An All-Time Salvation

I find myself astounded by the time sense of Isaiah 53 which describes the sin-bearing Messiah.

“He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” – Isaiah 53:3

This is in the present tense.  Jesus, today and for all time, is despised and rejected by men.  This will always be, adding much to the sadness and brokenness of God and Jesus Himself.  He is grieved by so many who reject His offer of life. 

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows … He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” – Isaiah 53:4-5

This is in the past tense.  Yet, Isaiah was written before Jesus walked on the earth.  From the beginning of creation, He was present to carry our sins and offer a way of salvation.

“By His stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

This is in the present tense.  Because of His sacrifice and suffering, we are able to repent and be healed of our sin.

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted.” – Isaiah 53:7

This is past tense.  It happened some time ago, perhaps before the foundation of the world it was set.

“He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.  By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.” – Isaiah 53:11

This is future tense.  He shall see, shall justify, shall bear.  One could also consider this to be present tense.  It is ongoing and it is to come. 

I’m sure there is much to study in this passage in the original language.  However, as it seems to be translated, it is easy to conceive that Jesus has always been the sacrifice for man’s sinfulness.  From the beginning of all that we can know, He was there to be rejected by men and to suffer.  He has always and still deeply grieves over the sin of man and man’s rejection of life offered by the one true living God.  Yet, for those who do believe in Him, they are healed of their sin because He bears their sin.

This has always been and will always be.  It isn’t an old tale from 2,000 years ago.  It is the way the world will forever be until the new heaven and earth are beholden.