Christ's Return: A Day of Liberation and Joy

 

Summary

Imagine standing as an Israelite on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, witnessing the high priest, Aaron, dressed in pure linen, offering a sacrifice. This moment is a profound picture of the sacrifice of the cross. On this day, the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to sprinkle the blood on the mercy seat, symbolizing our great High Priest, Jesus, offering Himself in the true Holy Place of heaven. But imagine a special Day of Atonement that occurs once every 50 years, a jubilee year, when the high priest emerges, and a trumpet sounds, proclaiming liberty throughout the land. Debts are canceled, slaves are freed, and the land rests. This jubilee is a foretaste of the cosmic hope when all debts are canceled, and the meek inherit the earth.

This imagery points to the return of Christ, our great High Priest, who will descend with the trumpet of God, raising the dead imperishable. The return of Christ is not a day of terror but a day of comfort and joy for believers. The Heidelberg Catechism beautifully asks, "What comfort is it to you that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead?" The answer lies in the assurance that the same Jesus who offered Himself for us will return to complete His work of redemption.

The world may not understand why Christians long for the Day of Judgment, but Scripture reveals it as a day of liberation and renewal. The earth rejoices because His judgment means the removal of all evil and the restoration of creation. Jesus, our Joshua, will cleanse the earth, and His judgment will bring healing and renewal.

The Bible uses the image of light confronting darkness to illustrate the goodness of Christ's judgment. This light has already begun to shine in our hearts, exposing and transforming us. As believers, we rejoice in this judgment, for it liberates us from sin and darkness. One day, Christ will return as the Light of the World, ushering in the eternal summer of the new Jerusalem, where there will be no more night.

Christ's return is not evidence of a harsh character but the victory of His light, truth, and goodness. On that day, believers will join Him in His victory, singing a song of judgment and triumph over death. The day of Christ's return will be a glorious transformation, perfecting His people and making them like Him. Our hope is not just in the blessings of the new creation but in being with Christ, the source of all joy and delight.

Key Takeaways:

- The jubilee year in Leviticus 25 is a profound picture of the cosmic hope in Christ, where debts are canceled, and freedom is proclaimed. This foreshadows the ultimate liberation and renewal that Christ will bring at His return. [02:54]

- The return of Christ is a day of comfort and joy for believers, not terror. The same Jesus who offered Himself for us will return to complete His work of redemption, bringing assurance and hope. [06:30]

- Christ's judgment is a day of liberation and renewal, removing all evil and restoring creation. Jesus, our Joshua, will cleanse the earth, bringing healing and renewal to His people. [14:46]

- The light of Christ's judgment has already begun to shine in our hearts, exposing and transforming us. This light liberates us from sin and darkness, preparing us for the eternal summer of the new Jerusalem. [15:31]

- Our hope is not just in the blessings of the new creation but in being with Christ, the source of all joy and delight. The return of Christ will be a glorious transformation, perfecting His people and making them like Him. [29:22]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - Imagining Yom Kippur
[01:46] - The Jubilee Year
[02:54] - Proclaiming Liberty
[03:43] - Cosmic Hope and Rest
[04:43] - Christ's Return and Comfort
[06:30] - The Heidelberg Catechism
[07:23] - Medieval Terror vs. Reformation Joy
[10:08] - Longing for the Judge
[11:52] - Creation's Rejoicing
[12:47] - Jesus as Our Joshua
[15:31] - Light Confronting Darkness
[17:25] - The Eternal Summer
[19:03] - The Lamb's Victory
[20:57] - Glorious Transformation
[25:15] - Being Like Christ
[29:22] - The Delight of Being with Christ
[32:08] - The Unbeliever's Perspective
[33:46] - The Irreversible Tide
[35:39] - Undoing the Fall
[38:05] - Better Than Eden
[41:12] - The Son of Man's Dominion
[43:24] - The Eternal Reign of Christ
[44:22] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Leviticus 25:9-10 - "On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan."
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 - "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first."
3. Psalm 98:4-9 - "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break into joyous song and sing praises! ... for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity."

Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the trumpet sounding on the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 25:9-10, and how does it relate to the concept of jubilee? [01:46]
2. How does the imagery of the high priest entering and exiting the Holy of Holies in Leviticus 25 serve as a foreshadowing of Christ's return? [04:43]
3. According to Psalm 98, how does creation respond to the coming judgment of the Lord, and what does this reveal about the nature of His judgment? [11:52]
4. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, what events are described as accompanying the return of the Lord, and how do they provide comfort to believers? [03:43]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the jubilee year in Leviticus 25 symbolize the ultimate liberation and renewal that Christ will bring at His return? [02:54]
2. What comfort does the Heidelberg Catechism suggest believers find in the return of Christ, and how does this contrast with medieval perceptions of judgment? [06:30]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus as our Joshua, and what implications does this have for understanding His judgment and renewal of creation? [12:47]
4. How does the imagery of light confronting darkness in the sermon illustrate the transformative power of Christ's judgment in the lives of believers? [15:31]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the concept of jubilee as a time of liberation and rest. How can you incorporate moments of rest and renewal in your own life to reflect this biblical principle? [02:54]
2. The sermon describes Christ's return as a day of comfort and joy for believers. How can you cultivate a sense of anticipation and hope for this day in your daily life? [06:30]
3. Consider the idea that Christ's judgment brings healing and renewal. In what areas of your life do you need to invite Christ's light to bring transformation and healing? [14:46]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of longing for Christ Himself, not just the blessings of the new creation. How can you deepen your relationship with Christ to ensure He remains the focus of your hope? [29:22]
5. How can you actively participate in proclaiming the liberation and renewal that Christ offers to those around you, especially in a world that may not understand this hope? [11:02]
6. Reflect on the imagery of light shining into darkness. What specific steps can you take to allow Christ's light to expose and transform areas of sin or darkness in your life? [15:31]
7. The sermon mentions the joy of being with Christ as the ultimate hope. How can you prioritize spending time in His presence this week, and what impact do you expect this to have on your life? [29:22]

Devotional

Day 1: The Jubilee Year as a Picture of Cosmic Hope
The jubilee year described in Leviticus 25 is a profound picture of the cosmic hope found in Christ. During this year, debts are canceled, slaves are freed, and the land rests, symbolizing the ultimate liberation and renewal that Christ will bring at His return. This imagery points to a future where all wrongs are made right, and creation is restored to its intended glory. The jubilee year serves as a foretaste of the time when Christ will proclaim liberty throughout the land, canceling all debts and bringing freedom to His people. It is a reminder that the hope we have in Christ is not just for personal salvation but for the renewal of all creation. [02:54]

Leviticus 25:10-12 (ESV): "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan. That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of itself, nor gather the grapes from the undressed vines."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in bringing about liberation and renewal in your community, reflecting the hope of the jubilee year?


Day 2: Christ's Return as a Day of Comfort and Joy
The return of Christ is a day of comfort and joy for believers, not a day of terror. The same Jesus who offered Himself for us will return to complete His work of redemption, bringing assurance and hope. This return is not something to be feared but anticipated with joy, as it signifies the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate victory over sin and death. The Heidelberg Catechism beautifully captures this assurance, reminding us that Christ's return is a source of comfort for those who trust in Him. [06:30]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of anticipation and joy for Christ's return in your daily life, and how might this perspective change the way you live today?


Day 3: Christ's Judgment as Liberation and Renewal
Christ's judgment is a day of liberation and renewal, removing all evil and restoring creation. Jesus, our Joshua, will cleanse the earth, bringing healing and renewal to His people. This judgment is not about condemnation but about setting things right and restoring the world to its intended state. It is a day when creation itself will rejoice, as the curse of sin is lifted and God's perfect order is restored. As believers, we can look forward to this day with hope, knowing that Christ's judgment will bring about the healing and renewal we long for. [14:46]

Isaiah 11:4-6 (ESV): "But with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them."

Reflection: What areas of your life need Christ's healing and renewal, and how can you invite Him to begin that work in you today?


Day 4: The Light of Christ's Judgment
The light of Christ's judgment has already begun to shine in our hearts, exposing and transforming us. This light liberates us from sin and darkness, preparing us for the eternal summer of the new Jerusalem. As believers, we are called to walk in this light, allowing it to transform us and guide us in our daily lives. The light of Christ is not something to be feared but embraced, as it brings freedom and transformation. One day, Christ will return as the Light of the World, ushering in a new era where there will be no more night. [15:31]

Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."

Reflection: In what ways can you allow the light of Christ to shine more brightly in your life, and how might this impact those around you?


Day 5: The Delight of Being with Christ
Our hope is not just in the blessings of the new creation but in being with Christ, the source of all joy and delight. The return of Christ will be a glorious transformation, perfecting His people and making them like Him. This hope is not just about what we will receive but about who we will be with. Being with Christ is the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment, and it is this relationship that we should long for above all else. As we look forward to His return, we can find comfort and joy in the promise of being with Him forever. [29:22]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ today, finding joy and delight in His presence even as you await His return?

Quotes

"On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate that fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan." [00:02:13]

"So, the high priest would make atonement, go through into the Holy of Holies, and when he stepped back out the trumpet would sound proclaiming jubilee. And in that year, debts would be cancelled, slaves freed, the people, the very land itself, would rest. No sowing, no reaping was to be done." [00:03:11]

"The awaited high priest returns, and the trumpet sounds announcing an atonement-bought rest. It should sound familiar. The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with the sound of the trumpet of God. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable." [00:04:08]

"The Heidelberg Catechism puts the question directly and with stunning beauty. I love the way this is phrased. Question 52 of the Heidelberg Catechism, would you ever write it like this? It asks, 'What comfort is it to you that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead?'" [00:06:07]

"Dear brothers and sisters, the judge of all the earth is the one who screamed in agony and streamed with blood for us. Friends, do you think it is possible that He could reject His own or forget us now? Remember who the judge of all the earth is. Remember how He is related to His own." [00:09:38]

"The earth rejoices because He comes to judge it. Now, that makes no sense to most people. But yesterday, the creation groans under the weight of our sin with all its piled up death and cruelty. And His just judgment means the liberation of His own creation and the children of God." [00:12:15]

"Jesus is our Joshua who comes to cleanse the earth for His people, and that is why the creation waits in eager expectation for that day, for this judgment means the destruction of all evil for the renewal of the creation that belongs to Him. Terrible news for evil and those that cling to it to be sure, but glorious good news for the children of God, for those who will embrace Him." [00:14:14]

"The light shines in the darkness. The darkness has not overcome it. And we believers, we rejoice in this judgment, for this is a judgment that has already begun in the house of God. It can be painful, but already the light has shone into our darkness. We feel it." [00:15:22]

"Our cold and devilish darkness dispelled by the blazing glory of Christ. And friends, one day He Himself will come, and He will come like the sun of righteousness, like the rising sun, the Light of the World chasing away all darkness on that day, and He will then usher in the eternal summer of the new Jerusalem." [00:17:26]

"And on that day believers who have gone to be with Him already will return with Him in His victory train. They will return with Him and we will be caught up together with them. And then, on that day, we will sing together with them a song of judgment just as Moses and Israel after the deliverance from Egypt sang a song of judgment." [00:19:23]

"And friends, it will be a day of glorious transformation, when His eternal purpose to perfect a people for Himself will be complete. Now, that work has already begun us. The Lord, right here, right now, the Lord is doing this work transforming hardened, vicious, petty little lives into holy ones. You shine with His likeness." [00:20:57]

"For now, we are like Christ in His righteous status before the Father. Then, we'll be entirely like Him in His glorious resurrection body. We will be like Him. Think of this! You will be like Him in His character. Ah! I want to be like Him in His character. We will be completely alive, transformed, body and soul, like Jesus, shining like stars luminously glorious, our hearts perfectly in tune." [00:25:15]

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Transcript
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