Isaiah 45:14-25 Why We Must Be Religious Bigots

The key to this section of Isaiah is the repetition of the concept of the Lord being the only God and, therefore, the only Savior of the world.  Notice the repetition and restatement of this idea in Isaiah 45:14, 18, 21 (twice), 22.  What's important to remember is that God makes these exclusive, narrow claims for His people.  Isaiah is not written for the agnostics or atheists, but for the Church.  All along our study Isaiah has pleaded with us to part company with society and its idolatry.  So, here we're shown one God (Isaiah 45:14, 18-21), two destinies (Isaiah 45:15-17), and one way (Isaiah 45:22-25).  The last section contains an invitation/application.  Isaiah 45:24 is an excellent way to move from Isaiah's Gospel to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the One through whom righteousness is received.  Help God's people see their idolatry and urge them to "turn to" the Lord and "be saved..."  An interesting hermeneutical issue is the way in which Paul picks up on Isaiah 45:23 in Philippians 2:10-11.