The Shekinah Glory of Christ
at His Coming
by Roland Pletts
This book contains a revolutionary understanding of
the manner of the Lord's coming, the conversion of the nations, and
the establishment of his Kingdom in the world. The Lord is showing this
same truth to many who are open to receive it. May it be a blessing
to you.
"I saw in the night visions, and, behold,
one like a Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to
the Ancient of days and they brought him near before him. And there
was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people,
nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting
dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which
shall not be destroyed." Daniel 7:13-14
This book was originally published through Roland
Plett's Kingdom Ministries in Harare, Zimbabwe Africa in 1994
The Shekinah Glory of Christ at His Coming was written by
Roland Pletts
Permission was granted SonsToGlory to print and distribute
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1 : Author's Background
PART 2 : The Revelation of Jesus
PART 3 : Definition of Biblical Terms
The Parousia,
Coming in the Clouds
The O.T. Cloud
The Shekinah Glory
The N.T. Cloud
Caught up in the Clouds
Caught up - Harpazo
In the Air
Immortality
The Manifestation of the Sons of God
The Splendour of Christ's Light
His Light in Believers
Forty Days of Christ's Presence
He Will Return
Behind The Veil
The Angelic Realm
Lord Jesus Come
The Unveiling of Christ
PART 4 : Other Scriptures
The Rapture - Not a Departure but a Changing
The Reign of Christ
The Resurrection
Every Eye Shall See Him
The Church - Spiritual Israel
Times of Refreshing & Times of Restoration
He Will Tabernacle With His People
The Plan of the Tabernacle
Christ Indwells the Believer
God's Ancient Nation
The Last Three and a Half Years
Passover
Symbols in Passover
Day of Atonement & Judgment of Nations
The New Creation
The Wedding
PART 5 : Summary
Appendix : Daniel's Vision
PREFACE
My aim in presenting these notes is to impart a revelation
of scripture in as simple a manner as possible so as to open you, the
reader, to the exciting possibility that the coming of Jesus may happen
in a manner you may not have considered. There is also the prospect
of a time of great joy for his people as they prepare to meet him and
also for the great harvest at his return. Therefore, we need to understand
HOW he will come and what to expect when he does. May this quicken within
you a great expectation for the Lord's return and a yearning for his
Kingdom to come in power.
These notes are in five parts. In the first section I
share the background of how I came to receive this revelation and God's
confirmation of it. In the second section I try to share the main truth
about what the Lord showed me concerning his return. In this section
I do not give any scripture references but in the third, and major section,
I present scriptural backing for the teaching and step by step give
an overview of it. Then in the fourth section I deal with related scriptures
in order to try and anticipate questions that may arise. The summary
is the final section.
PART 1 : AUTHOR'S BACKGROUND
I received Jesus Christ as Lord in 1964 and after a period
of preparation went into Christian service. From early in my conversion
I was interested in Biblical prophecy and the Lord's return. In. 1974
I had an experience that dramatically influenced my spiritual understanding.
Late one night I was praying out in a field when God allowed me to see
something that was truly amazing. There suddenly appeared above me a
group of huge luminous forms radiating a clear translucent light. They
shone with an iridescent beauty that lit up the darkness like supernatural
clouds. I knew immediately that I had seen something from the spirit
realm which reflected the glory of God and I began to earnestly search
the scriptures concerning the return of the Lord Jesus. As I did he
showed me things I had not read in any books and helped me to gain new
insight into his word. For many years I continued to study Biblical
prophecy but still had difficulty understanding the actual manner of
the Lord's return.
Then in 1994 the Lord opened my spirit to receive spiritual
understanding as to how he will return and establish his Kingdom on
earth. It did not come from my own knowledge but from his Spirit. The
insight I received is not how popular books teach he will come. In fact
I have never read this in any book or ever heard it taught - it came
from the Spirit of God - and I now know he has also shown many others
the same thing. I can say with the apostle Paul, "For I neither
received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of
Jesus Christ." (Gal. 1:12)
It happened during a gathering in which the presence of
the Holy Spirit was very evident with much blessing. I was sitting quietly
praying and asking the Lord what significance there was to the outpouring
of his Spirit when I was impressed by the thought that he wanted his
people to be ready for his return. Then suddenly in a moment of time
and quite unexpectedly, he opened my spirit and showed me something
amazing about his return. The understanding of it came to me instantly
and I was thinking about it when another quite unexpected thing took
place. The leader of the meeting began to speak a word of knowledge
from the Lord to me in which he described in precise detail a recent
event that had happened to me and about which he had no possibility
of knowing. This event had been so unusual and life threatening that
without question only God could have given him the information. In this
word the Lord said that he was now opening a new beginning for me. All
this took place within moments and was confirmation that it was the
Holy Spirit who was speaking to me. We were in the Lord's presence with
his Spirit in control and although the insight he gave me was a totally
new concept for me, I knew in spirit the instant I received it that
it was the truth.
After this I carefully studied the scriptures and concluded
that what was shown is more correct than any other teaching I had considered.
God began to show me things that I had never seen before. At this time
the Lord impressed very strongly upon me that I should not share it
with anyone except those he brought directly to me. So after several
months, I shared it privately with some mature men and women who were
led to me. All received it. Several received supernatural insight of
it before I told them about it.
Then some time afterwards something else happened. I was
in a men's gathering and a man came up to me, put his hand on my shoulder,
and began to speak a word from the Lord in which the Lord said that
he wanted me to be completely settled in the new revelation that he
had given me; to have no confusion about it, and to be confident in
sharing it with others. It just so happened that one of the men with
whom I had previously shared it was standing with me, heard the entire
prophetic utterance and was thereby witness to the Lord's words. In
this way the Lord once more confirmed it and also released me to share
it and since then there have been several more mighty exhortations from
the Holy Spirit to share it. I have found that people who are uncluttered
with dogma and moving in the Holy Spirit easily receive it. On several
occasions the Lord once again gave amazing confirmation of the teaching
by revealing it directly to people before I shared it, and I know of
others who have received the same insight direct from the Lord!
I asked the Lord how I should communicate what he had
shown me and I felt him say that it should not be taught just in a theological
manner, which would cause argument, but that he would impart it by his
Spirit to those who can receive it. However, all teaching must be judged
by scripture and flow with Biblical truth. The inerrancy of the Bible
is our only foundation for truth. I have found as I have shared this
insight that many people open to the Spirit of God have received it
and, even when not immediately understood by some, it has been confirmed
to them as they have sought the Lord.
I believe that the revelation came from the Lord, was
immediately confirmed by a direct word from him, is established in scripture,
has been imparted supernaturally to others, has been tested by mature
believers, and that I was then directly released by the Lord to share
it. In simple obedience, as best as I am able, I do so now.
So before going further I ask you, the reader, to pause,
and to ask the Holy Spirit of Truth to open your mind and heart to what
he wants to say to you. Try to put aside previous ideas you may have
about the return of Christ and then ask him to give you HIS revelation.
(Perhaps you already know.)
In the next chapter I will outline what the Lord showed
me but do not intend to give scriptures at this stage as I will do so
later.
PART 2 : THE REVELATION OF JESUS
The Lord's Spirit disclosed to me that when the Lord
Jesus Christ returns to earth he will simply step out of the invisible
realm and appear to believers wherever they may be. They may be in their
homes, or in a place of prayer, or worshipping together. He will come
to each individual believer or group of believers who are looking for
his return. He will appear in his glorified body and be real and tangible
to all who love him. He will be visible, and function in a real body
in the same way he did during the forty days after His resurrection.
When he comes he will establish God's Kingdom in the world and will
empower his people to rule with him.
When he comes his people will be able to see him and he
will be able to touch them. When he reveals himself to believers they
will be changed as he releases his power and glory into them. Then as
they walk in this new power they will rise up and witness Christ to
all nations with great liberty and mighty miracles. His Kingdom will
grow and fill the whole earth.
For forty days after his resurrection Jesus lived on earth
with his people. He taught them, instructed them, ate with them and
did many other marvellous things. He was real and could be seen and
touched. Satan could not attack him, neither could his enemies. His
disciples met with him and he appeared wherever he wished with no restrictions:
in a garden, in private homes, by the seaside, on the road. He appeared
to individuals, and groups, and then a crowd of 500 saw him. Multitudes
of deceased saints also rose and appeared to many people! But only believers
saw Christ, there is no record of any unbelievers seeing him. His resurrection
presence transformed the disciples.
This was a preview or foretaste of what will happen at
his return. When he went away he promised to come back to earth and
establish his Kingdom. The angels said he would come in LIKE MANNER.
As I will show, this referred not only to the way in which he departed
but to the manner in which he had been with them for the forty days.
The SAME Jesus will return in the SAME way (Acts 1:11
NIV Bible). We are told quite clearly that the state in which Christ
was taken into heaven was the same as that in which he will return to
earth. In other words the same Jesus who was crucified and then rose
again and walked with them in resurrection, will appear as he was with
them during the forty days. Just as he came to believers at that time,
so he will return to his people, wherever they are. Believers will then
see the Lord for he will be visible, as and when he desires, and will
reveal himself wherever he wishes, whether to individuals, small groups
or large congregations. Nowhere in the entire world will be out of his
reach although not everyone will be able to enter his presence. However,
those who love him will see him. He will unexpectedly return and appear
to all who are his. It could be at any time. If he is your Lord you
too will see him. One day as you are going about your daily tasks he
will be there; he will suddenly stand in your presence.
When the King returns he will come in the power of his
Kingdom, which will grow and fill the whole world. By his PRESENCE he
will change and empower his people and through them rule the nations.
His people will rise in a new liberty, free from carnality that works
death, and the Kingdom of God will come with authority into all the
earth. The presence of the King in his people will assure victory. There
will be no mistaking the risen Lord when he manifests himself - he will
appear in risen glory to his people and he will be real and tangible.
His personal manifestation to his people will be at his visible return
to be with them in glory. His manifestation to the world will then be
through his people who will display his glory having been changed by
him.
The return of the risen Lord is the next step in God's
unfolding plan to submit the entire world to Himself. The presence of
Christ will bind Satan and leave him powerless to deceive the world.
Over the last two thousand years the gospel has gone into all nations.
Through faith in Jesus Christ salvation has been made available to all
the families of mankind and there are now devout believers in every
nation. They form the Body of Christ, his Bride and Temple. It may seem
in places small and insignificant but it is the bridgehead to which
Jesus will return. In these end times the Lord is establishing a world
wide net that will cover all nations.
The gospel of the Kingdom will be preached for a witness
to all nations and then he will return. At his coming his people will
be represented throughout the world. Believers are citizens of his Kingdom
and it is to them that Jesus Christ will come. When he returns he will
be with his people not just in his Spirit but in Real Visible Presence.
True believers are the base through which he will work in the next great
step in God's plan - to take the world for Jesus. He will himself return
to direct it. Believers proclaim the gospel but only the King can establish
the Kingdom. One day his people will have dominion and rule, but not
without the King. When the King comes his church will be transformed
and empowered to rule the nations. The return of the King will break
the power of evil, demolish the rulers of darkness, destroy the wicked
and blow the systems of the world wide open. Then, IN HIS PRESENCE,
there will be the greatest harvest ever seen! Millions will turn to
Him and the world will see the inauguration of the Kingdom of God on
earth. The age of miracles, resurrection and power will have fully come.
This is what the prophets of old saw when they described the glory of
God filling the whole earth.
PART 3 : THE SCRIPTURES CONFIRM HE IS COMING IN
THIS WAY
This may be new to you but it is in fact quite Biblical.
In the following notes I will show that the terms such as "coming
on the clouds" and "caught up in the air" are metaphors;
terms derived from Biblical figures. The Bible gives examples of what
they really mean. They are to be interpreted spiritually and they illustrate
Biblical concepts which help us to understand deeper aspects of the
return of Jesus. I will show that his promise to return to earth will
be fulfilled in an amazing manner by him simply stepping back into the
visible realm and empowering his people to take the world. When he comes,
he will heal the rift between the natural and spiritual realms and after
a purging will eventually unite and harmonise them into one perfect
new creation.
DEFINITION OF BIBLICAL TERMS
THE "PAROUSIA" - THE "PRESENCE"
OF CHRIST
The Greek word "parousia", translated as "coming",
is listed in Strongs concordance as "a being near". It conveys
the meaning of not just an arrival but the subsequent "being present
with" or "being alongside". In Vines Expository Dictionary
it is defined as "PRESENCE", para, with, and ousia,
being - and denotes both an arrival and a consequent PRESENCE WITH.
Wherever the word "coming" (parousia) is found in scripture
it may be understood as "presence." It is significant that
it is used of a bodily rather than a spiritual presence. The word was
applied to Paul in 2 Cor. 10:10 to denote his personal presence with
the Corinthian church. It is also used of Christ on the mount of transfiguration.
If we use this definition the scriptures reflect a new concept of what
the "coming" of Jesus Christ really means. Instead of him
coming to rapture his people away from the world, it rather has the
meaning of him coming to be present with and alongside his people in
an extended period during which his PRESENCE will be felt in a new and
powerful way on earth. Throughout these notes when the word "parousia"
is referred to it will be considered as Christ's "presence"
and subsequent "being along" side his people.
The "Presence" is by no means a New Testament
concept only but is at the heart of the Old Testament revelation of
God. It was "His Presence" dwelling with his people in the
Tabernacle that was the central theme of the Old Testament covenant
and became the all sufficiency of God to his people. In the New Testament
this took a further development when for the Christian "his presence"
becomes a living reality experienced by the indwelling of Christ through
his Spirit. Every individual believer becomes a Tabernacle for God.
However, when Jesus returns at his "parousia" his presence
will be further expanded and take on new significance when he will be
with his corporate body of people in a new way.
The parousia then, is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ
to be with his people. It is not just an invisible manifestation of
Christ when there is only his "presence", or even an outpouring
of his Spirit, but it is his VISIBLE appearance to his people. The apostle
John made this clear when he wrote that believers should abide in him
so as not to be ashamed when he "appears" at his parousia.
(1 John 2:28) This word "Appear" is defined in Strongs Concordance
(phaneroo); "to render apparent, to manifestly declare and show
oneself." Vines Expository Dictionary says that the word means
more than to appear; it is to be revealed in one's true character. It
is used of Christ's appearances immediately after his resurrection,
and I will show that those "appearances" are significant in
understanding his return. (Mk 16:12,14, John 21:1,14) After Christ's
resurrection God granted that he was made visible to believers. (Acts
10:40,41 NAS) This was a preview of what will happen at his return when
he will APPEAR to his people who will then enter his PRESENCE.
Another word used for Christ's appearance at his parousia
is "epiphaneia" and it carries with it the idea of brightness
and splendour. (2 Thes. 2:8, Titus 2:13,14) The people of that time
used to refer to the visit (parousia) of the emperor as the manifestation
of their imperial "god and saviour", for this was how they
regarded him. So the word has been defined as "a visible manifestation
in splendour of a hidden deity, by personal appearance and deed of power."
Yet another word used is "apokalupsis" which
means revealing or unveiling. It assures us that a day is coming when
the veil will be lifted from our eyes and we will see God's glory in
Christ unveiled. (2 Thes. 1:7, 1 Pet 1:13, 4:13) We will consider deeper
aspects of these words later for they describe the day when Christ will
be bodily present with his people in visible manifestation of his splendour
and glory.
He will then usher in the Day of his Reign and as King
will rule with his people and through them subdue the whole world to
the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Bible the emphasis is on the Kingdom
of God on earth. Through the centuries the focus has been on "going
to heaven" but that does not change the promise that Christ will
return to earth.
If we examine the prophecies, and especially the shadows
and types of both the Old and New Testaments, we will find that there
is a great weight of support for this; and that it is far more Biblical
than what is often taught. We need to see the whole pattern and strategy
of God as he reveals his plan through progressive events which bring
his Kingdom ever closer. We need to consider the manner in which previous
events took place so as to understand how future events will come to
pass.
COMING IN THE CLOUDS WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY - Luke
21:27
What does it mean, "He is coming on clouds"?
When Christ spoke to the high priest, he confirmed that
he would come on the clouds of heaven in power and glory. (Matt. 26:64)
Christ often taught in parables and figures of speech. He was the master
of metaphor. Many things that Christ taught were not openly revealed
but had to be received and understood by the Spirit of God. When we
consider his teaching about his return we must not try to understand
it in a natural way, but must interpret it from a Biblical perspective.
He was not referring to the clouds of vapour that bring the weather,
but to clouds of "power and glory". In this way he gives us
the clue. We therefore need to look at Biblical clouds of God's power
and glory to understand what He meant.
THE OLD TESTAMENT CLOUD
Throughout the Old Testament God revealed his power and
glory in a CLOUD. The cloud represented the supernatural "presence"
of God with His people ie. in crossing the Red Sea, in the wilderness,
indwelling the Tabernacle, filling the temple, and so on. The cloud
was the Visible Manifestation of God dwelling with his people.
the cloud was visible but could not be approached by everyone. In fact
God warned the people not to come too close; but Moses did approach
it and even enter it. When he went into the cloud he met with God, face
to face. The cloud was the visible manifestation of the "presence"
of God and those who were able to enter the cloud saw God!
The prophet Ezekiel saw God in the cloud and described
His majesty and power. When Isaiah went into the temple he saw the Lord
high and lifted up and the glory of God filling the temple like smoke.
This was the cloud of God's glory. The CLOUD displayed the visible PRESENCE
of God, the place where God functioned, where God's Glory was revealed
and where God met with his people.
Ex 13:21,22, 14:19-24, 16:10, 19:9,16-21, 24:15-18, 33:9-11,
34:5, 40:34; Lev 9:23,24, 16:2; Num 9:15-22, 12:5-8,14:10, 16:19, 42;
20:6; Deut 31:15; 1 Kings 8:10-12; 2 Chr 5:13, 14, 7:2; Ezk 1:4-28,
10:3,4, 43:1-5. Isa 6:4.
The Tabernacle, or Tent of Meeting, became closely identified
with the Presence of God for the cloud came to rest in the Holy of Holies
and there God dwelt with His people. (Ex 25:8,30, 33:9-14)
As Solomon declared "The Lord has said that He would
dwell in the thick cloud". (2 Chr 6:1)
THE SHEKINAH GLORY OF GOD
The visible manifestation of the "presence"
of God among his people became known as the "Shekinah Glory".
Nelson's Bible Dictionary describes it as the visible manifestation
of the presence of God. Although the word is not found in the Bible
it occurs frequently in later Jewish writings. It refers to the instances
when God showed himself visibly, as for example on Mt. Sinai and in
the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. The Shekinah was a luminous cloud
which rested above the Ark within the place of worship, the Holy of
Holies, and lit up the room. The New Bible Dictionary describes it as
"the radiance, glory, or presence of God, "dwelling"
in the midst of His people". The Shekinah, the nearest Jewish equivalent
to the Holy Spirit, became, with other Old Testament ideas and derivatives,
Word, Wisdom, etc., a bridge between man's corporeality and God's transcendence.
It is used by the Targumist and Rabbi to signify God Himself. It underlies
the notion of God dwelling among His people. The glory of God, "kabod"
in Hebrew and "doxa" in Greek, is another name for the Shekinah.
In the Old Testament, therefore, the cloud represented
the Visible Presence of God indwelling his people. It is the
environment of God, the place in which he dwells and functions and meets
with his people. The cloud rested in the Holy of Holies and was closely
associated with the Ark of God. Once a year the high priest went into
the sanctuary and met with God. The "cloud" was God's special
Visible Presence and Glory abiding with His people. Christ
said he will return on the "clouds of glory". He was using
Biblical terms to convey something. Although the cloud may not be visible
any longer, it is just as real, in that the presence of God can at times
still be felt and sensed. His presence is especially real in times of
deep worship when believers have entered within the spiritual "veil
of his presence". At his return, or parousia, he will again be
with his people just as the cloud was, in visible glory. Those who enter
within the veil of the "cloud of his presence", the realm
of the Holy of Holies, will see him.
THE NEW TESTAMENT CLOUD - Matt 16:27 - 17:7
When Christ went up to the mount of transfiguration he
was transformed in glory. Christ gave the disciples teaching about his
future coming in glory and six days after this he gave them a preview
of that glory on the mount of transfiguration. He met with Moses and
Elijah and the bright cloud of God's presence came upon them. This event
was later described by Peter as the "parousia" of Christ and
he also used the same word to describe Christ's future return. Although
the two events are separated by thousands of years there is a similarity
in terms. Peter first described the "parousia" at the transfiguration
(2 Pet 1:16-19) and then described the "parousia" at Christ's
return (2 Pet 3:4,12). He looked back to the display of Christ's glory
on the mount and looked forward to the promise of a new day of Christ's
future glory. In Peter's mind what he saw on the mount was like a preview
or illustration of what will happen at the future parousia or presence
of Christ. He said he was not telling stories about Christ's Glorious
Coming because he was already an eyewitness of it.
Notice that Christ and the disciples did not leave the
vicinity of earth to be in the realm of transfiguration and glory, in
the cloud of God's presence; it all took place with their feet firmly
on earth. Christ was present in glory and both the deceased and living
saints met together, "in the cloud" of God's Presence.
When the apostle Paul saw the Lord on the Damascus road
he described it in similar terms as the transfiguration. At the birth
of Christ God's glory was also revealed. All these displays of glory
were NOT far up in the atmosphere, but in the immediate vicinity of
earth. (Acts 22:6,14, 1 Cor 9:1, 15:8, Luke 2:9)
The Glory of God is described in 1 Tim 6:14-16. No one
can on their own initiative or through their own ability see that glory,
but Christ who shares that glory with the Father will himself appear
in it and reveal it to those who are his. He will come back "in
the clouds of glory". The cloud of God's glory was never somewhere
up in the atmosphere but was always his visible manifestation on earth
in the immediate vicinity of his people.
CAUGHT UP IN THE CLOUDS - 1 Thes 4:13-18
What did Paul mean "caught up in the clouds to meet
the Lord in the air"? Just as the Lord spoke in figurative terms
so Paul also used metaphorical Biblical terms to describe the mystery
of what will happen at Christ's return.
Let us establish the order. When Christ returns he will
come back with believers who have already died. They are with him and
when he comes he brings them back. (When Christ arose many others arose
and appeared. (Matt 27:51-53) It is believed that they also ascended
with him and that ever since then believers at death enter immediately
into his presence.) When he returns they will come back with him. After
that, living believers will be "changed". (1 Cor 15:52) They
will then be able to enter his presence and be with him in "the
clouds of his glory". Like Moses they will be able to enter the
cloud and see him face to face. This will take place at his parousia
- or "presence". The term "in the clouds" does not
refer to natural clouds in the atmosphere but, as we have seen, is a
spiritual term to describe Christ's power and glory when his presence
is with his people.
Note the order: first the dead come back with Christ
and have glorified bodies, then after that the living will be
changed and will join them in "the clouds of glory", which
is the glorious presence of Christ as he indwells his people. Note that
this is not necessarily a simultaneous event, but is a sequence.
It is the individual believer's change that happens in a moment, in
the twinkling of an eye, as and when Christ reveals himself to each
one at his return.
"CAUGHT UP" - HARPAZO - 1 Thes 4:17
The term "caught up" depicts a forceful event.
The Greek word is "harpazo" and conveys the idea of force
suddenly exercised (Vines) and is used to describe a powerful release
of God's energy. Paul was caught up to the third heaven and did not
know whether in or out of his body; but he had access to the spiritual
realm and heard words which could not be expressed in human language.
Paul did not necessarily physically leave this world. Philip was also
mightily moved on by the Spirit of the Lord and was caught away from
one place to another but did not leave the earth. It seems Ezekiel also
had a similar experience. Each received a powerful intervention of God's
power which released them from the normal restrictions of this dimension,
although they remained in it. (2 Cor 12:2-4, Acts 8:39, Ezk 8:3, 11:24)
The use of the same word by the Lord reveals its meaning
to us. He said that the Kingdom of God suffers "harpazo" by
men of force. (Matt 11:12) This is a difficult scripture but the NIV
says, "the Kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and
forceful men lay hold of it". Men enter into it by the harpazo
power of God. It conveys the idea of pressing into and possessing the
Kingdom. (Luke 16: I 6) Every time Christ did a miracle he reached into
a future age, the Kingdom age, took hold of it and released its power
into the present situation. Through "harpazo" believers were
able to take hold of and enter into the Kingdom. They were not taken
out of the world but rather experienced the power of God coming in to
them to change their lives and situation. The harpazo is the forceful
dynamics of God to catch up something into his power.
Paul used it to describe a future release of God's power
into believers to clothe them in the life of Christ. The "harpazo"
is the dynamic power of God to catch believers out of their fallen condition
of corruption and transform them into the risen life of Christ. It does
not mean a catching out of the world but out of a state, that of carnality
and weakness, into that of spiritual power. In his resurrection Christ
exhibited a new dimension of being, an order beyond the physical. The
harpazo is to be released from the restrictions of this present mortality
and to be caught into the freedom of Christ's life at the time of his
return.
"IN THE AIR"
If the clouds at Christ's return are not weather clouds
but the spiritual clouds of God's presence and glory, then obviously
the term "in the air" must also convey a spiritual phenomenon.
Paul did not mean that believers will go up to the clouds in the atmosphere
but that believers will enter into the presence or realm of Christ's
power and glory.
The word "air" is used in the New Testament
for both natural air and the realm of spiritual powers. In the book
of Revelation it is used in the context of angelic activity and in Ephesians
2:2 it describes the realm and work of "the prince of the power
of the air". This power is over a spiritual dimension rather than
the natural air and its weather patterns. Paul linked the realm of the
air with the "heavenly places" or heavenly realms and described
how spiritual battle takes place in this realm. The realm of the air
is also the realm over which Christ has ultimate rule. Christ has been
raised to heavenly places and the church is seated with him there. This
dimension will be opened for believers. (Eph 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12)
The word "air" is used together with the word
wind, which also denotes both natural and spiritual realities. (Eph
2:2) In the New Testament the word "wind" almost always conveys
the meaning of "spirit" and, in the same way, when the apostle
Paul spoke of "air" he was certainly not referring
to what we breathe, made of nitrogen and oxygen, but was referring to
an invisible spiritual dimension. Air is the nearest Paul could get
to describe this invisible realm. Just as air is real but invisible,
so Paul used it to describe the very real but invisible realm which
is very close to us. It is the spirit dimension which is not far off,
just invisible, right here "in the air". Paul did not mean
that believers were to be caught up to the atmosphere but that believers
would have access to that spirit dimension. Believers will be caught
out of their present condition which is subject to mortality and into
a spiritual condition subject to immortality. The "air" is
the spirit realm that Christ rules over and which will be opened for
believers. At his "parousia" believers are not going up into
the weather clouds but are going into the "presence" of Christ
at his return. The invisible kingdom of the air (NIV), is in
the air all around us and believers will have access to it.
Immortality will be released into God's people.
IMMORTALITY
Immortality is not being subject to death; it is deathlessness.
However, it is not unending existence outside of God. Such a prospect
is frightening! According to Vines Expository Dictionary immortality
(athanasia) is more than deathlessness. It suggests the quality of life
enjoyed by the believer when mortality is "swallowed up by life'
.The immortality Christ offers is to be found in him, the source of
life and joy. It is a release from the carnal principle that works in
us producing death, and is a joining in union with Christ. (2 Cor. 5:4;
Ps. 16:11)
The Lord has immortality. (1 Tim 6:15,16) He was free
of sin and no curse of death operated in his life. In him was the life
of the Father. He is the author of life and light, and its very source.
(John 1:4, 5:26, Acts 3:15, Col 1:16) Even in his earthly life he was
not subject to the restrictions of his body. He was able to walk on
water, and could pass right through hostile crowds either by being invincible
or invisible. (Luke 4:30, Jn 7:30, 8:59, 10:39) It is believed by many
that Christ did not have to die but that on the mount of transfiguration
he could have changed his body into a glorified condition. No one took
Christ's life from him but he voluntarily submitted to death. (John
10:15-18) When he died it was not possible for death to hold him. (Acts
2:24) After his resurrection he displayed his immortality to his people
and at his return he will release it into those who are his, who will
then be able to live and function in a way no longer subject to the
physical dimension. They will function in bodies that are imperishable,
powerful, glorious and spiritual, made like the man from heaven. It
will be a worldwide replication of Christ in his people. (1 Cor 15:35-48)
This release of power will fill his people and will endure
and increase during his reign. During this time immortal believers will
be able to function on earth. At his coming "parousia" or
"presence" they will experience a change which will release
them from the restrictions of their present mortality and give them
access to Christ and his power. Believers who have already died will
rise in resurrection and reign with Christ and be able to function like
angels (Luke 20:35) and believers who are alive will be changed so as
to enter and share in the life of Christ and will continue their lives
in newly empowered and changed bodies not subject to time or decay or
the restrictions of this present dimension. They will be like Christ
was on earth, not subject to death, and like Enoch, will one day be
able to walk through the veil into God's presence without dying. Through
harpazo they will be able to possess the Kingdom of God.
There are three groups of people on earth when Christ
returns. There are the wicked God haters and Christ rejectors, who will
be destroyed. There are the true believers in Christ, who will be changed
to become like Christ and then rule with him over the world. And there
are the remainder who will come under the authority of the Kingdom of
God. The Day of the Lord is the time of Christ's reign on earth. It
commences at his parousia and continues until death is abolished, wickedness
defeated and "New Jerusalem" appears coming down to the earth.
The emphasis through the Bible is that the Kingdom of
God will come to earth and subdue the whole world. How will this happen
if he does not have a people? Who has ever heard of a Kingdom without
a structure, without administers and rulers and people who function
in it? God will empower his people and he will rule and reign through
them. In his church the Lord has established a world wide net which
will take control of the nations and gather in a vast catch. All authority
is Christ's and he will have complete dominion over all nations. It
is the righteous rule of God through the one and only Sovereign, the
King of kings and Lord of lords. (1 Tim 6:15) When will this happen?
At his PRESENCE or parousia.
THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD - Romans 8:1-30
The apostle Paul wrote that the whole creation groans
as it waits for the unveiling or "manifestation of the sons of
God". There is coming a public manifestation of God's Sons to the
whole world. Paul taught that believers can be victorious over the sinful
nature through the Spirit of God and that one day their mortal bodies
will be quickened by God's Spirit to receive redemption. He described
it as the "glorious freedom" of the "sons of God"
for which the whole of creation waits. Believers will be set free from
the corruption of the mortal body with its carnality, sickness, pain,
weakness and death. In that day nothing will be able to harm the believer.
It will be a public display of God's glory in the believers. At that
time the glory of the "Sons of God" will be evident to all
for it will be unveiled. They will be conformed to the image of Christ
and, as his brethren, will be the glorified "Sons of God"
for all the world to see.
John the apostle confirmed this in 1 John 3:1,2 - "Beloved,
now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall
be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for
we shall see him as he is."
The statements Paul makes in Romans chapter eight cannot
be fully appreciated unless they are placed in the context of chapter
seven in which he describes the conflict within the believer between
the carnal or sinful nature and the desire to serve God. The sinful
nature fights against the Spirit. (Gal 5:17) Paul says that he is "carnal
sold under sin" and describes the law of sin and death, which he
is powerless to overcome. This war is within the members of his body
and works in him to produce death. There is a tension within every believer
between the carnal nature and the Spirit. In a very real sense the believer
is caught between two ages. As a son of Adam he is subject to the law
that in Adam all die. Spiritually however, he has passed from death
to life. The day will come when in the new age of glory the tension
between the two ages will be past. Paul cries out "Who can set
me free from the body of this death?" He longs to be free of this
power working death in him and it is this very question that he answers
in chapter eight. It is through Jesus Christ that it is possible to
be victorious and be controlled by the law of the Spirit of life. Believers
receive the first fruits or pledge of the Spirit of God by which they
know that one day they will receive the completed work. (Romans 8:23,
2 Cor 5:5) The infilling of the Holy Spirit is not the final work but
only a foretaste of it. Paul goes on to declare that one day there is
coming a total release from the power of the law of death and corruption
when the body itself will be set free into glorious liberty. The complete
manifestation of this comes when "He shall appear and we shall
see him as he is".
There is coming a "day" when the world will
enter a new era of blessing. Christ's reign will last a thousand years
and this is only a foretaste of eternity! It is a transitional period
and is an ever increasing growth of his power and glory through the
whole world when nations will submit to him and even nature itself will
share and benefit from the glorious liberty of God's Sons and be brought
into harmony and freedom. The entire creation will begin to enter into
a new freedom from the suffering which came about by sin and which brought
decay and death. "The universe itself is to be freed from the shackles
of mortality and enter upon the liberty and splendour of the children
of God". (Isa 11:4-10, Romans 8:21 NEB)
THE SPLENDOUR OF CHRIST'S LIGHT
When Christ was transfigured his face and clothes shone
like the sun in its brilliance. This was a manifestation of his Shekinah
Glory. This is what will happen at his appearing (epiphaneia) in his
glorious light. (1 Tim 6:14-16)
The psalmist wrote that God is clothed in splendour and
majesty and covered with light as a garment. (Ps.104:1,2) The prophet
Malachi wrote that to those who fear his name the Lord will rise as
the "sun of righteousness, with healing in its wings". (Mal
4:2) Peter described Christ's "majesty" as "megaleiotes"
- meaning "splendour, superbness, magnificence, mighty power, glory".
He foretold that a new day, or "age", will dawn when the morning
star will arise in the hearts of God's people. (2 Pet 1:17-19)
Morning star comes from the Greek word "phosphorus",
meaning "light bearer". It comes from "phos" meaning
to shine or make "luminous", and "phero", "to
bear or carry" and refers to the arising of the light of Christ
as personal fulfillment in hearts of believers; and also to his coming
in glory to establish his Kingdom on earth. The reference to Christ
as Morning Star, (pertaining to the dawn) endorses this theme. (Rev
22:16, 2:26-28) To those who follow him Christ gave a promise that they
will rule the nations with a rod of iron and also receive the morning
star. Metaphorically Christ is the Morning Star who one day will appear
as the sun of righteousness to govern the world in peace. He is the
light who shines in the darkness and brings God's government into the
world. (Isa 9:1-7, John 1: 4-9, Rev 21:23,24)
THE SPLENDOUR OF HIS LIGHT IN BELIEVERS
A new day will dawn when Christ's light will arise and
shine within believers. True believers already experience the indwelling
Christ by his Spirit. One day he will reveal himself to those who fear
his name and then the righteous will shine forth (and be resplendent)
as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. (Matt 13:43) The morning
star will arise and shine within believers. We read something similar
in Daniel 12:3; they will shine like stars. Believers will appear with
him in glory. "Christ is our real life. When he comes back, you
will shine with him in all his glory". (Col 3:4 Simplified Living
Bible) "When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will
appear with Him in (the splendour of His) glory". (Col 3:4 Amplified
Bible) The word appear is "phaino" which is derived from phos,
to shine. People who saw Christ in glory described him as being brilliant
light. When Moses saw God's glory he radiated that glory and his face
shone so brilliantly he had to cover it. He had experienced such concentrated
exposure to God's presence that he wore a veil. This glory faded, but
one day it will be permanent and believers will manifest Christ's Shekinah
Glory.
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, reflected this glory
and his face looked like the face of an angel. Martyrs and faithful
followers of Christ will be given robes of pure white. (Rev 3:4,5,18,
6:11) The word "white" is derived from the word for light
and is used to describe the brightness of Christ himself in his glory.
(Matt 17:2, Rev 1:14) Those who are faithful to him will walk in the
same whiteness, as pure as light, and not be found naked. (Rev 3:4,5,18)
Just as God is arrayed in garments of splendour and light so too his
children will put on garments of pure white. Paul taught that believers
will be clothed with immortality and not be found naked. (1 Cor 15:53,54,
2 Cor 5:1-4)
When Adam and Eve sinned they lost their spiritual covering
and they knew they were naked. It is conjectured that prior to their
fall they were covered by the glory of God, which departed when they
chose death rather than life and immortality. However, one day Christ
will restore believers to become like him. Then he will present to himself
his church, glorious and without spot or wrinkle. (Phil 3:21, Eph 5:27)
God's people will shine with His Glory. "The Lord
shall be their everlasting light" and they will be planted by the
Lord for "the display of his splendour". (Isa 60:19,20 and
61:3 NW Bible)
THE FORTY DAYS OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION PRESENCE
After Jesus Christ rose from the dead He remained on earth
for forty days. During this time he was visible on many occasions and
appeared to believers. Although changed, he nevertheless had a real
body, wore clothes, and ate and functioned with them. His own people
could see and touch him. He was fully fitted as a new man to remain
on earth had he so desired.
What significance does this have?
We have already seen how in the Old Testament God's presence
was in the Cloud which was his visible manifestation with his people.
Not everyone could approach that cloud; but Moses was able to enter
it and when he did he saw God "face to face". For forty days
he was with God in the cloud and when he came out he radiated that glory
so much that he had to cover his face. (Ex 34:30-33)
In a similar way believers were with Christ for forty
days in his resurrection glory. Not everyone saw him; only believers.
He appeared to them and taught them many things. First he revealed himself
to individuals and then to more and more of his followers, but no unbeliever
could enter his visible presence. (Acts 10:40,41) Paul gave a detailed
account of the order of Christ's resurrection appearances and to whom
he appeared. I believe there is a reason why he did so. Christ first
appeared to individual people who were wanting Him more than anything
else. Then He appeared to small groups of dedicated disciples. Finally,
he appeared to the larger crowd. He made himself visible wherever and
whenever he chose. He came and went at will, stepping between the visible
and invisible realms. He was invincible and as Thomas declared, "he
is Lord and God". He illustrated his perfect suitability to life
on earth and his ability to interact between the two realms.
HE WILL RETURN
At the end of the forty days we are told he was lifted
up and a cloud received him out of their sight. We are not told how
high he went. Contrary to the popular concept of him rising high into
the sky he just lifted himself up and was immediately received by the
cloud of God's presence into which he disappeared. (Acts 1:9) This cloud
was the Cloud of God, not a weather cloud. He did what he had been doing
during the previous forty days as he appeared and disappeared except
this time he was lifted up in order to show he was departing. As we
will consider, heaven is not far away but is another dimension close
at hand but invisible to the finite eye. It is said to be "up"
but this cannot be a physical direction but is a spiritual elevation.
When Stephen was about to die he saw heaven opened and
Jesus standing in the glory of God. He was not looking far up into the
sky but right in front of him. The veil, or curtain, was withdrawn so
that he could look into the invisible realm. Heaven is in this invisible
spirit dimension. When Jesus vanished two angels suddenly stepped out
of that dimension and appeared to the disciples. They had a message,
"This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall
so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts
1:11)
This SAME JESUS, who in his risen glory came and
went to his disciples for forty days in his resurrection body, will
return in the SAME manner. In other words this same Jesus who
died on the cross and rose again, will return in his risen body. He
will come in the same way he left. At the time of his return he will
simply step out of the "cloud" and once more be with his people.
When he returns from the invisible realm he will be visible just as
he was during the forty days. He will appear to all who love him, everywhere
in the world, simultaneously if he so desires, to individuals, to small
groups and to large crowds. He may appear first to those who are seeking
him as he did to Mary Magdalene. When Christ comes he will not be confined
to an earthly body walking the dusty roads of Israel but will be in
a risen body, any where in the world! He is God, is omnipresent, and
has all the glory of the Godhead. He is also the risen man of glory
and as such will be perfectly fitted to live in the realm of earth.
He will be invincible and his disciples will be able to see him and
meet with Him. Unbelievers will not be able to enter his presence but
believers will, and as they do they will meet the Lord Face to Face
just as Moses did long ago. They will see their King, will be changed
to be like him, and will never be separated from him.
BEHIND THE VEIL - CHRIST IS JUST A STEP AWAY
For forty days Christ lived with his people in his resurrection
body. He lodged with them, ate with them, and taught them about the
Kingdom of God. (Acts 1:4) During this time he came and went with no
restrictions or limitations. He lived in two realms, the invisible and
the visible, the material and the spiritual. God dwells in the invisible
spirit realm, the "heavens". This is not at the other end
of the universe but is in another dimension. Jesus must have had access
to this realm even as a young lad. He grew up seeing and hearing the
Father in perfect communion. (Jn 8:38) At times God has allowed people
to see into the invisible realm. (Luke 2:13) Every time "heaven
was opened" the veil was drawn aside and people were permitted
to see things which were not necessarily far away but right there in
front of them, in the invisible "heavenly" realm. For example
Elisha saw an angelic manifestation when Elijah was taken to God. Later
he prayed that the eyes of his servant might be opened to see the angelic
army that surrounded them. (2 Kings 2:11, 6:17) These angels were not
far off but nearby, in the invisible realm.
In Hebrews 12:1 it is written "we have so great a
cloud of witnesses surrounding us". This is the cloud of those
people who have gone before into God's presence; they surround us, not
far away but just beyond the veil. At death Christians pass through
the veil and enter into the presence of the Lord. At the approach of
death there is every indication that believers can see through the veil
into the invisible realm for they often respond as if someone is there.
They sometimes reach out and even declare that they can see angels,
loved ones or the Lord himself! (Psalm 23, 2 Cor 5:8, Phil 1:23, 2 Pet
1:13-15).
THE ANGELIC REALM
Angels can manifest themselves from one realm to another.
When they do they can appear as real persons who wear clothes and can
be touched. Very often they radiate the brightness of God's glory for
they come from the presence of his glory. (Matt 28:3, John 20:12, Acts
1:10) There are different orders and levels in the angelic realm. Paul
was caught into the "third heaven" which indicates that there
are different heavens or spiritual realms. God has different kinds of
angels; cherubim, seraphim, archangels and so on. There are also fallen
beings; princes, principalities and demons. In fact the whole problem
of sin started with the rebellion of Satan. In Revelation we are told
of a war in "heaven" between Satan's angels and Michael's
angels. Michael is an archangel of God. (Rev 12:7-12) This war is not
in the heaven where God dwells for Satan was expelled from there long
ago, but takes place in the invisible spirit dimension immediately adjacent
to earth. Satan and his angels are cast out of that realm onto earth
and this is followed by a short time of conflict. During this period
angelic activity will become very intense and it is very probable that
people will see more and more spiritual manifestations of one kind and
another. Even as I write there are amazing reports of things that have
occurred. The world is being prepared for a spiritual conflict. Intense
dissemination of all kinds of supernatural phenomena is taking place
through TV and literature. Aspects such as astral travel, becoming invisible,
out of body encounters, UFOs and such like have been promoted and even
experienced by many. They are counterfeits of the real power of God.
Christians on the other hand are also seeing visions, angelic visitations,
and spiritual revelation; this will increase more and more as the barrier
between the spirit and material realms is removed and allows them to
function like angels.
Jesus said to Nathanael that he would see the heavens
opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of
Man. Jesus Christ is the true ladder or stairway into heaven. The word
"highway" in Isaiah 40 means a viaduct or "staircase"
allowing entry into God's glory which will be revealed to all who come
on that highway. It is Christ himself who is the way and opens the heavens
to allow entry; he is the one door and only true mediator into God's
realm and glorious presence. He is the "ladder" or link between
the two realms. (John 1:51, Gen 28:12, Isa 40:3-5, 62:10)
After his resurrection the Lord Jesus lived in both realms.
He is forever the risen man of glory, the eternal God-man. When he wanted
to become visible he just stepped out of the invisible realm. When he
wanted to be invisible he stepped back into it. He could be at any place
at any time with no earthly restrictions. He had no limits, no hindrances.
When Christ departed he simply lifted himself up and stepped into the
invisible. He did not go like a rocket into the sky but just lifted
and disappeared, into the cloud of God. On the day he returns he will
simply step back from the invisible. Weymouth's translation puts it
well, "on the day that the veil is lifted from the Son of Man".
(Luke 17:30) Paul wrote that we eagerly await the revelation or unveiling
(apokalupsis) of our Lord. (1 Cor 1:7) He can come at any time! When
he does he will be real, as real as he was to Thomas!
There is a "veil" that hides the spirit realm.
Before Adam sinned he had perfect communion with God but after his fall
he only heard his voice. The veil will one day be removed. Through his
resurrection Christ will forever destroy the veil that covers all nations.
(Isa 25:7-9) At present we look through a "glass" but one
day we shall see him "face to face". Until then "we all,
with open (or unveiled) face beholding as in a glass (or mirror) the
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory".
(1 Cor 13:12, 2 Cor 3:16-18)
"LORD JESUS COME"
Are we approaching the time of the inauguration of the
reign of Jesus Christ on earth and the establishment of his Kingdom
upon the nations of the whole earth? It cannot be far off.
One day that moment will come when the saints will possess
the Kingdom. (Dan 7 :18,22) Then the scripture will come to pass, "The
kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His
Christ and He will reign forever and ever". (Rev 11:15) His Kingdom
is coming in power and great glory. No one will be able to resist or
oppose it. It will be a complete and total victory, an overthrow of
Satan's kingdom. Then there will be a huge harvest - millions will turn
to Christ. John described this when he saw the "son of man"
(the unique title of Christ) on a cloud, crowned with a golden crown,
reap the whole earth. (Rev 14:14-16) God has through his people established
a world wide net which will bring in the greatest ingathering of the
ages. At daybreak on the shores of Galilee the risen Christ called out
to his disciples to cast in the net and they then caught a catch so
big they could hardly land it. This was a preview of what is to come.
(John 21:1-6) Get ready, it's harvest time.
THE UNVEILING OF CHRIST TO HIS PEOPLE
As High Priest Christ will appear a second time to all
who love him and are looking for him. (Heb 9:24-28) God has called a
chosen people, a Holy Nation, a Royal Priesthood of believers.(1 Pet
2:9) Christ the High Priest made Atonement for them. (Rom 5:11, Heb
9:24-28) One day the Lord Jesus Christ will reveal himself to his own
special people, all those who love him and look for him. Just as Joseph
revealed himself to his brothers behind closed doors so Christ after
his resurrection revealed himself to his disciples. (John 20:19, Gen
45:1) And he will do so again. He will suddenly appear to every person
who is surrendered to him and has made him Lord. He will receive them
and embrace them with great joy and they will enter his presence with
rejoicing. (Matt 25:21) Then he will be marvelled at by all who believe.
(2 Thes 1:10) The word "marvel", or "admire", comes
from a verb which means "to look at closely, to look upon and behold".
Just as the early disciples were able to touch him and handle him, even
after his resurrection, so too his people will be able to see him, embrace
him, worship and admire him. (1 John 1:1, John 20:27, Matt 28:9) In
that day there will be a deep union with him which will never be broken.
He will come in to those who have opened their door to him. They will
enter his presence "within the veil" and the door will be
shut. (Rev 3:20, Matt 25:10)
They will emerge from their appointed meeting with the
Lord Jesus Christ a race of new people, to control a new era and a new
world. Instead of being taken away from the world true believers are
going to be empowered to win the world, and then rule it for Jesus Christ.
Christ gave certain signs which indicate "He is near,
right at the door". (Matt 24:33) These signs are evident everywhere.
Christ is standing very near, just on the other side of the veil, right
at the door. Soon he will open it and step back into the visible realm
to reveal himself in Glory to those who love Him and are ready to receive
him. He will return to earth and once more walk upon it as KING OF
KINGS.
PART 4 - OTHER SCRIPTURES DEALING WITH THE RETURN OF
CHRIST
This section is to try and anticipate questions that may
arise and is for further study by those who would like to explore scriptures
that verify what has been said.
THE "RAPTURE" - NOT A DEPARTURE BUT A CHANGING
- MATT 24:37-41
If we carefully consider Christ's teaching it seems that
believers are not taken away when he comes but remain on earth in order
to enter his Kingdom. In his teaching the Lord indicated that at the
time of the Kingdom there will be a cleansing on earth. (Matt 1.3;30-50)
Christ said that the tares will first be gathered and burnt up then
the wheat gathered. He said at his return or "presence" some
would be taken away, not in rapture but in judgment, one from
a bed, another from a field, yet another from the work-place. In its
context this is not a rapture of believers but a judgment on the wicked!
Those that are taken away are taken in judgment, just as the flood took
people away at the time of Noah. His reference to vultures confirms
this as judgment from God and comes from a figurative description by
the prophet Ezekiel of the great "judgment supper" of God.
(Ezk 39:17, Rev 19:17) Those who are taken are the wicked and not the
righteous! Those who remain enter his Kingdom and inherit the earth.
Christ also spoke of those who may try to enter his presence at his
return, but will be turned away and prevented from doing so because
they never really knew him. The judgment of nations at this time also
indicates that some will enter the Kingdom but not all. (Matt 25:11,12,30,41)
The Old Testament prophets foresaw the Kingdom of God
filling the whole earth. Like the mustard seed it will eventually fill
the entire earth.(Matt 13:31) Christ will rule the nations and his people
will be changed and empowered to rule with him. Then peace will fill
the earth when the wicked are removed, the nations converted and Christ
rules.
What is sometimes called the "rapture" is in
fact NOT a departure but a meeting with the risen Christ here on earth
at his return. At this meeting believers will be changed to allow them
to function in a new way with no restrictions and great power. His Kingdom
will bring the spiritual and material realms into harmony and believers
will have access to both.
When will this happen?
THE REIGN OF CHRIST - 1000 YEARS
The emphasis in scripture is on Christ's return. He is
coming back, not to depart again but to remain with his people - for
a prolonged period during which time he will subdue the nations and
establish His Kingdom on earth.
I think at times we find it hard to differentiate between
the prophecies of his parousia or "presence" and the final
great judgment. Just as the people long ago had difficulty understanding
the prophecies concerning Christ's first coming and his second coming,
so we may confuse the events which take place at the inauguration of
the Kingdom when he returns, with events at the climax of the Kingdom,
which are separated by a thousand years, or the "Day of the Lord".
Many things that are initiated at the time of his return are completed
during this period or at its culmination. In this way it sometimes appears
that there is a double fulfillment to some prophecies, one partial and
then one final. When the apostle Peter wrote about the Day of the Lord,
or Christ's "parousia" or "presence", he said that
a day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and the apostle John also
said Christ's reign would last a thousand years. (2 Pet 3:3-13, Rev
20:4)
His coming parousia, or "presence", will usher
in the Kingdom of God. It is not the end of the world but the start
of a new era during which his Kingdom fills the whole earth. When Christ
returns, his "presence" will be felt everywhere from east
to west. (Matt 24:27) Contrary to popular interpretation of this verse
it does not necessarily mean that everyone in the whole world will see
him come like lightning, but that his return will be to the whole world.
Christ did not mean he will come like lightning flashing across the
sky but that just as lightning is universal so will his "presence"
be too. He is not referring to a public display but to a universal presence.
Just as lightning is not confined to one spot but extends from east
to west so too his presence will not be confined to one spot but will
be just as widely felt. At his presence there will be no need to seek
him out in private chambers or go to the wilderness to find him, for
it will be as universal as the lightning which lights up the east to
the west, in other words it is not a localised event confined to one
particular place or group, but in his risen body he will be able to
be anywhere in the whole world. It will also be unexpected in that many
will not be prepared for it. Consequently some people are taken away,
not in a rapture but in judgment.
THE RESURRECTION, 1 COR 15:23-58
The resurrection is the hope of all believers.
Paul's teaching is significant in that he gives the order
of events. 1/ Christ the first fruits, 2/ then those that are his at
his "presence" and 3/ then finally the end will come but only
after he has abolished all other rule, authority, power and finally
death itself. There is a clear step by step strategy outlined here.
It is generally accepted that there is an order in the resurrection,
and that although one day there will be a universal resurrection of
the dead, there is also the promise of a resurrection for believers
prior to that time. (John 5:25,28, Rev 20:4,5, Luke 14:14)
1/ Christ was the first to rise from the dead. When Christ
arose multitudes of departed saints became visible. (Matt 27:51,52)
This was the firstfruits of God's harvest. The living saints were then
empowered, or "clothed", by the Holy Spirit and a spiritual
explosion resulted that thrust the gospel into the world.
2/ Secondly, there are those who will belong to Christ
at his "parousia". They comprise two groups, the first are
the deceased saints who have died between his departure and his return
and who will be raised; and the second are those who are alive at or
during his "presence". (1 Thes 4:13-5:10, 1 Cor 15:51,52,
Rev 20:4,5)
i/ Believers who have died will come back with Christ when he
returns. They will be "raised" to become active again -
they are with Christ and will accompany his return. The apostle Peter
declared that he would one day lay down his earthly tabernacle, his
physical body, and depart to be with the Lord. (2 Pet 1:13-15) The
apostle Paul spoke of putting on, or being "clothed" with
the heavenly body so as not to be found naked. The word clothe is
"enduo" - to sink into a garment, invest with clothing,
endue. According to 2 Cor. 5:1-6 departed Christians are not just
floating around somewhere but are clothed in new heavenly bodies.
When Christ returns they will return and reign with him. (Rev 20:4)
Like the multitudes that appeared after Christ's resurrection they
will be able to become visible and function in their glorified bodies.
ii/ Believers who are alive on earth at the parousia
will be changed; (Strongs) which means "to make different";
(Vines) "to make other than it is, to transform". Living
believers will be changed to share the glory of Christ at his return.
This does not necessarily take place all at the same moment but at
the sound of the trumpet, yet no trumpet sounds momentarily, but is
an extended sound. The trumpet (the voice of the Lord - Rev 1:10)
sounds for each individual who belongs to Christ and as it does Christ
will reveal himself to them. This transformation releases God's power
into them and a worldwide explosion of God's reign follows.
3/ Christ's "presence" or "being along
side" will release his Kingdom and power into the world and for
a thousand years it will grow and fill the whole earth. At the end of
this period Christ submits the Kingdom to the Father. He will reign
until he has put down every enemy, the last enemy to be abolished is
death. (1 Cor 15:24-26) Death is only finally abolished at the end but
during this period his people already experience his glory.
There is something of a mystery about the life of Enoch.
He walked with God and had a testimony that pleased him. One day God
took him and he "was not"! He was translated, or transferred,
into God's Kingdom. He walked with God right through "the veil"
and into his presence. Enoch prophesied that Christ and all those with
him will return to earth. When Christ steps back from that veil people
on earth who belong to God will enter the "presence of his glory"
with great joy, and share in his majesty, power, and authority. (Jude
14,24,25) Then like Enoch they will have access to God's presence and
enter through the veil without dying.
In 1 Cor 15:51 Paul described a "mystery". It
was not openly revealed but only understood through the Spirit of God.
He chose his words very carefully when he said this corruptible (subject
to death) must put on, or be "clothed" with, incorruption
(unending existence) and this mortal (living) shall put on, or be "clothed"
with immortality (deathlessness). The dead will be raised, and the living
changed. Jesus confirmed this. (Jn 11:25,26)
The apostle John wrote that when we see him we shall be
like him. (1 John 3:2) Paul taught that Christ will transform the state
of our humble body and conform it to the body of His glory, by the exertion
of the power that he has to subject all things to himself. (Phil 3:20,21)
There is coming a quickening, an energising in the Spirit which will
enable the born again believer to break forth beyond the bounds of the
restrictions of the physical body which will be changed and conformed
to Christ. When Christ reveals himself to a person they will take on
the same life he has. How will he reveal himself? Will it be similar
to his resurrection appearances when he showed himself first to those
who were seeking him, then to others who belonged to him and afterwards
to the larger crowd? This is certain - he will personally reveal himself
to every person who loves him and is looking for him. (Heb 9:28, John
14:21)
"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;
and unto them that look for him shall He appear the second time without
sin unto salvation". (Hebrews 9:28) The Amplified Bible says he
will appear to those who "eagerly, constantly and patiently"
wait for him.
However, to God haters his return will be with mighty
angels in flaming fire to bring everlasting judgment away from his presence
and glory. (2 Thes 1:6-10, Isa 66:15,16) They will not see his glory
or stand in his presence. As the Living Bible puts it "They will
never see the glory of his power"; and the NTV Bible says they
will be "shut out" from the presence of the Lord and from
the majesty of his power. His appearance in splendour will take place
at his parousia at which time the wicked are destroyed. (2 Thes 2:8)
This endorses the parables of Christ concerning the removal of the wicked
and the remaining of the righteous to enter his kingdom. The "beast"
and "false prophet" will be seized and Satan will be bound.
(Rev 19:17-20) These verses are a figurative description of the great
judgment supper when vultures gather to devour the wicked.
In that day he will be glorified in his saints and marvelled
at by all who believe.(2 Thes 1:10, Isa 66:18) When Christ returns,
true believers will be revealed having his same glory! (Col 3:4) The
wicked will be destroyed and will not see him but the rest of the people
who remain will know he has come because they will see his glory revealed
in his true followers who will be immortalised! This is the "manifestation"
or public revelation of God's sons.
EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM - REV 1:7
What does this mean? The apostle John wrote to believers
and quoted two Old Testament scriptures; Dan 7:13 and Zech 12:10. The
one tells of Christ's power and glory when he establishes his Kingdom
in the world and the other of the conversion of Israel. The apostle
John used these two scriptures to describe the day when Christ's Kingdom
will come and all tribes of the earth will repent. He wrote that "every
eye" will see Christ. This is the purpose of God - that all mankind
might come to him. This is progressive. God gave a promise to pour out
his Spirit upon all flesh. This does not mean it will happen to every
single person but rather that it will happen to all who come to him.
It is an on-going process. The day will come when every believer will
see him, and all the tribes of the earth will repent as his Kingdom
is established throughout the whole world. As people repent and believe
they will be born again, and also able to enter into his presence and
see him. As more and more people come to him so "every eye"
shall see him, until eventually his glory will fill the whole earth.
He will rule as King of kings and Lord of lords. One day all nations
will see his glory and bow before him. (Isa 66:18,23, Jn 3:3)
John saw the Lord on a white horse making war against
the wicked. (Rev 19:11) Does this mean that Christ will come galloping
across the sky? Not necessarily. These are figurative terms which describe
his power and status. Great warriors rode on white horses as a symbol
of their rank. From out the mouth of the Lord came a great sword. This
can hardly be literal but illustrates his authority in that the Word
of God is the sword of the Spirit. (Heb 4:12, Eph 6:17) The book of
Revelation is filled with symbols and figures and in this way describes
the Lord returning in power to conquer the world.
In Rev 1:10-18 John described how, being "in the
Spirit", he saw the glorified Lord standing in the midst of the
candlesticks, or churches, his face shining like the sun. Then, after
hearing the messages to the seven churches, John entered the realm of
the Lord and described the glory of God in similar terms to Ezekiel.
(Ezk 1:1, Rev 4:2-11) John saw and entered the Shekinah glory of Christ
and was in the very presence of that Glory. John was not taken in rapture
but was "in the Spirit" and entered the heavenly realm. Later
he described how the temple of God in that realm was opened and the
ark of His covenant (a symbol of Christ) appeared. Again he described
the temple being filled with smoke from the glory and power of God.
(Rev 15:8, 11:19). These terms describe events that effect the spiritual
temple of God, his people.
John also said Christ will come "in the clouds".
Christ used these very terms when he spoke to the high priest and said
that from that time on he would see him sitting on the right hand of
power and "coming on the clouds of heaven". (Matt 26:64) He
quoted from Daniel 7 and used the terms that the high priest knew referred
only to the Messiah. This coming started on the day of Pentecost and
is applicable to the whole church age, during which time many revivals
have swept through the world as the "clouds" of God's presence
have come again and again in Holy Spirit outpourings until one day Christ
himself will stand among his people.
His power has been coming ever since and will continue
to come until the whole world bows the knee to him. Over the last two
thousand years God has established his church throughout all nations
and through his people he will one day rule over them. As the Holy Spirit
hovers like a cloud over the church, in ever increasing power, the day
will come when Christ himself will return and be visible in the temple
of his people in his Shekinah Glory.
THE CHURCH IS THE TEMPLE OF GOD, SPIRITUAL ISRAEL, RAISED
UP IN THE NATIONS
Acts 15:16-18, Gal 6:16, 3:7,29, Eph 1:22,23, 2:19-22,
1 Cor 3:16,17, 6:19, 12:27, 2 Cor 6:16, Phil 3:3.
God is preparing his people, spiritual Israel, for Christ's
glory. During the last week of his earthly life Christ entered the temple
and cleansed it, and then was present within it every day teaching and
healing the sick. This is a shadow of things to come. The true church
is comprised of every blood-washed believer. It is not a denomination
but a living temple or tabernacle. Christ alone cleanses it, lives in
it and prepares it for his coming reign in glory. Each Christian believer
is a tabernacle in which the Lord himself indwells by his presence.
He cleanses the temple and indwells it. (2 Cor 5:14, 6:16-18)
TIMES OF REFRESHING AND RESTORATION - Acts 3:19-26
The apostle Peter foretold times of refreshing followed
by times of restoration. He said: 1/ Christ came,(past) 2/ through repentance
refreshing comes from his presence, (present) 3/ Christ will come again
and restore all things, (future). There are Times of Refreshing followed
by Times of Restoration.
The church is the temple of God raised up among the nations.
It is his body established in all the world. It is like a city built
on a mountain, the mountain of God, shining with the light of the glory
of God - "the Zion of God". (Heb 12:22, Isa 2:1, 60:1) The
Lord himself is central in the church and will come suddenly to fill
it with glory. (Mal. 3:1, Hag 2:7-9) Any idea that a brick and mortar
temple has to be rebuilt is not necessary. The true temple is the people
of God. The Church is built by Christ and set in order by His Holy Spirit.
He sets each member in the church and sets his order and authority within
it. (1 Cor 12:11, 18, 28, 1 Pet 2:5) As God cleanses, restores and establishes
the latter-day spiritual temple, its glory will exceed that of the former
temple. And just as the Cloud filled the Tabernacle and Temple of the
Old Testament so Christ's presence will fill his Church at his return.
As Isaiah the prophet declared, the day will come when his glory will
be like a canopy over Zion for the Lord will come and rest on the whole
stretch of Mount Zion and on those who are gathered there. There will
be a cloud and smoke by day, and at night the brightness of a flaming
fire will be over all. The glory of the Lord will be like a canopy and
a tent to give protection and shelter. (Isa 4:5,6 Jerusalem Bible).
His Shekinah Glory will rest on Zion, his people. When Ezekiel saw this
coming restoration he said that the earth shone with the glory of God.
(Ezk 43:2)
HE WILL TABERNACLE WITH HIS PEOPLE
Why did Peter suggest building three tabernacles when
he saw the Lord's "parousia" or "presence" and the
cloud of glory on the mount of transfiguration? Peter wanted to celebrate
the Feast of Tabernacles or in other words the coming of the Kingdom
of God which the feast portrays. What he saw made him think that the
Kingdom had arrived. However, what he saw was only a preview of what
will happen when Christ's visible presence comes again. Then Christ
will be present with his believers and they will share his glory in
his Kingdom.
He will "tabernacle" with them and the Feast
of Tabernacles will find its perfect fulfillment - Christ with his people.
The Feast of Tabernacles follows after the Day of Atonement which is
the foreshadow of Christ's return. Christ the High priest will step
back from the invisible realm and "tabernacle" with his people.
A preview of this was seen at the Feast of Tabernacles when God filled
Solomon's temple with the cloud of Glory which then continued to abide
in the temple. (1 Kings 8:10) The final fulfillment is when "I
will dwell in them and walk in them". (2 Cor 6:16) It is God who
indwells his people by his Spirit and this is a foretaste of the eternal
state of perfection when, "the tabernacle of God" will be
among men, and he will dwell with them. There will be no more pain,
suffering or death and they shall see his face and reign with him forever
and ever.
THE PLAN OF THE TABERNACLE
The plan of both the Tabernacle and Temple illustrates
the spiritual path into God's presence. There was only one door which
led to the altar. From there the shed blood was taken into the Holy
Place where the priests daily ministered to God. Once a year the high
priest stepped through the veil into the inner sanctuary, the Holy of
Holies, where the Shekinah Presence of God abode. The route into God's
presence has not changed. There is only one door to enter, one sacrifice
to trust in and one God to come to.
We are told that these things are types and shadows of
reality. (Heb 8:39:9) When Christ died the veil in the Temple was rent
showing that the way into the presence of God was opened. Access is
only possible to those who have been washed in the blood of Christ.
Through his blood believers can in a spiritual way pass through the
veil and enter the presence of God. (Heb 9:312, 24-28, 10:19-25) By
maintaining pure fellowship with him, believers can constantly live
in the presence of the Lord "within the veil". In the Old
Testament, the presence of God was displayed in the "cloud', which
came to abide within the veil of the Holy of Holies. The actual cloud
may no longer be visible as it was then but the presence of God is still
real and can be felt. In fellowship with him believers experience the
constant presence of God dwelling with them. In fact, at conversion
Christ himself enters and INDWELLS the believer by his Spirit. The believer
is then able to walk in the light and fellowship of God. (Rom 8:9, Col
1:27, 1 Jn 1:1-2:6)
From time to time some people have actually seen the Lord
and the day will come when at his "parousia" Christ's presence
will visibly appear and believers will see him face to face, in His
SHEKINAH GLORY. The "revelation" of Jesus Christ is from a
Greek word, "apokalupsis", meaning "uncovering"
and is closely akin to "apokalupto", which means "to
unveil". (Rom 8:19, 1 Cor 1:7, 2 Thes 1:7, 1 Pet 1:7,13) At his
"parousia" the veil will be removed and Christ will again
become visible to believers who will then be able to enter and share
his Glory. His people will have access to the spirit realm and like
angels will be able to enter through the veil into his presence. Immanuel,
"God with us", will tabernacle with his people and they with
their Lord. They will know his constant presence and have permanent
access to him. He will have returned just as he promised and will set
up a Kingdom which will grow in power and glory. His Kingdom will be
unlike anything previously experienced.
CHRIST INDWELLS THE BELIEVER
Jesus said that there were many "dwelling places"
in his Father's house and that he would prepare a place for believers.
The main focus of his teaching is that believers will be united with
him just as he and his Father are one. Those that love him will also
be loved by his Father. He declared that both the Father and Son will
make their abode, or "dwelling place", in the believer.
He emphasised that he will "come again and receive them unto himself'.
Where he is, there they will be also. The emphasis is unity with Christ,
wherever he is, whether in heaven or on earth. (John 14:1-11, 20, 23,
17:20-24)
In the closing chapters of Ezekiel the prophet described
the time when God's Glory will fill his temple and he will dwell among
them. (Ezk 43:1-7) In the final verse of the last chapter of Ezekiel
the prophet made a significant statement. After describing the city
of God he declared that its new name will be "Jehovah Shammah",
the "Lord is there". (Ezk 48:35) The Lord will permanently
abide with and be at one with his people.
Christian believers may seem small and insignificant,
but they are citizens of God's kingdom. When the King returns his people
will become the most powerful people on earth who will rule and reign
with him. The "mustard seed" of God's Kingdom will one day
grow and fill the whole earth. Then there will be no room for false
religions or cults. The days of denominations will be over. The only
thing that will count is where the King's presence is manifest in the
Tabernacle of his people, set in order to contain his power and glory,
to judge the nations and teach the world the righteous acts of God.
His power will be released into his people who will take control of
the world. Great miracles, healings and conversions will take place.
As his Kingdom grows it will fill the earth and all nations will come
under its authority. This will include Jews, Muslims, Hindus and every
other nation. (Dan 7:14,18,22, Rev 11:1,15, 12:10, 5:10)
GOD'S ANCIENT NATION - THE SIGN NATION
Jesus said that at his "parousia" there would
be a "sign in the sky". (Matt 24:30) This is not necessarily
a physical phenomenon up in the atmosphere but is something of great
spiritual significance. In Revelation chapter 12 there is a great "sign"
in heaven which is described symbolically as a woman clothed with the
sun, moon and stars. Many believe it portrays the nation of Israel from
where the Messiah came, in the flesh. (Gen 37:9, Ps 89:34-37, Jer 31:35-37,
33:24)
Jesus also told the parable of the fig tree which many
Bible scholars believe portrays the earthly nation of Israel and in
which Jesus described both their scattering and regathering. (Luke 13:6,
Matt 24:32, Luke 21:20-24) Many Bible scholars believe that the rebirth
of the nation of Israel is the sign that God is about to intervene on
earth and that a remnant of God's ancient people will receive Jesus
as their Messiah. God has always used the nation of Israel to show forth
his dealings with mankind. In the past God dealt with the Jew first
and then the gentile. If we are coming to a time in which God is to
deal with the nations it will be with his ancient nation first. God
has not totally cast them away but will restore those who come to him.
Jews who seek God will come to realise that the one who was crucified
is their Messiah. A remnant of the nation will repent and turn to Yeshua
and then the true "Israel of God", both Jew and gentile believers
in Jesus, will be complete. If their rejection meant the reconciliation
of the world, then their acceptance will bring life from the dead. (Zech
12:10-14, Rom 9:24-27, 11:15,23-29, Gal 5:6)
"Is the Lord coming to the Mount of Olives?".
Zech 14:4.
Although many Bible believers look for this future event
some consider these verses to have been fulfilled when Christ came the
first time. After Zechariah wrote this prophecy Christ has indeed stood
on the Mount of Olives and Jerusalem experienced the most horrific destruction
when the Romans, with soldiers from many nations, laid seige to it.
Zechariah described the mountain cleaving in the middle to provide a
way of escape. Many Old Testament prophets used figurative terms to
convey their message - for example mountains will be removed or flattened
at the Lord's coming. Since then, Jerusalem has indeed been trodden
under foot by nation after nation but one day these very nations will
serve Christ. (Zech 4:16)
I believe Jesus will visit those of his ancient people
who are seeking their Messiah and that survivors in Israel will be the
first earthly nation to repent at Christ's return and enter his earthly
reign. However, when he returns his presence will be felt universally
and will not be limited to one place. He will be King over all the earth.
He calls all nations to repent and get ready - he is coming. (Zech 14:9,
Ps.2, Rom 11:15)
Are we in times of refreshing and cleansing in preparation
for the coming restoration?
THE LAST THREE AND A HALF YEARS
In chapter 11 of Revelation we read of a period of three
and a half years during which time there will be a powerful ministry
by two prophets. Many Bible scholars see this as the restoration of
the Elijah ministry. The prophet Elijah ministered for a period of three
and a half years ending with a mighty conflict between the false prophets
and God. (James 5:17). His ministry called the people back to God. When
Christ came the first time he also ministered for a period of three
and a half years during which time he called people to God and prepared
them for what was to come.
There is another period foretold of three and a half years
in which God will demonstrate his power. This end time is designated
as three and a half years and not seven. Both Daniel and the apostle
John refer to a future time of only three and a half years. (Dan 12:7.11,
Rev 11:2, 12:6,14, 13:5) The two prophets of God will have great power
and although resisted by Satan and killed will rise in victory alter
three and a half days and enter the "cloud" of God.
Just as there was a period of three and a half years to
usher in the church age, so there is a period of the same time to usher
in the Kingdom Age. During this period God's prophets will declare his
word with great authority. In the days of Moses God tolerated Pharaoh
in order to demonstrate his own power. Pharaoh was no match for God
who delivered his people with a display of incredible power. God will
again intervene and once more reveal his Glory. So much prophetic teaching
has emphasised the coming of anti-christ that people have forgotten
the true coming of Christ! Something amazing is going to happen during
the last three and a half years! There is going to be a supernatural
intervention by God in the most amazing manner!
See Appendix
PASSOVER
At Passover God delivered his people and also destroyed
their enemies. By placing the blood on their doors they were protected.
Behind those closed doors they were safe and the angel of death passed
through the land in judgment. This illustrates salvation through the
blood of Jesus Christ. It also looks forward to a future purging of
the earth when he comes back. At his return his people, believers in
all nations, will meet with him behind closed doors, "within the
veil". As they enter the protection of his "presence"
the angels will go through the whole earth removing all things that
offend. (Isa 26:19-21, Matt 13:39) The prophet Isaiah foretold that
when the Lord "comes out of his place" to punish the earth
there will be a resurrection and that at that time God's people will
enter their inner rooms, close the doors, and hide from the judgment
that will come upon the whole earth. (Isa 26:20)
The Passover meal, which became the "Lord's Table"
portrays something very special. When Christ partook of the Passover
he said he would not drink the cup again until he drinks it new in the
Father's Kingdom. There were a number of cups during the meal. The third
cup was known as the "Cup of Redemption" which is probably
the cup Christ shared with the disciples. (Luke 22:20) It seems he refused
to drink the fourth cup known as the "Cup of Consummation",
(Mk 14:25), and which recalled the promise that God would take his people
unto himself. The unfinished meal of Jesus was a pledge that redemption
would be consummated at the future Messianic banquet when he takes the
cup and drinks it new in the Kingdom of God. Every time Christian believers
eat and drink from the Lord's table they show his death "until
he comes". (1 Cor 11:26) The meal points to his return and the
deliverance he brings at that time.
Christ himself is the Passover Lamb, who shed his blood
and by doing so fulfilled numerous shadows and prophecies concerning
the Passover. For example, he died at Passover without a bone being
broken just as the lamb itself had no bones broken in it. After Christ's
death, blood sacrifice ceased. It is evident that Christ fulfilled Passover
and those who eat and drink of him receive his life. (Jn 6:51) He will
also return to complete its full outworking. At that time he will meet
with his loved ones "behind closed doors" and the angels will
go through the world and destroy the wicked.
SYMBOLS IN PASSOVER
The prophet Zechariah wrote that when Messiah reveals
himself to Israel it will be to family units set apart. This indicates
that Christ will disclose himself as the true fulfillment of Passover
to those who are looking for Messiah. Jews are not saved because they
are Jews but must receive Jesus Christ as Lord. Through the Passover
their eyes will be opened to understand who Jesus is. They will "see"
the wounds in his hands and know he is Lord, King and High Priest. (Zech
3:8-9, 6:12-13, 12:10-14, 13:6, 14:16)
In ancient days the Passover began as a family festival
centered in the home. Later it became a pilgrimage festival when adult
men went up to the temple in Jerusalem. After the Romans destroyed the
temple it returned to the family in the home. The Rabbis have since
taught that each person is to consider himself a temple, and prayer
the true sacrifice. Prayer, righteousness and repentance became the
emphasis. In Jewish belief the Messianic hope is kindled more strongly
at Passover than at any other time. It is the season of redemption.
According to the Midrash Rabbah (the most important collection of Haggadic
Midrashim on the Pentateuch, ie homiletic commentaries to inspire and
admonish) in Israel's history the month of Nisan is the month of redemption:
"When He (God) chose Jacob and his sons, He appointed for them
a New Moon (month) of redemption in which Israel was redeemed from Egypt
and in which they are destined to be redeemed again".
Even to this day devout Jews still keep the Passover.
They have some interesting customs in the Passover "Seder",
or ceremonial meal, which must surely point to the coming Messiah. There
is a cup called Elijah's cup which is on the table but not drunk, and
which looks to the day he will return as herald of Messiah. However,
Elijah is only a type and forerunner of the Messiah, a shadow who points
to the Messiah himself. In the meal the unleavened bread is arranged
in three divisions. The middle part is taken, broken and then hidden
somewhere in the house. Later in the meal it is looked for, taken out
and revealed. During the meal someone will get up from the table and
go to the door to see if Elijah, the herald of Messiah, has come.
These are reflections of spiritual truths. Could it be
that one day those who are praying for Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ,
will open their door and find someone standing there? And if they invite
him in will he reveal himself to searching hearts just as he revealed
himself to the two disciples at Emmaus? After all the Messiah is the
central focus of the meal and the bread and wine symbols of him, both
of his death and his return. There is no question that the feast looks
towards his coming.
DAY OF ATONEMENT AND JUDGMENT OF NATIONS - Matt 25:31
God will be King over every nation on earth. The time
will come when he will cleanse all nations. (Matt 25:31) The return
of Christ is prophetically also portrayed by the Feast of Atonement.
In contrast to Passover which was centered around the individual and
family, the feast of Atonement was a day of national repentance and
atonement. The Passover covered the sins of the individual whereas at
Atonement the high priest took the sacrificial blood and interceded
for the entire nation. As the prophet Zechariah predicted, both offices
of Kings and High priest will be combined in Christ. (Zech 6:12,13)
He will cleanse all nations on earth and the people in them who cause
offense will be removed and he will rule over them as King.
"And all the nations shall be brought together before
me. And I will sort out the people as a shepherd sorts the sheep from
the goats. I will put the sheep at my right hand. And I will put the
goats at my left. Then I, the King, shall speak to those at my right.
I will say, Come, blessed of my Father. Come into the Kingdom prepared
for you from the beginning of the world." (Matt 25:32 Simplified
Living Bible)
The angels will remove everything offensive. As one considers
the present world turmoil one must realise how imminent this judgment
must be.
THE NEW CREATION - 2 Peter 3:1-13
Peter placed the final purging of the world and the start
of the new heavens and earth as occurring on the day of Christ's parousia
or presence. In the context of this teaching he wrote that the Lord
likened a day to a thousand years. John placed the new heavens and earth
at the end of the thousand years rule of Christ. It seems, therefore,
the Day of the Lord's presence commences at his return and lasts a thousand
years, during which time he rules the nations, subdues all his enemies
and ushers in a new heavens and earth. (Rev 20:2,5, 21:1)
Just prior to that, at the end of the thousand years,
there is the final battle when Satan is released from prison and gathers
all who disobey God. They "come up or out" of the earth to
resist God. (Rev 20:7) The language conveys something of great proportions.
It is the final great rebellion of all who follow Satan and hate God.
They arise from the "four corners in the earth" and follow
Satan in a final attempt to frustrate God's purposes. It has been suggested
that, being the time of the general resurrection, the vast multitudes
of wicked men and women of all centuries and nations, who would be coming
to life, would follow Satan in this last futile rebellion. The apostle
John describes them as Gog and Magog and draws from Ezekiel's prophecy
to foretell the destruction of those who resist Christ at his return
and also at the climax of his rule. He places the complete fulfillment
of this prophecy at the end of the thousand years rule of Christ.
(Ezk 39:17, Rev 19:17, 20:7) This final rebellion only lasts a very
short time and is quickly subdued. Satan and all with him will be defeated,
the earth purged, the last judgments take place and the eternal order
established.
During the thousand years Christ will harmonise the two
realms through himself and perfect a new order which will know its fullness
in his Church. (Eph 1:17-23) The Peshitta Bible (translated from the
Ancient Eastern text from the Aramaic) explains this when it says "that
all things might be made new in heaven and on earth through Christ".
(Eph 1:9,10) The NAS Bible says that "He made known to us the mystery
of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of times,
that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heaven
and things upon the earth".
Creation comprises both the spiritual and material and
the gulf between them is an unnatural gulf which tortures it. In his
resurrection Christ showed that both realms will be reconciled and the
barriers between the two will be removed with the spiritual controlling
the material in a new way. (Col 1:13-23) There is coming a new heavens
and earth in which righteousness dwells and in which sin, suffering,
decay and death can never recur. Peter described this when he wrote
that this present world and all its works will be dissolved and burnt
up. In the context of his epistle he is referring primarily to the wickedness
of this present order. He used God's previous judgment at the flood
as an example of the future purging. It is not necessarily a total destruction
of everything but it is most certainly a catharsis and total renewal
and rearrangement, even of the elements or principles that hold it all
together. The writer of Hebrews put it most eloquently when he wrote
that this present order will be folded up like a garment and be "changed".
This is the same word used in 1 Cor 15:51,52, "to make different".
Christ will renew and make perfect the whole of creation removing the
prospect of sin ever spoiling it again. (Heb 1:10-12, 2 Pet 3:7-13,
Rev 20:11, 21: 1)
God's people will play an important role in the new order.
In his parables Christ indicated that those who are faithful to him
will be rewarded with greater responsibilities. They will judge the
world and even angels! Christ will empower his people to rule the world
and his Kingdom will never pass away. (Eph 1:17-23, Matt 24:45-47, 25:14-30,
1 Cor 6:3)
THE HEAVENLY WEDDING
You may ask, "What about heaven?"
Throughout the scriptures the union between God and his
people is likened to a marriage. This concept originated in the Old
Testament when God said he would marry his people. It is continued in
the New Testament where the church is considered as a bride of Christ
and the individual believer to be married to Christ. The marriage union
is considered a figure of the union between Christ and his church. It
is consummated in Revelation where the eternal city, New Jerusalem,
is portrayed as the bride of God.
In marriage there were certain Biblical customs which
served to portray spiritual truth. In his parables Christ drew from
these customs. Paul did too and wrote that the believer is betrothed
to Christ. In fact the betrothal was itself a binding contract. For
the believer who has been joined to Christ the marriage has already
taken place. (Rom 7:2-4, 2 Cor 11:2, Eph 5:25-32)
However, the Marriage supper is still in the future. According
to Jewish custom when a woman was betrothed the groom went away to prepare
for her. He could return at any time and the bride had to keep herself
ready. When he came it was to the bride's house where very often they
would have a supper. She and her attendants went out to him and together
they entered the doors which were shut and no one allowed to enter.
This is the most likely interpretation of Matt 25:1-13. For royalty
the marriage supper was held at the bridegroom's house and many guests
attended. This is seen in Matt 22:1-14. These customs portray both the
coming of Christ to believers at his return and also the final celebrations
with the complete bride. In Revelation we see the figure of the entire
bride, comprising both Israel and the Church, taking her place with
God in the new heavens and earth. (Rev 19:7,8, 21:2,9,12,14)
It is Jerusalem, the City of God, who is the eternal bride
of God. She will be married to him and forever dwell under his protecting
canopy. The bridechamber was originally a tent or canopy; Hebrew "chuppah".
The wedding ceremony was customarily conducted under the covering of
this canopy and the word chuppah is still used by Jews today of the
canopy under which the bride and groom stand during the ceremony. This
same canopy is seen in Isaiah 4:5 and is the cloud of his Shekinah
Glory which the Lord will stretch over all the assemblies of Mount
Zion, the city of the living God. (Heb. 12:22) As his kingdom grows,
so will the cloud of his glory until eventually Heavenly Jerusalem has
come and God and his people will be forever together within its eternal
shelter.
When Christ returns he will be present with his people
who will have access to him and be able to enter the cloud of his Glorious
presence; and his heavenly city. It seems there will be a new relationship
between the realm of heaven and that of earth. John saw New Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven like a beautiful bride. New Jerusalem will
be "coming down" to earth and those who are pure will be entering
into its gates. The day will eventually come when the new heavens and
earth, the material and spiritual, the visible and invisible, will be
united together for ever in perfect harmony. God will dwell with his
people in New Jerusalem from where he will rule over all creation for
ever. (Rev 2:3, 24-27, 22:3-5) There is a beautiful scripture in Isaiah
62:5. "As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy
God rejoice over thee."
Get ready, "the bridegroom is coming!"
PART 5 - SUMMARY
Dear reader, you will have many questions but the Lord
can reveal to you many things. He is Joshua leading his people to possess
the nations. He is David coming as King of Kings to establish his Kingdom.
He is the Branch who will build his temple. He is the Lamb of God, High
priest, and Judge of all.
Like a bride longs for her bridegroom so believers long
for Christ. Those who are looking for him will one day see him at his
return. In loving Jesus and living for him you too can expect to see
h