ARE YOU FOR RESTORATION OR RAPTURE?
FOREWORD
As life today becoming more unstable and more likely to sway on more unwanted conditions everyone must be ever prepared to act wisely. For us Christians this means faithfulness to the teachings of our Lord Jesus. And we must be always on watch of his coming should he arrives late in the night.
The worsening worldwide poverty crisis and the continues calamities striking many countries today are but signs of his coming worst judgments. Should man continue not to give honor and respect to God worst punishment is at hand.
Now is the time mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, “Let the evildoer still do evil and the filthy still be filthy and the righteous still do right and the holy still be holy,” that the dividing line between those with the BEAST, and those with THE WORD OF GOD will be clearly manifest.
It is written that the church must be found holy and without blemish, hence they must be together in unity separating themselves to those who causes divisions. They must be found as followers of “THE WORD OF GOD”. (Rev.19:13)
This Second Coming of our Lord Jesus is for the salvation of those who would meet him on the way and those who cares for his sheeps. And for the punishment of those who are not faithful to obey his teachings. Therefore, should the trumpet sounded “his coming again” everyone must be on alert to meet him on the way. However, without clear understanding in many areas of prophecy, the danger of wrong expectations would blindly led them astray.
This writings is an answer to the many arising questions related to the Second Coming, Rapture and Restoration. The complexities in understanding the many prophecies on Second Coming were congested into plain description showing what is soon to take place. Picturing the closing events of our Church Age and the beginning of the Kingdom Age. And on how the wise and the faithful will survive and how the shrewd and the unfaithful will not escape the wrath of God and the eternal fire.
Rev. Daniel Elixer S. Ortiz
Email me at danelix880@yahoo.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. AN INQUIRY AND REFLECTIONS
II. REMOVING THE MIST OF CONFUSION
III. COMING IN THE CLOUDS
IV. RAPTURE AND ITS POSSIBILITIES
V. RESTORATION FULFILLMENT
VI. THE BRIDE, THE NEW JERUSALEM, THE HOLY CITY
I. AN INQUIRY AND REFLECTIONS
Are you a Christian expecting a rapture? Do you think you will be one of those to be caught up and be with God? What if you are not prepared to meet him? Would you be forgiven if he finds you unworthy? Would you be taken if you are busy in your worldly affairs and not in spreading his words? Surely, there are many more questions to ask ourselves just to ascertain our situation on that day.
But what if your expectations of rapture did not come. And the demands of high cost of living continuously increases that even with your utmost striving only leads to an acceptance of your helplessness state to survive the worsening worldwide economic crisis. Then out of the increasing starvation and incapability to cope with the trend of competition to survive, you becomes part of the masses labeled as “people to be fed” by the alliances of the rich and powerful labeled as “the sovereign rulers and dictators.”
Then in reason of survival you were forced to submit, working with close mouth to make no objections of whatever measure of food you received as your wage. As prophesied and will surely come to pass in Rev.6:6 “a quart of wheat for day’s wages and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages.”
What would you do if even your freedom to worship becomes a threat that may result to force disposition of your job that is your only means to survive? And the laws of the state as imposed by the BEAST favors only the masses blindly led by their ignorance to file charges on you. Would you remain as faithful servant to worship God in times of persecutions?
Then comes the messengers of THE WORD OF GOD preaching God’s righteousness and announcing that “Jesus has come” along with many false accusations and persecutions against them. At first you have your doubts but after hearing their side because you do not desire to be misled; you were made to realize that the truth of salvation is on their side. Confirming all Biblical Truth they expose as they openly fight all battles of arguments against blind Pastors and teachers without lost. Would you follow if TRUTH demands obedience?
However you find yourself being held captive and entangled on many obligations and expectations demanded by your family, friends and your officemates. That your turning to the side of truth would mean separation, humiliation, avoidance, betrayal of trust from them and being marked as “fools” by some.
Would you be loyal to THE WORD OF GOD (Rev.19:13) or keep yourself aloof expecting salvation in silent prayers thinking that God will understand your situation of not exposing yourself on the side of truth? Would you continue not to take side when dividing line was made manifest between the side of THE WORD OF GOD and of the BEAST? And there you are still expecting yourself to be raptured while in action you prefer on the side of majority because of fear.
And before you were the living testimonies of the followers of THE WORD OF GOD that “Jesus has come down again gathering his faithful servants to walk with him in the midst of multitude spectators who keep on watching unknowing still that the great battle of Armageddon has already started. As the parable of the Ten virgins waiting for their master, only five meet the LORD and the others where unprepared because of lack of oil in their lamps (Matt.25:1-2).
Even with great miracles and wonders were being wrought in public that blind can see, deaf can speak, dumb can hear, lame can walk and dead are raised to life. And the glory of our Lord Jesus shines in the very face of his faithful followers, humble and meek yet powerful in speaking the truth of THE WORD OF GOD. Many remain cowards to be numbered with his faithful followers because of doubts cause by misinformation from unbelievers and false teachings.
They keep trusting on the teachings they learned from their blind pastors who misled them. Instead of following to learn more of his righteousness, worries and doubts covered their hearts. Hence they comforted themselves to listen in the counsels of blind pastors that promises “PEACE” where there is no PEACE. Knowing that their churches are falling apart because of false teachings that cannot give an assurance of salvation. Faith that is unreliable because of wrong discipline and practice.
And many are still loyal to their churches whose foundation proves unreliable. Because they are not following the teachings of our Lord Jesus that should have given them a sure foundation. Notwithstanding still that judgement to the churches has begun that those who trusted the false teachings and blind pastors can never find the way of salvation.
Would you at this time still remain undecided when the period of time of God’s grace is about to close before you? That the sealing of 144,000 has already started and every one are striving to enter the condition demanded by THE WORD OF GOD to his faithful servants to be qualified as an army of the LORD.
Remember your riches cannot save you. Your family and friends cannot help you if they too remains coward to stand and be exposed as followers of THE WORD OF GOD.
What if because of persecutions to the followers of THE WORD OF GOD they transferred to another nations to preach God’s righteousness. (Matt.10:23). And you are left with your love ones with no more chance to be better equip as soldiers because of lack of understanding on how to overcome the forces of evil in the discipline being taught by THE WORD OF GOD. Can you help yourself if even the blind Pastors are ignorant of its discipline?
Is there hope for you to be save if the reapers have already pass their sickles and found you still unripe? As Jeremiah describes in his words, “the harvest is past, the summer has ended, we are not saved.” (Jer.8:20).
My brothers, do not think these just an imaginary expectations of no serious demand of honest self-reflections. Should the sealing of 144,000 faithful servants has completed. Would you have hope to be save when the door is closed? Yet you are there outside still undecided whether to follow or not. These are pictures of reality on the fate of those half-hearted believers of THE WORD OF GOD. They will be outside of the perimeter of God’s saving grace (Rev.3:15).
Hence, preparedness is of great worth as when the calling of departure comes unexpectedly that you have to run for your lives straight ahead to the safety place. Consider what happened to the wife of Lot as they make their escape to Zoar on sudden judgement of fire to Sodom and Gomorrah. His wife turned into salt because she did not heed the warnings. Should she did not mind their home even if it will be burned, she will not be tempted to look behind and suffer death.
An honest self-reflections requires an earnest devotion to understand the truth in the Holy Scriptures. That even the belief of rapture must be examined together with other possibilities express would happened in the wide area of prophetic messages.
II. REMOVING THE MIST OF CONFUSION
In dealing with prophecy one must be more an active participants than just a viewer in far distance. As the plan of war against the enemy is generally made known to all soldiers yet remains unclear to the civilians. Even so its details and exactness of time of executions made known only to the few high-ranking official in the field. When the sounds of war begins, civilians sole duty is to escape and always on alert to fight as others are to enlist as soldiers. While the soldiers starts to advance and generals are making their commands. Civilians views happenings of war differ from the soldiers and soldiers differ from the generals. So it is with the fulfillment of prophecy.
Consider the time of our Lord Jesus ministry, truth remains in him in which he alone knows when to reveal. The apostles who are with him gradually able to grasp the revealed plan of God. And this is a gift to them in return to their sacrifices as disciples. But much remains a mystery of what is happening for those who merely come to be healed and witness the prophecy being fulfilled. Yet it was after everything was accomplished that its fulfillment was understood in the testimonies of those who are accounted worthy to suffer the persecutions of unbelievers. As it was before, so it is today the consequences in understanding the truth of prophecy.
When prophecy is due to be fulfilled the Lord sends his prophet and his presence is present when it happens. That those who seek the Lord will be instructed of their direction to find salvation. This was his announcement to the Prophet Isaiah in matters of fulfillment of prophecy. He will be there to give directions which way should we go.
Is.48:16 “Come near me and listen to this.” From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens I am there. “And now the Sovereign Lord has sent me with his Spirit. 17 This is what the Lord says,” your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God who teaches you what is best for you who directs you in the way you should go.
Somehow his coming again was related to his servants in which we should take great caution and concern for us not to be surprise of his coming judgement. This was foretold by our Lord Jesus in his parable of separation of the sheep from the goats. Wherein the coming of the Lord was not understood by his people as a coming of his servants. Though no one did recognize his coming yet the righteous were rewarded because they cared his servants.
Matt.25:39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? 40 “The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of those brothers of mine, you did for me. 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you give me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. 43 I was stranger and you did not invite me in. I needed clothes and you did not clothed me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me. 44 They also will answer, “Lord when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick and in prison and did not help you? 45 He will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment but righteous to eternal life.
Matt.10:19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, so far it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Matt.10:40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.
The issue of God’s coming down from heaven and be with his servants the prophets are but some ways of God revealing his presence in the midst of Israel that he has come down to bring salvation and judgements. During the time of Abraham he comes down to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and rescue Lot and his family. And this is also true to Moses when he set free Israel from the yoke of slavery and bring punishment to Egypt. Notice the conversation of God to Moses, He made it known to him that He comes down to rescue Israel from slavery and to bring them from the land of promise. He comes down to be with Moses and He will free Israel by His mighty hand.
Exo.3:8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land.
Exo.3:12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be a sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
Exo.6:1 “Because of my mighty hand he will let them go: because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.
Exo.6:6 I will free you from being slaves to them and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgement. 7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.
Hos.12:13 The Lord used a prophet to bring Israel up from Egypt, by a prophet he cared for him.
In the case of Jeremiah though some would say, God did not come down, he only let his holy Spirit to be with his prophet. “Are they certain that what they think is right? “Let us examine closely the truth presented in the scriptures.
Jer.1:8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, “declares the LORD.”
Jer.9:7 Therefore this is what the LORD Almighty says; “See, I will refine and test them, for what else can I do because of the sin of my people?
Jer.6:27 “I have made you a tester of metals and my people the ore, that you may observe and test their ways.”
Jer.5:14 Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty say; Because the people have spoken these words, I will make my word in your mouth a fire and these people the wood it consumes.
Jer.20:11 “But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.”
Throughout the book of Jeremiah, God speaks to Israel and is executing his judgement until the separation was made to those who are to be preserve and those to be punish. Many did suffer God’s punishment because they treated Jeremiah as a mere prophet not realizing that God is with him. Their attitude is without fear and without humility to the very presence of God that is with Jeremiah. They thought God is in far distance notwithstanding that God’s presence is in their midst and is speaking to them through his prophets.
However, to Jeremiah the prophet, God is with him like a mighty warrior. And the very ways he did in the sight of Israel as God commanded him, makes no difference on how God would deal himself with them. This oneness of Jeremiah with God through His words was not understood by Israel. That those who welcome Jeremiah also welcome the God who sends him. Those who hate Jeremiah also hate the God who send him.These they missed to see that God is there dealing with them in person.
Understand the warnings of our Lord Jesus respecting his Second Coming.
Matt.24:36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. 39 And they knew nothing about what would happen until flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field, one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill, one will be taken and the other left.
No one knows about that day or hour.
The exact day and hour cannot be known, yes, however its happenings will be clearly revealed. Just us the people seeing Noah building the ark high in the mountain and laughing at him thinking he is a fool; notwithstanding that after finishing the ark a pronouncement of judgement without mercy shall be executed to them. No one knows the exact time when this flood would destroy them. But it is within the duration of forty days and forty nights continues rains that all men must be destroyed except for Noah and his family. They were taken by surprise, not on the start of the rains but on the duration of the rains. They thought it was ordinary rain, unknown to them that it is a rain that spells their doom and death. Did Noah knows the exact time and hour? At first Noah was found righteous in the sight of God, before he receive messages from God about the coming flood. Then he was commanded to build an ark and bring the animals, his family inside the ark. Finally he was told on the coming of forty days and nights continues rain after a week time. (Gen.1:4). Therefore Noah knows the exact day of the coming rain, with understanding that great floods will arise within forty days and nights.
As for the people they were taken by surprise because they did not believe to Noah during his call of salvation. (2Pet. 2:4). Unlike for Noah and his family they were instructed of what they should do. They know with certainty that they will be save before the flood happens because of The Word of God. So it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
The period of expectation that he is to come calls for watchfulness and alertness. The period of meeting him because he comes calls for understanding and meeting him without delay. Within these two periods of event describe in his parables no one knows the exact time and day we will meet the Lord face to face. (Matt.24:44; 25:1-10).
To the watchful, he will keep himself pure as of Noah and will wait new revelations from the Lord. And to follow whatever messages from the Lord. Then comes messages from the Father on the Second Coming. Then the midnight cry will sounded the call “Jesus has come” (Matt.5:6). To the faithful, the news that Jesus has come becomes to him a firm decision to follow Jesus wherever circumstances takes him. Hence, he will strive to obey every words of Jesus when he goes out to meet him.
However, not all who will go out to meet him will be rewarded of God’s dwelling. Some were taken by surprise that they cannot get in because they arrive late. They expect a words of welcome, only to find out a words of judgement being pronounce upon them. Their unpreparedness cause them delay which resulted to their coming. Caught in a trap in shortness of time to meet the Lord only then they did realize the importance of being prepared. Because they did not took extra oil or with open mind to consider the many possibilities of fulfillment on prophecy, too late did they realize how important it was for their salvation.
Only then they did regret the days they have spend in leisures and in meeting the necessities of life. Only then they did realize the importance of his Word which they have taken for granted. Yet, even with all these regrets, there still no hope to escape the judgement of God that is now before them. Though their hearts and lips plead for mercy, in vain they find hope. Watching with envy the glories and rewards of the saints who keeps the commandments of God.
Blessed are those with extra oil for they will not stumble in dark. They understand that they will be rewarded according to their faith. (Matt.9:29). Thus, the announcement “that Jesus has come” is to them a sign that they must found with faith. (Lk.18:8). A faith that is firm to meet the Lord. “Theirs is the testimony that Jesus has come down and in following him they will see him face to face on the way.” (Matt.5: 8). While others with great joy and peace testify, “the Lord allowed me to behold his countenance and feel the warmth of his love within me.” (Lk.24:32). But even them did not know the exact time and day until the very hour that God revealed himself.
There they are coming together from afar joining the march of the saints. They knew that it was the voice of the Lord that roars like a lion and they knew that it is a sign of his coming. (Hos.11:10-11). He comes for the last ingathering of the saints to lead them to victory. For the time has come that the enemies must be destroyed by the very words that comes out of his mouth. (2 Thess.2:8). These the wicked cannot discern, they look at it as an ordinary gathering, a movement of the masses and just an act of human affairs. Not knowing that God’s mighty hand is bringing his children unto his own glory. (Jn.17:22). Hence, they were trap to stay busy with their own business, in darkness because of lack of knowledge. (Hos.3:6). Because the secrets of the Kingdom of God was given to those who will be disciples and followers of THE WORD OF GOD. To the unconcerned, “though seeing they may not see, though hearing, they may not understood.” (Lk.8:10).
Two men will be in the field, one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill, one will be taken and the other left.
As it was during the time of Noah, the righteous were separated. Because they heed to the warnings and instructions of God they were preserved. Those who are unconcerned and believe not to the warnings of Noah was left to their doom of destruction. The time of God’s saving was regarded as foolish act of Noah. Notwithstanding that the righteous was being taken to salvation and the wicked was left to suffer God’s punishment. Thus, it was said, “that one is taken and the other is left.” They were left because they are not watchful to the fulfillment of prophecy. Similar tragedy happened during the time of Prophet Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The righteous were taken to Babylon for safety those who are left to God’s judgement of war, famine, hunger and disease. (Jer.24:8-10). So for the unprepared and the wicked, this Second Coming of Jesus will be to them, “like thief in the night.” (Mt.24:43-44, Rev.3:3). Not realizing that others are already on their way to their inheritance in the Kingdom of God. (Mt.25:34).
III. COMING IN THE CLOUDS
There are many passages in the Old Testament that depicts God as coming in the clouds. Understanding its context extend the boundaries of our perceptions from the general views, allowing us to be more prepared in any eventualities. Lighting the path ahead of us, more confident we can face the coming realities.
Testimonial Songs of David
Ps.18:4 The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. 5 The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. 6 In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. 7 The earth trembled and quaked and the foundation of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. 8 Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. 9 He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. 10 He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. 11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning... 16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he draw me out of deep waters. 17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were to strong for me.18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.
This song of David resulted from actual experiences he had with God. He saw God coming down from heaven in a cloud to rescue him in the brink of death experience against his foes. His enemies did not see this saving act of God. Alone David understand this loving ways of God, because he is faithful in obeying all his laws.
Ps.18:22 All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.23 I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.
Ps.18:25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless. 26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
So this event of God’s coming in the clouds is more a personal experience of his faithful followers in times of great troubles. Perhaps this is what Jesus our Lord implicitly foretold to his disciples on the coming persecutions.
Matt.10:23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Confirming God’s presence to Israel.
Num.11:17 I will come down and speak with you there and I will take of the Spirit that is on you, and put the Spirit on them.
Num.11:24 So Moses went out and told the people what the LORD had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with them, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the Seventy elders.
In this occasion God revealed his commands to Moses and Moses transmit it to the whole congregation of Israel. Bringing the Seventy leaders in front of God confirmed by the presence of cloud. These are ways of God in meeting his people; as in other events in Exodus.
Exo.16:9 Then Moses told Aaron: ‘Say to the entire Israel community. “Come before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling” 10 While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community they looked toward the desert and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud. 11 The Lord said to Moses, I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites.
This coming down of God in the cloud is part of Israel experiences with God in their journey to the promise land. If this happened to his chosen people before, surely this will again happen to his chosen church today. (Mic.7:15). Our Lord Jesus will reveal his messages through his Prophets that sometimes confirmed by the coming of a cloud. The voice of God heard by the Prophet is in accord with the movements of the cloud.
Sometimes his coming presence is accompanied with dark clouds with lightning and thunder. (Exo.19:9,16). Where his voice sounded like thunder in the hearing of his people.
Job 37:2 Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. 3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and send it to the ends of the earth. 4 After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back. 5 God’s voice thunders in marvelous way, he does great things beyond our understanding.
Jn.12:28 Father, glorify your name! “ Then a voice came from heaven” I have glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel has spoken to him.
A Prophecy about Egypt
Is.19:1 An oracle concerning Egypt: See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them. 2 “I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptian, brother will fight against brothers, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom. 3 The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will bring their plans to nothing; they will consult the idols and the spirit of the dead, the mediums and the spiritist 4 I will hand the Egyptians over the power of cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them, “declares the Lord, The LORD Almighty.”
The LORD brought judgement to Egypt because of his haughtiness to give alms to Israelites that did not trust on God in times of war. (Eze.28:16). This judgement pictures as God coming in the clouds to Egypt. In Ezekiel this event also called the day of the Lord, a day of clouds and time of doom for the nations.
Ezek.30:3 For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.4 A sword will come against Egypt, and anguish will come upon Cush. When the skin fall in Egypt his wealth will be carried away and his foundations torn down. 5 Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia. Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt. 8 Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I set time to Egypt and all her helpers are crushed. 9 “ On that day messengers will go out from mein ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish will take hold of them on the day of Egypt’s doom, for it is sure to come.” 10 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.”
The day of the Lord because messengers of God or believers of the Lord will announce this prophecy to Egypt during this time of war with the king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. For them to know that Almighty God is behind all these wars and he alone gives victory to anyone he choose. That what he foretold will surely come to pass, that king Nebuchadnezzar will destroy them as his judgement to them.
A day of clouds to signify hopelessness situation and sure destruction because they are led by leaders that brings no righteousness.
Ezek.30:18 Dark will be the day at Tahpanhes when I break the yoke of Egypt: there her proud strength will come to an end. She will be covered with clouds and her villages will go into captivity.
Ezek.32:7 When I snuff you out I will cover the heavens and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with a cloud and the moon will not give its light. 8 All the string lights in the heavens I will darken over you; I will bring darkness over your land, declares the Sovereign LORD.
Jude 12 Shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain.
Is.45:8 You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down.
Doom of the nations because God is bringing the destruction to all nations that allied themselves to the wicked traitors who have trusted in their strength instead of following the commandments of God and put their trust on Him alone.
Ps 59:5 O LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.
In summary we can say God rides on a swift cloud and is coming to a certain country, when that country supported the enemies of THE WORD OF GOD on the coming battle of Armageddon. A pronouncement of doom is at hand to those countries who allied themselves with the rebels who refuse to obey the messages of God through his prophets.
Prophet Visions of God
Nahum 1:3 His way in the whirlwind and the storm and clouds are the dust of his feet.
Ezek.1:4 I looked and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light.
The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, 5 and in the fire was looked like four living creatures... 20 Above the expanse over their heads was looked like a throne of sapphire and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. In the history of Israel after Joshua up to the coming of our Lord Jesus the testimonies of seeing God coming in the clouds was very rare. It is only the privilege of the prophets whom the Lord revealed his plan. Wherein his judgements is being pronounce and also being executed as experience by Nahum and Ezekiel.
Why only the Prophets?
Hos.3:6 When a trumpet sounds in the city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? 7 Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. 8 The lion has roared- who will not fear? The Sovereign Lord has spoken who can but prophesy?
Matt.5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Perhaps the prophets have the most purity of heart and furthermore they are figured as the sounding trumpet of the Lord (as stated above) to bring warnings and sounds the alarm to Israel on God’s impending judgement.
Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds of blackness, like dawn spreading across the mountain a large and mighty army comes such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to come.
Joel 3:16 The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a strong hold for the people of Israel.
Along with the vision of God’s coming in the cloud is the announcement of the impending war. The message of judgement from the LORD that is being pronounce by his prophet in his chosen church for all the nations. Nations where the people of Israel comes.
Amos 6:1 Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come.
Daniel’s Dream and Fulfillment
Dan.7:13 In my vision at night I looked and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached theAncient of days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worship him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
We understand that this prophetic vision of Prophet Daniel refers to our LORD Jesus. Where the coming with the clouds of heaven figuratively indicating his divine attributes as from above. Which in truth in this statement veiled in Biblical expression as coming with the clouds of heaven. Yet like the son of man that was seen going to the Father and received the authority worthy of worshipped. This summarize the glory of God unveiling in the person of our Lord Jesus. That the Father is in him and he is with the Father. (Jn.17:21;14:11). However for those who understand this mystery, Jesus is the very God, revealing himself as a Son to fulfill his mission of Salvation, going back to his own glory before the world was made as the Word. (Jn.17:5). The very creator of heaven and earth. (Heb.1:10).
That is why in his discourse with Mary, he said he would return to the Father. Wherein after this event Thomas made his declaration that Jesus is Lord and God.
John 20:17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”
John 20:28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
And a few months after Stephen testified that Jesus is at the right hand of God.
Acts 7:56 “Look,” he said “ I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
These are all works of God for the glory of His name. Notice the testimony of Jesus our Lord in the Sanhedrin before Caiphas the high priest.
Matt.26:64 “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Though the Pharisees and Sanhedrin where not privilege of seeing our Lord Jesus in person after his resurrection. They did witness the testimony of his disciple that Jesus went with angels to heaven and continue revealing himself to them, giving them instructions and directions as God the Father in the Old Testament times. Hence, this coming in the clouds of heaven though fulfilled was not fully understood by them. Since it means that he is God as the Father who reveals himself with clouds of heaven.
The term “clouds in heaven” may also signify as “messenger of God’s righteousness.” Shepherds of God’s flock that preaches the righteousness of God. (Jude 12, Is.45:8). They are the faithful disciples of his words who are sent into the world to magnify his name. Thus, when his disciples announces the Good News of Jesus righteousness and salvation after his resurrection it is rightly correlative in symbolic language of Holy Scripture as, “Jesus is coming on the clouds of heaven.” Since those who welcome his disciples also welcome Jesus our Lord. (Matt.10:40).
IV. RAPTURE AND ITS POSSIBILITIES
1 Thess.4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
This event is generally viewed to take place on the first resurrection of the dead. However, many were confused in understanding the actuality of its fulfillment. Let us examine the passage in Revelation.
Rev.20:4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the Word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
Notice that the first resurrection includes those who remained faithful to the Word of God that had been beheaded. They are those faithful followers who are to suffer death on the coming great persecution mentioned in Rev.6:11 “until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.” Therefore the force marking of the Beast will be executed first to God’s faithful servants, which is still to come before this expectations of rapture will happened. (Rev.13:15-16).
Would you be allowed to enter the kingdom of God without passing the trials of persecution?
Acts 14:22 “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Matt.5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
John15:20 Remember the words I spoke to you: “No servant is greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
Again, would you be numbered with those to be caught up in the cloud if you are on the side of the persecutors?
Suppose you are on the side of truth, “ Can you ascertain yourself to behold our Lord Jesus coming down from heaven knowing the condition to see God is pure heart? Consider the case of eleven disciples who went to Galilee to meet our Lord Jesus. Perhaps not all have seen him.
Matt.28:17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted.
Matt.5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Heb.12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
With purity in heart and holiness must be the standing of servants to behold the coming of the Lord. However, it is also mentioned “God does nothing without revealing his plan to his servant the prophets.” (Amos 3:7). In these last days two prophets were appointed by God to reveal his plan of salvation on coming judgement. (Heb.9:28;Rev.11:4). Hence, we must be prepared to obey whatever his commandments, should we not yet have pure heart to behold his face. “ As in experiences of those who follow prophet Jeremiah and Ezekiel, they were saved.”
It is written “with a loud command and with voice of archangel.” In ordinary sense implied on description “loud command,” this demands “immediate response of obedience” of his servants. That his servants must be found obeying his words. Otherwise, the Lord will find him unprepared, slothful and even unfaithful. Therefore this denotes quick obedience to every commandments of our Lord Jesus or on messages of his prophet.
The term “with the voice of archangel” to the prophets who received the message of God given through angels this is readily understood with no shades of doubt whenever it occurs. They know exactly the voice of archangel. Aside from situation where angels introduces themselves. (Dan.8:16). Unlike to us this sounds unfamiliar.
Even then there are few passages in Scriptures that may enlighten us to recognize this voice of archangel. On prophecy dealing on last days battle of Armageddon, Archangel Michael is there to lead the angels of God against Satan. (Rev.12:7; Dan.12:1). In physical realm the faithful followers of THE WORD OF GOD are engage in battle against unbelievers and unrighteous rulers. Their sole duty is to obey THE WORD OF GOD, preached his righteousness; and bring comfort to those in need of God’s saving grace. At the same time angels are making advances to remove all that causes sin and all who do evil. (Matt.13:45). There they follow the voice of archangel under the direction of THE WORD OF GOD. Until the righteousness of his people shines out like dawn and his salvation like blazing torch. (Is.62:1).
Those who have discernment to behold the glories of the saints, whose eyes are open to see and whose ears are open to hear will understand what is taking place behind the surface happenings. As the church of God becoming a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of God. (Is.62:3). The voice of archangel continue to sounds forth. Confirming that the Lord has come to receive the church without blemish unto himself.(Eph.5:27).
In event after the first resurrection “those who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Many Christians interpret this “with a twinkling of an eye sudden change experience.” (1 Cor.15:51-52). Presuming that those who have been resurrected are on their glorified body in which those who are alive must also be in the same glorified state to be with them. Wherein these experiences include disappearance of the saints in the eyes of men.
In the Gospel there was resurrection experience of the righteous who have died before Christ coming (Matt.27:53). However, unlike the common perception today, those who have been resurrected was seen alive by many people.
Matt.27:53 They came out of the tombs and after Jesus resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
Their glorified body was seen and this body according to the prophecy, is the same dry bones of the dead that was covered with flesh and was given breath.
Ezek.37:4 The he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones. I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
Perhaps in due time they were seen and after sometime later they had gone, ofcourse they gone along with Jesus. As in the case of Prophet Elijah, he is said to have a glorified body when he went up to the heaven in a whirlwind. (2 Kings 2:12). Those who are watching in far distance did not see him went to heaven, only Prophet Elisha who is beside him did.
Do you think this experience of Prophet Elijah is possible to ordinary believers who is not a Prophet? Consider, Peter the disciple of our Lord, he did disappear in the sight of the guards while following the angel out of prison. (Acts 12:8-10). Somehow God blinded the eyes of guards on their escape. But even Peter suffer death on persecution period, and not even one according to history on Jesus disciples experience going up to heaven alive like Prophet Elijah.
Further, from the prayer of our Lord Jesus, he said, “my prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” (Matt.17:15). It was in this world that THE WORD OF GOD will purify us perfectly to be holy and inherit the Holy City, the New Jerusalem (Rev.21:1). Everyone must be an overcomer of temptation that leads us to sin and sin that causes us death. (Rom.6:23). No one that continue on sinning will be allowed to inherit this Holy City. (1 Jn.3:6).
Would there be sudden disappearance for Christians continue sinning? If the wages of sin is death his body will not become immortal unless he dies. (Heb.9:27). Christians who continue sinning cannot share the glorified body. It must be clear that the “twinkling of an eye” experience does not mean disappearance, it means “the transition between the last sin you have committed and the beginning of your holy condition of never committing sin forever.” Through following THE WORD OF GOD you become perfect and was given authority to rule with our Lord Jesus. (Dan.7:27). Being purified by THE WORD OF GOD you have passed from mortal to immortal, thus the sting of death has no power. (1 Cor.15:54-55).
Someone, might say this is impossible. But with God nothing is impossible. (Lk.18:27). Our Lord Jesus emphasized this truth “I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” (Jn.8:51, Jn.6:48-51). In the sight of Christian sinners they appear as ordinary missionaries, but in truth they are Christians forgiven and made spotless to display the wonders of God’s glory. Theirs is the life eternal forever.
Not only they are followers of THE WORD OF GOD but messengers of our Lord Jesus. They are like Prophet Elijah who have become perfect and are preachers of God’s righteousness. Their body is the temple of the living God, in them dwells the Father and the Son. (Jn.14:23). They are forever eternal in the glory of our Lord Jesus (2 Thess.1:10).
Hence, should there be disappearance, it is only possible to this saints who have received this glorified body. Since nothing is impossible with God.
Why did Paul say flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God? If you examine clearly what he means, he is referring on the earthly man, not on those who bear the likeness of our Lord Jesus. (1Cor.15:47-49). That is why he mentioned, “When the perishable has been clothed with imperishable, and the mortal with immortal, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up to victory.’ ”
“Caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air.” (1Thess.4:17).
In prophecy after the cleansing of persecution period, the cloud presence does not necessarily mean the sky above us. Instead it is only on Mount Zion (Is.4:3) or the Holy Church of God where his presence dwell.
Is.4:5 Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night, overall the glory will be canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
In other expressions those who are left after persecution will go to Mount Zion to worship the Lord.
Is.35:10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Is.66:20 And they will bring all your brothers from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord: on horses, in chariots and wagons, and mules and camels, “says the Lord.”
Now as for the change in the twinkling of an eye related to disappearance of his glorious ones if God’s will it will occur on the last trumpet as reminded by Paul.
1 Cor.15:52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
The last trumpet refers to the seventh trumpet in the book of Revelation. It describe the time of the beginning of the new heaven and new earth. (Is.65:17-18).
Rev.11:15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said; “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.
It is the time of rewarding the prophets and the saints. And a time of God’s wrath to the nations outside his kingdom and a time of judgement to the dead. Because THE WORD OF GOD began to reign.
Rev.11:17 saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”
And the heavenly Temple was seen opened to welcome the new priests of God and of Christ, as the people of the earth behold the everlasting covenant of God. “The Ten Commandments” in the ark of his covenant. (Rev.11:19).
Rev.11:19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
V. RESTORATION FULFILLMENT
In the Old Testament covenant the promise of restoration is on conditional terms agreement given by God to Israel on the basis of the Law. Partially, this was experience by Israel during the time of Joshua. Through their strict discipline of obedience with imposition of death to anyone who disregard the leadership of Joshua (Jos.1:8) and of the commandment of God. (Jos.7:25). The LORD rewarded them great blessings of conquering many cities by defeating thirty-one kings. This is the condition of the Law.
Deu.28:1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.
Deu.28:7 The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. 8 The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. 9 The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways. 10 Then all the people’s on earth will see that your are called by the name of the LORD and they will fear you.
However, after the death of Joshua, Israel again committed sins of turning to other gods. (Judg.2:17). This made the Lord very angry that God inflict upon them great troubles on the nations surrounding them because they have violated the covenant. (Jugd.2:3,20-23). The promised of Holy nation was not realize fully during their time because of disobedience from their time onward up to the time of coming of our Lord Jesus, this covenant remains unfulfilled agreement of God with Israel.
As a nation, Israel from time to time finds itself failure to perfectly meet the demands of the Law. Always God sends his prophets to remind them to obey the Law that Israel might not be totally destroyed of their own waywardness attitude. Always God preserve a few survivors after his judgement of destruction through war, pestilence, famine and hunger. (Deut.4:27). These survivors again becomes a new breed of righteous people to continue the covenant agreement with God. They were preserved for they are those who have been found faithful in obeying the messages of God through his prophets.
The demands of perfect obedience to the Law was not achieve by Israel as a nation. But as to individual they were few who have been found worthy to receive this promise of Holy nation. They were the righteous people and the prophets destined to receive the Kingdom of God. They were those who have been killed in times of persecution because of their faith in God. Others where teachers of righteousness in time of peace. Though have not reach perfection they have died righteous before God. As to the life of Noah, Daniel, and Job are exemptions for they were held blameless before God. (Job1:1;Ezek.14:14). Thus, the promise of resurrection was given to them all to inherit the Kingdom of God. (Is.26:19).
In the case of Enoch and Prophet Elijah they attained perfection in their lifetime here and went alive in the presence of God forever. The promised of restoration happened to them perfectly. The curse of death pronounce by God to Adam and his descendants did not affect them. (Gen.3:17-19). They were taken to heaven because this is the result of the Law.
Deut.5:33 “Walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”
Deut.6:24 “The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.”
Deut.30:19 Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The promise was long life in the land and this very life itself is the LORD. If their life is the LORD, therefore they are to live forever as God’s lives. Thus, they are to be in heaven where God dwells eternally.
However, the promise of a Holy Nation must be fulfilled here on the earth to his covenant people. Through the atonement of our Lord Jesus this was made possible. Those who have not perfected the Law and died righteous in the sight of God were given life to inherit this promise Holy Nation after the remission of their sin through their faith in our Lord Jesus atonement on the cross. In the first coming of our Lord Jesus they were resurrected to life to be with the Lord forever in the holy city where Jesus is their King and Lord. (Matt.27:52-53). Now in his Second Coming he will establish his kingdom on earth. All the Gentile believers who become true Israelites in heart will be gathered together before the Lord to be made perfectly holy by THE WORD OF GOD that they may enter the Holy City and be part of this holy nation soon to be establish on this earth.
1Pet. 2:9 But you are the chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Though it is known that Christians are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a Holy Nation. In the parable of the Wedding Banquet, the King will come to remove those who are not wearing a wedding clothes before the wedding of the Lamb. (Matt.22:11-14;Rev.19:8-9). This is the final cleansing of the church in these last days. As it is said many are invited but few are chosen.
Matt.13:40 As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
The weeds are to be remove, those who are teachers and followers who causes sin and all who do evil. Those who are not faithful to his covenant. Those hypocrites describe by our Lord Jesus.
Matt.15:8 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but taught by men.”
They are those who will be outside of the Kingdom of God, who will not be included in the restoration. THE WORD OF GOD has come and they have been found unsubmissive, disobedient and unfaithful to follow our Lord Jesus. The word of our Lord Jesus becomes to them, a word of judgement that barred them outside the company of the righteous. (Jn.12:48). And with enviousness they will suffer the result punishment of their works as they behold the blessing of restoration of the righteous.
VI. THE BRIDE, THE NEW JERUSALEM, THE HOLY CITY
In prophecy of Isaiah the future glory of Zion is associated with the coming of the LORD Almighty as a husband to her wife. It pictures God as a loving parent teaching the sons of Israel to live in righteousness, giving everlasting peace and victory in all their battles.
Is.54:5 For your maker is your husband – the LORD Almighty is his name the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.
Is.54:7 “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. 8 In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you, says the LORD your Redeemer.”
Is.54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and hills be removed yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Is.54:12 I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. 13 All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children’s peace. 14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you, you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. 15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you.
The LORD will teach the sons of Israel through the voice of God receives by his prophets that they may know where they should go to acquire the peace and righteousness.
Is.48:16 Come near me and listen to this. “From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret, at the time it happens, I am there.” And now the Sovereign LORD has sent me with his Spirit. 17 This is what the LORD says – your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” 18 If only you had paid attention to my commands your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Is.62:1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. 2 The nations will see your righteousness and all kings your glory, you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
This New Jerusalem will be known for his righteousness as followers of the Word of God. And people who come from every nation will find refuge and shelter to it in times of war, famine and pestilence as they humbly seek the salvation of our Lord Jesus. Because the voice
of the LORD will be there to give them peace and security. And Spirit of justice is given to him who sits in judgement, to give fair decisions on accord to the righteousness of THE WORD OF GOD.
Is.28:5 In that day the LORD Almighty will be glorious crown a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. 6 He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgement, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.
Is.28:16 See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.
1 Pet.2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
In prophecy the sons of Mount Zion will live with her as a new married couple. They will live in the church as disciples of our Lord Jesus. And with bounty blessings of good harvest always secured from the enemies. Somehow this typify the marriage of the Lamb.
Is.62:4 …for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married. 5 As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
Is.62:8 The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled; 9 but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.
This also fulfills the everlasting covenant of God to the Levites, those who are full-time workers of our Lord Jesus, the Last day disciples of THE WORD OF GOD even from Gentile nations. Being He the High Priest in their midst.
Jer.33:20 “This is what the LORD says: “If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time. 21 then my covenant with David my servant and my covenant with the Levites who are priests ministering before me can be broken and David will no longer have a descendants to reign on his throne.
Is.66:21 “And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites, says the LORD. 22 “As the new heavens and new earth that I make will endure before me, “declares the LORD, so will your name and descendants endure.
Hence in the New Jerusalem the Levites were restored to its former obligations. Because they alone have the right to carry the ark of the covenant and to receive the tithes of Israel as their inheritance. And they are the real first-born sons among the Christians, following the Lamb wherever he goes.
Deu.10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister and to pronounce blessings in his name...
Num.8:16 They are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to me.
Heb.12:23 ... to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.
Rev.14:4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as first fruits to God and the Lamb.
Further, this New Jerusalem, is more a reward of the faithful who kept his commands and endures patiently. They were kept safe by the hand of the Lord in times of worldwide trials of faith. They are those who endure and overcome the world.
Rev.3:10-12 ‘Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 ‘I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 ‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and My new name.
Hence, as disciples of our Lord Jesus, great is the affliction we have to pass through to prove our faithfulness. Because he who receives the prophet will also receive a prophet’s reward, even his persecutions. (Matt.10:22,41).
Is.30:20 Although the Lord gives you bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whatever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will be hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
Is.62:6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourself no rest. 7 And give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.
And we need not to worry because God appoint his watchmen to give warning and directions from the LORD. He will guide us if we are being led astray out of ignorance to God’s righteousness. As commanded by God to Ezekiel as Watchman of Israel during wartime and famine.
Ezek.33:7 Son of Man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel: so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die, and you do not speak out dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sins, but you will have saved yourself.
Their teachings is the way to holiness, as Jesus our Lord demands, “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” Aside from following our Lord Jesus teachings they also follow the disciplines of the Law in regard to holiness, unlike many churches today.
Ezek.22:26 Her priest do violence to my Law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy, and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.
Is.35:8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the way of holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in the way: wicked fools will not go about on it.
Is.35:9 But only the redeemed will walk there, 10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy with crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them; and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
And those with pure hearts will see the Lord face to face, like unto his prophets when Jesus our Lord returns to Zion.
Matt.5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Is. 52:8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion they will see it with their own eyes.
Rev.22:16 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
In the vision of John the beloved “the Holy City, the New Jerusalem is coming down out of heaven from God with the glory of God.” (Rev.21:10). This view of Jerusalem from above suggest it is there after ressurection of our Lord Jesus where the risen saints also dwells with him. (Matt.27:53).
Gal.4:26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free; and she is our mother.
However, in our sinful condition we cannot see it. The coming of THE WORD OF GOD enable us to participate in the gathering of angels, resurrected saints, holy men of God on the coming wedding supper of the Lamb.
Eph.1:10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Our Lord Jesus will lead us by his guiding voice as his presence also dwells in our hearts to reign as King of kings, until he put all his enemies under his feet through his body, the chosen Church.
1 Cor.15:25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
His coming to establish the eternal Kingdom on earth entails the submission of earthly rulers that his Kingdom may reign as it is in heaven. Thus THE WORD OF GOD comes to make battle against the Beast and overcome it. We the living saints of these last days will be with him in this battle of Armageddon to bring judgements to the world and fallen angels.
1 Cor.6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels[fallen angels]?
The angels of God will accompany us to give help especially in times of great dangers. Their presence allows us to escape the enemies (Acts.12:8-10) and overcome them. (Ps.91,149:5-9). Their presence together with us who are born from above ([born again Christians]1 Pet.1:23) is briefly portrayed as coming down from heaven. That the body of Christ be rewarded with authority to seat with Christ in judgement. Attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Dan.7:27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey Him.
Eph.4:13 ... until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The New Jerusalem that is now on earth exclude all who are to suffer eternal fire outside its gates, while bringing salvation to those who comes in Zion for worship. And those with pure hearts will see the Lord dwelling in the midst. Until all eyes will behold his presence when all are purified and others have been resurrected from the dead, the first resurrection, even the last judgement after 1,000 years reign of his everlasting Kingdom.
The vision of John the beloved respecting the glorious image of the New Jerusalem is in reality a true essence of what is to be the final glory as THE WORD OF GOD sanctifies the earth into its new glory of everlasting dwelling of the living saints.
AN OPEN LETTER
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings! May the peace and love of our Lord Jesus be with you all! It is my prayers that you be with me in spreading the Word of God. Through this writings I encourage you to be a part of sharing the truth on rapture and restoration to others and help them be prepared on the coming of THE WORD OF GOD.
May this be to you a means of blessings and give you more an understanding on the coming tribulations and Kingdom age. Should you want to have an inquiry you can email me at danelix880@yahoo.com. And you can be our partners in your place in spreading this writings.
Thank you and God bless you.
In Christ,
Bro. Danelix
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