Characteristics of the Messiah

About 700 years before the Messiah came, Isaiah the prophet foretold what His character would be like. The southern kingdom having learned nothing from the judgment that had come upon the northern kingdom when they were taken in to captivity by the Assyrians, continued in their spiritual darkness. Nonetheless, God promised them salvation through their Messiah.

Isaiah's prophecy contains details of the Messiah's character relating to both His first and second comings. He would come as both God and man, as a a child “born” and Son “given.”

Four names are given describing who He would be and what He would be like. He would be “Wonderful,” beyond description as the Counselor giving the fullest revelation of God to man. The Messiah would be fully divine as the “Mighty God” even when He condescended to earth taking on a human body. He was also called the “eternal Father” having the character of being forever a Father in His relationship to those who would come to trust in Him. The Messiah would also be characterized by peace being the One who was to bring peace to the earth. Peace in the heart of individuals who are reconciled to God through Him and peace on the earth when He comes to rule over His kingdom.