John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 56:1

"Thus saith Jehovah, Keep ye justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." — Isaiah 56:1 (ASV)

Thus saith Jehovah. This is a remarkable passage in which the Prophet shows what God demands from us as soon as he extends tokens of his favor, or promises that he will be ready to be reconciled to us, so that our reconciliation may be secured. He demands from us a conversion that will change our minds and hearts, so that they forsake the world and rise toward heaven; and then he also calls for the fruits of repentance.

Keep ye judgment, and do righteousness. Under the names “judgment” and “righteousness,” he includes all the duties that men owe to each other, which consist not only in abstaining from doing wrong but also in rendering assistance to our neighbors. And this is the sum of the second table of the Law, in keeping which we give proof of our piety, if we have any. For this reason the prophets always draw our attention to that table, because through it our real character is better known, and true uprightness is ascertained; for hypocrites, as we have previously seen, often practice deceit through ceremonies.

For my salvation is near, and my righteousness. He states the reason, and at the same time points out the source and the cause why it is everyone's duty to devote themselves to newness of life. It is because “the righteousness of the Lord approaches to us,” that we, on our part, should draw near to him. The Lord calls himself “righteous,” and declares that this is “his righteousness,” not because he keeps it shut up in himself, but because he pours it out on men. Similarly, he calls it “his salvation,” by which he delivers men from destruction.

Although this discourse was addressed to the Jews, so that by sincere affection of heart and by the practice of integrity they might show their gratitude to God their Redeemer, yet it refers to every one of us; for the whole world is ruined in itself, if it does not obtain salvation from God alone. We must therefore pay attention to this exhortation, which instructs us that the nearer we are to God, the more powerfully we should be stirred to the practice of godliness. Thus, Paul also admonishes believers, Cast away the works of darkness; put on the armor of light; for our salvation is nearer than we thought (Romans 13:11–12).