Isaiah 6

I have been struggling for several weeks with how to approach this chapter. Not only is there a lot of symbolism and depth to ponder here, but also sacred spiritual truths. It is both pivotal and sacred because it describes Isaiah’s theophany, or vision of God. He enters God’s presence, sees God, is purified, and forgiven of his sins. This is essentially where Isaiah’s calling and election are made sure, and where he is given his life’s mission.

There is a temptation to read this chapter allegorically. I think if we do that we may make the mistake of looking beyond the mark. Perhaps it is wise to humble ourselves as a child and exercise faith that what we read in Isaiah 6 is quite literal.

What happens in this chapter fits a broader pattern that is woven throughout the scriptures. It is an invitation to come. This same pattern plays out with Abraham, Moses, Enoch, Job, John the Revelator, Nephi, the brother of Jared, and so many others. I believe this is the bottom line of the scriptures – they teach us how to return to the Lord in a very real sense. 

The message is this: “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (D&C 88:63).

We can have a very personal relationship with the Lord, and one day return to His presence. Isaiah 6 testifies of this and teaches a pattern. This pattern includes:

1. Ascending a sacred mountain or temple (v.1)
2. A purification process of recognizing weaknesses and sins and seeking forgiveness (v. 5)
3. Accepting the Lord’s refining fire and cleansing (v.6).
4. Covenanting to serve the Lord (v. 8)
5. Accepting and fulfilling a mission from the Lord (v. 9)

I think it is interesting that this is the pattern of worship in LDS temples. It is the basic pattern of ascent and return to the Lord’s presence, and it plays out throughout the scriptures and in our patterns of worship. Ultimately, all of this is an invitation to each of us to return to God through the power of Christ’s purifying atonement.

For more on this, I recommend studying and pondering this talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Study the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants that he highlights. A feast awaits.