5 Future Assurances for God’s People When Jesus Returns

12 December 2017 Year B

Isaiah 4:2-6

When Jesus returns, what are some assurances one has about the world we will encounter? Will it be better than the one we live in now? How different will it be? The Bible clearly shows that there will be a future in which Jesus will return and make things right for His people. Here in Isaiah, we have a set of assurances for God’s people when Jesus returns. These five future assurances, like the assurance of salvation, are given to indicate that God exists and that He will keep His promises to His people.

One may see that these promises center around Israel, the nation. However, I also see that these prophecies speak to God’s people. One can look at these assurances and look forward to the day when Jesus returns and provides for His people – all His people, Jewish and Gentile.

FIVE ASSURANCES FOR ME WHEN JESUS RETURNS

1. Jesus will return (Isaiah 4:2)

“On that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of Israel’s survivors.” (Isaiah 4:2, CSB)

The first assurance we see is that Jesus will return. There will be a day when Jesus will return and it will be glorious and beautiful. The survivors of the Tribulation will look at Jesus with pride and glory.

2. God’s people who make it through the time of trouble will live to see Jesus when He returns (Isaiah 4:3)

“Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem written in the book of life—” (Isaiah 4:3, CSB)

The fact that Jesus returns and that there are people celebrating His return proves that there will be people who will live through the Tribulation period. There will be survivors, specifically from Israel.

3. Survivors of the Tribulation will be saved (Isaiah 4:2)

“On that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of Israel’s survivors.” (Isaiah 4:2, CSB)

The fact that God’s people survive will prove that they believe in Jesus. They believe in Jesus and survive because this verse says that in three different ways. First, they are “destined to live.” Second, they “remain” (alive). Third, they are “left” (alive).  Finally, God’s people are called “holy.” Therefore, these people are not killed in the Tribulation. Instead, they survive the persecution of the Tribulation.

4. Jesus will judge the hearts of His people and find them acceptable (Isaiah 4:3-4)

“Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem written in the book of life—when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodguilt from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of burning.” (Isaiah 4:3–4, CSB)

God has “washed away” the filth, and “cleansed the bloodguilt.” This is the result of completing the timetable established by God in Daniel 9:24:   

“Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city— to bring the rebellion to an end, to put a stop to sin, to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place.” (Daniel 9:24, CSB)

Ultimately, when Jesus returns, He will accomplish His work. When Jesus returns, the requirements that are set for the Jewish people (by Daniel) will be completed.

5. God’s will show Himself and be with His people (Isaiah 4:5)

“Then the Lord will create a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night over the entire site of Mount Zion and over its assemblies. For there will be a canopy over all the glory,” (Isaiah 4:5, CSB)

At the end of all this, God will set up residence with His people. Finally, He will do what He has wanted to do since the beginning – hang out with His people. He will be with His people day and night.

Photo by Zachary Olson on Unsplash