. It is to look off our duties, our prayers, our tears, our humiliations, our resolutions, and simply and singly to look to Christ for salvation.
2. To look at Christ for salvation implies a conscious need of salvation.
3. To look at Christ is to look at Him not only as the very Christ of God, but as the Son of God.
4. To look at Christ is to look to Him for a whole salvation.
II. THE NECESSITY OF THE PRECEPT. We have a natural disinclination to it; we naturally look at any other object. When in the world, and of the world, this is grossly the case. Our friends, our families, our prospects, profits, our pleasures, our sins, form our world. If we withdraw from its grossness, and are mingled Up with its more decent enjoyments, and add something of religion; its forms, its ceremonies, its worship, quite occupy us. Our little orbit of vision is full, quite full; we can look at nothing else. A mere hand before the eyes hides the sun. We think ourselves far better than many, far from being so vile as some; and even after the Holy Spirit has convinced us of sin, yet still what backwardness to look to Christ!
III. THE BLESSED EFFECT OF OBEYING THE PRECEPT. Salvation.
1. How wonderful is this salvation–that one real look at Christ has eternal life in it; that if the vilest sinner do but look at Him, he is saved even at the eleventh hour!
2. The longer thou livest, the more the Spirit will open the depravities of thy nature to thee. As He does this, pray that He may open the very grace and glories of Jesus to thee.
3. When, through the power of the Holy Spirit, this peace is established in thy conscience, through the precious blood of the Cross, seek its increase into the full assurance of hope, in all the ways of holy walking, still looking to Jesus for all the supplies of His grace and Spirit. (J. H. Evans, M. A.)
The extent of the Gospel call
I. AN OBJECT OF ATTRACTION. Me; the true God–the one Saviour, and none else but Me. But in what capacity is Christ exhibited in the Gospel?
1. As a Mediator.
2. As the Lord our righteousness.
3. As the Fountain to wash away sin.
4. As the sinners Life.
II. AN ACT CALLED FORTH. Look unto Me, or as some would understand the original, Turn your face to Me from false idols. This act implies–
1. Knowledge.
2. Faith.
3. Conversion. Every man has gone astray from God.
4. A waiting posture.
III. THE EXTENT OF THIS CALL. All the ends of the earth. This phrase imples–
1. That all men have gone astray from God.
2. That God is no respecter of persons.
3. That there is salvation in no other.
4. The sufficiency there is m Christ to every returning, soul.
IV. THE BENEFITS inseparably connected with a looking to Jesus Christ. And be saved–not be made rich for threescore years and ten. No! and be saved. (T. Jones.)
Looking unto Christ
I. IN WHAT MANNER WE ARE TO LOOK TO CHRIST.
1. With an eye of faith. To direct our thoughts to Him in the same manner as to any other person, is not enough.
2. With eager desire of relief.
3. With gratitude and love.
4. As an example of righteousness whom it behoves us to follow.
5. As our Intercessor.
II. SOME CONSIDERATIONS TO ENFORCE THE DUTY.
1. Who is the glorious Object to which you are required to look? None other than the Son of God.
2. Who it is that requires you to look.
3. It is salvation for which we are to look.
4. The facility of the duty here enjoined.
5. The boundless extent of the invitation. (A. Ramsay, M. A.)
Looking within, looking around, and looking up
Let us hear the story of the Look–a story in three chapters.
I. Chapter the first. HOW HE LOOKED WITHIN. I do not know much about him, except this. How it came about, indeed, I know not. Whether it was some sermon that smote him; whether it was the death of some neighbour; whether it was some peril of his own; whether it was some sharp sickness that overtook him, I know not; but so it was. One day that man stopped and looked in at himself, and he said, There is no mistake about it; I am wrong, I can see. I am all wrong, and I will just set to work, and I will make things right. I will turn over a new leaf. And he set to work, and he began to tie up his sins with the strong cords of his resolutions and his good desires, and there he set them all of a row. This was never going to be indulged any more, and this should not, and the other should be denied. All went well for a day, and then something or other came across him, and snap went the cords, and up sprang one old sin. Snap went the cords, and another sprang at him. There, he said, I knew that it was no good my trying, and he just gave it up. Who is that? You. I think I see here a man who has turned over a new leaf. Here it is all white and clean without a blot. Ah, there is a blot now. Oh, there is another smudge; there is a mistake. If we cannot find a better way than turning over new leaves, we shall soon give it up in despair. Besides, if thou couldst do so, what would it do for thee? Here is a man who has got into low water, and he cannot make ends meet, and one day a friend steps in to advise him and finds him in a state of glee, and the man says, I have got credit for this, and I have received this; and there he is filling up the column of his receipts. Why, what does this mean? says the friend–My dear fellow, you have forgotten the brought forward. You have left out the carried over. That dreadful carried over! That awful brought forward! What about the past? There it is, what can I do with it? We have not done with that chapter yet, for there is a second part of it. You say to me, Yes; I can see that if I am ever going to be what I want to be, I must just come right up to God, and let Him do it. But, dear friend, what ails thee? Well, you see, I do not know. I have not got any faith. I have not got any repentance I have not got any earnestness. What is a man like I am to do? Hast thou never learnt how to make thy hindrances into thy helps? Hast thou never learnt how to make thy very need thy claim upon thy God? I pray thee now, just as thou art, with all thy sense of want, lift up thine eyes. Why, the only thing that I know about repentance is what I feel in my heart when I see Jesus. I have never found any place of repentance except at the foot of the Cross. The only thing that I know about faith is what springs up in my heart when I look at Jesus. Faith does not come from looking within. Let thy whole soul say, I will look unto Him, and be saved.
II. Chapter the second. HOW HE LOOKED ROUND. You say, There is to-morrow; people would notice the change, and I should not like to tell them that I had given myself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and how I was going to be His soldier and His servant; and there would be the sneer, and scorn, and ridicule, and one would perhaps try this temptation, and another would see whether I could bear the other, and I do not know that I could. The Gospel is, that Christ comes right to me and takes my hand. He lives, and He comes to thee and me, and He saith, Thou art setting forth to be My child and My servant, and I am never going to let thee be alone. Now, wilt thou put thy hand in His? But we have not done with the second chapter quite yet. I can think of some one going a step farther and saying, Well, I do look to Jesus, you know, and I am looking to Him, and I have been trying to look to Him, but somehow or other I cannot get on. Why not? Well, it may be that you are looking around still. Some of you say to me, Well, you see, I look to Him, but I cannot rejoice. I do not feel happy. Well, I do not know that it says, Feel happy. It says, Look unto Me, and be ye saved. I think that we must let the Lord Jesus Christ take care of our feelings. All we have get to do is just to look to Him. But we look around at one man and another. Somebody says to me, John Bunyan went for three months weeping and crying. I am a dry eyes; I cannot shed a tear. Well, who wants you to shed a tear? What have you got to do with other people? We will look no more round.
III. Chapter the third. HOW HE LOOKED UP. You must look up. Will you? (M. GuyPearse.)
Would you be saved?
The object of salvation is to bring a man into harmonious communion with God.
I. ALL MEN NEED TO BE SAVED. We need to be saved–
1. From our propensity to wrong-doing.
2. We need also to be saved from our spirit of unrest.
3. From our weakness in being overcome by pain and trouble.
4. From our fear of death.
II. GOD DOES NOT FORCE ANY MAN TO BE SAVED AGAINST HIS WILL. In the occurrences of this life we may have to employ force sometimes to save the body of a fellow-creature against his will. But God cannot act so, because He is God, and would have men love Him. The only way God has of compelling us to follow Him is through the attraction of His love, as shown in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life on the Cross for love of us. Love is the strongest power in the universe, for God is Love.
III. THE POWER AND SIMPLICITY OF THE SALVATION OFFERED TO US.
1. Its power. Salvation does not exist anywhere except in God. We ministers are only like the boys with handbills inviting you in to buy salvation from our Master without money.
2. The simplicity of the salvation. It is to be had for a look; but it must be–
(1) A penitent look.
(2) A look of entreaty, the sort of look that a man has who is trying to save himself from drowning, and seeing you, calls to you for help.
(3) A look of hope.
(4) A look of faith.
IV. IT IS A UNIVERSAL INVITATION, embracing, all the ends of the earth. You know what the ends are. When a coat becomes frayed, or a shawl worn, the ends are of no use and you cut them off. The outcasts of men, of what use are they? This salvation is for the despised ones, for the very ends that the world throws away; and, better still, it is for you. (W. Birch.)
The Gospel simple, rich, universal
I. HERE IS THE SIMPLEST METHOD. Look unto Me. I give the highest praise to the man of science who can unify the manifold facts of the world, and to the philosopher who can reduce to order the strange and complex phenomena of the mind. How I should thank the God who expresses His will for me in a single word, and that word so easy and unencumbered.
II. HERE IS THE RICHEST BOON. And be ye saved. Salvation is a treasure unutterably and inconceivably great. If it begins with no condemnation, it ends with no separation. There is pardon in it, and holiness, and wisdom, and power; there is the blessed life here, and hereafter there is the life of full and everlasting and passionless renown.
III. HERE IS THE WIDEST OUTLOOK. All the ends of the earth–thus far the love of the Father and the grace of the Son and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit travel and reach. There is nothing calculating, niggardly, arithmetical in Gods largesse and bounty. (A. Smellie, M. A.)
Look and be saved
(Isa 45:22-25):–
I. A BLESSED INVITATION. Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
1. The subject to which it refers is unspeakably momentous. The word saved is easily pronounced, but who can comprehend the fulness of its meaning?
2. The duty it enjoins for securing this great blessing is exceedingly simple. Look unto Me. Many are quite confounded at the simplicity of the Gospel terms of salvation.
3. The range of this invitation is unlimited. All the ends of the earth. The call is wide as the world.
4. The ground on which it rests is highly encouraging. For I am God, and there is none else. In a previous verse it is said, They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. The idols of the heathen are altogether impotent. But our God is able to save, and He alone is able. At the same time, something more than mere power is necessary, and that something is not wanting in Him to whom we are invited to look. He is a just God and a Saviour.
II. AN EMPHATIC PROCLAMATION. I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return; that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. In reference to this subjection two things are stated–
1. Its universality. In the time of Elijah, God had reserved unto Himself seven thousand men who had not bowed the knee to Baal; but here we have a period predicted when idols shall be utterly abolished.
2. Its certainty. I have sworn by Myself. These emphatic expressions denote that the purpose was made in the most solemn manner, and ratified in the most sacred form. It is a purpose, therefore, that will be infallibly executed. From henceforth expecting. says the apostle of the enthroned Redeemer, till His enemies be made His footstool. And has He not ample grounds for such an expectation? The desires even of the righteous shall be granted, their hope will not be disappointed; how certain, then, must be the fulfilment of the desires and hopes of Him whom the Father heareth always? Is it not said, Ask of Me? &c.
III. A WISE RESOLUTION. Surely, shall one say, &c. (Isa 45:24). The two blessings which are here referred to, are absolutely necessary to salvation, and all who are enlightened from above will be led to apply for them where alone they are to be found. It is here stated, Surely shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: let each of us determine, by Divine aid, to be that one. It must be a personal resolution, as the surrender is a personal surrender. It is added, Even to Him shall men come, i.e they will apply to Him for these blessings. On the other hand, He will be made known by terrible things in righteousness to those who refuse to seek His face, and continue to rebel against His authority. All that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed.
IV. AN IMPORTANT DECLARATION. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. (Anon.)
The metaphor of looking
In the language of metaphor the mind has got an eye as well as the body. We say, Look at this fact; look at this or that other historic personage; look at Luther; look at Julius Caesar; look at Abraham; and we all understand what is meant when such language is employed. It is in some such a way that we are told to look at the Saviour. (J. Hamilton, D. D.)
Looking to God
While the moon looketh directly upon the sun, she is bright and beautiful; but if she once turn aside, and be left to herself, she loseth all her glory, and enjoys but only a shadow of light, which is her own. (J. Trapp.)
The contrite soul must look away from self
Passing through a graveyard with her parents, a little girl drew them after her to look at a beautiful stone figure of the Christ, with a face full of suffering and yet of tenderest pity, leaning upon a massive marble cross. As they paused to look, she held her head down and said in a low voice, I can hardly lift up my eyes to look at Him, I have done so many wrong things. It is just because we have done so many wrong things that we have need to lift up our eyes to look at Him. (Quiver.)
Looking
Some years ago I was asked by a workman to see a dying fellow-creature, as this man said in his peculiar way, to pilot him to heaven. I went, and found that the poor man was too far gone to speak. All he could do was to look. I did not know whether he could hear, for when I spoke he only looked at me. Wishing at least to show him the way of salvation, I took a picture from the wall, turned it, and then drew on it with my lead pencil the figure of the Cross with Jesus upon it. I held this picture before the mans eyes, and then he looked at me in an expressive way, and tried to nod his head. Shortly after he died. (W. Birch.)
Looking up and lifted up
In Mrs. Fletchers biography she tells us of a convert who had a strange dream. He thought he was down a very steep well in the night, and, looking up, he saw a single star shining far above him, and it seemed to let down lines of silver light that took hold upon him and lifted him up. Then he looked down and began to go down. He looked up and began to go up, and he looked down again and began to go down; and he found that by simply keeping his eye on that star he rose out of the well, and his foot stood on the firm ground. A parable is in the dream. If you look down, you go down; if you look up, you go up. There must be first the looking up before there can be the lifting up. (J. S. Drummond.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, c.] This verse and the following contain a plain prediction of the universal spread of the knowledge of God through Christ and so the Targum appears to have understood it; see Ro 14:11; Php 2:10. The reading of the Targum is remarkable, viz., ithpeno lemeymri, look to my WORD, , the Lord Jesus.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Upon these considerations, I advise all people upon earth, from one end to the other, to cast away their idols, and to turn their eyes and hearts to me, expecting salvation from me, and from me only; and their labour shall not be in vain; for they shall be saved: the imperative being put for the future, as Gen 42:18, and oft elsewhere. And this is not only an exhortation to the Gentiles to turn from idols to God, but a prediction that they shall turn to him, and look upon Christ, who shall be the author of salvation to all that obey him, whether Jews or Gentiles, which is confirmed by the following verse.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
22. Look . . . and be ye savedThesecond imperative expresses the result which will follow obedience tothe first (Ge 42:18); yeshall be saved (Joh 3:14;Joh 3:15). Nu21:9: “If a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheldthe serpent of brass he lived.” What so simple as a look? Not dosomething, but look to the Saviour (Act 16:30;Act 16:31). Believers look byfaith, the eye of the soul. The look is that of one turning(see Margin) to God, as at once “Just and the Saviour”(Isa 45:21), that is, the lookof conversion (Ps 22:27).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Look unto me,…. And not to idols, nor to any creature, nor to the works of your hands; to your own righteousness and doings; to your wounds; to your tears and humiliations; to your own hearts and frames; to your graces and the exercise of them; all must be looked off of, and Christ only looked unto by a direct act of faith, for righteousness, for pardon, for all supplies of grace, and for glory and eternal happiness. He is to be looked unto as the Son of God, whose glory is the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world; as the only Mediator between God and man; as the Saviour and Redeemer of lost sinners; and considered in all his offices and relations: under all circumstances he is to be looked to; when in the dark, look to him for light; when dead and lifeless, look to him for life; when weak, look to him for strength; when sick, look to him for healing; when hungry, look to him for food; and when disconsolate, look to him for comfort; for none ever look to him and are ashamed or disappointed, they have what they look for; and as it is profitable, so pleasant to look to Jesus, and he himself is well pleased with it; and therefore here encourages to it, adding,
and be ye saved; or, “ye shall be saved” e: Christ is set up in the Gospel, and the ministration of it to be looked at, that men may be saved by him; and it is the will of God, not only that men should look to him, but that whosoever sees him, and believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life: the ministers of the Gospel are appointed to show men the way of salvation by Christ, and to assure them that he that believes in him shall be saved; and saints in all ages have looked unto him, and have been saved by him; and therefore this may be taken for a sure and certain thing, that such that look to Christ, as the Israelites did to the brasen serpent, the type of him, shall be saved, Joh 3:14:
all the ends of the earth; all that live at the furthest part of the earth; Christ has a people there, the Father has given him for his possession, and which are the purchase of his blood, and for whose sins he became the propitiation; and to these he sends his Gospel and his ministers, to find them out, and publish salvation to them, and to assure them, that however distant they are, both as to place and state, yet through looking to him by faith they shall be saved, even though they are the worst and vilest of sinners:
for I am God, and there is none else; and so mighty to save, able to save to the uttermost, all that come to him, and to God by him, be they where they will; since he is truly God, there is virtue enough in his blood to pardon sin, and cleanse from it; and in his righteousness to justify from all sin; and in his sacrifice to expiate it; and therefore sensible sinners may safely look to him, and venture their souls on him. The Targum is,
“look unto my Word, and be ye saved, &c.”
e “salvi eritis”, V. L. Pagninus, Tigurine version.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
It is in accordance with this holy loving will that the cry is published in Isa 45:22: “Turn unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth; for I am God, and none else.” The first imperative is hortatory, the second promising (cf., Isa 36:16 and Isa 8:9): Jehovah desires both, viz., the conversion of all men to Himself; and through this their salvation, ad this His gracious will, which extends to all mankind, will not rest till its object has been fully accomplished. Isa 45:23 “By myself have I sworn, a word has gone out of a mouth of righteousness, and will not return, That to me every knee shall bend, every tongue swear.” Swearing by Himself (see Gen 22:16), God pledges what He swears with His own life (compare Rom 14:11, “as I live”). Parallel to is the clause . Here Rosenmller connects together as if with a hyphen, in the sense of a truth-word (Jerome, justitiae verbum ). But this is grammatically impossible, since it would require ; moreover, it is opposed both to the accents, and to the dagesh in the Daleth . Hitzig’s rendering is a better one: “Truth (lxx ), a word that does not return,” – the latter being taken as an explanatory permutative; but in that case we should require for , and ts e daqah is not used in the sense of truth anywhere else (compare tsaddq , however, in Isa 41:26). On the other hand, might be equivalent to “in righteousness;” cf., Isa 42:25, = ), if it were not incomparably more natural to connect together as a genitive construction; though not in the sense in which is used in post-biblical writings – namely, as equivalent to “out of the mouth of God” (see Buxtorf, Lex. Chald. Col. 385) – but rather in this way, that the mouth of God is described attributively as regulated in its words by His holy will (as “speaking righteousness, Isa 45:19). A word has gone forth from this mouth of righteousness; and after it has once gone forth, it does not return without accomplishing its object (Isa 55:11). What follows is not so much a promising prediction (that every knee will bend to me), as a definitive declaration of will (that it shall or must bend to me). According to Isa 19:18; Isa 44:5, “to me” is to be regarded as carried forward, and so to be supplied after “shall swear” (the Septuagint rendering, , is false; that of Paul in Rom 14:11, , is correct; and in this case, as in others also, the Cod. Al. of the Sept. has been corrected from the New Testament quotations).
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
22. Look unto me. Hitherto he addressed the Jews alone, as if to them alone salvation belonged, but now he extends his discourse farther. He invites the whole world to the hope of salvation, and at the same time brings a charge of ingratitude against all the nations, who, being devoted to their errors, purposely avoided, as it were, the light of life; for what could be more base than to reject deliberately their own salvation? He therefore commands all “to look to him,” and to the precept adds a promise, which gives it greater weight, and confirms it more than if he had made use of a bare command.
And ye shall be saved. Thus we have a striking proof of the calling of the Gentiles; because the Lord, after having broken down “the partition-wall” (Eph 2:14) which separated the Jews from the Gentiles, invites all without exception to come to him. Besides, we are here reminded also what is the true method of obtaining salvation; that is, when we “look to God,” and tum to him with our whole heart. Now, we must “look to him” with the eye of faith, so as to embrace the salvation which is exhibited to all through Christ; for “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him may not perish.” (Joh 3:16.)
For I am God. When he exhorts all the ends of the earth, he at the same time shews that all men have hitherto wandered, and have not “looked to” the true God; for where infidelity exists, there cannot be a distinct looking towards God, so as to distinguish him from empty masks. In a word, he declares that the ruin of all has been occasioned by their being driven about by their wicked inventions, and thus revolting from the true God, from the knowledge of whom certain and eternal salvation flows. The Lord therefore stretches out his hand, in order to rescue all and point out the method of obtaining salvation.
This makes it evident that it was not at random that the doctrine of the Gospel was preached to all nations, but by the decree of God, by whom it had been long ago ordained. Yet, as I remarked a little before, he accuses the Gentiles of stupidity, in allowing their senses to be tumed and whirled about in all directions, wherever their fancy led them. Though by nature they could not approach to God, and though they even sucked in with their milk the superstitions by which they were blinded, yet God might have justly reproached them with wicked contempt of his grace; for ignorance always implies hypocrisy, when men choose rather to be deceived by empty flatteries than to go straight to God.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
22. Look unto me, and be ye saved The “just God” is of most tender mercy also, and here invites all the ends of the earth to be “saved” in like manner with Israel.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Isa 45:22. Look unto me, and be ye saved The proselytes of the nations were invited to embrace the faith of the true God; but that seemed too narrow and confined; for what forbids all nations without distinction, delivered from the error of idolatry, to believe in the true God, and to worship him alone? Therefore the SON OF GOD here discovers himself, opening all the riches of his grace, and inviting all nations without distinction to his communion: Exhorting all the ends of the earth to receive justification procured by him for the human race, and therewith eternal salvation. The apostle, Rom 14:11 has instructed us to apply these words to God the Son: they are wholly evangelical. To look, is the act of a sinner, fully persuaded no less of his own misery than of the divine grace; whereby God has determined to save sinners through his Son, turning themselves in faith and hope to God in Christ, and humbly suing for pardon and salvation from him. See Act 4:12 chap. Isa 17:7 Isa 52:10 and Vitringa.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 943
LOOKING TO CHRIST
Isa 45:22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
MANY consider the Scriptures merely as a history of past events, and imagine that the declarations contained in it are to be confined to those persons, for whose immediate use they were written. But such an idea reduces the sacred volume to a dead letter, calculated indeed to amuse the curious, but not to awaken the secure, or comfort the feeble-minded. But there are numberless passages which, though originally applied to individual persons, are quoted by the Apostles as applicable to mankind in every age. Doubtless then, the invitation before us, though primarily addressed to idolaters, is intended to be sounded forth throughout all the world. Let us then consider,
I.
The invitation
The person, who is here speaking, is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ; since the very words following the text are quoted by an inspired Apostle as issuing from his mouth [Note: Rom 14:10-11.]. Here,
1.
He directs us what means to use in order to salvation
[Looking to Jesus is a figurative expression of the same import with many others used in Scripture, such as coming to him, fleeing to him, &c. Its meaning is obvious, especially when connected with salvation as the end to be attained by it. One immediately perceives the state of the cripples mind, of whom it is said, that he gave heed to Peter and John, expecting to receive something of them [Note: Act 3:4-5.]; nor can we be at any loss to ascertain the meaning of looking to Christ for salvation: it must import an humble sense of our lost estate, an ardent desire after his proffered mercy, and a persuasion that he is able to impart the blessings we stand in need of. Without such views, such desires, and such a faith, we should no more look to him for salvation than a person in health would go to a physician, or make use of his prescriptions [Note: Mar 2:17.] If any thing can clearly exemplify the nature of this duty, it is the state of the wounded Israelites when they looked to the brazen serpent [Note: Num 21:7-9.]: they felt their wounds, they knew them to be incurable by human art, they were convinced that they must quickly perish if they did not use the appointed means, and they turned their eyes towards it in hope of experiencing the promised recovery. And exactly thus must we look to Christ, if we would be made partakers of his salvation [Note: Joh 3:14-15.].]
2.
He promises that we shall not use those means in vain
[His words undoubtedly imply a promise, though they are not delivered in the form of one. They consider all as obnoxious to the wrath of God. They are not addressed to sinners of a peculiarly atrocious character, but to all the ends of the earth. But while they thus insinuate that none can save themselves, they offer salvation to all without any distinction of character, provided they follow the direction given them. Such shall surely be saved from wrath: their sins, however great and manifold, shall be forgiven them. The infection that pervades their souls shall be healed. Yea, more, the favour of God, the beauty of holiness, and all the glory of heaven shall be imparted to them. The salvation here spoken of is justly called, The salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory: and in the name of Christ we can promise it to all who comply with the terms on which it is offered to them.]
Alluring as this invitation is, it derives additional importance from,
II.
The arguments with which it is enforced
That he may prevail on an ignorant and careless world, our blessed Lord reminds them of,
1.
His all sufficiency to save them
[That Christ is God, is a truth on which our present and eternal happiness depends; nor is there wanting all that evidence for it which the most scrupulous or doubtful mind can require [Note: Joh 1:1. Rom 9:5.]. Indeed, if he were a mere creature, however exalted, we might well question his authority to issue such a command, or his ability to impart the promised blessing; but his Godhead at once enforces both his direction and his promise: Look unto me; for I am God, and enjoin you to do so at the peril of your souls. You shall be saved; for I am God, and am therefore able to save you to the very uttermost. Were I a creature, you might be afraid to trust in me: but is not the blood of an incarnate God sufficient to make atonement for your sin? Is not the arm of God able to subdue your enemies before you? Or is there any variableness or shadow of turning in me, that you should question my fidelity? Am I not the God that changeth not? Know then that while my Godhead is your warrant fur looking to me, it is my pledge to you for the performance of my promise. My Brethren, can you resist the force of such an argument?]
2.
The insufficiency of every other hope
[We are prone to look to every other being for help rather than to Christ; but he plainly warns us that there is none else. Could we obtain salvation by any other means, the force of his invitation would be enervated: however the way prescribed by him might deserve a preference, we should feel ourselves, as it were, at liberty to disregard it. But in vain will be our utmost exertions, if we endeavour to save ourselves by any methods of mans device. We are shut up unto the faith that is revealed. We may as well attempt to create an universe as to atone for sin, or to fulfil the strict commands of Gods law. There is no remedy but that proposed, of looking unto Jesus: there is no other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved, but the name of Jesus Christ. Observe then the weight of this argument also: it is as though Jesus had said, To whom will ye go? I, and I alone, have the words of eternal life [Note: Joh 6:68.]: if you follow after righteousness in any other way, you will never attain unto it [Note: Rom 9:31-32.]: you have but one alternative, to look unto me, or to perish for ever. The Lord grant that, if we be not drawn by love, we may at least be impelled by necessity, to accept his invitation!]
We would yet further address this invitation to,
1.
Those who are careless and indifferent about salvation
[How lamentable is it, that Jesus should thus invite sinners, and they be altogether inattentive to his voice! Ye careless and supine, consider Jesus as addressing you upon his first entrance into the world: Look unto me, and see how I have humbled myself for you: though I am God, yet have I taken upon myself your nature, that I might save your souls: I am come from heaven to seek and save you; O let not such condescension and love be lost upon you. Think again that ye hear him speaking to you from the garden of Gethsemane: Look unto me, and behold how I am overcome with agony, and bathed from head to foot in a bloody sweat: this, sinners, is for you; it is your guilt that weighs me down, and your curse that I am now enduring: reflect a moment on the evil and danger of your state; for if these things be done in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry? if sin has so overwhelmed your incarnate God, how will ye endure the punishment of it to all eternity? Suppose him yet again calling to you from the cross; Look unto me, ye perishing world; see what a multitude of sorrows encompass me; and how my heart in the midst of me is even like melting wax, so utterly is it consumed by the fire of divine wrath: see, how I am forsaken by my own Father, and am shortly to expire in the midst of all this shame and torment: but it is for you; to save you from everlasting death: and I shall be satisfied with all the travail of my soul, if only you will look to me for salvation: let me but have the joy of saving you, and I am content: but O, let me not pay the price of your souls for nought. Once more; view him seated on his throne of glory, and consider him as addressing you from thence; Look unto me; it is for your sakes that I am exalted to this throne; it is that I may impart that salvation to you, which once I purchased for you: as once I governed every thing in my divine nature, so now in my mediatorial capacity is all power committed to me, that I may raise you also to a participation of my own glory: and all that I require of you is, to look unto me: O sinners, turn not a deaf ear to my entreaties; but let me save you with an everlasting salvation.
Are there now any so obdurate as to disregard his voice? Say, beloved, is salvation so slight a matter, that ye are indifferent whether ye ever obtain it or not? Or are the terms, on which it is offered, so grievous, that ye cannot bring your minds to submit to them? What easier terms can God himself propose than those, Look and be saved? O delay no longer, but say with the prophet, I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me [Note: Mic 7:7.].]
2.
Those who, through a sense of their unworthiness, dare not accept the salvation offered them
[Persons, who are deeply convinced of their guilt and misery, are apt to think themselves too unworthy to be the objects of divine mercy; and to exclude themselves from the number of those who are invited: Can it be true, say they, that Jesus speaks to me: and that I have only to look unto him in order to ensure my everlasting salvation? Surely this invitation cannot be for such a wretch as I am: gladly would I accept it, if I dared; but I shall be only as a dog snatching at the childrens bread. But, Beloved, why should any of you exclude yourselves? Does not Jesus address himself to sinners of every description, even to all the ends of the earth? And did you ever hear of one whom he rejected? If none ever applied to him in vain for the healing of their bodies, shall any look to him in vain for the saving of their souls? When he gave this invitation, was he not aware how unworthy you were? Did he not know the extent and efficacy of his own atonement? Did he not consider whether there was any thing in your case that was too hard for him to surmount; or did he issue this invitation only to mock and disappoint you? Let it be granted, you have some reason to doubt his power or his willingness to save you: yet, at least, put him to the trial, and see whether he will fulfil his word or not. Of this you are sure, that, if he cannot save, no one else can; and that, if he will not, you will, at least, lose nothing by accepting his invitation. But you need not fear; he is God; and his mercy as far exceeds your sins, as the heavens are higher than the earth. Put away then your desponding thoughts, and encourage yourselves in the Lord your God. Thus shall you be numbered with his redeemed; and spend eternity in singing, Salvation to God and to the Lamb.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
If this gracious invitation of Jesus, to look unto him, were proclaimed every day from the house-top, yea, from heaven itself, it would not be more sure, nor certain, nay, not so much so as now it is, in the blessed word of God’s grace. And yet who is there that regards it? God the Father commends it, Isa 42:1 , etc. The Son of God commends it, Isa 65:1-2 . God the Holy Ghost commends it, Joh 1:29 . But, alas! we may take up the words of the Prophet, and say, as he did, who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Isa 53:1 . Precious Jesus! give to him that writes, and to him that reads, the hearing ear and the seeing eye, that we may hear the voice of the Son of God, and live; Joh 3:14-15 . And what at a blessed consequence is said in this scripture to result from such lookings unto Jesus, and living upon him: Surely, shall one say, yea, everyone whom the Lord the Spirit hath brought off from all legal frames and self-righteousness; none but such will say it, and everyone of this character must say it: In the Lord have I righteousness and strength. Yes; for it is in the Lord, and not in myself that I have it. For I have it not in any natural, not in any spiritual, not in any acquired strength: I have it not in anything wrought by me; not in my zeal; not in my endeavours; yea, not what is wrought in me; but wholly in the Lord. Oh! blessed distinction, between what some injudicious persons would fondly call inherent holiness, and the Lord’s righteousness. Jesus is indeed made of God to his people, wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption; but still it is Jesus that is all these, and is so made to his people; and not in themselves or their own attainments. Oh! the preciousness of Jesus, whose very name is as ointment poured forth. Lord! be it my portion, with all the seed of Israel, to be justified in thee, and by thee: and be thou my glory, that I may go forth in thy strength, making mention of thy righteousness, even thine only. Psa 71:15-16Psa 71:15-16 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Isa 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.
Ver. 22. Look unto me, and be ye saved. ] While the moon looketh directly upon the sun, she is bright and beautiful; but if she once turn aside and be left to herself, she loseth all her glory, and enjoys but only a shadow of light, which is her own; so while men look to Christ, the “Sun of righteousness,” and toward the “stars in his right hand.”
For I am God, and none else.
a Godw., Heb. Antiqu.
Look: Num 21:8, Num 21:9, 2Ch 20:12, Psa 22:17, Psa 65:5, Mic 7:7, Zec 12:10, Joh 3:13-16, Joh 6:40, Heb 12:2
for: Isa 45:21, Joh 10:28-30, Tit 2:13, 2Pe 1:1
Reciprocal: Exo 20:3 – General Deu 4:35 – none else Deu 32:39 – even I 2Sa 7:22 – none 1Ki 8:60 – the Lord 2Ki 19:15 – thou art the God 1Ch 17:20 – beside thee Psa 3:8 – Salvation Psa 18:31 – General Psa 22:27 – All the ends Psa 34:5 – They Psa 67:7 – all the Psa 90:2 – thou Psa 98:3 – all the ends Psa 118:14 – is my strength Isa 12:2 – God Isa 19:20 – he shall send Isa 24:16 – uttermost part Isa 37:16 – thou art Isa 40:28 – the ends Isa 43:11 – General Isa 44:6 – beside Isa 45:5 – the Lord Isa 46:9 – I am God Isa 48:20 – with a voice Isa 49:1 – Listen Isa 60:8 – fly Isa 65:1 – Behold Jer 31:8 – the coasts Jer 33:16 – shall Judah Hos 3:1 – look Hos 13:4 – for Joe 2:27 – that I Zec 14:9 – the Lord Mal 1:11 – my name Mat 1:21 – for Mat 11:28 – Come Mat 24:31 – from Mar 7:28 – yet Mar 12:32 – for Mar 16:15 – into Luk 1:47 – God Joh 1:36 – Behold Joh 3:15 – whosoever Joh 4:42 – and know Act 13:47 – that thou Act 16:31 – Believe Rom 14:11 – every knee 1Th 2:16 – that 1Ti 2:4 – will 1Ti 4:10 – the saviour Tit 2:11 – hath appeared Heb 1:8 – O God Heb 5:9 – he became Heb 7:2 – King of righteousness Heb 7:25 – he is Jam 2:19 – General
45:22 Look to me, and be ye saved, all {z} the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.
(z) He calls the idolaters to repentance, willing them to look on him with the eye of faith.
Since Yahweh alone saves, people and nations around the world should turn to Him for salvation (cf. Num 21:8-9). In so doing they could experience the same salvation that Israel would enjoy. Yahweh is the saving God of the whole earth, not just Israel, so salvation is available to all, not just Israel. God used this verse to bring the light of salvation to the English preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon when he was a youth.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)