The Advent of Hope | Out of The Darkness
The first coming of Jesus Christ points to His second coming as Christ draws us out of the hopelessness of darkness and into the hope of new light.
Our spiritual condition apart from God leaves everyone succumbing to the darkness. Even within the confines of the Old Covenant, the result came that the law brought man to awareness to their darkness but not a cure. For an outsider, it would appear as if the world had lost all hope of salvation having embraced the darkness rather than the light. Yet, on one lone single night, light bursted forth into the world in an unexpected way. Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary and the angels rejoiced at the victory that would ensure from the sheer presence of God in the flesh. The presence of Jesus Christ marks hope for the spiritual condition of man and the world to one day be redeemed. Darkness no longer remains a death sentence for the people of God as the light invades into enemy territory.
The Invasion of Light
The reality of Christ’s first coming, from a spiritual perspective, is best viewed as an invasion. We stood in darkness, craving sin and destruction, wanting nothing to do with God. This darkness would have ultimately lead to our demise. God, though, for His own glory and to redeem His people, sent Jesus Christ His son to be in the world so that we would have the ability to be with Him. We have been freed from a life of darkness to live in the light of God’s presence and redemption. “Therefore do not become partners with them; 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.” (Ephesians 5:7-10 ESV) The coming of Jesus Christ gives hope for all that we are no longer condemned to live in darkness but can bask in the glory of the light.
The second coming of Christ gives that same hope. Jesus Christ will come again and His will bring the reign of light over all creation. Christ’s work on the cross cemented the already ensured victory of our sovereign God over all aspects of creation. Yet, the final victory remains incomplete as God awaits the final people to come to Him. Once all whom God has called have returned to Him, then the end will come. But whatever uneasiness we feel must not hinder our hope. The victory of the light with Christ’s work on the cross will not be overcome by any darkness. Light will reign victorious now and forever. Hold fast to the hope that the coming of Jesus Christ brings as it foreshadows the future hope of Christ’s second coming.
The Defeat of Darkness
For now, we, as children of God called to live in the light, wrestle continually with our own sin, season of discouragement, anxiety, and all kinds of spiritual attacks. While not making light of any struggles people face, the victory of Jesus Christ applies to all things. Everything, one day will bow before the Lordship of Jesus Christ, either voluntarily or by the sovereign reign of God. No dominion that stands opposed to the rule of God will be allowed to continue. As Christians, we are called to live in the freedom and hope of future, eternal, and secured victory. Everything we need to overcome the darkness has already been given to those who declare Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We do not need to continue to sin. We do not need to continue in our anxiety. The healing for humanity came as the light entered into the world and defeated the darkness.
As we look towards the second coming of Jesus Christ, we do so with the hope that His victory is secure. Everything that needs to be done to fulfill the requirements for our sanctification have been completed by the works of Jesus Christ. As we look towards eternity, we do so with the hope built on Christ’s victory. Whatever darkness resides in this world will fade as it is drug into the presence of God. Darkness can not bear the presence of Light and sin cannot bear the presence of a Holy and righteous God. When Christ returns, the victory over death which was finalized on the cross will be enacted. Come Lord Jesus, come.
