Isaiah's Prophecies Will Change Your Life Forever!

Isaiah lived in a time of great upheaval and crisis for the people of Israel and Judah after the unified kingdom of Israel had been divided, the northern kingdom of Israel. With its capital in Samaria and the southern kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, both fell into moral decline, idolatry, and disloyalty to God the people. From kings and officials to ordinary citizens, strayed far from the path of justices and holiness that God had commanded through the laws of Moses. The northern kingdom of Israel from the time of King Jeroboam I had forsaken the proper worship of God. Jeroboam built two golden calves in Bethel and Dan, where the people worshipped instead of going to Jerusalem. This act displeased God and led the people of Israel into worshipping foreign gods. Over generations, kings like Ahab encouraged the people to worship Baal and Asherah, the pagan deities of Canaan. This not only destroyed the people's relationship with God, but also increased societal moral decline. Pagan worship led the people to practice cruel rituals such as child sacrifice to these gods, an act that God found utterly detestable. Meanwhile, the southern kingdom of Judah, while more politically stable, was not immune to religious and moral corruption. Some kings, like Ahaz and Manasseh, promoted idolatry and built foreign altars. Although certain kings, like Josiah and Hezekiah, tried to reform the nation, tearing down idol altars and calling people back to God. But these efforts often only lasted a short time. Corruption and injustice continued to spread. Internally, the moral decay was overwhelming, but Israel and Judah also faced external threats, particularly from the powerful Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian Empire, led by kings like Tiglath-Palzurai, Ai, Ai, and Sennacherib, was known for its military strength and brutality. Syria continuously expanded its territory and forced smaller kingdoms, including Israel and Judah, to pay tribute to avoid being conquered. Eventually, the kingdom of Israel, weakened by poor leadership and moral decay, was conquered by Assyria in 722 BC Samaria was destroyed, and much of Israel's population was exiled to Assyria. Judah in the south, though still independent, was teetering on the brink of collapse unless they repented and returned to God. In this context of crisis and decline, God called Isaiah to be his prophet and deliver his message to the people of Judah. Isaiah was tasked not only with warning the people of the consequences of their sin and corruption, but also bringing a message of hope about redemption and the coming of the Messiah, who would bring peace and justice to the world. In the year King Uzziah died, Isaiah received a vision from God King Uzziah had been a notable ruler who had brought prosperity and reform to Judah, however, at the end of his life. He was punished for his pride when he entered the temple to offer incense, a role reserved for priests. God afflicted Uzziah with leprosy, and he lived his final years in isolation. After Uzziah's death, Judah fell into instability, and it was during this time that Isaiah received his most significant vision. In the vision, Isaiah saw the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with the train of his robe filling the temple. Seraphim, each with six wings, two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two for flying, were surrounding the throne. They called to one another, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. The whole earth is full of his glory. This scene shook the temple to its foundations, and smoke filled the room, symbolizing the glory of God. Confronted by the awesome and absolute holiness of God, Isaiah felt small and sinful. He cried out, Woe to me, I am ruined. For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the king. The Lord Almighty Isaiah recognized his unworthiness before God and also saw clearly the sinfulness of his people. Overcome with fear and helplessness, he felt that he could not stand before God with all his guilt. However, one of the seraphim flew to Isaiah with a live coal from the altar and touched his lips, saying, See, this has touched your lips. Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for this act not only symbolized God's forgiveness and purification of Isaiah, but also spiritually prepared him to take on the prophetic mission. Isaiah, who had felt unworthy and guilty, was now cleansed and ready to deliver God's message. Immediately after being purified, Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord asking, Hear him, I send me. His response reflected his willingness to take on the immense responsibility that God had given him. Even though he knew the task would be filled with hardship and challenge, after receiving the call to be a prophet, Isaiah began his work by warning the people of Israel and Judah of the consequences of their disobedience and sin. One of the first prophecies Isaiah delivered was about the judgment against Jerusalem. The city, once the center of worship and justice, had become a place of sin and injustice. The city's leaders, from the king to the priests, were condemned for neglecting their responsibilities. Isaiah likened Jerusalem to a body covered with unhealed wounds. This city, which once was full of justice, is now filled with wickedness, Isaiah proclaimed. The people had turned their backs on God and worshipped foreign gods. They offered sacrifices to Baal and Asherah and engaged in brutal practices like child sacrifice. These acts were abominable to God and he had sent numerous warnings through previous prophets, yet the people of Israel and Judah continued on the path of sin. Along with idolatry, injustice in society had become rampant. The rich oppressed the poor, officials were corrupt, and priests no longer upheld the sanctity of their roles. Jerusalem, once the city of righteousness, had become a symbol of moral decay. Through Isaiah, God issued stern warnings. If the people did not return to him and forsake their sinful ways, they would face severe judgment. Jerusalem would be destroyed and the people would be sent into exile. Yet, in these warnings, God left a path of hope for the nation. Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet. They shall be as white as snow, though they are red as crimson. They shall be like wool even in his judgment. God extended the offer of forgiveness to those who were willing to repent and returned to him this demonstrated God's immense mercy and patience, showing that he was always ready to receive those who genuinely repented. A significant part of Isaiah's prophetic mission was the prophecy about the Messiah. Isaiah predicted that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, and his name would be Emmanuel, meaning God with us. This is one of the clearest prophecies of the coming of Jesus in the New Testament. The Messiah Isaiah foretold would not be an ordinary king, but one who would bring redemption and peace to the entire world. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This Messiah would establish a kingdom of peace and justice where there would be no more injustice or violence. He would bring about an eternal kingdom where fairness and mercy would reign. This was the promise Isaiah brought to the people of Israel and to all humanity and one day peace and justice would be restored across the earth. However, before the arrival of the Messiah, the people of Israel and Judah would face many trials. Isaiah prophesied that Judah would be exiled to Babylon because of their sin. This was the punishment God had determined for the nation due to their disobedience and idolatry. Yet God also promised that after the exile, he would bring the people of Israel back to their homeland. In Isaiah 40, God delivered a message of comfort, comfort, comfort my people, says your God God promised that one day his people would return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. He would use a foreign king, Cyrus of Persia, as his instrument to free the people of Israel from exile and allow them to return home. Isaiah's vision for the future did not stop at the return of the people to Israel. He also prophesied that one day Jerusalem would become the center of worship for the entire world. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem nations would come to Jerusalem to learn the ways of the Lord, and warfare would cease. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Finally, Isaiah described a vision of ultimate redemption for humanity when God would remove all pain and death. He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces. And the reproach of his people he will take away this as the image of a new world where there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more death. Only glory and peace under God's reign. Isaiah's entire mission, from the warnings of judgment to the prophecies about the Messiah and ultimate redemption, presents a comprehensive picture of the relationship between God and the people of Israel. Even though the people repeatedly betrayed and abandoned him, God remained willing to forgive and offer a hopeful future to those who repented and returned to him Isaiah's prophecies were not only for the people of Israel, but also served as a message of hope for all of humanity. Isaiah's far-reaching vision of politics and international developments cannot be overlooked. In an era where smaller nations like Israel and Judah constantly faced pressure from major empires like Assyria, Babylon, and later Persia, Isaiah proved to be a prophet with not only spiritual insight but also keen awareness of the political realities of his time. He warned of the consequences not only of Israel's sins but also of relying on military and political alliances with powerful nations. Isaiah denounced the kings of Judah, especially Ahaz, and the officials for seeking alliances with nations like Egypt and Assyria to counter military threats. He argued that this was not just a sign of weakness but a betrayal of their trust in God instead of relying on God's protection. The kings and officials of Judah sought human protection. Isaiah prophesied that these alliances would not bring safety but rather lead to the nation's downfall and destruction. Isaiah's prophecies were not limited to short-term warnings. He also predicted the long-term future of Israel and Judah within the international context. During his prophetic career, Isaiah witnessed the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel and the collapse of several neighboring nations. He knew that the Assyrian Empire was not the only threat to Judah's existence. In fact, he foresaw the rise of the Babylonian Empire and warned that Babylon would become Judah's greatest enemy, even though, at the time, Babylon had not yet reached its peak of power. Isaiah emphasized the impending destruction of Judah if the people and their leaders did not repent. He prophesied that Jerusalem, the city regarded as the center of worship and the dwelling place of God, would be destroyed if the nation did not return to the path of holiness. This was not only a warning of physical destruction but also the potential loss of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the nation. He vividly described the desolation of the city after its destruction Yet, amid these bleak and despairing prophecies, Isaiah always brought a message of hope and salvation. One of the most significant elements in his prophecy was the assertion that God would never entirely forsake his people. Though they would be punished for their sins, God would preserve a remnant. This remnant would survive the period of exile and become the seed from which the nation of Israel would be rebuilt. This reflected God's boundless mercy even when he enacted judgment. Isaiah's vision of the future included the coming of the Messiah not only as a solution to Israel's problems but also as the salvation of all humanity. The Messiah that Isaiah predicted would not be merely a political or military leader but a spiritual ruler who would govern with justice and mercy. He would bring peace to the world, not just to Israel but to all nations. This was a critical part of Isaiah's global vision where Jerusalem would become the spiritual center of the world and all nations would come to learn of God's laws and ways. Remarkably, in Isaiah's prophecy, peace and justice extended not only to human relations but also to nature. He envisioned a time when harmony would reign not only among nations but also among animals. This was a vision of a perfect world where violence, fear, and suffering would no longer exist and all creation would live in peace under God's rule. But before this glorious age could arrive, Israel would have to endure great trials and suffering. Isaiah prophesied the exile of Judah at the hands of Babylon and warned that this exile was the inevitable punishment for the nation's sins. However, he also prophesied that the exile would not last forever. God would use a foreign king, Cyrus, to free his people and allow them to return to rebuild Jerusalem. This demonstrated God's absolute power, showing that he could use even foreign kings who did not worship him to accomplish his purposes. Isaiah's prophecy concerning Cyrus is one of the most remarkable in the Old Testament. Cyrus, the king of the Persian Empire, later became the one who liberated the Israelites from exile and allowed them to return to Jerusalem. Although Cyrus was not a worshiper of God, he is called the Anointed One Messiah in Hebrew in Isaiah 45, a title typically reserved for Israel's kings. This clearly illustrates that God can use anyone to fulfill his plans. Another important part of Isaiah's message was his vision of the complete restoration of Israel after the exile. He not only prophesied that the people would return to Jerusalem, but also described in detail the spiritual, social, and material frustration. Jerusalem would not only be physically rebuilt, but would also become the global center of worship, Where all nations would come to learn and worship God, these prophecies of restoration vividly reflected the hope and faith in God's boundless mercy and forgiveness. Throughout his prophetic career, Isaiah was not just a prophet of judgment, but also a prophet of hope and redemption. His prophecy extended beyond the people of Israel to all of humanity with a global vision of peace, justice, and God's rule. This made Isaiah one of the greatest prophets in biblical history, one who not only foresaw present difficulties, but also had the ability to foresee a better future under the reign of the Messiah. Isaiah's vision of redemption was not just about personal salvation from sin, but also about the comprehensive redemption of society and the world. He spoke not only of restoring the relationship between people and God, but also of reestablishing just and right relationships between people and nature. The peace he described was not merely a cessation of war, but a perfect harmony between humanity, nature, and God, where everything existed in its rightful order. This shows that Isaiah's message was not merely a short-term warning of judgment, but a comprehensive picture of the future that God had promised his people. The greatness of Isaiah's prophecy lies in its reflection of the painful realities faced by Israel and its opening of a great door of hope for all who place their trust in God. Isaiah lived in a time of great upheaval and crisis for the people of Israel and Judah after the unified kingdom of Israel had been divided, the northern kingdom of Israel, with its capital in Samaria and the southern kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, both fell into moral decline, idolatry, and disloyalty to God the people. From kings and officials to ordinary citizens, strayed far from the path of justices and holiness that God had commanded through the laws of Moses. The northern kingdom of Israel, from the time of King Jeroboam I, had forsaken the proper worship of God. Jeroboam built two golden calves in Bethel and Dan, where the people worshipped instead of going to Jerusalem. This act displeased God and led the people of Israel into worshipping foreign gods. Over generations, kings like Ahab encouraged the people to worship Baal and Asherah, the pagan deities of Canaan. This not only destroyed the people's relationship with God, but also increased societal moral decline. Pagan worship led the people to practice cruel rituals, such as child sacrifice to these gods, an act that God found utterly detestable. Meanwhile, the southern kingdom of Judah, while more politically stable, was not immune to religious and moral corruption. Some kings, like Ahaz and Manasseh, promoted idolatry and built foreign altars. Although certain kings, like Josiah and Hezekiah, tried to reform the nation, tearing down idol altars and calling people back to God. These efforts often only lasted a short time. Corruption and injustice continued to spread. Internally, the moral decay was overwhelming, but Israel and Judah also faced external threats, particularly from the powerful Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian Empire, led by kings like Tiglath-Palzurai, Ai, Ai, and Sennacherib, was known for its military strength and brutality. Syria continuously expanded its territory and forced smaller kingdoms, including Israel and Judah, to pay tribute to avoid being conquered. Eventually, the kingdom of Israel, weakened by poor leadership and moral decay, was conquered by Assyria. In 722 BC, Samaria was destroyed, and much of Israel's population was exiled to Assyria. Judah in the south, though still independent, was teetering on the brink of collapse unless they repented and returned to God. In this context of crisis and decline, God called Isaiah to be his prophet and deliver his message to the people of Judah. Isaiah was tasked not only with warning the people of the consequences of their sin and corruption but also bringing a message of hope about redemption and the coming of the Messiah, who would bring peace and justice to the world. In the year King Uzziah died, Isaiah received a vision from God King Uzziah had been a notable ruler who had brought prosperity and reform to Judah, however, at the end of his life. He was punished for his pride when he entered the temple to offer incense, a role reserved for priests. God afflicted Uzziah with leprosy, and he lived his final years in isolation. After Uzziah's death, Judah fell into instability, and it was during this time that Isaiah received his most significant vision. In the vision, Isaiah saw the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne with the train of his robe filling the temple. Seraphim, each with six wings, two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two for flying were surrounding the throne. They called to one another, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. The whole earth is full of his glory. This scene shook the temple to its foundations and smoke filled the room, symbolizing the glory of God. Confronted by the awesome and absolute holiness of God, Isaiah felt small and sinful. He cried out, Woe to me, I am ruined, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the king. The Lord Almighty Isaiah recognized his unworthiness before God and also saw clearly the sinfulness of his people. Overcome with fear and helplessness, he felt that he could not stand before God with all his guilt. However, one of the seraphim flew to Isaiah with a live coal from the altar and touched his lips, saying, See, this has touched your lips. Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for this act. Not only symbolized God's forgiveness and purification of Isaiah, but also spiritually prepared him to take on the prophetic mission. Isaiah, who had felt unworthy and guilty, was now cleansed and ready to deliver God's message. Immediately after being purified, Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord asking, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? Isaiah boldly replied, Here am I, send me. His response reflected his willingness to take on the immense responsibility that God had given him. Even though he knew the task would be filled with hardship and challenge, after receiving the call to be a prophet, Isaiah began his work by warning the people of Israel and Judah of the consequences of their disobedience and sin. One of the first prophecies Isaiah delivered was about the judgment against Jerusalem. The city, once the center of worship and justice, had become a place of sin and injustice. The city's leaders, from the king to the priests, were condemned for neglecting their responsibilities. Isaiah likened Jerusalem to a body covered with unhealed wounds. This city, which once was full of justice, is now filled with wickedness, Isaiah proclaimed. The people had turned their backs on God and worshipped foreign gods. They offered sacrifices to Baal and Asherah and engaged in brutal practices like child sacrifice. These acts were abominable to God and he had sent numerous warnings through previous prophets. Yet the people of Israel and Judah continued on the path of sin. Along with idolatry, injustice in society had become rampant. The rich oppressed the poor, officials were corrupt, and priests no longer upheld the sanctity of their roles. Jerusalem, once the city of righteousness, had become a symbol of moral decay. Through Isaiah, God issued stern warnings. If the people did not return to him and forsake their sinful ways, they would face severe judgment. Jerusalem would be destroyed and the people would be sent into exile. Yet, in these warnings, God left a path of hope for the nation. Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red as crimson. They shall be like wool even in his judgment. God extended the offer of forgiveness to those who were willing to repent and return to him this demonstrated God's immense mercy and patience, showing that he was always ready to receive those who genuinely repented. A significant part of Isaiah's prophetic mission was the prophecy about the Messiah. Isaiah predicted that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son and his name would be Emmanuel, meaning God with us. This is one of the clearest prophecies of the coming of Jesus in the New Testament. The Messiah Isaiah foretold would not be an ordinary king, but one who would bring redemption and peace to the entire world. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This Messiah would establish a kingdom of peace and justice where there would be no more injustice or violence. He would bring about an eternal kingdom where fairness and mercy would reign. This was the promise Isaiah brought to the people of Israel and to all humanity that redemption would come and one day peace and justice would be restored across the earth. However, before the arrival of the Messiah, the people of Israel and Judah would face many trials. Isaiah prophesied that Judah would be exiled to Babylon because of their sin. This was the punishment God had determined for the nation due to their disobedience and idolatry. Yet God also promised that after the exile, he would bring the people of Israel back to their homeland. In Isaiah 40, God delivered a message of comfort, comfort, comfort my people, says your God God promised that one day. His people would return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. He would use a foreign king, Cyrus of Persia, as his instrument to free the people of Israel from exile and allow them to return home. Isaiah's vision for the future did not stop at the return of the people to Israel. He also prophesied that one day Jerusalem would become the center of worship for the entire world. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem nations would come to Jerusalem to learn the ways of the Lord, and warfare would cease. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Finally, Isaiah described a vision of ultimate redemption for humanity when God would remove all pain and death. He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away. This is the image of a new world where there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more death. Only glory and peace under God's reign. Isaiah's entire mission, from the warnings of judgment to the prophecies about the Messiah and ultimate redemption, presents a comprehensive picture of the relationship between God and the people of Israel. Even though the people repeatedly betrayed and abandoned him, God remained willing to forgive and offer a hopeful future to those who repented and. Returned to him, Isaiah's prophecies were not only for the people of Israel, but also served as a message of hope for all of humanity. Isaiah's far-reaching vision of politics and international developments cannot be overlooked. In an era where smaller nations like Israel and Judah constantly faced pressure from major empires like Assyria, Babylon, and later Persia, Isaiah proved to be a prophet with not only spiritual insight, but also keen awareness of the political realities of his time. He warned of the consequences not only of Israel's sins, but also of relying on military and political alliances with powerful nations. Isaiah denounced the kings of Judah, especially Ahaz, and the officials for seeking alliances with nations like Egypt and Assyria to counter military threats. He argued that this was not just a sign of weakness, but a betrayal of their trust in God instead of relying on God's protection. The kings and officials of Judah sought human protection. Isaiah prophesied that these alliances would not bring safety, but rather lead to the nation's downfall and destruction. Isaiah's prophecies were not limited to short-term warnings. He also predicted the long-term future of Israel and Judah within the international context. During his prophetic career, Isaiah witnessed the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel and the collapse of several neighboring nations. He knew that the Assyrian Empire was not the only threat to Judah's existence. In fact, he foresaw the rise of the Babylonian Empire and warned that Babylon would become Judah's greatest enemy, even though, at the time, Babylon had not yet reached its peak of power. Isaiah emphasized the impending destruction of Judah if the people and their leaders did not repent. He prophesied that Jerusalem, the city regarded as the center of worship and the dwelling place of God, would be destroyed if the nation did not return to the path of holiness. This was not only a warning of physical destruction, but also the potential loss of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the nation. He vividly described the desolation of the city after its destruction, with abandoned fields, the temple in ruins, and the people exiled. Yet, amid these bleak and despairing prophecies, Isaiah always brought a message of hope and salvation. One of the most significant elements in his prophecy was the assertion that God would never entirely forsake his people. Though they would be punished for their sins, God would preserve a remnant. This remnant would survive the period of exile and become the seed from which the nation of Israel would be rebuilt. This reflected God's boundless mercy, even when he enacted judgment. Isaiah's vision of the future included the coming of the Messiah, not only as a solution to Israel's problems, but also as the salvation of all humanity. The Messiah that Isaiah predicted would not be merely a political or military leader, but a spiritual ruler who would govern with justice and mercy. He would bring peace to the world, not just to Israel, but to all nations. This was a critical part of Isaiah's global vision, where Jerusalem would become the spiritual center of the world, and all nations would come to learn of God's laws and ways. Remarkably, in Isaiah's prophecy, peace and justice extended not only to human relations, but also to nature. He envisioned a time when harmony would reign not only among nations, but also among animals. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the infant will play near the cobra's den without fear. This was a vision of a perfect world where violence, fear, and suffering would no longer exist, and all creation would live in peace under God's rule. But before this glorious age could arrive, Israel would have to endure great trials and suffering. Isaiah prophesied the exile of Judah at the hands of Babylon, and warned that this exile was the inevitable punishment for the nation's sins. However, he also prophesied that the exile would not last forever. God would use a foreign king, Cyrus, to free his people and allow them to return to rebuild Jerusalem. This demonstrated God's absolute power, showing that he could use even foreign kings, who did not worship him, to accomplish his purposes. Isaiah's prophecy concerning Cyrus is one of the most remarkable in the Old Testament. Cyrus, the king of the Persian Empire, later became the one who liberated the Israelites from exile and allowed them to return to Jerusalem. Although Cyrus was not a worshipper of God, he is called the Anointed One Messiah in Hebrew in Isaiah 45, a title typically reserved for Israel's kings. This clearly illustrates that God can use anyone to fulfill his plans. Another important part of Isaiah's message was his vision of the complete restoration of Israel after the exile. He not only prophesied that the people would return to Jerusalem, but also described in detail the spiritual, social, and material frustration. Jerusalem would not only be physically rebuilt, but would also become the global center of worship. Where all nations would come to learn and worship God, these prophecies of restoration vividly reflected the hope and faith in God's boundless mercy and forgiveness. Throughout his prophetic career, Isaiah was not just a prophet of judgment, but also a prophet of hope and redemption. His prophecy extended beyond the people of Israel to all of humanity with a global vision of peace, justice, and God's rule. This made Isaiah one of the greatest prophets in biblical history, one who not only foresaw present difficulties, but also had the ability to foresee a better future under the reign of the Messiah. Isaiah's vision of redemption was not just about personal salvation from sin, but also about the comprehensive redemption of society and the world. He spoke not only of restoring the relationship between people and God, but also of reestablishing just and right relationships between people and nature. The peace he described was not merely a cessation of war, but a perfect harmony between humanity, nature, and God, where everything existed in its rightful order. This shows that Isaiah's message was not merely a short-term warning of judgment, but a comprehensive picture of the future that God had promised his people. The greatness of Isaiah's prophecy lies in its reflection of the painful realities faced by Israel and its opening of a great door of hope for all who place their trust in God.