Salvation and Praise
The prophet Isaiah gives the Lord’s pledge to Israel concerning the city of Jerusalem, “You shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise” (Isa. 60:18). It is a promise made to the Jews with regard to the restored glory and blessing to be enjoyed by the city of Jerusalem in the Millennial Kingdom (cf. vs. 13-14). But perhaps there is room to apply the text metaphorically to the individual Christian today, without denying its literal and primary application to Israel (as the Amillennialists try to do).
- WALLS of Salvation. These represent protection, and also, in a secondary sense, identity (since they enclose a community and make it distinct). Thus salvation in Christ is both our eternal protection, and our source of identity. What makes is different is that we are “Christ-ones,” (Christians), bound together in a spiritual community by the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit.
- GATES of Praise. Praise bespeaks our eternal purpose. And as gates provide access both in and out, so there is a dual aspect of praise. A) Moving inward: when others come in contact with us, and look at us, they should have cause to praise God for what he is accomplishing in our lives. B) Moving outward: It is ever to be characteristic of our speaking and our doing that we reflect and express praise to God for His greatness and grace.