Introduction

I. Read - Isa 35:8-10

A. Dual prophecy - Present, National fulfillment.

1. Assyrian captivity - 721 BC 2. Babylonian captivity - 586 BC 3. Return - 536 BC

B. Dual prophecy - Future, Universal fulfillment.

1. Spiritual captivity.

(John 8:34 KJV) Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

(Rom 6:16 KJV) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

2. Return (Heb 12:22-24; 10:19-20; Mt 7:13-14; Ax 22:4; Jn 14:6).

II. The Highway of Holiness is the only way to heaven.

A. It is a Clean Way (8).

(Eph 5:5 NKJV) For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

B. It is a Safe Way (9).

(Jer 6:16 KJV) Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.

C. It is a Joyful Way (10) (Phil 4:4).

D. It is a Homeward Way.

(Titus 1:2 KJV) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

1. ILLUS: "Adopt a Highway"

(Prov 16:17 NKJV) The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

III. I want us to notice several similarities between our highway systems and "The Highway of Holiness."

A. How did the highways come into existence?

Discussion

I. PLAN.

A. Highways begin in the minds of men.

B. The Highway of Holiness began in the mind of God.

(Mat 25:34 KJV) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

(Eph 1:4 KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

(Rev 13:8 KJV) Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

II. PROPHECY.

A. Highway plans are predicted and published in newspapers.

B. The Highway of Holiness plan was prophesied and published in the Old Testament (Gen 3:15; 12:1-3; Gen 49:10; 2 Sam 7; Deut 18; Psa 110; Isa 7:14; 9:6f; Isa 2:1-4).

1. ILLUS: Field of Dreams - "If you build it, they will come."

III. PREPARATION.

A. Highways are a result of careful preparation.

B. The Highway of Holiness is the result of careful preparation (Isa 40:1-5; 62:10; Jn 14:1-3; Mat 25:1ff; 28:18-20).

IV. PRODUCT.

A. Highways become a reality.

B. The Highway of Holiness is a reality (Mk 16:15-16).

(Eph 2:11-13 KJV) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; {12} That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: {13} But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

1. God had a plan.

(Acts 1:6-8 KJV) When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? {7} And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. {8} But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

a. Acts 2 - Jerusalem. b. Acts 8 - Judea & Samaria. c. Acts 10 - Gentiles.

2. The Highway of Holiness is for everyone (Heb 2:9; Rom 1:16; Jn 3:16).

Conclusion

I. Read - Isa 35:8.

II. Are you traveling The Highway of Holiness? (Rom 8:18).

** If you have any questions or if you would like to become a Christian, please let us know.

Alan C. Cole
26th St. Church of Christ
101-26th Street Huntington, WV 25703
Phone - (304) 522-0717
E-Mail - Cole8@marshall.edu
Homepage - http://mupfc.marshall.edu/~cole8/