Isaiah 60:7

THE HONOUR ASCRIBED TO THE CHURCH

Isaiah 60:7. I will glorify the house of My glory.

Revelation has been gradual. Isaiah’s prophecies refer, first, to Judea and its inhabitants; but as he goes on they become much more general in their application: they reveal to us the glory of the Redeemer—the depth of His humiliation and sufferings, the greatness of His exaltation, the extension of His kingdom to the uttermost parts of the earth. Notice two things—

I. THE PLACE. The prophet refers immediately to the temple at Jerusalem. This was known by the name of the house of the glory of God. God intended that when the Jews settled, a place should be erected for His worship. The design of building a house to contain the emblems of the Divine glory was conceived by David, and announced by him to Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 7:2). The prophet, however, afterwards received command to the contrary (2 Samuel 7:5; 2 Samuel 7:12). In due time Solomon announced his design to Hiram (1 Kings 5:3). It was in consequence of this determination that a building was erected in a style of unparalleled splendour. A proclamation was issued to assemble the tribes at its celebration. The holy things were brought, and placed in the holy place (1 Kings 8:10). In this way, and by the prayers and praises which were continually offered in it, this house became the place of the glory of God. There the Shechinah dwelt for ages; there sacrifices were offered; there were given the tokens of direction, of protection, and of the glory of God. These things stood in a symbolical and representative character. So that the “house” here spoken of refers to the Gospel Church. We do not stretch the comparison too far, if we call the Church of God, “the house of His glory.” Such an application is not below the design of Isaiah. Such, too, is the representation of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 47:1). So in Zechariah (Zechariah 6:12). Malachi also (Malachi 3:1). Reference may also be made to the writings of the apostles on this point (Ephesians 2:19; 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 2:4). All who are called by Divine grace are to be regarded as the Church or House of God. And to these collectively the prophet refers, when he records the determination of Jehovah, “I will glorify the house of My glory.”

But for what reasons, or with what propriety may the Christian Church be called the house of the glory of God? Chiefly on these accounts—

1. Because, it is planned and built by the purpose and power of the Most High. The Christian Church, no less than the ancient temple, was built according to the mind and will of God.

2. Because it contains the special manifestations of the Divine presence and glory. In the temple there were special emblems of God’s presence. We trace the glory of God in all around us (Psalms 19:1). But to display His glory in the Church, He uses means which make all these comparatively obscure.

(1.) Christ Himself is the exact image of God (John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). The perfect representation of God is made in the person, and cross, and work of Jesus Christ.

This glory is seen also

(2) in the gifts and influences of the Holy Spirit. The ministration of the Spirit is called the ministration of glory. As in the temple, the Shechinah dwelt in the holiest of all, so the Spirit dwells in the hearts of true believers, as the Spirit of glory and of God (1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16).

(3.) By the development of the Divine glory in the preaching of the Word. Is it not a fact, that during the last eighteen hundred years, more has been done by the Gospel of Christ than had been done for four thousand years previous to its introduction. And He will be seen more and more till that time shall come when “the whole earth,” &c.

II. THE PROMISE. God glorified the house of His glory in the first temple, by making it an object of beauty and glory to all His people, and by causing it to excite the admiration of surrounding nations; and still further, by sending Christ finally to minister in that temple. God will glorify the house of His glory—

1. By accepting the services and offerings which, in connection with it, are rendered. Formerly He accepted sacrifices in the temple and so glorified it (Ezekiel 20:40). No place whatever was honoured by the Divine presence, which was not so dedicated to Him. This is the connection in which the text stands (Isaiah 60:6). Sacrifices are abolished in the Gospel Church, because the Great Sacrifice has been offered (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 9:12). Christ was the great victim slain at the dedication of the Gospel Temple on Calvary. In virtue of this sacrifice, all Christians are accepted, and their offerings (1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 13:15; Psalms 51:17; Romans 12:1; Romans 15:16; Philippians 4:18).

2. By making it the place of special communion and fellowship with Himself. It was when the priest entered the holiest of all, that God spake with him, and testified His acceptance of the offerings of the people, and issued His various commands (Exodus 25:21). All are now priests before God, and to each one God condescends to talk (Hebrews 10:19; Ephesians 2:18).

3. By protecting it permanently against all the efforts of hostile powers. The temple at Jerusalem stood only as long as the people were obedient. But the promise in the text is permanent in reference to the Church at large (Isaiah 60:16). The foundation of God standeth sure. And what are the grounds on which our belief in its security rests?

(1.) Upon the purpose of God.

(2.) Upon the promise of God. The purpose is an abstract of His will; and the promise is an intimation and illustration of that will (Matthew 16:18).

(3.) Upon the special superintendence of God (Zechariah 2:5; Zechariah 2:8).

4. By extending it influence, and increasing its celebrity in the earth (vers, 4–6, 8, 9). Its glory has been increasing since its foundation was laid. And thus Jerusalem shall become “the praise of the whole earth.”

5. By consummating it finally, in the splendour and happiness of heaven. This world is to suffer a last, decisive change (2 Peter 3:10). But still the Gospel Temple shall not be destroyed (Revelation 21:22).

APPLICATION.—This is a subject concerning glory—the glory of the Gospel of God, the glory of the Church built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, of which Christ Himself is the chief corner stone. Is this glory lighted up in your hearts? Have you passed from death unto life? If you have not now the light of grace, you will go from gloom to gloom. The Spirit’s influence is a necessity of your nature, “Ye must be born again.”—James Parsons: Pulpit, vol. iv. pp. 145–151.