In Isaiah, chapter four, verse three, those who survive the coming judgment will be holy. They will have the character of God, who is “the Holy One of Israel,” as in chapter one, verse four. In other words, they will be separated from the sinful world, cleansed from all defilement by Christ’s blood, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Over them will hover the glory of God like a canopy. A canopy is like a sunshade, but a light. “A cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence,” as in the bottom portion of verse five of the theme chapter.
God will keep for himself a holy seed. When most of those that have a place and a name in Zion shall be cut off by their unbelief, some shall be left. Those only that are holy shall be left, when the Son of man shall gather out of his kingdom every thing which offends. By the judgment of God’s providence, sinners were destroyed and consumed. However, by the Spirit of grace, they are reformed and converted. The Spirit herein acts as a Spirit of judgment, enlightening the mind, convincing the conscience; also as a Spirit of burning, quickening and strengthening the affections, and making men zealously affected in a good work. An ardent love for Christ and souls, and zeal against sin, will carry these godly people on with resolution in endeavours to turn away ungodliness from others.
Every affliction serves believers as a furnace to purify them from dross; and the convincing, enlightening, and powerful influences of the Holy Spirit, gradually root out their lusts, and render them holy as He is holy. God will protect His church, all that belongs to it.