Isaiah 43

Redeemer

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isaiah 43:1–2

The LORD who created Israel says, "I have redeemed thee ... thou art mine," and promises to be with them through water and fire. Christ redeems us personally and knows each of us by name.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Isaiah 44:22 — "Return unto me; for I have redeemed thee."

Savior

Savior — the one who rescues and delivers

For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Isaiah 43:3–4

Jehovah names himself the Holy One of Israel and Israel's Savior and talks about paying a ransom for them. Jesus is that Savior, and he gave his own life as the ransom.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Matthew 20:28 — The Son of man came "to give his life a ransom for many."
• the same title in Isaiah 49:26 — "I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer."

Called by His Name

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7

God's covenant people are called by his name. In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin's people take upon themselves the name of Christ, as members of the Church do today at baptism and in the sacrament.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Mosiah 5:8 — "Take upon you the name of Christ."
• alluded to by Moroni 4:3 — The sacrament prayer: willing to take upon them the name of thy Son.

The Only Savior

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. Isaiah 43:10–11

Jehovah declares that there is no Savior except him and calls his people to be his witnesses. The New Testament and latter-day revelation say the same of Jesus Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by Acts 4:12 — "Neither is there salvation in any other."
• alluded to by D&C 76:1 — "The Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior."
• alluded to by Mosiah 18:9 — Covenant members stand as witnesses of God at all times.

I AM

I AM — the eternal, self-existent One

I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. Isaiah 43:12–13

"Before the day was I am he" is almost the same claim Jesus made in the temple: before Abraham was, I am. It is a clear link between Jehovah and Jesus.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in John 8:58 — "Before Abraham was, I am."
• the same title in Exodus 3:14 — "I AM THAT I AM."

Holy One of Israel, Creator, King

Holy One of Israel — the holy God bound to Israel by covenant

Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. Isaiah 43:14–15

Four of Christ's titles appear together here: Redeemer, Holy One, Creator, and King. The premortal Christ is all of these.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Isaiah 41:14 — "Thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."
• the same title in Mosiah 3:8 — "Jesus Christ, the Son of God ... the Creator of all things."

Jehovah, Deliverer at the Red Sea

Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Isaiah 43:16–17

Jehovah recalls opening a path through the Red Sea. The God who led Israel out of Egypt is the premortal Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• interpreted by 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 — Paul says Christ was the Rock who went with Israel through the sea.

Rivers in the Desert

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19–20

The LORD promises a new thing: rivers in the desert for his chosen people. It echoes the living water Christ gives.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by John 4:14 — The water Christ gives becomes a well springing up into everlasting life.

He Blots Out Transgressions

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isaiah 43:25

Even after Israel has wearied him with their sins, the LORD promises to wipe their sins away and remember them no more. Through his Atonement, Christ makes that promise for everyone who repents.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by D&C 58:42 — "He who has repented of his sins ... I, the Lord, remember them no more."
• alluded to by Hebrews 8:12 — "Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more."
• the same title in Isaiah 44:22 — "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions."