THE THREE COMINGS OF JESUS (Part 2) …continued
FOR HIS SAINTS

2c.

Sonship

The above designations refer to the "roles "or positions they will be filling, whether of the Bride company or the Servant company. But all together, they will make up the "heavenly household" of UNVEILED SONS OF GOD. This is why in Rev. 12:5, even the Bride Company is pictured as a "Manchild." It is to emphasize the positive spirit-factors: over­coming and gaining dominion; of maturity and "SONSHIP."

When God seeks to emphasize the soul-qualities to be developed in His people such as love, devotion, gentleness, faithful­ness, etc., the church (or any part thereof) is pictured as FE-male, as in II Cor, 11:2 where the church is espoused to the Lord as to a husband (see also Ephes. 5 22 -33). But when God seeks to emphasize the spirit-attributes of positive overcoming, gaining dominion, coming to maturity, etc., the church (or any part thereof) is pictured as male, as in Ephes. 4:11-16 where Paul speaks of the church being edified and growing to maturity, "till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the know­ledge of the Son of God, to a perfect (full-grown) MAN, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Paul says in Rom. 8:19 that creation waits for the "manifestation (re­vealing) of the Sons of God.” Those in the "Bride" company will be the first to manifest such "Sonship" in deathless, glori­fied bodies, at the beginning of the tribulation. Many others will be ready for "manifest Sonship" at the close of the tribulation, but they will be a part of the "household of servants” to fill many posts of responsibility in the Kingdom OTHER than the role of the Bride.

Then there will also be "unveiled sons" on the earthly plane, in deathless physical bodies, even as we have seen in the type of Elisha. No doubt a "firstfruits" (first ones) will manifest such deathless life even during the tribulation, such as the two witnesses of Rev. 11:3. As the millennium begins, many others will have the opportunity to enter into this kind of deathless life here on earth.

The Bride and Those Called.

We have seen how the 5 wise virgins (who represent the Bride) are pictured in Mt. 25:10 as going in with the Lord to the marriage. In Bible times, when a man was ready to marry, he simply took the woman who had been pledged (espoused) to him to live with him, making a public announcement of the fact that they were beginning married life, and then inviting his relatives and friends to a time of feasting and celebrating, called the marriage supper or wedding feast. When Jesus takes (through translation) His firstfruits Bride at the beginning of the tribulation, the fact that they are then joined to Him constitutes the "marriage"—they are united to live together.

Those who are left behind are not a part of that marriage, but they ARE invited to the "marriage supper," which will take place when the great host is translated at the close of the tribulation. Note two distinct episodes in Rev. 19:7 and 9. First, the writer says, "Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready" (19:7). But then in 19:9 we read, "And he says to me. Write, blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb."

A Bride is not invited to her own marriage celebration; SHE is the one who helps to extend the call, and invites others, as we read in Rev. 22:17, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.” The Bride Company will be busy during the tribulation extending the call to many, and getting them ready for the marriage supper. This is in harmony with a previous pattern where we saw Martha returning to Mary and saying "The Master is come, and calls for you" (John 11:28). We have already seen that those in the Bride Company will have the power to materialize their glorified bodies and speak to those yet on the earth.

"You" and "They."

Another passage which relates to this matter is Luke 2:35-36. Jesus again contrasts and shows the dif­ference between some who will be ready when He comes and others who will not. He distinguishes between two groups in verses 35-36 by using two personal pronouns: "You "and "They." Based on the understanding I have been presenting in this study, I will punctuate this passage differently than the Authorized Version.

Remember, there is no punctuation in the original Greek text. Words and sentences simply run together. All punctuation is supplied by the translators based on how they believe it makes the best sense, according to their understanding. Let me now quote verse 35 and the first part of verse 36, inserting a period where 1 believe it makes better sense. "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and YOU like to men that wait for their lord.” The "YOU" here would be those who are ready, looking for and expecting the return of the Lord.

The very fact that He admonishes them to have their "lights burning," indicates that His coming would be at NIGHT, and we have previously seen that this coming is for the FIRST group of Christians, and it also parallels the thought of the parable in Mt. 25:1-6 where the wise virgins were ready because they had extra oil, and thus their lights were burning when the Bridegroom came at the midnight hour. Now notice the next statement Jesus makes in the last half of Lk. 12:36, which I will punctuate by beginning a new sentence: "When he (the Lord) will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks, THEY may open to him immediately." Notice the change in pronouns from "You" to "They.”

And the "they" group are admonished to be ready to receive the Lord when He returns from the WEDDING. This in itself indicates that some had previously been taken by the Lord and joined to Him in "spiritual matrimony,” as we read in Mt. 25:10. The initial "union" of Jesus, the Bridegroom, and His Bride, con­tinues during the tribulation period, at the close of which He returns from the wedding to receive those who are CALLED to the marriage supper. The marriage festivities will take place in the heavenlies while the vials of wrath are being poured out on the earth. Then, as we will see later, following the vials of wrath, they will all RETURN with the Lord to help inaugur­ate His Kingdom on this earth.

Second and Third Watches

Continuing in the passage in Lk.12, we note that in vs. 37 the Lord admonishes watchfulness. I will now quote vs. 38 from Young's Literal Translation, for most ver­sions do not translate this verse correctly; "and if he may come in the second watch, and in the third watch he may come, and may find it so, happy are those servants.” Notice carefully, that this verse says Jesus will come in the second watch AND in the third watch—that is, a TWO-fold coming for His people; in perfect harmony with the other patterns we have beheld.

The second watch in Bible times was the watch from 9:00 p.m. to MIDNIGHT, and was called the "midnight" watch; and thus speaks of Jesus coming for the firstfruits Bride company at the "midnight" hour (Mt. 25:6). The third watch came after mid­night until 3:00 a.m., and was called the "cockcrowing watch." It was during this watch that the disciples went through severe trial the night Jesus was betrayed and taken into custody, ending in Peter's denial of the Lord, which came just before the **** crowed (Mt. 26:34, 74-75). So does the third watch por­tray the tribulation period, which is spoken of in Rev. 3:10 as "The hour of temptation, which shall come on all the world to TRY them that dwell on the earth." The "third watch" coming of the Lord is for those who go through the tribulation and are ready to be received at its close. For more information on the "watches,” order the booklet "The Voice of the Seventh Angel."

Jesus' First and Second Ascensions.

Jesus was "taken" twice from this earth. WHY? Certainly the primary reason was rela­ted to His personal ministry and that which He was accomplish­ing for man's redemption. However, we need to realize that He set the pattern for the church, portraying in His own life and actions God's plan. Did He not declare Himself to be THE TRUTH? (John 14:6). Will His church be involved in anything that He Himself has not already depicted and acted out? Beloved, ponder that deeply.

First of all, Jesus' resurrection and translation to glorified life took place secretly, No one saw it. His body was simply found missing. Then, on the very morning of His resurrection; He ascended to the Father. The only one to whom He appeared before that ascension was Mary Magda­lene (see John 20:11-18). WHY? When we realize that Jesus by His actions was enacting a prophetic drama, then we under­stand that Mary is thus prophetic of the Bride who is to be taken first, secretly as it were, even as Jesus appeared secretly to Mary and then ascended without anyone else seeing Him.

There are several women named "Mary" in the New Testament. Mary Magdalene is a different woman than Mary, the sister of Martha, whom we discussed earlier. Mary Magdalene is the one of whom it is spoken in Mark 16:9 that Jesus "appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” Sev­en is the number of the Bride, and the "seven devils cast out" here speaks of the complete work of cleansing of the Bride com­pany in preparation for their translation.

Jesus Appears to Others,

As Jesus ascended following His secret meeting with Mary, So did He depict by His own action the coming translation and ascension of the firstfruits Bride. But later in the day, He returned and appeared to the other women and His disciples. He then remained on earth for 40 days during which time He appeared to many (Acts 1:3). Even so shall the firstfruits Bride company (after their translation to ascend to Jesus somewhere in our atmosphere) RETURN to appear to and minister to the remaining church on earth.

"40" is the number of tribulation through testing, and Jesus TYPED the coming tribulation period by that 40 days He ministered on earth after His glorification. After Jesus' 40 days on earth He again ascen­ded, but NOT secretly as previously. According to Acts 1:9-11, His disciples saw Him visibly ascending until He disappeared into a cloud. Thus the prophetic drama continues, as Jesus by His own action depicts the translation and ascension of the re­mainder of the saints at the close of the tribulation, who, as we have already shown, will go up visibly and openly. Hallelujah! How can we hold back our "shouts of praise" as we behold such “dove-tailing "of details in the prophetic pattern Jesus wrought for us in His own life and actions?

Faithful and Unfaithful Servants

I will now return to Luke 12, and comment on one more contrast which Jesus spoke of. In vs. 39 Jesus speaks of the thief breaking into the house „ We know that Jesus comes first as a "thief "to break into the house­hold of the church to take His "jewels" (the Bride Company). Some quote I Thess. 5:1 and say that it is only the "day of the Lord" that comes as a thief and not Jesus personally. They use I Thess. 5:4 as evidence that it is only the world that is to be taken by surprise, for "you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” But WHO are the "you" of that verse? Certainly we cannot equate the common lot of careless, sleeping, Christians of today with the Spirit sancti­fied and consecrated Thessalonian Christians who had been under the personal teaching of the apostle Paul and were fully in­structed in end-time matters.

In addition, a careful reading of scripture shows that it is not only the day of the Lord that is to come as a thief, but also Jesus personally. Besides, how can we separate Jesus from His "day"? In Rev. 16:15, Jesus, speaking TO Christians, says: "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Jesus also warns the church in Rev. 3:3: "If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come on you." The "day of the Lord" coming as a thief speaks primarily of sudden and unexpected judgments coming on the world, but Jesus personally coming as a thief refers directly to His sudden and unexpected (by most Christians) coming on His church, to break through and "steal." It is in this context that Jesus gives the contrast in Luke 12:37-48 of the two kinds of servants—the faithful and wise, and the unfaithful.

In contrast

In the passage just mentioned, the "faithful and wise" servant is the one who is "ready" (vs. 40), faithfully do­ing the Lord's will (vs. 43), and receiving the promises of increased "meat" (understanding) and rulership (increased stew­ardship) responsibility (vs. 42, 44). The unfaithful and care­less servant does not take seriously the warnings of the Lord's coming and the need to be ready (vs. 45), but continues to engage in carnal type activities (vs. 45). The "beating" of others and getting "drunk" are not necessarily to be taken literally any more than the "stripes "of vs. 47-48. They are simply sym­bolic of wrong attitudes and actions towards others through un­faithfulness in stewardship responsibilities.

Also Rev. 17:2 gives a symbolic picture of being "drunk" on the "wine" of the har­lot's "fornication.” This speaks of compromise and unfaithful­ness to the Lord, consorting with the "woman" (soul desires) of the world's Babylonish systems. James amplifies on this by saying in his epistle that "friendship (intimate contact, spiritual adultery) with the world is enmity with God" (James 4:4). In Luke 12:46 Jesus states the consequence of such careless, compromising living: "The Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looks not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware (as a "thief"), and will cut him in sunder, and will ap­point him his portion with the unfaithful."

Cut in sunder

Just what does the Lord mean by the expression "cut him in sunder"? The Greek word used here means literally to bisect or cut in two. Young's Literal translation says "will cut him off.” The Rotherham version says "cut him asunder." The Lord is not going to literally cut any person in two, but when He comes "unawares,” secretly, "as a thief,” and TAKES by translation the "faithful and wise servants,” then He divides or "cuts asunder" some from others; those left behind are then "cut off" from those taken.

Those left behind then have their lot appointed with the "unfaithful,” that is, they will have to go through the tribulation. According to the concordance, the Greek word translated "cut asunder" can, by extension of thought, also be translated "to flog severely." This is exactly in harmony with that which is stated in the passage in Luke 12:47-48, that those servants who did not prepare themselves suf­ficiently and are left behind shall be "beaten with stripes." These "stripes" are simply the buffeting conditions of the tribu­lation period, which the Lord says will be either few or many.

Can we not see how important it is for the Lord to prepare us now, so that even if we are not chosen to be in the first group to be taken, we will not have to be buffeted greatly by the tribulation conditions, but will receive the completeness of the Lord's protection. The parable we have just been considering, however, does indicate that many careless and unfaithful servants of the Lord will experience many buffeting "stripes" during the tribulation.

Peter, James, John and Rest of Disciples

Mt. 17 relates the story of Jesus' transfiguration on a high mountain. When we understand that everything Jesus did was prophetic of His plan for His church, then this episode takes on special importance. In God's symbolic language, a mountain symbolizes a kingdom--and in this story we must see it as symbolic of the heavenly kingdom which Jesus will establish when He returns.

His own glory which He chose to manifest at that time (Mt. 17:1) was a foretaste and preview of that which would take place when His physical body would be changed into a glorified body—after His resurrection. All who are translated into that realm will have glorified bodies like to His (Phil. 3:21). Mt. 17:1 says that this took place six days following His declaration that He was to go to Jerusalem and die (Mt. 16:21). A day is with the Lord as a thousand years (II Pet. 3:8). From God's perspective, in His pre-ordained plan, the death of Jesus took place from the time of Adam's fall (Rev. 13:8).

The Greek word for "foundation” in this verse is katabole, which comes from kataballo. The "kata" part means down, and "ballo" means to throw or cast. Thus the word means "to throw or cast down.” And the correct translation of Rev. 13:8 is "the Lamb slain from the dis­ruption or overthrow of the world" (through Adam's sin). There is another Greek word ("themelios") which means foundation in the sense of the substructure of a building. We can now see that the six days of Mt. 17:1 refers to 6,000 years from Adam's fall, when Jesus was crucified in God's sight, to the end of the present age; at the end of which some are to be taken INTO the HEAVENLY KINGDOM (symbolized by the high mountain into which Jesus took Peter, James and John).

Not all of the Disciples.

It is important to note that Jesus did NOT take all twelve of the disciples into the mount on this occasion. WHY? Can we not see that He was trying to con­vey a prophetic pattern? This is just evidence that it is only a small portion of Christians that are FIRST to be trans­lated when Jesus comes for His saints. Now I wish to call your attention to something remarkable. How many hours are there in six days? You will find there are exactly 144 hours. We have already seen previously that the first group to be translated is represented by the 144,000 of Rev. 14:1.

To me this is absolutely staggering—that God would have that "144" number as an integral part of the time pattern showing us WHEN the first group is to be taken. I have shown in another writing (get the article on "The Third Day"), that it has now been approximately 6,000 years since Adam's fall (4,000 years before Christ, and 2,000 years since Christ), and that if we figure the time ac­cording to either lunar or prophetic time—in contrast to solar time, that we are already closing out the 6th day and are in the dawning of the 7th day.
So any year now Jesus may come and take some into that "mountain." Notice that after the experi­ence in the mountain, Jesus and the three disciples come down to find the rest of the disciples dealing with a "lunatic" who was vexed with a demon, and they could not cure him (Mt. 17: 14-16). Even so, when those who are taken first RETURN to manifest to the remaining church, they will find the world vexed with demonic power, for Satan and his demons will be cast down when the first group is taken (Rev. 12:5-9). And the church on earth will need the ministry of the glorified saints to help coun­teract the influence of such demonic power.

This is the mean­ing of the statement in Rev. 12:16 that "the earth helped the woman.” The glorified saints will be able to appear in their glorified physical bodies and open their mouths to speak com­fort, deliverance, or whatever is needed. They will help the saints on earth bring deliverance to many, and this is pictured in the deliverance wrought in Mt. 17:18.

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THE THREE COMINGS OF JESUS (Part 2) …continued

FOR HIS SAINTS

2d.

Overcomers and Churches

There is one final contrast I will present before I end this section on the Lord's coming for His saints. In the book of Revelation, chapters 2 & 3, are re­corded the seven letters to the seven churches of Asia. Each letter, with its commendations and rebukes, is sent to the whole church in the city to which it was designated. But within each letter is a special promise to the "overcomers.”

The Greek word means "to subdue, conquer, prevail, or get the victory.” We cannot here go into all of these promises. But in the last three (Rev. 2:26, 3:12, & 3:21), we have the clear indication that it is the overcomers who are going to rule with Christ in the heavenly city, the new Jerusalem, which will come down and be stationed in our upper atmosphere (Rev. 21:10), and from which the glorified saints will descend and ascend to carry out their duties on this earth during the millennium and beyond.

When we get a clear understanding of these promises to the overcomers, it will become apparent that more is required to be qualified for translation into the heavenly kingdom than just being saved. There must be victory over sin in one's life, and a partaking of the holiness of Christ (Heb. 12:14). For more in­formation along this line, order the article "Preparation for the Lord's Coming.” Note the correlation between Rev. 2:26-27 and Rev. 12:5, showing that the FIRST ones to be translated will be a group of overcoming Christians. Then the rest of the Christians in the churches will have their opportunity to become "overcomers" during the tribulation period, being ready to be taken at its close.
Parousia.

When speaking of His "coming,” Jesus used two Greek words: erchomai, and parousia. WHY? The erchomai word is the one most commonly used in the New Testament for the arrival of someone. In the passage in Matthew's gospel dealing with Jesus' second coming, chap. 24, it is used in vs. 30, 42, 43, 44, 46, & 48. The parousia word is used relatively few times in the New Testament, but most particularly with reference to Christ's coming again. It is used in Mt.24:3, 27, 37, & 39. Parousia means "a being near," or "presence."

Ada R. Habershon, in the book "The Study of the Miracles" says of parousia: "This word which is so often translated ‘coming,’ and is literally ‘presence,’ does not refer merely to His coming for His saints, but to a series of events. The very usage of the Greek word in other writings bears out this important truth. In some newly discovered papyri it has been used to denote the coming of the court or of some high official, and mention is made of special taxes being levied, and large supplies of wheat being provided for the "parousia"—not for the moment when the king or his representative arrived, but for his stay in the locality, as when the flag on the palace proclaims the presence of the king in the metropolis, and tells us that the court is in London. We may, therefore, conclude that the "parousia" will extend from the coming of the Lord to the air for His people, to His coming with them to the earth."

Sign

It was the parousia word that the disciples used when they asked the Lord, "What shall be the sign of your parousia, and the end of the world?" Jesus then proceeded to give a series of prophetic indicators which would signal the "end "of the age. Note the use of the word "end" in Mt. 24:6, 13, 14. But with reference to THE sign of His parousia, Jesus uses that word specifically in Mt. 24:37 & 39 in the passage that deals with the pattern of Noah and the "taking" of some and leaving of others (Mt. 24:37-44). Therefore, THE sign that His parousia (or presence) has begun, IS when some are taken by translation, and the remaining Christians realize that the "household" of the church has been "broken into" by the "thief in the night" and some of the saints are missing. STOP and think for a moment. No one shall require a "sign" after the Lord has come visibly and openly to the earth.

But if, as we have pointed out, Jesus arrives secretly, in the earth's atmosphere, to remain unseen there for a period of time (the tribulation period), THEN a specific sign would be needed to indicate He had arrived, and had begun His end-time parousia; and that specific SIGN IS the "taking" of some saints and the leaving of others behind. This will begin the three and one half year parousia of our Lord, when He will be present in our atmosphere watching over the church on earth while the tribulation rages.

As lightning

Jesus made it abundantly clear, however, that His parousia INCLUDES His final visible descent to this earth WITH His saints. The parousia word is also used in Mt. 24:27 where Jesus says: "For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines even to the west; so shall also the parousia of the Son of man be." The reason for this is clear. Jesus knew that false teachers would arise to use that "parousia" word to claim that his parousia is ONLY a spiritual presence with His people, and thus denying a literal, visible return of the Lord to the earth.

But the word, as used by Jesus, indicates first a definite arrival in our atmospheric envelope, continuing throughout the tribulation period (present, but unseen), and then consummated by a glorious and brilliant (as lightning) VISIBLE and bodily return with His feet standing on the mount of Olives, This will be discussed in our next section.

False Christs

Before leaving this section, there is one more aspect of His coming I wish to comment on. In Mt. 24:24 Jesus warns specifically of "false Christs" and "false prophets" aris­ing. Read verses 21-23 and you will see that this is specially spoken with reference to the great tribulation period. Now again STOP to think! When the Lord pulls His secret strategy, and it becomes evident that His end-time parousia has begun, and that He is present, but unseen, in the atmosphere; this will provide a tremendous opportunity for shysters and deceivers to arise claiming that they ARE the returned Christ, or they know where He is hiding out, etc.

With reference to the be­ginning of that time, Jesus warned, "THEN if any man shall say to you, ‘Lo, here is Christ, or there;’ believe it not.” Where­fore if they shall say to you, ‘Behold, he is in the desert;’ go not forth; ‘behold, he is in the secret chambers;’ believe it not." (Mt. 24:23, 26). Although the tribulation period will be a time of unprecedented opportunity for the church, with the power and glory of the Lord manifest as never before, it will also be a time of great testing, with Satan furiously active.

Specifically for that time are Jesus' words applicable: "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall de­ceive the very elect." (Mt. 24:24). The implication of Jesus' words is that it will NOT be possible, primarily because of the "overshadowing" ministry of the glorified firstfruits saints. The "elect" who will not be deceived at that time, will be those destined to be taken into the heavenly kingdom at the close of the tribulation.

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End of Part 2……continued in Part 3 WITH HIS SAINTS

THE THREE COMINGS OF JESUS (Part 3)

WITH HIS SAINTS


Hello all,

This is the final part of this long study. I hope you have found it worthy of your attention. Personally, I am thrilled by it as it ties together so many other studies, and shows a fuller and brighter picture of the awesome and wonderful Plan of God.

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COMING WITH HIS SAINTS

Jude

Jude, the brother of Jesus, who wrote the small book of Jude in the New Testament, quotes a prophecy from Enoch in vs. 14; "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying. Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment on all." Thus the coming of the Lord WITH His saints is at the time that the Lord personally and openly manifests Himself in the final act (or acts) of judgment which terminate this age, and put an end to man's mis­rule. This is in harmony with II Thess. 1:7-8 where Paul states that "the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Notice, this is the time that He shall be revealed. The Greek word for "reveal "is apokalupto, and it means to uncover and unveil something. Up until Jesus comes with His saints, at the very climax of the pouring out of the 7 vials of wrath, He will not be "revealed.” Previously, He comes as a "thief "at the beginning of the tribulation to call the firstfruits Bride. This begins His three and one half year "parousia" or presence. Present in the atmosphere but unseen by those on earth. Near the close of the tribulation He calls the rest of the saints TO the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9), but still He must remain “veiled" except to those who have entered into His realm, until the 7 vials of wrath are poured out on the earth.

During the pouring out of these vials, the marriage supper proceeds in the heavenlies. These vials of wrath will likely cover a very short period of time—perhaps not more than a couple of weeks. THEN shall the entire company of glorified saints be ready to accompany the Lord in His visible descent to the earth, forming great "cloud banks" of glory around Him, and trailing off into the distance behind Him like a great "train" in splendent procession.
Revelation

This final descent from the heavenlies is pictured in the book of Revelation, chap. 19:11-l6. Notice that this follows the verses dealing with the "Marriage supper" in 19:7-9. John says, "And I saw heaven opened" (19:11); that is, what had been previously unseen by the remaining survivors on the earth would now be OPENLY viewed. They would "see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Mt. 24:30). Then John proceeds: "and behold, a white horse; and he that sat on him was called Faithful and True. . . and the armies (glorified saints) which were in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean."

We then have a statement that confirms the other scriptures which indicate that as Jesus returns He is consummating the vials of wrath and climaxing the final judgments: "And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations. . . and he treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. And he has on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.“ (19:15-17). Remember that we had read previously in Luke 17:29-30, that the Lord, when speaking of the raining of fire and brimstone on Sodom, said: "Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is REVEALED." Thus all these scrip­tures agree that the Lord comes finally, and is revealed in consummating, cataclysmic judgments, when He returns WITH His saints.

Zechariah.

Zechariah 14:4 indicates that when the Lord re­turns in His final descent out of the atmosphere that "his feet shall stand in that day on the mount of Olives." The follow­ing verses indicate that when this takes place there will be a great earthquake as the entire earth reels under the impact of the immense power of the glorified Christ. The Mount of Olives will be split in two and a great valley created, with underground waters springing up to flow both east and west—to the Mediterranean and Dead Seas. Then 14:9 says, "And the Lord shall be king over all the earth." Hallelujah! And the glori­fied saints will rule with Him over the earth (Rev. 15, 2:26, 3:21, 5:10, 20:4-6), For the last 2,000 years (approximately) the Lord has been sitting at the right hand of the Father on His throne (Heb. 1:3, 8;1), but in Rev, 3:21 Jesus says, "to him that overcomes will I grant to set with me in MY throne, even as I overcame, and am set down with my Father in HIS throne." That throne of which Jesus spoke, which is to be shared by the overcoming saints, is in the New Jerusalem, for "the throne of God and the Lamb (Jesus) shall be IN it" (Rev. 22:3).

New Jerusalem descends.

Closely associated with the events which take place in connection with the Lord's return is the descent of the celestial city, the New Jerusalem, which Jesus has been preparing for those who are to be a part of His heavenly kingdom (John 14:2-3). John saw in vision the city descending out of heaven (Rev. 21:1-10). This city will be the home and headquarters for Christ and His glorified saints. It will be stationed in the upper atmosphere where it will likely be seen by those on earth as a soft glowing light. Although the glorified saints return with Christ when He touches down on this earth, they will not be remaining on this earth all of the time.

Occupy.

In the parable of the pounds as recorded in Lk. 19:1-27, a certain "nobleman" (who pictures Christ Himself) was to go into a FAR country (which represents Heaven). So he gathered his servants together and delivered to each a certain amount of money, and said; "Occupy till I come.” Without going into the details of the parable, I will simply state that WE Christians are the servants who have been given the responsibility and stewardship to be faithful with what the Lord has committed to us (the "money" in the parable represents all the gifts and blessings that are ours through Christ); and we are charged to "occupy "until Jesus comes. The Greek word trans­lated "occupy "means "to busy oneself,” "to trade,” to be oc­cupied in business.” Our "business" is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Mt. 24:14 says that "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and THEN shall the end come.”

As long as the Lord has not returned, there is WORK to be done; we must be faithful stewards of all that the Lord has committed to us. Only the Lord knows when all nations have had a sufficient witness. I point this out because some have argued that we shouldn't put much emphasis on the second coming of Christ because it causes people to think only about His coming and NEGLECT the responsibilities that are ours now.

Such should NOT be the case if a proper bal­ance and perspective is presented. It should cause us to be MORE diligent than ever when we realize the shortness of the time. Besides this, John writes that everyone who has this hope (of His coming) "purifies himself, even as he is pure (I John 3:3). Thus we will be diligent about our own preparation as well as being faithful in the work that the Lord has for us to do.

Ask.

We have already mentioned the importance of prayer (in connection with "watching," or being spiritually awake and alert), but I want to call your attention to an O.T. scripture which is important for serious Christians at this time. In Zech. 10:1 we read this admonition, "Ask [ ] of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.”

So many tend to feel that what the Lord is going to do will come to pass anyway; but God has chosen to work through chosen ones here on earth. God found an instrument in the person of Elijah, and James tells us that "Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." (James 5:17-18). Is not God seeking out human instruments now who will "pray earnestly" as did Elijah? Will He work apart from such instruments?

The scripture quoted from Zechariah commands us to "Ask [for] rain in the time of the latter rain." This has two stages. One is now. "Rain" speaks of the outpouring of God's Spirit. Even so are we to pray now for a greater move of God's Spirit among God's people, for among those who are hungering and seeking. The Spirit will be increasingly moving and working in preparation for the climax that is coming. The second stage will be after the firstfruits are translated. The remaining church will be shocked into day and night prayer, ASKING for "Rain.” After 50 days of intense seeking, God will hear from heaven and pour out the full effusion of the "latter rain." It will be a "second Pentecost" plus. For a double portion and more will come on the church for the glorious consummation during the tribulation period.

A further thought needs to be added here with regards to Jesus coming TO His church in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has purposed to REVEAL Himself IN (and through) His people in a greater way before He comes for them. Paul expresses this twice in the book of Galatians. First, he says in Gal. 1:15-16: "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his son IN me." Then in Gal. 4:19 Paul declares: "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed IN you." If Christ is being formed (developed, matured) IN us, then it follows that this will result in a greater REVELATION of Christ IN and through us.

This is God's desire and purpose for His church before the curtain fully comes down on this age: to REVEAL His Son IN His people. This must come through a greater work and moving of the Holy Spirit within us, that "the love of God might be shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us" (Rom. 5:5), and that the "fruit" or character of Christ might be developed more fully within, even the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

Snare

The importance of being spiritually alert and ready is emphasized by Jesus in Luke 21:34-36: "And take heed to your­selves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with sur­feiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come on you unawares. For as a SNARE shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."

The Greek word translated "snare" in this passage, means a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); used figuratively it can be a trick or stratagem. Repeatedly in this study, I have been seeking to show you God's strategy; and that is to suddenly and unexpectedly (by most) to break into the "household" of the church and "take" as a thief, the "jewels" (firstfruits saints) in order to bring the remaining church to its knees in brokenness and repentance. We have shown that these firstfruits saints are to fulfill the role of the Bride. In the 24th chap. of Gen., we read the story of Eliezer (a type of the Holy Spirit) being sent by Abraham (a type of God the Father) to get a bride for Isaac (a type of Jesus Christ). The bride was Rebekah. The Hebrew word for REBEKAH means "a rope or noose." Thus we can see that the very name of the Bride (Re­bekah) indicates that the "snare" which God is preparing to suddenly "spring" on the world is the TAKING (by translation) of that group of saints who will make up the Bride Company. This is a part of God's stratagem.

Veiled.

But notice, in Gen. 24:64-67 we read that Rebekah remained "veiled" until after she had met Isaac and he had tak­en her into his mother's tent. This shows that up until the time that the Bride is taken, much of the truth of God and his end-time strategy remains "veiled;" and that is why there is so much confusion and lack of understanding even among God's people.

But when the Bride Company is translated, the remaining "veils" will be taken away. This is shown to us in the book of Revelation in 10:5-7. Quoting from the Amplified version: "Then the (mighty) angel whom I had seen stationed on sea and land raised his right hand to the heaven (the sky), and swore in the name of Him who lives forever and ever. . . (He swore) that no more time should intervene and there should be no more waiting or delay. But that when the days come that the trumpet call of the seventh angel is about to be sounded, then God's mystery—His secret design. His hidden purpose—as He had announced to His servants the prophets, should be fulfilled (accomplished, completed)."

It is at the time that the 7th angel (trumpet) begins to sound that the Bride company is translated. Then the "mystery" (secret design or stratagem) will be "finished" in the sense that all remaining "veils" will then be taken away; and also, God will be able to complete His end-time purpose, for the church will quickly begin to understand and enter into the dynamic and glory which God has planned for His people dur­ing the tribulation period, and participate with fullness of pow­er in the glorious consummation of this age.

Worthy

We had previously quoted Lk. 21:34-36 about the "snare.” But I want to emphasize the statement in vs. 36 con­cerning those "accounted worthy to escape all these things. . . and to stand before the Son of man." What does it mean to be "worthy?" The Greek word translated "worthy" means to be entirely deserving or fit, comparable or suitable. And how do we become worthy? Jesus makes it very clear in Mt. 10:34-38: "He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me : and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that takes not his cross, and follows af­ter me, is not worthy of me. "

A very clear distinction needs to be made here. It is possible to receive a gift from the Lord (such as salvation), and yet not be worthy of HIM, as far as being ready to dwell in His immediate presence and qualifying to be a part of His ruling kingdom. There must be sufficient change in our lives that there is a comparableness or suitable­ness of our natures with His, and there must be a proving to be trustworthy and faithful so that we are fit to dwell with Him. Only the "Firstfruits" will be worthy of this high calling at the beginning of the tribulation. The tribulation will provide the opportunity for a vast host of others to qualify and be ready by its close.

Finally

We see from Gen. 24:63 that Isaac went out into the field at eventide; and there He received His beloved Rebekah. "Eventide" speaks to us of the approaching close of this age, and is not our "Isaac" (Jesus) coming to the "field" (this world) to receive His beloved?

Even so, COME, Lord Jesus!

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That’s it!! This has taken me all day to compile and I hope I did it justice in presenting it in parts. I have been greatly blessed by this study and I hope you have too. I pray we are all worthy to be part of this Firstfruits Manchild Company.

JESUS IS ALL AND EVERYTHING!!!

Agape to all!

Patti C.

This study Should be Called: THE THREE COMINGS OF JESUS(TO, FOR AND WITH)...as that is the correct order that He will appear. I hope many are reading this, although it is long, it holds so much truth and is a blessing.

I feel this sealing rapture is about to take place, possibly 3 days after the 10th day of the 10th month...which this year is December 16th...when the alignment of Earth, Venus, the Sun and Ison takes place, forming a perfect Cross.

I will be writing more about this later...just so interesting how it all is coming together, and so many seeing the same dates, even if for different reasons.

COME LORD JESUS!!

Patti C.