Isaiah 26:2

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.

Ver. 2. Open ye the gates.] Room for the righteous, for such only are freemen of this city; Rev 22:14 such only are written among the living in Jerusalem. Isa 4:3-4 Psa 118:19 And this seemeth spoken to those doorkeepers, the ministers, to whom God hath committed the keys of his kingdom, setting them as upon a watch tower to keep out enemies, and to let in the true citizens.

That the righteous nation which keepeth the truth.] Heb., The truths, or faiths, as Peter hath "godliness," 2Pe 3:11 that both observeth Christ's law and preserveth it; "striving together for the faith of the gospel," Php 1:27 and accounting every particle of truth precious. Jdg 1:3 And here we have a true definition of a right Church member. Civil righteousness is but a beautiful abomination. If men lay not faith for a foundation to their virtue, 2Pe 1:5 it is no better than a glistering sin.