InstaStudy

Inquiring of the Living God: A Study of Isaiah 8:19

This study explores the biblical command to seek guidance from God alone, contrasting it with forbidden practices of consulting mediums and the dead. It emphasizes the singular nature of God and His accessible revelation to humanity.

1. The Sole Source of Divine Counsel

1.1 Rejecting Occult Practices

Verses: Isaiah 8:19; Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Leviticus 19:31
  • God unequivocally condemns seeking guidance from the dead or spiritists.
  • These practices are an abomination and a direct affront to God's authority.
  • Such acts demonstrate a lack of faith in God's ability and willingness to guide His people.

1.2 The Command to Inquire of God

Verses: Isaiah 8:19; Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 27:8
  • God's people are instructed to seek Him directly for all counsel and understanding.
  • He is the living God, ever-present and ready to answer those who call upon Him sincerely.
  • Our primary allegiance and source of truth must always be God Himself.

1.3 The Nature of the One God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6; Malachi 2:10
  • There is only one true God, and He is the singular object of our worship and inquiry.
  • He is not divided, but is one Lord, one Spirit, and one Father of all.
  • Seeking other sources implies a denial of His unique and supreme position.

2. The Living God and His Revelation

2.1 God Manifested in Flesh

Verses: John 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • The one God Himself came in human form to reveal His will and provide salvation.
  • He is the ultimate and complete revelation of God to humanity.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, making Him the accessible divine source.

2.2 The Spirit of God as Our Guide

Verses: John 14:26; Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
  • The Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of Christ, indwells believers to lead, teach, and comfort.
  • This is how the living God communicates His will and provides understanding to us today.
  • The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God, and reveals them to us.

2.3 The Word of God as Our Light

Verses: Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12
  • Scripture is inspired by God and provides all necessary instruction for life and godliness.
  • It is our primary and infallible guide, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
  • The Word of God is living and powerful, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart.

3. The Danger of Seeking the Dead

3.1 The State of the Dead

Verses: Ecclesiastes 9:5-6; Psalm 146:3-4; Job 7:9-10
  • The Bible teaches that the dead know nothing and have no part in the affairs of the living.
  • They cannot provide guidance, counsel, or assistance to those on earth.
  • Our hope and help must come from the living God, not from those who have passed on.

3.2 Deception in Spiritism

Verses: 1 Samuel 28:7-14; 2 Corinthians 11:14; Revelation 16:14
  • Any communication seemingly from the dead is a deception orchestrated by evil spirits.
  • Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light, and his ministers as ministers of righteousness.
  • These practices are a counterfeit of God's true revelation and lead people astray.

3.3 Consequences of Disobedience

Verses: Leviticus 20:6; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14; Isaiah 8:20-22
  • Seeking the dead brings God's severe displeasure and judgment upon individuals and nations.
  • It is a rejection of His supreme authority and a turning to darkness.
  • Those who persist in such practices will find themselves in distress and darkness, without light.

4. The Authority of God's Name

4.1 The Power in God's Name

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; John 14:13-14
  • God's name represents His full authority, power, and presence.
  • It is the only name given among men by which we must be saved and receive answers to prayer.
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God.

4.2 Calling Upon the Lord

Verses: Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21
  • We are to call upon the name of the Lord for salvation, deliverance, and guidance.
  • This is how we inquire of Him and access His divine power and mercy.
  • Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved and find help in times of need.

4.3 Baptism in the Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
  • Believers are commanded to be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.
  • This act signifies our identification with Him and our allegiance to the one God.
  • It is a crucial step in receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and entering into new life.