(a) Highlight the message of Isaiah to the people of Judah. [11 marks] (b) In what two ways can Christians ensure God's holiness in their country? [4 marks]

Answer Details

(a) The message of Isaiah to the people of Judah (Isaiah 1)

Isaiah brought God's charge against Judah and Jerusalem, calling heaven and earth to witness:

• Accusation of rebellion and ingratitude: "Sons have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me." Even the ox knows its owner, but Israel did not know or understand God. They were a sinful nation, laden with iniquity, who had forsaken the LORD and were utterly estranged.
• Description of their ruined state: Because of sin the whole nation was sick, from the sole of the foot to the head there was no soundness; their country was desolate, cities burned, and Zion was left like a besieged hut.
• Rejection of empty worship: God declared He was weary of their multitude of sacrifices, burnt offerings, incense, new moons and appointed feasts; their hands were full of blood, so He would not listen to their prayers.
• Call to repentance and righteous living: "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings... cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow."
• Offer of forgiveness and warning: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." If they were willing and obedient they would eat the good of the land, but if they refused and rebelled they would be devoured by the sword.

(b) Two ways Christians can ensure God's holiness in their country

1. By living righteous, just lives and promoting social justice: defending the weak, the poor, orphans and widows, resisting oppression and corruption, so that the nation reflects God's holy standards.
2. By sincere worship and genuine repentance: turning from sin to God with true hearts rather than mere outward religious rituals, and encouraging others through evangelism and godly example to obey God.