Wild enough, this passage is the pinnacle in the book of Joel. So far in the book, the tragedy and the triumph have been epic, but they also have been temporary. The ruin by the locust invasion was temporary. But so was the restoration and prosperity for the people of Judah. In the centuries which followed, more tragedy and triumph came. And through it all, people only had so many years in this world, like us all.
Whereas this passage gives a prophecy of a key event in the history of people which had a permanent result: The pouring out of the Holy Spirit, which happened at Pentecost after the ascension of Jesus.
Thanks to the apostle Peter, we do not have to debate this prophecy. Peter made it clear that this prophecy was fulfilled then and there! Peter quotes this passage, as is recorded in Acts 2:16-21.
Believers were permanently indwelled with the Holy Spirit, because Jesus made the atonement on the cross. His atonement made it possible for any person to have eternal life.
Eternal life!
The unlimited sacrificial atonement made by Jesus on the cross gave all people the opportunity to be saved.
Yes, Joel says “…everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved…” (2:32).
And because of the teachings of Jesus, we know the specifics: a person who believes in Jesus is saved!
“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).
Joel mentions again in this passage that there is going to be a “day of the LORD.” The one he is referring to is commonly called “judgment day,” which is prophesied in the book of Revelation. Peter likewise wrote about this day in 2 Peter 3:10-13.
“Judgment Day” will be the final action by God in this world of His justice and mercy. God will judge the living and the dead in an ultimate and final manner.
All believers in Jesus will be saved from spiritual death, since all believers are redeemed by the atonement of Jesus!
We followers of Jesus can know that the ultimate “day of the LORD” will be utterly glorious for all followers of Jesus, since we will share in the glory of Christ.
To God be the glory!
Hunter Irvine
