The “highway of holiness” is a metaphor used in Isaiah 35:8 which says “And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.” This verse points to a future time when there will be a “highway” or path that leads to holiness and righteousness.
In its immediate context, Isaiah 35 speaks of the future restoration and redemption of Israel. The chapter begins by describing how the desert will blossom and springs will flow in the wasteland (v. 1-2). It then encourages the weak and fearful to be strong, for God is coming to save and redeem them (v. 3-4). Verses 5-7 describe miracles of healing and restoration that will characterize this future time. And then verse 8 introduces this “Way of Holiness” – a path or highway that leads to God’s presence.
So what does this “highway of holiness” represent? Here are a few key things the passage teaches about it:
- It is the way to enter God’s presence. The highway leads to Zion and Jerusalem, the places of God’s dwelling and glory.
- It brings redemption and transformation. The ransomed of the Lord will walk on it (v.10) and the redeemed will enter Zion (v. 9-10).
- It is reserved for the righteous. The “unclean” will not travel on it. Only those who walk uprightly will go there (v. 8).
- It makes even fools wise. Those who are foolish will not wander aimlessly when on this highway (v.8).
Many Bible scholars understand this highway as a metaphor for the path of faith, righteousness and obedience that leads to God. It is the way of salvation and sanctification. Several aspects of this highway are significant:
It is the exclusive way to God
The highway offers the only path to God’s presence. No other route will get people there. In Isaiah’s day, God’s presence dwelled in the temple in Jerusalem. Today, through Christ, God’s presence dwells in the hearts of believers. But for both Old Testament saints and New Testament Christians, God has designated an exclusive way to access His presence – the highway of holiness.
Jesus alluded to this in John 14:6 when He declared “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The highway in Isaiah foreshadowed the exclusive nature of God’s redemptive plan in Christ.
It is established by God
Isaiah indicates that the highway “shall be there.” God Himself establishes and constructs this path to Himself. It is not a road that man builds. Salvation is completely God’s work from beginning to end. He initiates, achieves and applies it through Christ. No human effort or works contribute to making this highway.
The fact that God alone establishes this highway also implies that there are not multiple paths to Him. Rather, the highway represents God’s singular, designated way of salvation. All other routes are “no through ways.”
It is the way of holiness
As its name indicates, the highway leads to holiness and purity. To walk on it, one must become cleansed from sin and sanctified in conduct. The unrighteous cannot travel this road. The redeemed who walk on it are transformed and conformed to God’s holy character (Eph 1:4, Rom 8:29).
This underscores that salvation is not merely a one-time legal transaction. It initiates a process of sanctification. The highway of holiness does not end when someone first comes to genuine faith. It extends throughout the believer’s life as they travel closer to God and grow in Christ-likeness.
It leads to blessing and joy
The highway leads to Zion and Jerusalem – the places of God’s presence, glory and blessing. Verse 10 says the people will enter Zion with “everlasting joy.” True joy, gladness and flourishing come from following God’s way. His path leads people into abundant life, even if navigating it requires self-denial at times (Matt 16:24-26).
This underscores that Christianity is not meant to be a dreary, burdensome religion. While it requires sacrifice, its ultimate end is joy. Believers can walk the highway of holiness with excitement and hope because of the glorious destination.
It transforms nature
Notice how in verses 1-7, Isaiah describes nature being dramatically changed and renewed as God’s redemption draws near. Deserts bloom, parched land becomes glad, feeble bodies are strengthened. This signifies that the effects of the Fall are ultimately reversed through the salvation Christ brings.
Romans 8:19-21 explains that all creation eagerly awaits the redemption of God’s children because then it too will be liberated from decay and destruction. When people embrace the gospel and walk God’s highway of holiness, all of nature benefits.
It requires faith like a child
Isaiah says in verse 8 that even fools will not go astray if they walk on this highway. In other words, people don’t need great intelligence or wise credentials to traverse this path. Childlike faith is sufficient. Simple trust in Christ opens the way.
Jesus emphasized the same truth in Luke 18:17 – “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Fully understanding theology is not required to enter God’s highway of holiness. Humble faith like a child is.
It transforms people from the inside out
Notice that the miraculous healings described in verses 5-6 deal with disabilities that would have rendered people outcasts in ancient society: blindness, lameness, muteness. But God promises to heal them and make them whole. He deals not just with external matters but transforms people from the inside out.
Likewise, His highway of holiness does not merely regulate outward behavior. It changes people’s hearts, minds, desires, and natures. It renews every aspect of a person, bringing true transformation.
It will reach worldwide scope
Isaiah 35 promises that one day this highway of holiness will stretch through the wilderness and span all of creation. Its redemptive blessings will reach every corner of the earth. This points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s global salvation through Christ.
This worldwide scope was also affirmed by Isaiah when he declared “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6). The highway of holiness leads ultimately to worldwide redemption.
It was pioneered by Christ through His incarnation
Though Isaiah 35 points forward to a future day of salvation and restoration for Israel, the New Testament makes clear that Isaiah’s prophecies find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the suffering servant and sacrificial lamb through whom God’s worldwide redemptive plan would be accomplished.
When Jesus left heaven and took on human flesh, He pioneered the “highway of holiness.” He blazed the trail through incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension that all His people follow as they traverse the path to the Father.
Hebrews 10:19-20 affirms this: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh…” Jesus inaugurated the highway of holiness when He came as Emmanuel, “God with us.”
It leads people to their true, eternal home
The highway ultimately leads God’s people into the new Jerusalem, the eternal city where God dwells fully with His people (Rev 21:1-4). All who have been redeemed through faith in Christ travel this highway of holiness to their final destination – the realm where righteousness dwells and God is all in all.
Thus, this highway gives people a path out of a fallen, broken world into an eternal kingdom of light, life, joy and peace. It leads home.
In summary, the “highway of holiness” is Isaiah’s vivid metaphor for the way of salvation God has provided. It is the exclusive path to God’s presence established by grace alone through faith. To walk this road, people must be cleansed from sin and travel in humility, trust and obedience all the days of their lives. The highway begins at conversion but stretches journey toward heaven. It transforms individuals, nature and eventually all creation. And Jesus Christ Himself is the pioneer who made the way possible through His incarnation, crucifixion and resurrection. He is the Highway of Holiness personified.