HIS COMING                   1

JESUS SPOKE IN MYSTERIES. 
Every parable spoken by Jesus contained an illustration of a divine truth. In speaking in mysteries or in a message containing a secret, he was hiding the meaning from those who were not His followers. It was not their prerogative to know the deep things of the kingdom of heaven. However, to the initiated, nothing was to be hidden. They were to understand fully the plans and purposes of the Lord. Mt. 13:11

In a brief prayer, the Lord Jesus gave thanks that the things which were His, were revealed to babes, those who were His followers. While they were hidden from those who were wise and learned, surely He had reference to the religious of His day. He spoke of those who did not follow Him as having eyes with which they could see, yet were blinded to truth. They had hearing ears, but were totally deaf to the hearing of the truth. They had the ability to comprehend but were completely without understanding when it came to His teachings. Mt. 13:13  


HIS DOCTRINE. 
Jesus came with a ministry of that of a teacher, among other ministries. He taught doctrine, unashamedly. His teaching was astonishing to the people, for Jesus taught with authority. The people recognized it and appreciated it. Mk. 1:22 

The things which He taught were not originating from His own thoughts and ideas but were from the one who sent Him, His Father. Jn. 7:17 

One cannot open their Bible without immediately reading a doctrine of the Lord. The simplest act or Word of God, if there is such a thing, is a doctrine or an instruction. We are saved because there is a doctrine of salvation. The Word of God is a teaching book and every word of it is directing us in the way of eternal life. If we are willing to do HIS will, then we will know his doctrines are of God. Jn. 7:17


THE EARLY CHURCH WAS STEADFAST. 
In doctrine and fellowship. It was that which bound them together and unified them. It is called "the Apostles doctrine". A continuation of that which they had been taught by the Lord Jesus. Acts 2:42 

The scriptures are given by the inspiration of the Lord Himself. Some translations speak of them as being God-breathed. A source of the very life and breath of the Lord. The Word is profitable for teaching or doctrine, among other things. Its goal is the perfection and equipping of that God-like nature that has been imparted to us by the Spirit. A true comprehension and understanding of the great and true "thus saith the Lord" is of tremendous benefit and blessing to our spiritual life and well being. 2 Tim. 3:16 

True teaching of the WORD has never been more necessary that today. Too many Christians are satisfied to stop and be satisfied with the "elementary teachings". They are good and most necessary, but they are foundational and we are exhorted to build on them, pressing on to a full understanding of the BOOK. Striving to reach that place of perfection or spiritual maturity unto which we have been called. The ultimate of our salvation where we are like Christ in all things. Heb. 6:1




HIS COMING                    2

WARPED DOCTRINE AS A SIGN OF HIS COMING. 
We are warned that there would be a time when "sound doctrine" would not be tolerated. That means a turning aside from even the fundamentals of the doctrines of Christ, let alone the deeper teachings that promote spiritual growth. The desire being, that what they are taught be according to their life style, regardless of reproof and correction that come from the Word. The hearing ear becomes deafened to the truth and their hearts are turned away to a lie, to a myth or a fable. 2 Tim. 4:3-4


GROW UP, INTO CHRIST. 
Growing up, did you have a place on the door post where you would leave a mark showing how you had grown? Or were mother or dad your measuring post? As children, growing up was important. How much 
more is our spiritual growth of extreme importance?

No Christian can afford to remain in the childhood status. We must come to maturity. Yet, today many are being carried hither and yon by massive storms which stir up the waves and are blown about by winds of great force. Ever looking for something that is new and more exciting.  Traveling great distances to get in on the latest move. Paul warned that there would come those who would take advantage of these "winds of doctrines". Unscrupulous individuals who by trickery or by subtle scheming mislead those who are naive and untrained in the scriptures. Eph. 4:14

Contrariwise, we are to declare the TRUTH IN LOVE. That which facilitates spiritual growth, well being and maturity. Eph. 4:15 

Buy the truth and sell it not. 


A CERTAIN SIGN OF THE END OF THE AGE. 
It may not be well accepted, but Jesus very emphatically stated that "false prophets" would be a sign of the last days. The closer we come to the end, the more prevalent spurious prophets and false Christs will proliferate. 

As if though their claim to these positions were not enough, they will also demonstrate with great false signs and miracles. Their purpose is to "deceive", if possible even the very elect. 

Now, that is serious. It is difficult enough to come by the real thing, then to have these impostors come flaunting their imitation wonders, is adding insult to injury. Mt. 24:24 

The test given to us in the scriptures should be applied to every prophetic utterance, especially today. The sentence of death was upon the Old Testament false prophet. Deut. 18:20 

Jeremiah said; they came in the name of the Lord but prophesied lies in His name. The Lord did not send them, He had not appointed them, nor had He spoken to them. Their prophetic utterances originated from false visions, divination's, idolatries and delusions of their own minds. 

They prophesied contrarily to the Word of the Lord, therefore that which they said would not come on the land would be their judgment. They would die by famine and the sword. It is time for the church to take a stand against all who prophesy falsely. Those whose prophecies do not come to pass. Jer.14:14-15


HIS COMING                               3

WHO COMES FIRST, JESUS OR THE PSEUDO CHRIST? 
Paul, in his second Epistle to the church of the Thessalonians wrote concerning the Second Coming of Christ. 

Today, commonly called the Rapture. He used the Greek word, PAROUSIA, coming or Rapture in relationship to that glorious moment. He verified the time of which he was speaking by tying "our gathering together" unto Christ with the coming or rapture. There is no question 

but what the context of this portion of his letter is referring to the moment of the return of Christ. It is imperative that we start with a proper understanding of exactly what his subject is and what he is saying here.  2 Thes. 2:1 

It is obvious that he was not expecting the return of Christ in his day. He warned the church not 
to become upset or alarmed by a report, or a prophesy or a letter proclaiming that the day of Christ was about to dawn. He was well aware that the time was not ripe for the return of Christ. He was not ignorant of the time schedule that had been established by the Lord. 2 Thes. 2:2 


FIRST. 
Before all others. Firstly (in time, place, order or importance) Strong.

There can be nothing before the FIRST. There will be a falling away, an apostasy {First} where and when the antichrist is revealed, the son of destruction. 2 Thes. 2:3 

It must happen before the day of Christ refered to in, verse two, may take place. The Lord has established a divine order, a schedule of time in which the end time events will take place. He will not deviate from His Word. 


FIRST, BEFORE the rapture the antichrist must appear on the scene and do his thing. Referring back to verse one, the coming {rapture} and OUR GATHERNG TOGETHER UNTO HIM, I.E. CHRIST, is preceded by the appearance of the antichrist. Until this has taken place the Day of Christ will NOT COME.


HOW CAN WE BE SURE? 
The antichrist is destined to be destroyed at the COMING, the parousia or at the time of the rapture. The antichrist, when he  establishes his kingdom on earth will have a moment of revelation, in an attempt to duplicate the coming of Christ. The Second Coming of Christ is to be the moment of the revelation of Jesus Christ. 2 Thes. 1:7 

So, both will have a revelation or a disclosure (Gr. apokalupsis). The man revealed as the wicked one, the lawless one is to be destroyed at the second coming of Christ, therefore, of necessity the antichrist must first appear on the scene.

He will be consumed by the spirit of the mouth of Christ. The anointed Word, the sword of the Spirit, the sharp two edged sword. The brightness of the Coming of Christ will destroy him. The word brightness is the Greek word epiphaneia, manifestation or brightness of His appearing.

The word Coming is parousia once again, which is the rapture. The destruction of the antichrist will take place at the time of the rapture or the appearing or the revelation of Christ. In order for this promise to be fulfilled the antichrist must come first and finish his allotted time and then be destroyed. 2 Thes. 2:8



HIS COMING                    4

BE ALERT, BE WATCHFUL. 
That we are living in an age of deception there can be no doubt. We have watched with great consternation as men of great power and high position, men who have been leaders of large corporations have been revealed as perpetrating deceptions of every sort. 

Great religions are in disarray. The things that have been the very foundation of our way of life are crumbling on every side. 

The future is bright and cheerful, only in Christ. It is time to draw closer to the Lord. To seek Him earnestly and constantly, knowing that His is the only secure foundation. A foundation that will stand every storm. 

As no other generation of believers, we need the wisdom of the Word and the enlightenment of the Spirit for these last days. Jesus said; there would be MANY who would come in His name, saying "I am Christ" and unfortunately would DECEIVE many. Mt. 24:5 

BE AWARE that not every voice that claims to be the voice of God, is be any means His voice. If it does not speak according to His WORD, IT IS NOT GOD. 

ARE WE EVER HEARING OF WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS. 
A good segment of the daily news is devoted to "The war on terror". Let alone the many areas of the earth where insurrections and rebellions constantly flair up. An evil spirit of strife, sedition, unrest and resistance has gripped the world. The unsightly reactions of so-called "sports fans (fanatics)" revolting, rioting, destroying property and burning in the streets indicates a society out of control. An underlying rage and anger that will express itself more and more in all kinds of acts of violence. Mt. 24:6 

These things will take place, but BE NOT TROUBLED. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Place your hope and confidence in Him. However intense these things become, THE END IS NOT YET. There is much more that must be fulfilled before the end comes.


THE BEGINNING, NOT THE END. 
What we are seeing and experiencing now Jesus called, THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS. 

Nations against other nations. Domestically, nationals against the nationals of their own country, all because man wants to rule, HIS WAY.    

     Of FAMINES, the word is in the plural. A great abundance of rain, causing floods, in areas of our earth where there should not be rain, and a lack of rain where there should be rain, is resulting in a shortage of essential food. For some third world countries this is already a catastrophe.

     DISEASES, Aids has be come a plague sweeping the world. We live under the threat of the reintroduction of diseases by terrorists which have been eliminated from among human kind. Due to our mobile society of today, we carry sickness from country to country in a matter of hours. We are given knowledge of the conditions that will prevail in the end of the age for the express purpose of preparing our hearts for the tremendous and mighty works of the Lord which He will accomplish in these times. The path of just shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. Look up, your redemption draws nigh.    




HIS COMING            5

EARTHQUAKES IN A VARIETY OF PLACES. 
Their increase in numbers and intensity is a signal that we are living in the end of the age. Certainly of significance is the earthquake in Fairbanks, Alaska. Though, hundreds of miles far to the north of us, there was some minor damage here in Seattle. Utility connections to several boat houses on Lake Union were broken loose. 

Far to the east and in the deep south east the quake was felt. It also spawned a number of smaller quakes. We are told that there was a similar quake some ten years ago. While it is not the first wide spread it most certainly will not be the last. The closer we come to the end the more of this sort of wide spread quake we will see. Scientist constantly warn us that here in the Northwest it is only a matter of time before we get the "big one". Mt. 24:7   


AN EARTHQUAKE AS THE SIGN OF THE SIXTH SEAL. 
There is a number of cataclysmic events that occur under an opened sixth seal. They are introduced by a mega earthquake. At this stage of affairs all occurrences related to the seals will have a universal effect. Accompanying the quake, there will be frightening signs in the sun, moon and stars. Mt. 24:29, Mk. 13:24, Acts 2:20   Also Joel 2:10, 30-31, 3:15


PLEASE NOTE THE TIME ELEMENT STATED HERE IN THE WORDS OF JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES! 

Matthew allocated the time as being "IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION". 

Mark said, it would be "AFTER THAT TRIBULATION". 

Peter stated that it would happen "BEFORE THE GREAT AND NOTABLE DAY OF THE LORD COME". 

That which concerns us at this moment of our study is the fact that this will occur at the conclusion of the tribulation period and is closely allied to the Second Coming of Christ. 


IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION. 
THEN, at that time, the sign of the coming Son of man will appear. It is at the finish of the great 
tribulation that all the peoples of the earth will "SEE", visibly, Christ coming in the clouds of heaven. Mt. 24:30 

This is the moment when the "last trumpet" will sound and the redeemed of the earth, his elect, shall be gathered from every area and nation of the world. This is the time when He comes in clouds and receives us unto Himself. The visibility of His coming is to be seen in heaven, on earth and in hell. 

EVERY eye shall see Him. None are to be excluded from seeing the glory and beauty of this majestic event. Even those who were guilty of crucifying Him will behold Him in the day of the mighty revelation of His glory and power. Rev. 1:7 

This is that wonderful moment of resurrection and transformation when we are all caught up to spend eternity with Him. The dead in Christ raised from the dead, those who are alive and yet on earth to be changed and given a body like unto the glorious resurrected body of Christ. Blessed moment, glorious event which takes place at the conclusion of the tribulation.




HIS COMING      6

HARVESTING ANGELS. 
The blowing of the last trumpet, the seventh, and the gathering of the harvests is in the hands of Christ and His angels. They, shall gather together His elect. Mt. 24:31 

According to His time schedule, "in the dispensation of the fullness of times", He will gather all those in Christ, to be one, eternally. His timing is perfect. He is waiting for no man nor any act of man to bring about the coming of Christ. The time has been set from eternity and will be completed in His time, according to His will. There is nothing dilatory about the Lord. As He orders the universe to maintain its equilibrium, so He has established time limits for the ages of this world. Eph. 1:10 

His coming (parousia) and our gathering together are united. 2 Thes. 2:1


WHEN HE COMES IN HIS GLORY. 
From His throne a separation to be made, the two species divided into two flocks. Sheep and goats. The sheep welcomed into the kingdom. The goats consigned to a fire that had been prepared for the devil and his fallen angels, but not for mankind. But, because of their rejection of the Lord they share it with all unrighteousness. Mt. 25:31-34, 41    


BEHOLD A WHITE CLOUD. 
A man {the Lord Jesus} sitting on the cloud with a golden crown, triumphant and victorious. It is harvest time for He has a sharp sickle with which He will cut and bring in the harvest. The command came to thrust in the sickle and reap, "FOR THE TIME IS COME", exactly as scheduled, for the grain to be gathered. 

This is the first harvest and is the harvest of the righteous in resurrection and translation. He occupies an exalted position and is buoyed up by the great cloud of witnesses. Rev. 14:14-17 

That cloud is composed of the redeemed, dressed in their pure white robes. Heb. 12:1 

They are more than conquerors in Christ. They are robed in white, for they are worthy Rev. 3:4
 

THE SECOND HARVEST, THE UNRIGHTEOUS, THE GOATS. 
The appearance of the angel in charge of fire, in this case judgment. He gave a command to harvest by thrusting in the sickle and gathering the vine of the earth or the peoples, the families of the nations. Time for judgment, the grapes are fully ripe. The Amorites were not destroyed until they had
reached a full cup of iniquity. Gen. 15:16 

A full cup of iniquity, produces the wrath of the Almighty. 1 Thes. 2:16 

The Lord knows when the nations of the world will reach their apex of unrighteousness under the leadership of the antichrist and will reap the harvest of the ungodly accordingly. The vine and the fruit harvested together, nothing left by which it may reproduce. 

Complete annihilation. It is cast into the great winepress of the anger of God where it s pulverized. A great river of blood will flow from the winepress of judgment. The winepress was located "without the city". Rev. 14:18-20 

Christ suffered "without the camp". Heb. 13:11-12 In retaliation God will punish the most wicked generation ever to have lived on this earth. They are absolutely deserving of the punishment which they will receive.  



HIS COMING           7

PERSECUTION. 
As much as we would like to ignore this aspect of last day prophecy, it still is a very real part of the last day message. From verbal ridicule and political resistance to imprisonment and martyrdom, the church faces opposition in this present generation. In the extreme, Christians will be incarcerated, interrogated, murdered and hated because of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mt. 24:9 

Perhaps, even more startling are they who will turn from the Lord under such extremely unpleasant
circumstances. Becoming "turncoats" or informers who in order to save their own life, (only to lose it), will testify against their former friends in Christ. Becoming so rabid that they are filled with hatred toward them. Mt. 24:10 

We are not seeing this as happening some time in the future, It is taking place right now. Not easy to think about but very much a fact of life.


A LISTED NUMBER OF DEFECTORS. 
In spite of all the warnings contained in the scriptures pertaining to the last day deceptions, there will be a vast number who desert the Lord to follow the antichrist. In the following scriptures we are located on the brink of the tribulation period when the great last day political system of the antichrist will come into power. The forces that will rule the world at that time are satanic to the core. Any system that has the nature of a dragon is of the devil. Rev. 12:3 

It is the tail, the furthermost part or influence, of the dragon which will have great authority and do notable harm to the church. Literally, it a case of the chaff being separated from the wheat. The stars represent the redeemed. At this moment of time one/third of the church will fall under the sway and direct control of satanic authority. As usual, there is gross mistreatment at the hands of the forces of evil. Satan has no respect whatsoever toward those who turn against God as he did. They are cast or thrown violently to the earth. Rev. 12:4


A CHANGE IN HEAVEN. 
The spark which will trigger this conflict of the cleansing of heaven from the forces of satan will be the birth of the manchild and his catching up unto God and His throne. This gives evidence to the enormous importance of the manchild. He will be exalted to and will share in the eternal leadership of that heavenly throne. 

Who is he? He is the manchild, the son of Christ and the Bride of Christ. He is the finished product of the work of redemption. He is born sinless and without the possibility of sinning. He is the apex, the epitome of the whole plan of salvation. This story of perfect love, and its result is hidden and then revealed through out the Word of God. There is nothing that is more amazing and wonderful than the plan that the Lord has devised. Rev. 12:1-2,5 

This manchild is so important to the economy of heaven that the dragon is seen standing in wrath and anger before the woman with the intent of destroying her son as soon as he is born. Rev. 12:4 

Satan is completely unsuccessful and is cast out of heaven.




HIS COMING     8

WAR IN HEAVEN. 
A skirmish that is completely one sided. There is no possible way that the dragon could win, but he is always trying. He still wants to rule the heavens. Michael {Who (is) like God? The meaning of His
name easily identifies Him as none other than the Lord Jesus. Jesus is the answer to the question, for He is like God. More than that, He is God. 1 Tim. 3:16 

The dragon will lose the battle and his place will no more be found in heaven. He will be cast or hurled down. Likewise his angels with him. An act of the unlimited wrath of God. Very fitting for the occasion. He is identified as the ancient serpent, that usurper, from the beginning of time. The Devil, Satan or false accuser. 

He is exactly what his name states him to be. At a time when deceptions are so prevalent it is evident that he is working overtime. He deceived the angels in heaven and will deceive naiive Christians, in the end of the age, into believing that he is God. He will display a great number of false signs and wonders in order to convince people that he is God. Rev. 12:9


THY KINGDOM COME. 
With the expulsion of Lucifer and his followers, the fallen angels, heaven will be purified and salvation completed. 

There will be no more accusations or gossip heard in the eternal kingdom of Christ. Heaven will be once and for all purged of any remembrance of the devil, his angels or their filthy works. There must be a certain eagerness in heaven for this event to happen. 

Incidentally, this is timed to take place at the beginning of the great tribulation period. The force, the miraculous power of the Almighty will triumph, the Lord is victorious. His kingdom will come and the power of the Christ of God will be displayed.


THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN. 
Note, who is being accused, members of the body of Christ. They are his favorite subject before the throne of God. One can only imagine what a stench he is in the nostrils of the Lord. Unfortunately, we are prone to assist him by repeating accusations which periodically come our way, from other Christians, about other Christians.

Mark one up for satan when we pass on those choice morsels of gossip and accusation, which periodically come our way. Accuser is one of the devils names, manifesting his character and attitude. The word; accuser, in Greek is "against one in the assembly". (Strong.) 

Incidentally, satan does not possess the capabilities of God. He is a created being and therefore limited to the capabilities that the Lord created in him. He is not omnipresent. He, personally cannot attack different individuals all at the same time. He is limited to his current position and the work of accusing the members of the body of Christ, day and night. Rev. 12:10 

Please, do not attribute more power and capability to him than what he possesses. Addressing him in prayer, even in rebuke, using one of his names is disturbing. Michael, the archangel, the angel of resurrection did not confront him after that manner, but said, "the Lord rebuke thee". Jude 1:9

If we are to be successful in confronting him we must use Bible patterns. Particularly when they are practiced by such a notable person as Michael. 



HIS COMING    9

HEAVEN REJOICES, EARTH SHUDDERS. 
Heaven is purified. No more accusations. No more presence of satanic forces. That is cause for great rejoicing in heaven by all its inhabitants. 

CONTRARIWISE, it is great WOE, grief, sorrow and consternation to the populace of the earth. The devil has been ejected from heaven and has descended to the earth and to its people. 

This will introduce the most wicked era of time known to men since, mankind have inhabited the earth. The Spirit of the Lord has taken the Bride into the place that the Lord has prepared for her. 

She is carried by the force and power of "eagles' wings" or the power of the Holy Spirit into the desert, where she is wonderfully cared for during the three and one half year tribulation. Rev. 12:14 

Please note, there is no mention of a seven year tribulation any where in the book of Revelation, but always three and one half years. A time {one year}, times {two years} and half a time or {six months}. 

It is at this moment in time that the Holy Spirit will be removed and will no longer hinder unrighteousness. When He is gone, there will be no restraint among the ungodly. They will do their thing, wickedness of every sort will prevail. 

We are already seeing drastic changes in society that are increasing the processes of extreme vileness, corruption of every kind and perversions that are unmentionable. 2 Thes. 2:7


A SEASON OF GREAT WRATH. 
Most unfortunately, this is true from a stand point of the things that both God, and the devil will do during this brief period of time. Rest assured that it is not short enough time for the sinners of the earth. Satan is not ignorant, he knows the plan of God for the end of the age better than most Christians and it just plain frightens and angers him. He is cognizant of the fact that he is doomed and has but a little period of time in which to try to accomplish his wicked desire to rule in place of the Lord. Rev. 12:12


THE WOMAN PERSECUTED. 
Please keep in mind that this is the beginning of the great tribulation. The woman is still on this earth when the devil is cast down. Actually, she caused it by giving birth to the manchild. Time wise, we are located in the onset of that tribulation. It is important that we understand that the Bride is still on earth. The rapture has not taken place. Rev. 12:13 

For a brief moment of time the devil will persecute the Bride, but she will be delivered and taken to that beautiful desert resort that the Lord will prepared for her. They, the Bridegroom and the Bride will be the only occupants there. The beauty and majesty of that desert place is far beyond any of the scenic beauties of this present earth. Isa. 35:1-2 

The next move of satan to annihilate her will be to send a flood of water (all manner of blasphemy and lying propaganda) from his mouth stirring up the peoples of the world against her. Note Ps. 93:3-4. As always, the Lord cares and watches over His own. They are delivered from the flood by the help of the earth consuming the flood of waters. Rev. 12:15-16    




HIS COMING   10

THE REMNANT OF THE SEED OF THE WOMAN. 
Those who did not measure up to the standard of the Bride of Christ, therefore did not escape into that place prepared by God. That there are Divine requirements to be in the Bride is self evident in the Word of the Lord. 

The fivefold gift ministry is the gift of the Lord to the church. They bear the responsibility of guiding the church to its ultimate status. The body is not for them, they are for the body and are to bring it to perfection. They are to minister to it and always edify the body. Their responsibility is to produce unity of doctrine. They are to bring the body to the fullness of the measure of Christ. Causing the church to be of the same spirit and likeness of the Lord Jesus. Eph. 4:11-13

To deny this obvious work of the Spirit and the Word in the church is to deny the Word of the Lord. He will have a perfect church in the end of the age. This is revealed throughout the Word. Time is growing short. It is time for the church to awaken from her lethargy and reach out to His high and
holy standards.


TWO CLASSES OF CHRISTIANS. 
Wise, knowledgeable, students who are well instructed and have a deep appreciation and comprehension of the Word. To read the Word is necessary, but to read it and not understand it is a tragedy. It must be studied as well as read. We are required to "study, to be approved" by the Lord. 2 Tim. 2:15 

The pure in heart are depicted as being virgins awaiting the approaching Bridegroom. They make certain that their light, their lamp is with them. Their number is ten, the number of the commandments, the Law. 

They are equally divided into two categories, FIVE WISE and FIVE FOOLISH. The difference is determined by the OIL used to maintain the fire in their lamp. The WISE were competent and kept their lamps filled. While the FOOLISH allowed their lamps to be depleted of OIL and subsequently go out. 

At the dark and unexpected midnight hour the cry of the approaching Bridegroom was heard. Then, and only then did the difference become glaringly evident. The UNWISE had no OIL. While they went to replenish that which they lacked, the whole event was finished. 

On their return, they were rejected from the wedding, the door WAS SHUT. Though they cried Lord, Lord, the voice from within said, I know you not. They were left out, they are the remnant against whom the devil will do battle and kill as martyrs. Mt. 25:1-12 

Two classes, the WISE not only Spirit filled (typified by the OIL), but those who have consecrated
and fully dedicated themselves to the Lord Jesus. They are conformed to His will, until He has been able to make them to be in His image and His likeness. Rom. 9:29 

They look into the mirror of His Word and thereby are being processed, changed from glory to glory, in ever increasing glory, into the very same image as they see in the Word, by His Spirit which dwells in the those who are filled with His Spirit. In all the stirrings, the tides which cause consternation in the church world, the Lord is moving and will accomplish that which He intends to do. He will not fail in His endeavors to create that glorious and perfect church. 2 Cor. 3:18  




HIS COMING    11

AN EXASPERATED DEVIL (DRAGON.) 
Having been defeated in his attempt to thwart the plan of the Lord, he now turns to do battle with a group of Christians called the "remnant". Rev. 12:17 

These who were not transported (to the wilderness), though followers of Christ, failed to have on the wedding garments that are so vital. They did not see the necessity of possessing or wearing them. 

They are the FOOLISH virgin class. Now the consequences must be faced. There is to be no miraculous escape provided for them. They face a choice of denying Christ and taking the number name or mark of the beast or of the death of a martyr. 

If their integrity is maintained, they will not be lost. They will be beheaded for refusing to cooperate with the antichrist and his program. His mark of identification is refused and they will not worship him. Their testimony is of Jesus and His Word. Rev. 20:4


THE OLD AND THE NEW STAND TOGETHER. 
There are two streams of those who have faith in Christ to be found in the tribulation period. There will be, as we have noted, the FOOLISH virgins, people who would not consecrate themselves to a degree that would include them in the Bride class. At the same time there will be a special ministry to those who embrace the Law and keep the commandments. Rev. 12:17, Rev. 14:12

This presentation of Christ as the Messiah is delivered by two witnesses, by two men who had, and do represent the Law and the prophets. We understand who they are by their works which they had displayed in the past and do so again, repeatedly, during the tribulation. 

These men will minister in Jerusalem for the complete period of time. Their acts of judgment are the same as Moses and Elijah. Their witness is to the Law keepers, for this period of time is the last half of the seventieth week of Daniel's "Seventy Week" prophecy, which was assigned to the Israelites. 

As they believed in Jesus as the Messiah during His three and one half year ministry, so during the three and one half year ministry of the two witnesses they will believe and by faith, be saved. It will cost them their lives for any professing faith in Christ will be beheaded. Rev. 11:3,5-6 


COMMANDMENT KEEPERS. 
The recipients of the mercy and grace of the Lord, during the tribulation. Those who come to faith in Christ are to be blessed of the Lord. They are to be granted the right and privilege of eating of the fruit of the tree of life as well as full access into the city of life. The New Jerusalem, which is Christ and His Bride. Rev. 22:14 

Those who enter the tribulation period are amply warned concerning the judgments that are pronounced against those who participate in the program of the antichrist. It is eternal punishment of fire and separation from the Lord. Those who are delivered are named "saints", those who keep His commandments and express their faith in the Lord Jesus. Their patience has great reward for they will see the judgment that is determined and executed on those who persecuted them and took their lives. Rev. 14: 9-14 




HIS COMING   12

TRUE WITNESSES. 
A witness must be one who has physically, literally seen the transaction of which they are to bear witness. These men must have seen the entire life of Christ and to have participated in the same. Their right to witness truthfully is recorded in the Word. They may rightfully attest to His BIRTH, as a babe and to His childhood. Christ was visited by two men who came from the East or sun rising. They were led by a most unusual star for it stood over the place where the Christ child was.  Mt. 2

When He was TRANSFIGURED and glorified on the mount, they were there and are identified by name as being Moses and Elijah. So impressive was the presence of this amazing manifestation that the disciples were desirous of building three tabernacles for them. There is now a witness to His adulthood and the resident glory that existed in Him. Mt. 17 

At the TOMB, after His resurrection two men were seen who glowed like lightning. Men from a world of light. Their message was, why seek the living among the dead. Jesus was not in the tomb, He was risen. Lk. 24:4-5 

Two beings clothed in white, one at the head the other at the foot of where He had lain. Jn. 20:12 

Two men stood with the disciples at His ASCENSION. They proclaimed that this very same Jesus would come in like manner, visible and in glory. Acts 1:10-11 

This gives a full witness, from the cradle to the grave, they will give testimony of the life, death, resurrection and ascension the Lord Jesus. "Making known to Israel that He was their Messiah".  


MY TWO WITNESSES. 
The number required for a proper witness. Deut. 19:15 

Not only are they men who are chosen with the specific purpose of witnessing about Him and for Him, they are also His possession. They are granted the full power of their ministries past and the power of the Lord to do exploits for Him. They will aptly display the judgments of God, while at the same time prophesy or foretell future events as they are about to transpire. 

What fear and consternation that will cause the inhabitants of the earth. No wonder the world will hate them and try to do away with them. Their ministry will continue for the entire length of the tribulation period, or one thousand two hundred days, or three and one half years. Rev. 11:3 

Their clothing is sackcloth or mohair. This was worn as a sign of repentance and or deep mourning and grief. Note Jer. 4:8 Jonah 3:5

The period of time, during which they will prophesy, is the same length and the identical segment of time that the Bride will be cared for, in the wilderness. The only time element given in the Word is the three and one half period of time, variously expressed as one thousand threescore days. Rev. 12:6 Forty-two months. Rev. 11:3, Rev. 13:5 

A time, times and half a time or three and one half years. Rev. 12:14 

All these measurements are the last half of the last week of the Seventy week prophecy of Daniel found in Daniel chapter nine. The Lord is very exacting in fulfilling the prophetic utterances of His Word.   




HIS COMING   13

THE DEATH OF THE TWO WITNESSES. 
This will be at the conclusion of the allotted period of time for their ministry. This will not take place until they had FINISHED their testimony. 

The beast of the bottomless pit, the devil himself will come against them and attack them. He will be victorious and will conquer them, killing them. Their bodies will lie as a spectacle, for all the world to gaze at, for three and one half days. Burial is not granted them, it will be in retaliation for the judgments which they have brought on the world. 

A day for a year of their ministry. Their deaths call for a time of celebration by all the inhabitants of the earth. Gifts are sent one to another. Sounds not unlike Christmas time. Rev. 11:7-10


JERUSALEM. 
This is the city in which the two witnesses will reside for the three and one half years. The Lord has some very special emotions pertaining to that particular city. They seem to be diametrically opposite to many modern day prophetic ministries. The city of Revelation eleven is first of all referred to as "the holy city". v. 2 There is no question but what it is referring to Jerusalem. It is then called "the great city". The "great city" is then identified as the city where our Lord was crucified. 

In the sight of the Lord, this city, SPIRITUALLY or in spirit, figuratively is called, Sodom. A reference to the city of gross sin. And Egypt, great bondage and servitude. This gives us an insight, from the scriptures as to the feelings of the Lord toward the city. His message to them was one of love and compassion. Because of their rejection of Him he declared that their house is left
desolate. Mt. 23:37-38 

Paul compared Jerusalem to Hagar and to bondage. Gal. 4:25 

The true Jerusalem is from above and is free. Gal. 5:26 

We are to come now to the heavenly Jerusalem. Heb. 12:22 

The New Jerusalem bears the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. 3:12 

The New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ. Rev. 21:2 

It is a great city, the true HOLY City, the New Jerusalem. Rev. 21:10


THE OTHER GREAT CITY. 
Recognized as Jerusalem. Two cities. one name, one spiritual and eternal. The other carnal and very much of this world. They are of great contrast, one to the other in spirit and purpose. 

John saw a woman a great city, now called BABYLON (Confusion) because it is a center of worship for the three of the greater, major religions of the world. Once again, there can be no doubt to what city this is referring to. She is drunk, satiated with the blood of saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. Because they have killed prophets and saints they are to be judged. Rev. 18:24 

They are worthy of the righteous judgments of the Almighty, because of their slaughter of the righteous prophets and saints therefore they are given blood to drink. Rev. 16:6 

The City is on record before God that they are responsible for the slaughter which they had done over the years. Mat. 23:37 

These observations are based on the Word and not on human emotions. Please accept them as such.  




HIS COMING    14

A BRIGHT CLOUD. 
It is very apparent, from the scriptures, that this cloud is most unusual and very unique. The presence of the Lord is often veiled in it. From the time of the flood, when He stationed the RAINBOW in it, He has revealed the insignia of the Godhead in the cloud. The three main colors represent the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. One rainbow, three colors. The sign of His covenant is in the cloud. Gen. 9:13-16 

One of the beautiful sights of heaven will be the full, complete rainbow which circles the throne of the Lord. Its colors will be perfect and gorgeous. Rev. 4:3 

It is also a crown to the mighty angel, the Lord Jesus, who will proclaim the "end of time". He is clothed with the cloud of God. The rainbow is indicative of the fullness of the Godhead which dwells in Him. Rev. 10:1,6  


ISRAEL LED BY A CLOUD. 
A cloud that did not forsake them in their wilderness journey. It was their constant faithful guide and protection. The cloud served a dual purpose, it was a cloud of shelter from the heat by day and a bright pillar of fire as their light by night. The mighty miracles working power of the Lord was in the cloud. Ex. 13:21-22 

This was much more than a strange phenomenon in nature. In all actuality, it was the presence of the angel of God with them. When the Egyptian army caught up with Israel, the Lord became their fortress and stood between the two camps. To the Egyptian, it was darkness, very likely gross darkness creating fear in the hearts of the troops. To Israel it was as the light of day. Ex. 14:20 


THE LORD GOD IS A SUN AND SHIELD. Ps. 84:11 
The Lord simply looked on the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and threw them into confusion while at the same time taking off the wheels of their chariots. The Egyptians had suffer sufficiently at the hand of the Lord to recognize this as an act of God and tried to flee. Ex. 14:24-25 

The glory of the Lord. The mighty presence of the living God was manifest in the cloud making it
a cloud of His visible glory. Ex. 16:10 

The cloud of the presence of the Lord was also upon Mt Sinai in majestic glory. The appearance of that glory was a brightly burning, blazing, consuming fire in the sight of the children of Israel. Ex. 24:16-17 

That glory was imparted to Moses even as it may be and must be imparted to all Christians. One may not enter into that glory without partaking of that glory and assimilating it. Lord lead us to the
cloud. Ex. 34:29 

The Lord will have a church possessing His glory, filled with all the fullness of God.  Eph. 1:23, 3:19 

When the construction of the Tabernacle was finished and Moses dedicated it to the Lord. The Lord showed His approval by filling it with His glory. Ex. 40:34-35 

The same is true concerning the Temple. When it was consecrated to the Lord, His presence filled it in great glory. When the priests had finished their ministry in the Holy Place and exited, they could not return because the cloud of the glory of the Lord had occupied the building. 1 Ki. 8:10 

The Lord will once again visit His Temple, the church, in these last days and in that day no flesh will be able to stand before Him.



HIS COMING   15

THE CLOUD, CALLED AFTER THE NAME OF THE LORD. 
Thus, verifying it as being supernatural and spiritual. Any thing that is called after His name is His possession and will show forth His presence. Ex. 40:38 

The vision of Ezekiel pertaining to the glory of the Lord is extremely exciting. He saw a mighty windstorm, a hurricane, a stormy mighty tempest. A tremendous cloud, with a fire whirling around and about. The cloud had a brightness and the flashing of lightning. The whole was surrounded with a brilliant light. Eze. 1:4 

He described the appearance of the glory of the Lord as the rainbow that appears of the day of rain, with a brightness surrounding the whole. There is something so dramatic and exciting about the glory of the Lord as it is manifest in the cloud. It caused him to fall on his face before the Lord. Eze. 1:28


THEY SHALL SEE THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN. 
Luke has written a long list of events that must take place before the Lord Jesus returns. They are all warning signs given by the mercy of the Lord, calling men to repentance. Some of these things are taking place others have yet to be fulfilled. Rest assured Jesus will not return until all of the listed catastrophes are accomplished. Jesus said, that Jerusalem was to be trodden under foot of the gentiles. Lk. 21:24 

Many consider this to have been fulfilled. However in the decades since Israel has once more become a nation there has not been national acceptance of Jesus as their Messiah, which was to have been a part of the fulfillment of the prophecy. Paul stated, that blindness in part (or in some) has happened to Israel and will continue until the "fullness of the gentiles" take place. Rom. 11:25 

Thank the Lord for every Israelite who has repented and come to Christ, but it is anything but a wholesale happening. Yet Paul said that all Israel would be saved. Rom. 11:26 

When the temple of God (the church), the altar and those who worship in it is measured. The court yard is excluded. It does not become a portion of the temple in this case and consequently is not measured, for it becomes the possession of the gentiles. It is given to them to overwhelm Jerusalem for the period of the great tribulation or a length of time stated to be forty-two months or three and one half years, during which the two witnesses will give testimony in the city of Jerusalem. Under their ministry many Israelites will accept Jesus as their Messiah and be immediately killed by the antichrist and his followers. Rev. 11:1-2 

These two witnesses are a part of the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the translation of the living which will transpire when Jesus returns. A loud voice, a great shout is heard, the voice of the archangel (1 Thes. 4:16) calling them to ascend up. They, even as we will be caught up into the clouds of His glory. (1 Thes. 4:17). 

This gives evidence that the resurrection is one event, to all. Also that the second coming of Christ will be at the close of the great tribulation period. All prophecy must be fulfilled prior to His coming and we have not yet arrived at that point of time.



HIS COMING  16

WE WILL MEET HIM IN THE AIR, IN THE CLOUDS. 
The fact that there will be a rapture is perhaps the one prophetic point on which there is almost universal agreement. The manner in which Christ will come a second time is well documented in the scripture. Paul is speaking of His coming (Greek, parusia, rapture) in 1 Thes. 4:15. 

He will emphasize that what he is stating is by the "word of the Lord". Two classes of beings are mentioned, the living and the dead, both are to participate in the rapture. The dead, in the faith of Christ, are the first to be effected by His appearing. They are resurrected. Then the living are translated to join together with them. 1 Thes. 4: 16b-17. 

The assembling place for all the redeemed of all ages is in the heavens or the sky. And that will be in a massive buildup of clouds. This accumulation of clouds is important to this teaching. It is our meeting place with Him.


IDENTIFYING THE CLOUD. 
As we look at the Word of the Lord it becomes obvious that the cloud to which the scriptures make reference is something more that an ordinary cloud. There is a cloud, the mass of which, is composed of the multitude of believers. They are called the "cloud of witnesses". Heb. 12:1 

In as much, as the redeemed are clothed in white in heaven. It is not difficult to describe that huge gathering of the redeemed as one vast white, brilliantly shining cloud. What a marvelous, glorious sight. Rev. 7:9 

Added to that is the battle garb worn by the armies (plural) of the Lord. Fine linen (glistening), white and pure. Be assured that the whiteness of their clothing is like no fuller on earth could whiten any cloth. Their steeds are also white of color.  The word, white, used is the Greek word, leukos, or light. Visualize if you can, this astronomical army that is called, "armies", it is so great. Plus, the brilliant display of light that emanates from this cloud of glory. Exciting, exciting, exciting. What a heavenly display this will be.  Rev. 19:14 


BEHOLD, HE COMETH WITH CLOUDS. 
The coming of Christ is not a casual event. It does not take place in a corner, in secret, hidden and unnoticed by the world. The Word proclaims that "EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM". This is something that will take place when He COMES IN CLOUDS or at the time of the rapture. 

When he speaks of "EVERY EYE" He is not limiting this spectacular episode just to those who are alive on the surface of the earth.
It embraces also those who are dead. And in particular the individuals who were involved in His crucifixion. Every man who has ever been alive on the face of the earth will see His coming. Balaam said he would see Him. Num. 24:17 

Job, knowing that his body would corrupt, orally declared that he would see God. Job 19:26-27 

Heaven, with its involvement. Earth, with its anticipation. And hell, with all of its fear of that day will all be party to the visibility and the exposure of His majestic being and glory when He returns to receive from this earth those who are His very own. The saved of all the ages. The redeemed. Even so come Lord Jesus. 



HIS COMING   17

A TIME ELEMENT THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED.  
Jesus made the statement that "IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION", {Mt. 24:29} the peoples of the earth would "SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN THE CLOUDS". {Mt. 24:30}. 

How could such an important happening be better pinpointed than that which is expressed here, by the person who is coming. The day and hour may not be known until His coming is underway, but the measurement of a day and hour is very minute in the dimensions of the prophetic consequences which are on the schedule of God. Mt. 24:36

However, due to the multiplicity of signs that are prophesied in the Word, we will most assuredly be aware of the "TIMES AND THE SEASONS". 1 Thes. 5:1-2 

Those who anticipate His return will not be caught by surprise at His coming. There are too many wonderful things that happen in the church for the church not to be fully cognizant of His coming.


FURTHER EVIDENCE IN THE CLOUDS. 
Once again the scripture makes His coming to be visible. They "SHALL SEE", identifying the time when all the tribes of the earth shall "SEE HIM". It is imperative that we are made aware of the divine fact that He is seen when He comes in the clouds and we are gathered to Him. He comes in power and great glory. Visibly displayed before the nations of the whole earth. 

Because He is light, there can be no question but what He will come at the speed of light, one hundred eighty-six thousand plus miles (three hunded thousand kilometeres) per second. He will flash around this world in a moment of time. Practically passing through each time zone in a second of time. 

What an awesome sight that will be. What fear and consternation will grip the hearts of the ungodly when He comes. They are depicted as beating their chests in grief and agony. If asteroids and satellites falling to the earth burn when entering into our atmosphere and create great fear in the hearts of people, what will it be like when they see this sign of the Son of man, blazing far out beyond our atmosphere. A light that will lighten the night sky and far outshine the sun. Mt. 24:30


ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLOSE OF THE TRIBULATION. 
The tremendous sound of the last trumpet will be heard, perhaps this will be the loudest of all the trumpets. This is a signal not only to the saints but to the angels likewise, for they are to gather the saints when the trumpet sounds. The saints will be drawn together from the whole of the earth. Mt. 24:31 

This is the time of the final separation. His angels will differentiate between the ungodly and the saints. The ungodly will be excluded from the kingdom of our God, for they are offensive. They are cast into the furnace of fire, into great agony. While the righteous are welcomed into the eternal kingdom of our God and His Christ. They will shine with the eternal glory of the living God in the kingdom of the Father. They are accepted and blest of the Lord for eternity. This must be at the close of the tribulation in order to include those who are martyred during the tribulation. They too come up in the first resurrection. Mt. 13:41-42



HIS COMING      18

THIS SAME JESUS IN LIKE MANNER. 
At His ascension the disciples watched as He disappeared into the cloud. The two witnesses, the two men dressed in white, standing beside them, then informed them that this "same Jesus", not another claiming to be Jesus, would return. His coming again would be in the identical manner as He had gone. And that it would be visible and viewed by all. Acts 1:9-11


THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN. 
This sign is in conjunction with His second coming. The appearance of the sign will create great consternation among the inhabitants of earth. It is evident that there will be a universal wide revelation of the Lord Jesus, (Lk. 17:26) as the Son of man sitting at the right hand of the Father. This is related to His coming in the clouds. Mt. 26:24  Mk. 14:62 

Though the circumstances were very different, Stephen, was privileged to look into an opened heavens, so as to see Jesus standing, in honor, prepared to welcome him into the heavens of God. Acts 7:56 Jesus is again affiliated with the cloud and His kingship is shown, crowned with a golden crown. Rev. 14:14


ANOTHER VIEW OF THE SAME TIME. 
The unsaved, ungodly nations of the earth will be in great anguish at this moment of time. A more complete description of this time is given in the book of Revelation. It is at that instance that the occupants of this world will seek shelter and desire for the rocks and mountains to fall on them. They cannot stand to look on the face of the one who is situated on the throne. Nor can they confront the exceeding great wrath of the Lamb. It is a time of great judgment. Rev. 6:15-16 

It is the day of the fullness of His wrath, who can possibly withstand His awesome power. v.17 Since this is such a day of thorough judgment and annihilation, where all the sinners will be destroyed, how could there possibly be sinners in the millennium? 


THE NATIONS WERE ANGRY. 
While we have not yet arrived at this precise moment of time we can see the build up of the anger of the nations. It is a part of "nation against nation". We can be certain that conditions will not improve for this is that time. When the anger of the nations reaches its apex it will be the time of the judging of the dead, and for the giving of rewards to those who have honored His name in their life time. Their reward is resurrection from the dead and the award of a new resurrected body like unto the body of the Lord Jesus. For the unsaved, it is destruction for all those who have lived a life of sin and have been responsible for those things that have destroyed the earth. Rev. 11:18 

The rapture is not an unplanned event on the part of the Lord. If man can devise a goal and a plan, how much more the Lord. He will accomplish His thoughts and purposes exactly as they were originally depicted in His mind. Isa. 14:24




HIS COMING            19

JESUS IS COMING AS A THIEF. 
The statement is very plain announcing His coming as a thief in the night. Rev. 16:15 

He likens His coming to the visit of a thief because of the element of surprise and unpreparedness on the part of some Christians and in general the world as a whole. Every Christian should be prepared at all times for every eventuality that will effect the church. 

As we look at His coming as a thief we are made aware that the second coming is not the next event on the schedule of the Lord. The marriage of the Lamb is to be preceded by a revival of holiness and righteousness in the church. 

We will see in the scriptures the truth of the words of the Lord Jesus when He gave us the purpose of the coming of a thief, and that is to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10 

The second coming is not the casual happening that is often portrayed. For the Godly, it is a glorious event. For the ungodly, a catastrophe.


PERFECT KNOWLEDGE. 
The rapture will take place secretly? Jesus will come as a thief in the night. At a time when the cry of peace and safety is the predominant statement made by politicians and the general public. 

They will think that they have produced a utopia here on earth. The antichrist will have complete control of the earth. The vileness, the wickedness of men will have reached it peak and mankind will have that which they have desired. 

Then inescapable destruction will come upon them as the moment of birth comes on an expectant mother. There is no possibility of by passing or fleeing this day of impending judgment. 1 Thes. 5:2-3  


ENLIGHTENED OR IN DARKNESS. 
This is not to be a day of shock or surprise to those who are in Christ Jesus. Christians should not be walking in the blindness and darkness of this world. If we "rightly divide" the Word of God there is a comprehension of the plan of the Lord for the end of the age and we know that He will not deviate from it. 

That day should not come to them as a thief in the night. We are not of the night, darkness and ignorance, without the ability to see as in the daytime. Christians are the children of light, illuminated and understanding the times and the seasons. We are not asleep, He will not come to the Bride as a thief. She is prepared for the marriage and for the moment of His coming. Two different events but she is readied for each of them. 1 Thes. 5:4-6 

Those who are in Christ have been set free from the wages and blindness of sin and unbelief. They have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of God. Kingdom living is ours in the "here and now". It is a finished act of the Lord. We are citizens of the kingdom. We walk in knowledge. We are enlightened by the Word and the Spirit as to the times and the seasons. 

We do not anticipate His coming to be to His own as that of a thief. There is a vast difference between the arriving home of the man of the house and a thief. He is coming to us, fully anticipated and certainly with a great welcome. Col. 1:13




HIS COMING     20

HE WILL COME AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT. 
To the unprepared. To the ungodly and wicked. To those who walk in darkness. To those who are spiritually asleep. However, as He wrote to the church at Sardis, so His Word comes to us today with a stern warning to take heed to the Word that we have heard. 

Many today are too willing to treat the Word in a light or frivolous manner, reading and hearing it, but not responding to it in a serious way. The cry of the Lord to this generation is to "WAKE UP" and come before the Lord with "REPENTANCE". 

A serious call and words that must be heard and acted upon, or they will be included among those to whom He will come as a thief. Our spiritual condition and health will determine exactly how He comes to us. Whether it be as a thief or as a welcomed partner. Rev. 2:2   


HIS COMING, OUR GATHERING. 
Can there be any question concerning the meaning and intent of these two words, written by Paul, when he used them in his first letter to the church at Thessalonica. Coming, pariousia or rapture, the advent of Christ. Gathering together, an assemblage, a complete collection (Strongs), and that "UNTO HIM". 

He is entreating them to consider the events which precede and surround the coming of Christ. So, today, we would urge the readers of this message to consider carefully and study thoroughly his words which are recorded here. 2 Thes. 2:1 


Know the truth and be at peace. There is nothing more peaceable than a knowledge of the will and purpose of the Lord. When we are able to rightly evaluate His Word, we will not be in constant concern over situations that develop in this world. 

Periodically some false prophet concocts a reason to set a date for the coming of Christ and frightens multitudes. This will continue down to the end. It is all a part of the plan. Know the truth and be set free. 

Do not be perturbed and upset concerning that day. Paul mentioned a threefold means of creating this great concern. 

By spirit, someone's revelation, dream or visit by an angel (?). 

By word of a prophecy given in some obscure part of the globe or by a letter presumably from the Apostle. In our day the news contained in all three is quickly spread by means of the Internet, many times without the source being identified. It makes one realize how vulnerable we are to reports that have no foundation and are untrue. 

This generation of people are in touch like no other generation of people ever have been. Truly what is done in secret is shouted from the house top. Gossip and rumor are quickly spread about the world. Know and understand the details of that which speaks of the end of the age and be at peace because of the assurance of the Word of the Lord. 1 Thess. 2:2  

If we are spiritually alert and alive there will be complete confidence that He is able to deliver us from all the eventualities of that day. Maintain a close spiritual alliance with the Lord regardless of what others do. Our walk with Him is an individual walk. We follow Him and not others.



HIS COMING     21

DO NOT BE DECEIVED. 
Make certain you are not being seduced, mislead or beguiled into thinking that the coming of Christ is at hand. There are a sequence of events due to transpire at that interval of time.  

FIRST THINGS WILL BE FIRST. 

As there is a divine order to the universe, so there is in the economy of God pertaining to the end of the age. 

EMPHATICALLY, Paul said, that, that day will not come, EXCEPT, that which the Lord has scheduled happens FIRST. His coming will not take place until the apostasy is in evidence. That will be the rebellion of Apostolic leadership and others who are in high status in the church. Culminating in the revelation of the antichrist. 1 Thes. 2:3 

The second coming of Christ is the moment of His revelation from heaven. The time of His disclosure or unveiling. 1 Thes. 1:7     

The imitator, the great impersonator will also have a moment where he is revealed and proclaimed to be the Christ. In all actuality, he is the son of perdition or destruction. He comes destroying and will himself be destroyed. He must appear on the scene of the political and church arena before the second coming of Christ. 

He will have his day of power and leadership over the world and his worshippers. He must "run his course" and fully accomplish his work before the second coming of Christ. The antichrist is completely destroyed, annihilated at the time of the return of Christ. 2 Thes. 2:3


ANTICHRISTAL ATTITUDES. 
A spirit of opposition is very evident in the antichrist. He is in opposition to everything and anything that is Godly. There is likewise an adverse spirit that has been loosed in the world today. It is a part of "nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom". 

The spirit of strife is so evident in nation after nation where there are groups, many times violent, who oppose constituted governments. Most unfortunately, that same spirit has crept into the church. 

It will continue to develop until the antichrist has made his division and proclaims himself as the Christ of God. Remember, the tail of the dragon, (the tail, the extremity) will drag down one-third of the stars (saints), to the earth. Rev. 12:4 

That is one huge, world wide church split.  


      SELF. 
The egotism of the antichrist will be of the highest magnitude. His concern and interests will be focused entirely on himself. His motives and actions will all be self-centered to the nth degree. He will be the epitome and the product of an egocentric age.    


       EXHALTATION. 
The pride of his father (satan) is to be fully exhibited in him. In his own mind and spirit, his haughtiness will reach such a measure of pride that he will consider himself to be God. He will occupy the temple of God. 1 Cor. 6:19 

He is a part of the leadership of the last day church. He will come with all the abilities of satan and will work with might and power, demonstrating lying signs and wonders. It is a fearful thing to rely on signs and wonders and miracles, to follow after them and to consider them to be the evidence of the works of the Lord. 2 Thes. 2:9 

The early church had signs following them. They did not follow signs. There is a definite difference.



                HIS COMING  22

THE COMING OF CHRIST AS BLAZING FIRE. 
For as the lightning, the bright, glaring, blazing light, so shall the son of man be in His day. Certain to be the greatest and most massive display of lightning ever seen by man on earth. Mt. 17:24 

The essence of the throne of God is that of lightning. Rev. 4:5 

Lightning is portrayed as being the arrows of the Lord. What resistance can one put up against it? His lightning brought great discomfort or destruction to His enemies. Ps. 18:14 

His fire precedes Him destroying His enemies. The constant flashing of His bolts of lightning will lighten the whole earth and the earth will quake before Him. The mountains will melt like wax in front of Him. There will be an intense wave of fire and heat preceding Him that will melt the mighty mountains. Ps. 97:3-5

Plus the fact that ALL WILL SEE His glory. v.6 Will the destruction wrought at His coming really be so awesome? Every island will be removed from its current position on this globe and every mountain will never again be found. Rev. 16:20


PRECOMING WARNINGS. 
When the seven trumpets (the seventh is the last) are about to sound there will be an introduction to coming events which will not be a pleasant occasion. Fire from the altar will be cast into the earth. Its results will be a great electrical storm with the accompanying thunder. Voices will be heard which will be terribly frightening. All this to be followed by a massive earthquake. Rev. 8:5 

The sounding of the seventh trumpet will cover a brief period of time. Note the scripture speaks of "DAYS" where the angel is about to sound. Rev. 10:7 

This is the time of great anger, on part of the nations of the world and the manifestation of the wrath of God. It is a time of judgment and rewards. Plus the destruction of those who destroyed the earth. Rev. 11:18 

Then at the sounding of the trumpet, the temple in heaven is opened and the ark of the covenant (or His testament) was revealed. This likewise will have tremendous consequences on earth. Lightning, voice, thundering, a great earthquake (again) plus a great world wide hail storm. Rev. 11:19


IT IS DONE. 
The pouring out of the seventh bowl is the great climax of all that will take place in the days of the coming of Christ. It is here, at last, that the annunciation of the precise moment of the second coming of Christ is made. The Lord will say, it has been accomplished, it is over, IT IS DONE. Rev. 16:17 

Once again there will be mighty and horrendous manifestations such as we have seen. This, however, is the great and final earthquake. One such as has never been before, since men have been on earth. The final judgment of spiritual Babylon will take place here. 

All the cities of the nations will be destroyed at this moment of time. {How can we live in them during the millennium and rule over them if they are destroyed?} Rev. 16:18-19 

There seems to be a bit of a discrepancy between the teachings of men and the Word of God.    



                          HIS COMING   23

HE WILL BE GLORIFIED IN HIS SAINTS. 
This beautiful celebration is on schedule for the second coming of Christ. At the same moment of time, fittingly, He will be the admiration and marvel of all who have believed in Him. 2 Thes. 1:10 

This helps to seal the fact of the other events listed here. Associating them with the second coming of Christ. Inasmuch, as there are saints who die during the tribulation period, this would require that the coming of Christ, "to be glorified in His saints", would not be consummated until all martyrs had been slain. The dragon will make war, and in war people die, with the remnant of the seed of the woman, who are saints. Rev. 12:17 

The antichrist has authority to conduct war with the saints and overcome them. Rev. 13:7 

Great Babylon, the harlot church, the church of consummate compromise will also kill the saints. Rev. 17:6 

The two witnesses will also be slaughtered at the conclusion of their ministry which is at the end of the tribulation. Rev. 11:7 

There can be no question about which city they are killed in. It is the same city where Christ was crucified. The feelings of the Lord toward the city are revealed when He called is Sodom and Egypt. Rev. 11:8 


REVELATION FOUR, ONE. 
This verse has "nothing whatsoever" to do with the second coming of Christ. The invitation was extended to John to enter into heaven and behold the majestic throne of the Lord. There is not even the slightest hint here of the coming of Christ. John heard a "VOICE" like a trumpet, which was to carry on a conversation with him, showing and describing the heavenly order. John and only John was caught up to heaven. Most unfortunately, he was returned to earth and had to finish his sojourn here.


WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED. CHANGED IN A MOMENT. 
IN THE TWIGKLING OF AN EYE. AT THE LAST TRUMPET.
The change that will be accomplished is not the spiritual man, but the physical man, the corrupt body. If the spiritual man is not right with the Lord at this moment of time, it is too late. The change is instantaneous, the mortal will put on immortality, the corrupt (body) will put on incorruption. 

Because they are human, believers die, as do all men. There is implanted within the man of faith, that seed of faith, which will germinate and spring forth immediately at the sound of the resurrection trumpet. 

The seventh trumpet is the trumpet of resurrection and life. The body that shall be can never be corrupted by sin or sickness. Its source of life is the Spirit of life. It is made like the glorious resurrected body of the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. 15:51-54 

In the final moments of the tribulation the only living saints on the earth will be the Bride in the wilderness. Rev. 12 

The complete alteration of the physical bodies of the members of the Bride will be that which is accomplished among the living when He comes. They are the ones who are changed in a moment, for they are the only saints alive at the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.  



                                HIS COMING   24    

A THUMB NAIL SKETCH OF THE LAST DAYS IN PSALM FIFTY.

THE VOICE OF THE LORD. 
Consistently, the LORD, Jehovah communes with those who will hear His voice. From the rising of the sun to the setting of the same. He is faithful in speaking to the hearts of men. In mercy and compassion He calls them unto Himself. Ps. 50:1 

Day by day He proclaims His glory. Ps. 19:1-4


ZION, THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY. 
Beautiful beyond description because the glory of the Lord shines forth from her. Only the true Zion of the Lord can measure up to the description given, "THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY". Her beauty is not a natural beauty but she is beautified by the majestic glory of the "HOLY ONE", who dwells within her. Isa. 12:6 

There is a very special moment when the Lord will occupy His temple in a mighty and very special way. It is a period of silence and quietness because of the holiness and sanctity of that occasion. Hab. 2:20 

Even heaven follows suit and is bathed in utter silence. Rev. 8:1 

Could there possibly be any more beautiful and more gorgeously arrayed than the Bride of Christ as seen in Revelation twelve? Though many may not be aware of it, this is really where the focus of the heart of the church should be. The second coming is important but of far greater importance is our preparation for the next great event for the church, the marriage of the Lamb.


THE GATHERING OF THE REDEEMED. 
The assembling of His people unto Himself helps us to understand the time element involved here. It is the time of His coming and the revelation of the mighty devouring fire. Ps. 50:3-5 

Those who are a part of this coming together are they who have entered into covenant relationship with Christ, by virtue of His precious blood. Here will be found the redeemed of all ages. Those whom He has purchased with His own blood and have received the blessings of the covenant. The NEW COVENANT, the only one that is effective. Heb. 8:13


HE COMES WITH A SHOUT. 
He will not keep silence. The shout of the warrior will be heard. He shall cry aloud, even roar and will triumph against all His enemies. Isa. 42:13-14 

Too long the church has looked upon the second coming of Christ as a secret, casual happening. Actually, it is the greatest catastrophe ever to strike the earth. 

For He is coming with a fiery presence and is surrounded by a mighty tempest. In the day of the revelation of righteous and majestic wrath, who will be able to stand before the God of the whole universe? 

Repeatedly, the scriptures mention the frightfulness of the day of the coming of the God who is a blazing fire. As awesome as the descriptions are, it is difficult to imagine the complete and utter destruction which will take place at that time. It will be absolute chaos.



                HIS COMING    25

ANTICIPATION. 
With patience we wait for His appearing. Once again the thought conveyed by the scriptures is that of an event that is visible. To make an appearance is to be seen and not hidden. Paul called it the "blessed hope". Without equivocation, he emphasized the fact of an open and very seeable emergence of the Lord Jesus Christ. He also called it a glorious manifestation. Titus 2:13 

The key word here is "appearing", (Greek, epiphaneia, a manifestation, appearing or brightness). His advent is not in secret but will be evident to all. Once again reference must be made to the actuality of His coming in clouds and that EVERY EYE, the living and the dead shall view His coming. Rev. 1:7 

There is no secret "second coming". His dealings with His church are an entirely different matter. What He does in His church and how He deals with His church is a private situation, between Christ and His church. Once again, it is on the marriage of the Lamb that we should be focusing our full hearted desires and efforts. 


JUDGED. 
The day of His coming will be a day which will seal forever the eternal status of every individual. This will take place at the time of His epiphany or appearing. 

Instantaneously, the quick (living) and the dead are judged. A determination is made as to their eternal and everlasting status. The righteous will inherit eternal life, the unrighteous will enter into eternal death. The books were opened. Dan. 7:10, Rev. 20:12 

The book being the memory, the mind of each individual. The total past of that person will be recalled and exposed. There are no secrets hidden from the Lord. Lk. 12:2 

Just as every action taken on a computer is retained on the hard drive, so the past of all is recorded in their memory. There will be no need of each person standing individually for judgment. God will deal with all, at one and the same time. This judgment will not be a long drawn out affair. 

Jesus likewise referred to this moment of time as a time of great and absolute separation. Please note that this happens when He comes "IN HIS GLORY ", which is the time of His APPEARING or His EPIPHANY. 

There are only two classes of people represented here. The sheep, the righteous. The goats, the unrighteous. 

The righteous are rewarded and enthusiastically welcomed by acceptance and entrance into the eternal kingdom of God.

Conversely, the unrighteous are rightly sentenced, by a just and righteous God. They will spend eternity, in a place that was prepared initially for the devil and the angels who fell with him. A place of everlasting fire. Mt. 25:31-41 

No wonder the peoples of the earth mourn when they SEE His sign in the heavens. His coming in clouds, with power and GREAT GLORY. The time element of this event is supplied for us when He stated that it is at the time of harvest. The time when His angels gather the elect from the extremes of the earth. All this to take place with the sound of the trumpet. Mt. 24:30 

Surely the Word is very explicit in determining the last day events that will precede His appearing in the end of the age.



                   HIS COMING  26

UNTIL HIS APPEARING. 
Once again, this is an event that is completely under the control of the Lord. Nothing that any human being does will hurry or deter the plan of the Lord in relationship to the coming of Christ. The times and seasons are in His hands. He will show this to be true by the revelation of who the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the only Potentate is. 1 Tim. 6:15 

We are to maintain our acknowledgment of Him until the day of His appearing. That day may only be fulfilled when all that is to be accomplished has been finished. The church is to maintain a standard of purity and righteousness until that day arrives. It is the day of His epiphany, when He is displayed to all. His majesty, His glory, His revelation, His appearing becomes apparent to all. 1 Tim. 6:14 

The resurrection and the translation of the living in Christ is associated with His appearing, for when He shall appear we shall also appear with Him. Not a work that is done in secret but one that is open and very visible. Col. 3:4


THE EQUALITY OF HIS APPEARING AND THE RAPTURE. 
These are not two different circumstances but one and the same event. We are exhorted to abide, to continue to dwell in Him which will be the only safe place for that particular time. So that, when He shall appear we may not be ashamed but have great confidence at the moment of His coming (parousia, rapture). It is obvious that the two words are relating to one event. 1 Jn. 2:20 

Christ will only come a "second time, once". 


CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED BEFORE HE COMES. 
One situation that must be met seems to be very close to its fulfillment and that is the ministering of the Gospel to the whole world. Radio and TV are used extensively to cover the world with the Good News. While one may not always agree with what is presented, the fact remains that the Gospel is being preached. Mt. 24:14 

Then there is the GREAT TRIBULATION. A time of trouble and sorrows such as has never been nor ever shall be again. This is a must, which will precede the second coming of Christ. Mt. 24:21

The time element is very specific, for Jesus said, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION. 

The events of which He spoke are all pre-coming happenings and are signs of His appearing. The celestial signs are fearsome judgments that will come upon the world. Consider seriously the conditions that prevail in the hearts of men when the sun is darkened. The source of light and heat is cut off. The moon not giving its light is a natural consequence of a darkened sun. Accompanying this darkness will be showers of meteorites, some only flashing through the sky but certainly some will strike the earth. Turmoil and upheaval in the powers of the heavens speak to us of conflict between the might and power of the Lord and the forces of darkness. There is only one outcome, Christ wins. Mt. 24:29  

Spiritual conflict of this magnitude could well spill over into the universe and create a cataclysmic upheaval or universal quake.     




                    HIS COMING    27

IMMEDIATELY AFTER.  
The time element of the second coming of Christ could not be more plainly declared. To place that moment of time anywhere but at the conclusion of the tribulation is an injustice to the Word of the Lord. This term is used in Mt. 24:29 

Mark stated, "but in those days, after that tribulation". "Following that distress" NIV. As has been pointed out so many times in these studies, the tribulation must have been consummated in order for the second coming to take place. It is here that He is seen coming in the clouds of glory. Mt. 24:30 

Another extremely positive sign as to the second coming of Christ being at the conclusion of the tribulation is the sound of the trumpet and the gathering of the elect of God. Mt. 24:31 

These are undeniable and true statements made by the Lord Jesus, Himself.


SYNOPSIS OF THE ANTICHRIST. 
    He must come first and appear on the scene as Christ. His coming is from the sea or the masses of humanity. He is a man who will totally surrendered himself to the powers of satan. Rev. 13:1 

The world which he
will control is much greater than a restored Roman empire. He will literally control the whole world. Note the dragon, satan, will bestow on him his power, his throne and his great authority. All this is limited to the world of darkness and evil. Rev. 13:2 

Please keep in mind that all that the antichrist will be able to establish will be destroyed by the brightness (epheniah) of the coming (parousia) of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess. 2:8 

The Word so beautifully blends together. 

    The events in that day will be world wide and will effect all of humanity. When the capabilities of the antichrist are demonstrated the world will actually go berserk, astonished to a height of insanity. They will worship the dragon (satan) and likewise the beast from the sea, the antichrist. It is very apparent that mankind will be extremely religious in the end of the age, but will not worship the true and the living God. Rev.13:3-4

    Their battle cry will be, "WHO CAN MAKE WAR WITH HIM". In the first place he is a man of war, filled with all the desire of satan for revenge.

He comes with apparent peace. Secondly, he will produce a peace which will unite the world for a brief period of time. That in itself is a great sign that the end is near, for when they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction will come of the world. 1 Thess. 5:3 

Interestingly enough, war and peace are two very prominent elements of our life today. The world will have to know that there is an impending mighty conflict about to take place at the second coming of Christ. They are placing their hopes in the antichrist. Surely he will be able to deliver them from the great day of judgment which is about to take place. They have found their Goliath, their hero, the one in whom they are placing all their trust and confidence. He will deliver them. 

Satan from the beginning was a deceiver and will continue to be so until the end. Rev. 13:4  
    


                                       HIS COMING  28

THE WARS OF SATAN AND THE ANTICHRIST. 
The spirit of contention, discord and dissension wherever it might manifest itself, and in whatever form, is the spirit of satan. He can but create strife, turmoil and division.

    War in heaven. This is the introduction to the great tribulation period. Heaven will be cleansed of all that is ungodly and satanic. It is difficult to imagine the current activities of satan being allowed in the kingdom of God. He is seen as the "accuser of the brethren". An operation which he conducts, relentlessly, day and night. Rev. 12:10c 

What a source of irritation he must be for the Lord and for all who are residents of that heavenly home. He and his army lose this skirmish and eternally are cast out from before the throne of God. Never again will they find an audience before the Lord, in the kingdom of heaven. Rev. 12:7-9 

Victory is loudly and powerfully proclaimed in heaven. It is a message of deliverance, of the miraculous powerful working of the Lord. An introduction of the kingdom of God and the tremendous ability and authority of the Christ of God. The Lord has proven Himself to be the Almighty. Rev. 12:10b 

A victory
is always a cause for rejoicing and this is certainly a tremendous reason to be glad and exhibit great joy. The heavens themselves and the occupants of the same find cause for gladness and joy. Rev. 12:12a 

This will be an introduction of the great calamities that are due to take place on the earth during the great tribulation. Satan will suddenly realize just exactly what has happened to him and what the consequences are. 

When he does, he is filled with extreme wrath and anger. He will recognize that his time is short and that the extremity of his capabilities has come upon him. So great is the anguish and sorrow that will strike the earth at this time that they are warned of an impending great woe. Rev. 12:12b 

When he becomes fully cognizant of his circumstances he will turn to attack the woman who had brought forth the manchild. He persecuted her and followed after her to do her harm. Rev. 12:13 

He had already failed to destroy the manchild which was born of the woman. Rev. 12:4b 

This woman is the bride of Christ. Various interpretations have been advanced, most of which make this to be a historic event. The language of the book of Revelation makes the whole of the book to be prophetic, or a foretelling of things to come. John was shown "things which must shortly come to pass". In the future. Rev. 1:1 

For "the time is at hand". Definitely not something that had happened in the past. Rev. 1:3 

He was told to write, "the things which shall be hereafter". Certainly, not relating to events which had already happened. Rev. 1:19 

John was ushered into heaven where he was to be shown things "which shall be hereafter". Positively in the future. Rev. 4:1 

There are two things that we must know about the book of Revelation;

It is prophetic and is being fulfilled in our day. 

The other is that the events are not recorded according to the sequence of their fulfillment. 

We see that in this twelfth chapter. However it is not difficult to see the complete picture as it unfolds before us.



                            HIS COMING  29

SATANIC ATTACKS AGAINST THE CHURCH. 
Persecution is the order of the last days. There are three major thrusts made by the powers of darkness. 

The first will be just prior to the birth of the manchild, where the dragon, the devil, will stand before the woman to destroy her child as soon as it is born. Rev. 12:4b 

The church, the Bride of Christ, will also be a party to this time of persecution. The Lord has other plans for this manchild and will snatch him, immediately at his birth, from the earth, from the attack of the dragon, to the very throne of the Lord. 

The manchild is a vital part of the eternal plan of the Lord. His assignment and position in heavenly, eternal affairs is in leadership. Rev. 12:5 


THE WOMAN, THE BRIDE OF CHRIST PERSECUTED. 
The devil will have reached a high level of frenzied wrath and anger because of his defeat. His extreme fury will be directed toward the woman, the Bride. Rev. 12:13 

She too will be delivered in a miraculous fashion from all the fierceness of the tyranny of the devil. His final act against her is as she is removed into her place of divine shelter. Satan will send a command to destroy her, as a mighty flood of waters, which proceed from his mouth. Her experience will be like that of the Psalmist in Psalm 18:4-6 "The floods of ungodly men". 

The waters, Babylon, the false church, the great harlot church embraced by the multitudes of the nations of that generation. (The formation of this church is evident in our world, today.) Rev. 17:15


THE MIGHTY DELIVERANCE OF THE BRIDE. 
Not only is she delivered from that particular attempt of satan to destroy her, but she is graciously protected and watched over for the entire length of the tribulation period. The same mighty force and power of God which delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt will effectively deliver the Bride. Ex. 19:4 

Because she has sought the Lord and has been endued with "eagle wing power", the full and complete anointing of the Holy Spirit, He, the Spirit, will be her power of deliverance and transportation. Isa. 40:31 

Her place of refuge and shelter is called "the wilderness". The physical location of this place on the earth is really immaterial. With modern day capabilities of viewing the earth from satellites and other observational equipment, there is no place to hide. The place of this refuge will be well known but made untouchable by the divine protections of the Lord. 

As with Israel of old the pillar of cloud and fire was their separation from Egypt, so the same majestic power of the Lord will be a curtain and shelter, as well as a light to the church in the wilderness. Ex. 14:19-20 

A beautiful prophecy of the condition of this wilderness is given to us in Isaiah 51:3 

It will be the Eden of the Lord here on earth. A place of great beauty and tranquillity. The wilderness experience will not be a time of hardship and trouble. The condition of the world will be one manifestation of the judgments of the Lord after another. The Bride in the wilderness will be totally untouched by all these calamities recorded in the book of Revelation. 




                HIS COMING  30

THE PLACE OF REFUGE. 
It is called her place. She is in the exact center of the perfect will of the Lord. It is what He has planned for her. Her protection is that which only the Lord could accomplish. Her peace and comfort is assured. She will not have to confront the devil, the serpent nor any of his cohorts during this entire period of time. For the entire length of the tribulation period which here is numbered as being a time, and a times and half a time or three and one-half years. Rev. 12:14


AN ANGRY DRAGON. 
By this time he has met with utter frustration and his anger will reach an extremely high peak. Having been unable to harm the manchild or his mother. He now turns to the "remnant of the woman's 
seed" or those who did not meet the requirements of the bride. They are the foolish virgin class of Mt. 25: Those who do not have their lamps filled with oil, the Holy Spirit. 

Included in this number will be the Israelites who believe and receive the witness and testimony of the two witnesses, namely Moses and Elijah, the Law and the prophets. This is a tribulation event. The dragon will make war with this remnant and will over come them. Rev. 12:17 


A GREAT MULTITUDE. 
It is very apparent that the number of those who come to faith during the tribulation and those who maintain their faith will be an immense number. They are stated as being innumerable. 

Their origins are from every language and nation on the face of the earth. They have reached out and embraced the Lord Jesus as the Lamb of God, the only source of salvation. 

As their white robes indicate they are people who love righteousness. The palm branches indicate their victory and their worship unto the Lord. Rev. 7:9 

The question is asked, "who are they"; the response is that they are the ones who came out of great tribulation. They are saved and made righteous by the precious blood of the Lamb. They are positioned before the throne of grace where they are privileged to serve the Lord eternally. The Lord will dwell among them or spread His tent (NIV) over then. They will always be in close proximity to the Lord. 
Rev. 7:13-15 

The care of the Lord toward these will be very special, and there will be no more tears shed by them. Rev. 7:16-17 

Note carefully the horrendous times that have confronted these who are believers during the tribulation period.  They will die as martyrs for resisting the number name of mark of the antichrist. This is why they will receive such special attention and high position in the kingdom of God. Rev. 20:4 

The reason that we are paying such close attention is because they are a part of the "FIRST RESURRECTION". Rev. 20:5 

The first resurrection is at the time of the second coming. These who die in the tribulation period are a positive part of those who are resurrected. The second coming could not possibly take place until these have died for they are such a definite part of it. The second coming cannot possibly take place until the end of the great tribulation period. 




                HIS COMING   31

BEFORE AND AFTER. 
Celestial signs and manifestation will take place. Will that happen before the coming of Christ or after? The scriptures say both and it is both. 

It was Joel who indicated that there will be tremendous demonstrations in the heavens and on the earth. These will not be natural spectacular events but are actual acts of God. Wonders of every sort will be seen and experienced by the inhabitants of the earth. Among them will be the darkness of the sun and the sign of blood on the moon. Joel 2:30-31. 

Peter, on the day of Pentecost, quoted this portion of scripture, and was to state that these occurrences were to take place "BEFORE" the great and notable day of the Lord shall come. Acts 2:20

Luke signified that this would be the period of time when the hearts of men would fail them "for fear" of the things which were happening. Truly it will be an awesome and fearsome time for all who do not know the Lord as their Savior. Lk. 21:25-26


WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE HE COMES? 
These are strong warnings of impending disasters that will effect the heavens and the earth. There are SEVEN TRUMPETS that are to be sounded preceding the second coming. In this series of trumpets the last would be the SEVENTH. The SEVENTH is the trumpet of His appearing. In these punishments which we will view, it must be remembered that at this time, the world will have reached an unprecedented state of ungodliness and unrighteousness. Each and every act of judgment by God is well deserving of those who are to be punished. 
 

    THE FIRST TRUMPET. 
The sounding of this trumpet will produce a threefold manifestation of judgment against the earth. Unleashed will be a great storm spewing out hail, fire and blood. These actions are designed for punishment. They are not localized tempests but will most certainly be world wide and extremely destructive. 

The hail will be large and intense. 

The fire or lightening excessive. 

The blood, not a red tide sucked up into the sky, but blood as a punishment for the rejection of the blood of the Lamb. 

The consequence of these God ordained meterologic catastrophes is drastic. It will create one extremely great conflagration which will burn one third of the trees which are on the earth. 

Mankind is already stripping the earth of its forests. The past few years there have been some colossal forest fires not just isolated to one country, but around the world. What has been is nothing to what will be wrought by the impact of this great fire and destruction of the forests. 

Droughts, floods, slides and other such disasters have been the result of deforestation, whether by logging or by fire, the consequences for disaster are many. 

ALL, green grass is consumed by these fires, that would include vegetables. This is a scenario for famine. No food for man or animals. There is no doubt but what man is destroying the earth but in the ultimate the Lord has reserved the final destruction for Himself.  This is not the conclusion, only the beginning. Rev. 8:7 



                            HIS COMING  32

THE SOUNDING OF THE SECOND TRUMPET. 
It is necessary that we understand that the first three trumpets are pretribulation trumpets. They are but an introduction to that horrendous period of time and its heinous events. Rev. 8:8 

It must also be stated here that for the "true church" it will be a time of the Divine protection of the Lord. The promise of His Word will be in effect which was made under the opening of the third seal. See to it that the oil and the wine are not hurt. There is a glorious protection for those who are consecrated to Christ. Rev. 6:6 
    

A GREAT MOUNTAIN. 
Great in the sense of huge, or immense. Mountains in the scriptures are descriptive of political, religious and spiritual powers. Great Babylon is to be revived in the end of the age. Not as a city of political force and domination but as a religious entity. 

It will be seen as an amalgamated religious body embracing all religions. Christ is not to be found in this conglomeration of every belief. Their opposition against Zion, the true church is duly noted by the Lord. Jer. 51:24 

He has sworn that He will cause Babylon to pay for the evil which they have committed against His people. The Lord will voice His opposition against the "destroying mountain" or mountain of destruction and corruption. 

It is an exact picture of the last day false church or great harlot. She is seen as the great prostitute corrupting the whole earth in every way, with her practices, her compromising doctrines and teachings. She is also a murderer having persecuted the saints, even to killing them. Rev. 19:2 

The last day political order will rise up against her and destroy her. The measure of judgment inflicted on her at that time will be in comparison to that which she perpetrate against the last day saints who become martyrs. Rev. 17:16  


THE BURNT MOUNTAIN. 
Jeremiah prophesied against this great mountain proclaiming its destruction and its burning. The fire of the Lord will be manifest against such a wicked and evil force. Jer. 51:25 

Strange, though the time for these judgments against the ungodly latter day forces and their followers has not yet arrived. In almost every situation where there will be an infliction of punishment there is already, today, an evidence of that impending circumstance. 

For instance, under the impact of the sounding of this second trumpet, one-third of the creatures of the sea will die, what a stench that will be as their dead bodies wash up on the beaches of the world. Already there are many reports of a lack of fish in the sea. 

This same thing is true with very many of the conditions that will come to pass in the last days. One gets the feeling that the Lord is already trying to warn us of impending fulfillment of the sounding of the trumpets. 

So great is the impact of the fall of this hugh burning mountain of fire that one-third of the ships of the sea will be destroyed at one and the same time. What a terrible jolt that will be to world commerce. It will also have a terrific impact on the distribution of food stuff by way of ships. This will not be a very pleasant world to live in the end of the age. Rev. 8:9



                            HIS COMING  33

THE THIRD TRUMPET. 
The fall of a great star. Lucifer, himself a being of light. He is called the son of the morning, morning star or son of the dawn. Amazing, that one such as he should originate from such a high position. Rev. 8:10 

Today, people who are outstanding are called stars. Interesting. 

LUCIFER, Brightness. Day star in the margin of some Bibles. Isa.14:12

This name comes from a root word meaning; to be clear, to shine, hence to make a show, to boast, and thus to be clamorously foolish, to rave. Lucifer is Satan the Devil. We see here his appearance and his nature and character. Lucifer is not what he tries to appear to be. Any light in him is darkness. Mt. 6:23 

How great is that darkness. It is complete and absolute.
    

 A WARNING for the end of the age or our time.  Lucifer will present himself as a being of light. 2 Cor.11:14 

He disguises himself as a person of light yet he is darkness personified. Beware of the worship of angels. Col.2:18  

So much emphasis is made of angelic presence. I prefer the presence of the Holy Spirit. There is a real danger in the attitude of Christians toward angels in these last days.


THE INSURRECTION.

The five I WILLS of LUCIFER.

IN HIS HEART HE SAID:    Isa. 14:13

1. I WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN. 
A desire to replace all authority and power. Heaven is of such magnitude that it is most desirable.


2. I WILL EXALT MY THRONE. 
Lifted up with pride he desired to be exalted and worshipped. My throne, would indicate that he had a throne, he was not of lowly position. Next to the Godhead he was the greatest in Heaven. His ambition drove him to be above all.

a. Above the stars. Stars represent the children of the Lord, the saints. Lucifer wanted to control them then and still is trying to dominate the saints of God. Note Dan.12:3


3. I WILL SIT UPON THE MOUNT OF THE CONGREGATION. 
He would be a judge and a king ruling over the people of God. He is after the church of the Living God and in particular, the Bride of Christ. How strongly he is seeking for control. The NORTH cannot be ignored here for it indicates a secret place, a place of protection. There are two things of note here.

a. The Most Holy place in the Temple was on the sides of the North. Jerusalem, was the city of God. Ps. 48:2 The Most Holy place was where the Lord would manifest His glory on the Mercy Seat. 

b. The Bride of Christ will be hidden in the wilderness during the great tribulation period. Rev.12:6     She will dwell in the secret place of the Most High, fed and nourished by her God. What a glorious experience.


4. I WILL ASCEND ABOVE THE HEIGHTS OF THE CLOUDS. Once again seeking control of the people of God, the cloud of witnesses. Heb.12:1 

    
                HIS COMING  34

5. I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH. 
An assertion of pride. Pride is most destructive.  I WILL BE GOD.  Eze.28:2 

I AM A GOD. I SIT IN THE SEAT OF GOD. In the midst of the seas or humanity. Many today look to the "A god within themselves" or to a false god of some nature. In so doing they simply acknowledge that LUCIFER is their father. An impostor, a false god.

The words of the prophet to Tyrus are directed to Lucifer and afford us an opportunity to see into the past. The status and presence of Lucifer is absolutely astonishing. We find this in Ezekiel 28: 

[quote]Thou sealest up the sum or you were the very finality, the consummation, the fullness of wisdom. Solomon's wisdom excelled all but his life was contrary to the word of the Lord. there is a wisdom that is not Godly. Perfect in beauty. The very epitome of beauty. An absolute example of what beauty was to be. You were the model of perfection. NIV  The word beauty can also indicate to be bright. Lucifer was a being of light in the heavens. 

You were in Eden. The garden of God. There was no place from which he was excluded.  Every precious stone, stones of light, of great value was a covering or protection to him. Note that there are nine stones mentioned. Nine is the number of the Holy Spirit, nine fruit, nine gifts, nine virtues. These stones, plus three others, were used in the breastplate of the High Priest. Six of these stones are to be in the Foundation of the New Jerusalem, six is the number of man. Rev.21:19  

Babylon, the harlot church is also decked with a variety of precious stones. Rev. 17:4 

The imitation is made to appear as the real thing.  Lucifer was the High Priest of the heavenly until he sinned. These stones were unquestionably set in gold. The righteousness and eternity of God. The word, workmanship, is an interesting word for it carries the intent of deputyship or ministry.  Tabrets, tambourine or drum. The pipes with holes, musical instruments.

    The day that thou was created. Lucifer for all his exalted position was not, nor will he ever be, equal to God. God is eternal. Lucifer is created. God did not create sin. The word, evil, in Isa. 45:7 is the Hebrew word Ra'. Which means adversity, affliction, to punish or distress. Lucifer will be judged in the land where he was created. Eze.21:38  

He will stand before the judgment seat of the Lord and final judgment will be passed upon him. His fate is sealed and certain. Satan is pictured as a hideous being and is presented as a frightening character, while just the opposite is true. The scriptures show him to be an entity of beauty, attractive and wise. Sin is appealing to the natural man or else mankind would not pay the consequences of sin, which is death. Satans casting out of heaven and his subsequent fall to earth will be with a great display of fire, for he comes as a burning lamp. Rev. 8:10 

That display, in itself, will deceive many into thinking that his fall is the second coming of Christ because of the great display of fire.



                             HIS COMING 35


THE AGE OF BITTERNESS. 
Preceding every act of the Lord in these last days there would appear to be a "natural consequence" forewarning of the coming event. Water is a vital element in relationship to life on this earth. Now, scientist are predicting shortages of water on a global scale. Along with that, we are living in a generation of bitter people, most unfortunately, even in the church. The lamentations and bitterness of soul of Hezekiah are recorded in Isaiah 38:9-17 where he stated that all that he had experienced was for his benefit. For the Lord, in His love had kept him form the pit and had cast all his sins behind His back. v.17 Bitterness need not control us. There is victory in Christ.


A PRE-TRIBULATION WARNING.  
The Lord is merciful. Rather than plunging the world into the throes of agony and despair, He sends a warning. This fallen star will cause a third of all the rivers of the world and a third of all the fountains or source of water to become bitter or unsafe. The spirit of satan is bitterness personified. If you are by any means infected with that spirit, get rid of it. Bitterness will kill the spirit of man, as these bitter waters will kill the physical man. Rev. 8:10-11 

As with the previous thought on the I WILLS OF SATAN, I am going to insert here a previous study.


AFSANTIN (WORMWOOD). 
 
Rev. 8:10  "And there fell a great star."
What is the significance of a star? Especially one of this magnitude. A star is a heavenly body emitting light. In the scripture a star is representative of a believer, both in the Old and New testaments. It is well to note that this falling star descends as a LAMP, in other words a light bearer.     

Isa. 14:12  "How are thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer". 
Lucifer, son of the morning or morning star. A being of light, brightness. His position in the kingdom of God was as close to God and His throne as a created being could be without being a part of the Godhead. His beauty and splendor, his high and holy position in Gods holy mountain, his perfection and anointing are made manifest in Ezekiel 28: 12 thru 15. 

Note also Eze.28:17 "thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy BRIGHTNESS". 

Lucifer was an anointed creation of God, filled with the glory of the most high. His position was awesome and will be occupied by the bride of Christ.   



                                                 HIS COMING  36

WORMWOOD. (CONTINUED.)

Isa.14:13-14 The cause of his fall and casting down. Pride and jealousy in desiring to rule over the stars of God and wanting to replace the Most High. Beware of arrogance, pride and a desire to be "a big shot." This gives us an insight into the ways of satan. He is the father of the fallen star for he, himself is the fallen one. 

With the preceding statements we will better be able to understand that there is a great star yet to fall. His fall will greatly effect the events which will transpire on earth. Rest assured that they will not be pleasant for the inhabitants of this earth. It is the time of...


         THE GREAT TRIBULATION. 

2 Thess. 2:3 - 4. 
The revelation of the "man of sin", the son of perdition and ruin. Satan can only destroy, wreck and demolish everything he is involved with. There is nothing good or positive in him. He is always damaging and negative. This "man of Sin" is the antichrist. 

Please note that he has a moment of REVELATION. This will be spectacular and will equate to the anticipation of many to the Second Coming of Christ. v.9  

Be warned that the antichrist will come in a spectacular fashion. The word "COMING" here is the Greek word parousia which is translated to mean rapture. The manifestation of the antichrist will be comparable to what many teach the Second Coming of Christ to be. Take particular note that the antichrist comes with satanic "power and signs and lying wonders".

He comes with all manner of deception for those who do not know and love the truth. This is strong delusion. Buy the truth and sell it not. The antichrist is next to appear on the world scene. He must come before Christ in order for the scripture to be fulfilled. Jesus will destroy the antichrist at the time of His Second Coming. 2Thes.2:8  

Satan is destroyed by the spirit of the mouth of Jesus, i.e. the WORD, by the brightness (epiphaneia - manifestation, appearing) and by the Coming (parousia, rapture) of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Some would make this to be two events, however Paul, made it plain that there is only one, Second Coming of The Lord Jesus. 

Jer.9:12 - 15.  Why are these people fed with wormwood? They have forsaken the law and would not obey the Lord nor walk in his ways. They went in the way of their own stubborn hearts and followed the way of Baal. This is what produces both wormwood and gall. To obey is better than sacrifice. They are given gall or poisoned waters to drink because of their resistance and disobedience to the Word of the Lord. The Lord is longsuffering and merciful beyond the capabilities of man but He too, has His limits. Israel reached that ultimate act of rebellion therefore they were to know the sure judgments of the Lord.  



                                            HIS COMING  37

WORMWOOD (CONTINUED).

Jer. 23:9-15. The true prophet was broken hearted because of the utterances of the false prophets. He staggered and shook like a drunken man for he knew the WORD and the consequences to come. Because of sin, a curse is on the land, the pattern of life is evil. Those who are in power misuse their power. Both "prophet and priest are Godless".

v.11. Their wickedness is even found in the temple of the Lord. Remember the antichrist will occupy the throne of the temple. Their ways are "slippery" (very smooth, treacherous and flattery). 

v.12. Please note the language used here. "They will fall". .  "The year of their visitation". All relating to prophets who prophecy from their own spirit and not from the spirit of the Lord. In Samaria they prophesied by Baal causing the people of the Lord to go astray. In Jerusalem the Lord saw a horrible thing, the prophets lived in adultery, made the wicked to prevail until no one repented of their unrighteousness. He declared them to be like Sodom and Gomorrah. The sin of Sodom is prevalent in the church today and in the ministry. 

v.15. The promise of impending wormwood and gall is because of all their ungodliness.


Jer. 23: 16-28 How to identify the false prophets. Do not listen to them. They prophecy only false hopes. their vision comes from their own heart and not from the mouth of the Lord. 

v.17. They say to those who despise the Lord. "Ye shall have peace". To those who follow the desires of their own stubborn hearts they say; "No evil shall come upon you". 

v.18 - 20. A judgment of the fury and wrath of the Lord upon them "in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly". 

v.21 Prophets prophesying who have not been called of the Lord. 

v.22. They do not take council of the Lord, for if they had they would have turned the people to the Lord. 

v.25. The Lord has heard what the lying prophets have said. 

v.26. They are called prophets of deceit. 

v.27 - 28. Their purpose is to cause the people to forget the name of the Lord. Will it be a dream or the word of the Lord? What is the chaff to the wheat? The chaff surrounds the wheat until harvest time and then there is a separation. 

We are coming to harvest time. The chaff will be separated and cast into the fire to be burned. Chaff is much in evidence today but not for long. There is a coming change. False prophets produce wormwood and gall.


 
                               HIS COMING  38

WORMWOOD (CONTINUED)

Acts 8. The conversion of Simon the sorcerer in Samaria. He believed, was baptized and followed with Philip observing all the works of the Lord. And when Simon saw the laying on of hands and the reception of the Holy Ghost. He immediately desired that power, wanting to purchase it with money. 

What a deceiver money is. How many have lost their salvation to it. Peter rebuked him and commanded him to repent. "Thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity". Two things produced the gall of bitterness, a desire for power and a love of money.

Heb. 12:15 - 17. Missing the grace of God. Because of bitterness. Esau was sexually immoral and godless. He sold the rights of inheritance that were his. When he came to himself he sought its return, even with tears but to no avail. He was rejected. 

No one can afford to retain bitterness in their spirit. Make certain you are free from all bitterness. The bitter of spirit will recognize a kindred spirit in the antichrist and will be deceived by him. The most minute root of bitterness must be eradicated. There are some roots that are smaller than a hair, ever so small, but they produce the same results, a plant or a tree. 

It is not sufficient that the person with a root of bitterness spoil their own life but they spread their bitterness until many are contaminated. 

The test of a "root of bitterness" is one that all who would follow Christ will have to confront and overcome. At some stage of Christian experience this will become a problem. It is not uncommon for the source to be someone that we highly esteem or love dearly.

No one will escape the opportunity of spiritual maturity that is produced in those who overcome and forgive. Heb. 12:15 


Rom. 16:17-18 The bitter in spirit are identifiable and must be marked as such. Their works are made manifest. They spread a spirit of division wherever they go. 

They place stumbling blocks in the paths of those who would walk with Christ. Especially in their dealings with young Christians whom they may easily persuade. 

These are not servants of the Lord but serve their own desires, most generally for revenge. They strive to destroy the effectiveness of others, particularly those who are in a position of leadership. 

They are noted for their smooth talk and ability to persuade naive and young Christians. These must be noted, marked (interesting) and avoided. This will be a great problem in the end of the age. We face it even now.



                                HIS COMING  39

A POWERFUL WARNING OF IMPENDING TRIBULATION. 
We well know that the Lord is a God of exceeding great mercy. It is not His will that men perish but would have all be saved. Therefore He is faithful in indicating that horrible times are about to break forth on the earth. This sign will be in the form of darkness. A blotting out of light that is absolute. The world will learn how total the darkness of Egypt actually was. It was something that
could be "felt", or to grope. Ex. 10:21 

For three days they were unable to leave the place where they were when Moses pronounced the judgment on them. They could not see one another. They remained in complete confinement. Ex. 10:23 

However in dwelling places of the children of Israel there was light. The great tribulation will conclude with a typical event. Jesus said, IMMEDIATELY AFTER, or at the conclusion of that period of time, all light would be extinguished. Sun moon and stars will all be deadened. A blackness and lightlessness as only God can produce. Mt. 24:27 

It must be noted here that there will be a tremendous upheaval and quaking in the heavens which will accompany this happening. In this total absence of light, a complete black out. Suddenly, the GREAT LIGHT of His coming will appear in the heavens. What an awesome sight that will be. Oh yes, they will see Him, and that very plainly. Mt. 24:30 

It is at this moment, at the conclusion of the tribulation that His very own will be gathered together. This is the time of the last trumpet sounding. This is the time of the rapture. At the close of the tribulation.


NOW, TO THE WARNING. 
A pretribulation event. Under the sounding of the fourth trumpet one-third of all light will be extinguished for a short period of time. Certainly those who experience it will not consider it to be very brief. 

This is a fivefold occurrence involving the shutting off of light. Five is the number of atonement. Salvation, as we know it today, is still possible at this moment of time, but the door is shortly to be closed. What an awesome day it will be when one-third of the sun is no longer shining, the same for the moon and the stars. This is not some sort of an eclipse but an act of God. 

Who can imagine the fear that will strike the hearts of men, what consternation and upheaval in the earth. One-third of the day and one-third of the night will be involved in this time of darkness. Because it is an act of God, would it be any different from that which happened in Egypt? A third of the day and a third of the night would be a period of eight hours during which there would be no light. Rev. 8:12 

This is a signal that the light of the Gospel is about to be removed from the earth and men are going to know the most horrible times that have ever been on earth. Not only will natural light be involved but the greatest catastrophe is that the one who is the light of the world is about to withdraw His sources of light. 

Himself, the Holy Spirit and the Bride Church, none of which will be involved in any effort of proclaiming the Gospel. Only the two witnesses will be active in proclaiming the message of salvation in Jerusalem.



                    HIS COMING 40

WHEN AN ANGEL IS NOT AN ANGEL. 
The word angel in the scripture is very broad in its usage. The word in Hebrew is Mal'ak and is variously translated, a messenger, an angel, a prophet, priest, teacher, ambassador or king. It comes from a root word meaning to dispatch as a deputy. In the Greek it is, Aggelos, a messenger, to bring tidings or even a Pastor. In the scripture that we are about to examine, the subject spoken of here, while a messenger, is not an angel. This is an eagle, in the Greek, Aetos. Most versions of the Bible translate it in this fashion.  Rev. 8:13


THE SOARING EAGLE. 
An Eagle which is both visible and is sounding out a message that contains three woes or judgments that are about to occur. 

It is first necessary that we identify this Eagle. It is very obvious that the Eagle is of vital importance to the Lord and to His plan for the end of the age. It is not difficult to associate the Eagle and the woman of Revelation Twelve fourteen who is gifted of the Lord with the two wings of a great Eagle. The spiritual prowess of the Eagle is compared to those who wait upon the Lord, who come into complete unity with Him. They will mount or soar and rise into the azure sky of the Spirit of the Lord. They find their strength renewed until they become victorious. Isa. 40:31 

Jacob, of the three progenitors of the children of Israel is the one who is a type of the Holy Spirit. Deut. 32:9 

As the Lord led Israel into the wilderness where He kept him as the apple of His eye. v. 10 

So the Lord will take the Bride of Christ into the wilderness where He will supply all her needs. Rev. 12:14

The parallel of history and prophecy is very obvious. The Lord will do a mighty work in a perfected and married church in the end of the age. His supply is more than sufficient. There are no logistical problems with the Lord. As he cared for Israel who had no foreign god with him. So, the Lord will cause His church to rise above all that happens in the world. The fruit of the fields will be theirs. Honey, sweetness and strength, that which never sours or spoils, the true joys of the Spirit. The oil, the anointing from the flinty rock, the rock of separation. Joshua made knives of flint and circumcised the Israelites. Josh. 5:2 Thus was the reproach of Egypt removed from them. Every need and necessity was furnished in the wilderness and so it shall be for the Bride. Deut. 32:12-14 

The Woman, the Bride of Christ is nourished, fed and cared for during the tenure of the antichrist. The time allocated for him to do his thing is designated as being a time, and times, a half a time. Or three and one half years. Rev. 12:14  

The antichrist will reign from Jerusalem for forty-two months, or three and one half years. Rev. 13:4 

The witness and testimony of the two witnesses will be during the entire period, or one thousand two hundred sixty days, or three and one half years. Rev. 11:3 

All three references allude to the same identical period of time. They show us the period of time involved as measured by the events that happen to three different subjects. The wings of the Eagle of the Lord are growing and she will soon take flight. 




                HIS COMING  41

A BRIDE IN SOLITUDE. 
The wilderness, a desert place. It is called a place prepared for her, by God. Rev. 12:6 

Any place made ready by the Lord, regardless of its location, is certain to be glorious. The reference to a wilderness simply indicates its isolation from all that is happening in the world, outside of the camp of the saints. By way of example, It was not unusual for Jesus to be found in the wilderness. He found it to be a good place where He could pray and communicate with His Father. Lk. 5:16


THE FEEDING OF A MULTITUDE. 
Of interest, is the fact that He fed the four thousand men, plus women and children in the wilderness. 

There is no question as to His ability to multiply whatever is available to meet and satisfy the need. Seven loaves of bread, typical of the Word, while the number seven is a divine complete number showing that He will supply more than what is sufficient in the end of the age. They ended up with seven full baskets. 

The double portion is not limited to merely twice as much, but speaks of completeness and fullness. From loaves to baskets, that is good multiplication. Mt. 15:32-38 

"Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" Ps. 78:19 

And the answer is, YES, YES, OH YES! He did and He will. This was not an isolated happening. 

Previously, in the desert, at evening time (the end of the day or age), He fed more, with less, and had much more left over. Twelve baskets FULL. 

Twelve is the number of Apostolic government and leadership. The woman has a diadem of twelve stars. The two fishes represent that which creates church growth, the Word and the Spirit. It is of importance that both of these incidents were accomplished in a wilderness or desert place, where there were no other sources of food available. Mt.14:15-21 

Incidentally, Jesus healed their sick. The Bride will have perfect health as did Israel when they left Egypt. Ps. 105:37


NINETY-NINE IN THE WILDERNESS. 
The shepherd left those that were with him in the wilderness while he went in search of that one missing sheep. Mt. 18:12 

With the Bride safe and secure in her place the work of salvation is not complete. There are still those of the lost sheep of Israel to whom the law and the prophets, Moses and Elijah, will minister during the tribulation period. They will proclaim Jesus as the true Messiah and will be responsible for many believing on Him. 

The first half of Daniel's seventieth week was the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus. He made manifest the mighty powers of His Father. Those who believed on Him were saved. They were not born again of the Spirit nor were they filled with the Spirit. 

So, in the last half of that seventieth week those who hear and believe will be saved in the same manner. The stragglers of that particular time fit the category of the lost sheep. 

Jesus came to minister to the lost sheep of Israel, and until the conclusion of the tribulation a door of salvation is kept open. Any one expressing faith during this period of time will become a martyr because of their faith. Not the happiest of times.




                                HIS COMING 42

WARNING OF IMPENDING GREAT ADVERSITIES. 
The source of the message will be the Bride of CHRIST. A proclamation of three great woes on the inhabitants of the earth. The Bride will be equipped with the ability to soar, to rise and navigate to her place of refuge. World wide and simultaneously, unto the all nations of the earth will be heard her message of the immediate future, and the three woes which are about to take place.

It is a cry of great force and volume as she, with one voice, loudly shouts out her communication. There will not be a person on earth who will not hear the forewarning which she will issue at this time. All of these events are prior to the Second Coming of Christ. Rev. 8:13 


THREE MESSENGERS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS MOMENT OF TIME.

    THE FIRST MESSENGER.  
Seen and heard ministering from mid-heaven with a particular important message to deliver to all the inhabitants of the earth. Only the redeemed by the blood of Christ have this "EVERLASTING GOSPEL" to preach. Rev. 8:13  

Angels themselves have a desire to "look into" the redemption that is ours in Christ. 1 Pet. 1:12 

This person with this message could be none other that the Bride of Christ, who in her love and compassion for the lost, shouts out a cry for repentance to the unsaved. If the promises, that this GOSPEL would be preached to all tongues and tribes and nations, were not yet accomplished, this would do it. 

Specifically, this word reaches EVERY nation, kindred, tongue and people. The volume of the message would positively be equal to the blast of a trumpet (see Isa. 58:1) or like a clap of thunder. Job 40:9 

The admonition of the angel is to, FEAR THE LORD, or have reverence, honor Him as Lord. Give GLORY to Him. Praise, worship Him. Show Him the dignity and honor He deserves. WORSHIP Him as Lord and creator of all things, natural and spiritual. The HOUR OF JUDGMENT HAS COME. 

This too, is part of the introduction of the Great Tribulation period. One thing is most certain here, and that is that the Lord will give ample warning to the inhabitants of this earth. They can never say that they were not abundantly warned.


    THE SECOND. 
Here is the announcement of the downfall of the great harlot church. It must be stated here that the harlot church is not any one single church system but it is a conglomeration of all religions which will involve the entire ecclesiastical order of the world into a united federation. 

A world wide, all inclusive religious hodgepodge, with each maintaining their own belief system. Trying to merge all gods involved into one and the same god. We are already hearing that proclaimed. Rev. 14:8

Her great act of adultery is not so much in the flesh as it is spiritual. It is the compromise that must be made in order to produce some sort of unity with all the religious orders of the world. 

This assemblage is due for great destruction. The Lord has a great dislike for compromise. There is no compromise in Him and there should not be in those who truly serve Him.




                              HIS COMING 43

    THE THIRD MESSENGER. 
This is an extremely strong and important warning. It is a message that is proclaimed with an unfaltering and mighty voice, one that commands attention. Most certainly, all the inhabitants of the earth will hear it and be warned concerning the consequences of being involved with the antichrist. They are admonished against worshipping him, or his image. Rev.14:9-11 

Any who will dare refuse (and there will be some) to worship the beast will have committed an act of treason according to the law of that day. Their sentence will be death. Rev. 13:15 

The problem will be, that absolutely no commerce of any kind will be permitted without the display of his number, mark or name in the body of those seeking to purchase even the smallest of items. These events are those which introduce the great tribulation period.


    SATAN IS A GREAT IMITATOR. 
He is constantly trying to display himself after the manner of the Lord. The foolish and unwise - though highly intelligent and educated - who do not know the Lord are often those who are deceived by him. 

Unfortunately there are times when even Christians are hoodwinked by him. The highest order of Christian service, at times, is invaded by deceivers who masquerade as ministers of God. Even satan is known to have transformed himself into an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:13-15 

See his duplicity as he takes over power on earth to rule during the tribulation. Prior to all these events, the Lord will have sealed his very special servants in their foreheads. Rev. 7:3 

This sign of ownership and commitment is not only an evidence of belonging to this group but is also a divine protection for them. Rev. 9:4 

They are likewise privileged to bear His name and His Fathers name. Rev. 14:1 

Now, having seen what the Lord had done in sealing His special ones. Satan concocts a sealing of his own. His mark will be in the forehead (thoughts, intellect) and in the right hand, (Hand of power and works) as well. His whole purpose is absolute control. Rev. 13:16-17.


    THE DEATH OF TRIBULATION SAINTS. 
This is the FIRST RESURRECTION. The first resurrection is the SECOND COMING of Christ. It is the moment that is termed "the RAPTURE". Rev. 20:5 

It will not take place until all the tribulation saints have been slain. They are an extremely brave group of people. They completely refused to worship the beast or his image. They reject his marks. 

Consequently they will be beheaded. They maintained their testimony of the Lord Jesus and did not deny Him. They held true to the doctrines of the Word. They are an integral part of those who "come forth" from the grave at the trumpet sound. 

Their reward is to be great. They are given thrones and are involved in the judgment of the ungodly. They are championed during the thousand year reign of Christ here on earth. Rev. 20:4   

PS. Wife is in hospital with pneumonia. Appreciate your prayers. 

    
    

                                HIS COMING 44

THE CONSEQUENCES OF ACCEPTING THE MARK OF THE BEAST. 
Is there anything at which more ridicule is directed than the mark and in particular the number of the beast. 

The taunts and jeers of the world will not alter the fact of the coming antichrist and his use of numbers. We are being programmed to use and accept numbers for identification purposes. 

It will all be simplified by using numbers to identify each and every individual in the world, by number. Your name will not mean much, a number will be all important. 

Rest assured that the day has not yet arrived where all will be forced to use this system, but is quickly approaching. This is a condition which must prevail before Christ will return. 


    PRONOUNCED JUDGMENTS. 
It is not an easy thing to call attention to the horrific judgments that await those who embrace the antichrist. The antichristal world will be like those who are intoxicated and out of control because of the extreme wrath of God which will be directed toward them. Rev. 14:10 

The word "wrath" speaks of breathing hard because of fierce passion and indignation. We must remember that those who participate in antichristal actions are people who have completely rejected the Lord, even defying Him to the fullest degree. 

There is no dilution or easing of the divine anger which is to be manifest at this time. Here will be seen the mighty blast of the full measure of His indignation. There is no cessation of the punishment that is pronounced on them, their torment is eternal, everlasting. 

In their situation there is no rest whatsoever. Their acceptance and willingness to cooperate with the antichrist is the cause of this great punishment. Rev. 14:11


    HERE ARE THE SAINTS AGAIN. 
These saints who die during the great tribulation keep reappearing. They are depicted as a people of great patience and endurance. The conditions under which they live will be very difficult but they will continue to adhere to the commandments and faith of the Lord Jesus. Rev. 14:12 

They are a special group for they will have faced the powers of darkness and evil at its strongest and will overcome by giving their lives for their witness and testimony of the Lord Jesus. If there ever was, or ever will be a very special time to die, this will be it. 

Because they die in the Lord, they are blessed. Because they die for the Lord, they are blessed. The strong and bold stand that they will make for the Lord will gain them great rewards in the kingdom of God.  Rev. 14:13 

Their spiritual strength is amazing, especially when we realize that these are the people that missed the taking out of the Bride of Christ, or they are converts of the two witnesses, witnessing in Jerusalem. 

They do not have the luxury of having been born of the spirit nor do they have the leadership of the Holy Spirit. They live in a very brief age when the conditions of the world will be like an open pit of hell. In the persons of satan, the antichrist and the false prophet, all wickedness will have reach its apex, its fullness on this earth.




                                  HIS COMING 44

THE THREE TRIBULATION TRUMPETS. 
The book of Revelation is not arraigned in sequential order. In it, a certain period of time may be covered more than once, but with a different happening or event that coincides with other circumstances that take place within the same time frame. Here is another occurrence opening the great tribulation. 


    THE FALL OF A STAR. 
There is no question but what satan is a star in the economy of the Lord. Of all created beings he was the highest in rank. He was first of the created, in the hierarchy of heaven. He was the "anointed cherub" that covered or guarded. 

The Lord bestowed His anointing on him and appointed him a position of great importance. As with all "turn coats" the Lord knew his future actions, yet in His eternal plan appointed him to this position. Isa. 14:12 

Jesus chose the twelve knowing that one was a devil. John 6:70 

The antichrist will come from the church having had the rank of an Apostle. 2 Thes. 2:3 

Satan is already a fallen creature for Jesus beheld him as he fell from heaven. Even in his first
fall there was a manifestation of light or lightning. Luke 10:18 

The imitation is always evident, for Christ will come as the lightning, shining out of the
east to the west. Mt. 24:27 


    AS A STAR. 
He is granted the position called the son of the morning. His name is Lucifer, brightness, the morning star. Isa. 14:12 

Other translations, morning star {NIV}, day-star {ASV}. That he was and still is a being of light and beauty there can be no doubt. He is noted as being an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14 

The attitude of many toward angels today, is disturbing. Too often they are equated to the office of the Holy Spirit. We must remember that vast numbers of them fell with Lucifer. 

The Holy Spirit is to be our teacher and guide. Beware of the worship of angels. Satan is not yet PHYSICALLY the ugly duckling that some would make him to be. He is able to appeal to the five senses of man and deceive him into committing sin. 

Were he as ugly as his motives, sin would be as repulsive as he is, but he is not, therefore he is able to deceive and attract mankind into following him. 

Light becomes darkness in relationship to him. Outwardly he may shine, but inwardly, spiritually he is FULL of darkness. He is evil personified and therefore the very epitome of darkness. Mt. 6:23 


    A CONTRASTING STAR. 
Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the "bright and morning star". This is a star of pure, immense and true light. The light of the world. The light that lightens every man that is born into this world.
Rev. 22:16 

The morning star or the light of salvation is the gift of the Lord to all who will believe in Him. Rev. 2:28 

In contrast, this star and this light shine and enlighten the darkness. He is light. There is no darkness in Him. He is the day star that has arisen in our hearts dispelling the darkness that once prevailed in us. He is in direct opposition to the star which is filled with darkness. 2 Pet. 1:19




                    HIS COMING 45

THE THREE TRIBULATION TRUMPETS. (Continued).

    THE KEY TO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT. 
The key is committed to the fallen star, who immediately opens the bottomless pit. It would appear that not all the black holes exist in space. His first act is to open the great abyss. Rev. 9:2 

Everything during the tribulation period is of greater magnitude than all that has taken place in the past. The smoke released from the pit is of such enormous volume that the sun and the air were darkened. 

We have seen that in the eruption of MT St. Helens, but it only effected a portion of our state (Washington). The eruption of the bottomless pit will effect the whole world. 

What an immense cloud of smoke and dust. Both dust and smoke make breathing difficult. This is not merely a volcanic eruption, but an opening of the caldron of hell. Joel prophesied that there would be billows of smoke BEFORE the great and notable day of the Lord should come. Joel 2:30 

On the day of Pentecost Peter referred to the prophecy of Joel. Acts 2:19


    THIS IS MUCH MORE THAN A NATURAL OCCURRENCE. 
It is satanic to the core. We are now going to see in the scriptures the kind of a world produced by satan. 

It is he, who will loose these strange and unusual demon forces on the inhabitants of the earth. They have a venom like that of a scorpion. v.3 

They have the ability to afflict suffering and torment on those whom they sting. v.4 


    NOTE. THERE IS A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHOM THEY CANNOT TOUCH. 

They will be completely free from the pain and suffering which is inflicted by their sting. They are the sealed of the Lord found here in verse four. This gives evidence that the rapture has not yet occurred. 

The sealed of the Lord in the book of Revelation are the one hundred forty four thousand who are a part or member of the Bride of Christ. Rev. 14:1 

Were there not believers on earth at this time, there would be no need to separate the sealed from the unsealed. Rev. 9:4 Also Rev. 7:3-4


    DEATH CANCELED. 
So extreme is the impact of pain and suffering that men will seek to die to escape the agony of the venom injected by the beasts. BUT, death will be put on hold for this brief period of five months. 
Rev. 9:6 

Surely, this will be a time when men will cry out for the rocks and the mountains to fall on them and destroy them, as in Rev. 6:1 

There will be absolutely no escape from the impact of this judgment for any of the unsaved who are living at this time.       
 

    THEY ARE LED AND RULED OVER BY THE KING OF THE PIT. 
His name in Hebrew is "Abaddon", or destroying angel. In the Greek it is "Apollyon", or a destroyer. Very fitting names for the devil. Jesus described him as a thief and a murderer. One who came with the single purpose of destroying. John 10:10 

The fifth trumpet and the first woe are one and the same event. It is the introduction of horrendous times for the earth and its inhabitants.     




                                        HIS COMING 46

THE SIXTH TRUMPET. 
The second woe. A period of great sorrow and death for the ungodly of the earth. A voice speaking out from the horns of the golden attar. Horns speak of power and authority. 

In this case it is the voice of the kingdom of eternity. Four is the number of the earth. The proclamation that is made is that of impeding judgment for the earth and its occupants. Rev. 9:13 

The positioning of the attar, which is before the throne of God, reveals its importance in the kingdom of the Lord. This is the place where the prayers of all the saints of the Lord are gathered and become as a sweet smelling incense before the Lord. Rev. 8:3


FOUR BOUND ANGLES. 
Their place of incarceration was the great river Euphrates (Meaning, gushing or bursting forth). The river Euphrates was part of the irrigation system of the garden of Eden. When flowing out of Eden the river divided into four heads, the fourth of which was the river Euphrates. Gen. 2:10, 14 

The situation that will develop under the sounding of the sixth trumpet will be a world wide event, as are most of the happenings in the book of Revelation. 

The Lord is meticulous in His time schedule of last day events. The second coming of Christ is not based on a haphazard time element. The Father Himself has established that day and nothing will hurry or deter it. The Lord will not change His calendar. It is a day that He has established. Mt. 24:36 

The Lord determines the times. Acts 17:26 

The "fullness of times" he has settled. The loosing of these angels of death has been prepared and predetermined for a certain, positive YEAR, and MONTH, and DAY, and EVEN THE VERY HOUR IS SET, showing that the Lord is fulfilling His Word by following a very definite time schedule.

Once again the number four is used in determining the precise time of this judgment.


ONE-THIRD OF THE POPULATION OF THE EARTH WILL BE DESTROYED.
We must remember that these who are going to be destroyed are people who have taken the number, name or mark of the antichrist. They also worship him. The earth will be one of total disregard for anything and everything that is Godly. Rev. 9:14 

The number of the vast army that is loosed is two hundred million. They are mounted on horses that produce death by fire, smoke and brimstone.  Rev. 9:18 

In Spite of these horrible circumstances there is no repentance or turning toward the Lord by those  who are not destroyed by these plagues. 

They continue worshipping demons, idols, and the works of their hands. There is no possibility of changing their lives or of repenting. They are a people who are totally given over to murders, to the occult and satanic practices of all kinds. 

Marriage will be meaningless to them. Fornication and misguided sexual practices will be the order of the day. They are completely untrustworthy and thieves. It does not sound, too much, unlike the day in which we are living. 

Give the world a little more time and we will arrive at just such a condition. There are many signs that we are entering into situations that will prevail during the tribulation period. 




                  HIS COMING 47

KINGDOM PROCLAMATION. 
The second woe is finished, there remains the third. Rev. 11:14 

The sounding of the seventh trumpet will introduce the arrival of the kingdom of God on earth. The voices of heaven will declare that the kingdoms of the world are no longer in existence. At that time the world will be ruled by the Lord and His Christ. The twenty-four elders will attest to the fact that the Lord has made manifest His mighty power and has established His kingdom. Rev. 11:15-18 


THE TIME HAS COME. 
There is a number of events that take place at this particular time. Among them, and paramount to our study, is the actuality that this is the moment of time where the dead shall be judged and rewards given to prophets and saints, that is, those that are in Christ Jesus. 

It is vital that we point out that this will take place at the close of the tribulation period. Rev. 11:18 

The ungodly are destroyed from off the earth for there will not be any sinners what so ever in the millennium. 


DIFFERENT VIEWS OF HIS COMING. 
He is coming as a LAMB. The nations of the earth will attempt to hinder his coming but He is Lord of lords and King of kings. He will triumph. Rev. 17:14 

He is coming as a great WARRIOR, THE COMMANDER of the hosts of heaven. Rev. 19:11

He will triumph for He is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Rev. 19:11 

The sentence of death is on all who take the number, name or mark of the antichrist, or those who have worshipped him. Rev. 19:20-21 

This battle is given a name. It is called Armageddon and is at the conclusion of His coming. At the time that the seventh angel pours out his vial on the earth. When he states that "it is done". Rev. 16:16


THE REVELATION OF A MYSTERY. 
We will not all be sleeping or be deceased and raised from the grave at His coming. 

HOWEVER, all will be changed. 

The change which is accomplished at this time is not that of having been a lukewarm, inconsistent Christian to one now worthy of all spiritual blessings. 

It is not a change of our spiritual standing before the Lord. 

The change is from possessing a natural body to that of gaining a resurrected body, an eternal body like that of the Lord Jesus. 

Anyone expecting their spiritual life to be rectified at His coming had better guess again. It will not happen. 

The change from having a human body to that of a glorified body is that which will take place in a "moment", in the twinkling of an eye. 

Jesus does not come in a "moment". There are too many events in relationship to His second coming for it to take place in such a brief period. He is coming at the time of the last trump. 

Surely of a list of seven trumpets, the seventh would be the last. There is no other list given where there are a series of trumpets to be blown. So, the seventh has to be the last trumpet. 

Until we see the events associated with the trumpets it is difficult to say that His coming is eminent. Jesus plainly stated that He would not come until ALL had been fulfilled. Mt. 24:35 




                             HIS COMING 48

SEVEN VIALS FILLED WITH THE WRATH OF GOD. 
Not a pleasant outlook for this world in the day of the coming of Christ. These are the LAST plagues and consummate and satisfy the indignation of the Lord. Each of these must be brought to bear before the coming of the Lord Jesus. Rev. 15:1 


    THE FIRST. 
The indignation of the Lord is particularly directed at the mark of the beast and on those who will have received his mark and who have acknowledged him to be a god and have worshipped him. 

It is well that we remember that the inhabitants of the earth had been warned of the consequences of partaking in the activities of the antichrist.  Rev. 14:9-10

How quickly this punishment will be activated. The mark will become a noisome (evil, bad, painful) cancerous sore.  A raw, painful, grievous growth. What ever abilities men will have developed by that time this will be incurable. 

It is a particular judgment on those what were involved religiously with the antichrist. By this time, there will be no sinners living on the earth who have not taken the mark or worshipped the antichrist. 

This means that suddenly, all who are living on the earth (outside of the Bride in the wilderness) will be afflicted with this plague. Rev. 16:1


    THE SECOND. 
The contents of this vial are poured out on the sea and the sea became blood. This circumstance had its precedence when a third part of the seas had been turned into blood. The Lord will give ample warning. Rev. 8:8 

This is not speaking of a red tide; these plagues are very real and will be fulfilled exactly as depicted. 

The peoples of the world who have rejected the ATONING BLOOD OF CHRIST will be punished by being surrounded by seas which have become blood and very likely have congealed. The waters of the seas literally will become like the blood of a dead man. 

How interesting that such an analogy should be used. All marine life in the seas will die at this moment of time. If there is not a great stench from the bloody seas, then certainly there will be from the dead and decaying fish. 

The Lord will show no mercy or grace in this end of the age. He will be dealing with a society which has utterly and fully rejected Him and His Christ. Rev. 16:3 


    THE THIRD. 
Actually, a continuation of the second. This time ALL fresh, pure, pristine waters all over the earth follow suit and are turned into blood. There is no escaping the sure punishments of the Lord. 

The Lord does nothing without a reason and a purpose. In this case it is a response to the murderous actions of the people living in the tribulation period who will be responsible for the shedding of the blood of Christians and the two witnesses of the tribulation period. 

They are a blood thirsty brood of people, therefore will be given blood to drink. Rev. 16:6

PS. Thank you for your prayers and concern for my wife. She is well on her way to full recovery. Her lungs are free from water. She is gaining strength daily.

 


                  HIS COMING 49

    THE THIRD VIAL. 
The Lord is a righteous judge. All of His sentences are just and true. No one, in all honesty will ever be able to accuse Him of afflicting a punishment that was not right and fitting. Rev. 16:5 

Mankind, because of their rejection of the Lord and His savior, the Lord Jesus, is building and increasing the wrath that will be exercised against him. Because of their stubbornness and unwillingness to repent these horrible events will occur. Rom. 2:5 

A second witness is heard in heaven, from the altar declaring the righteous judgments of the Lord. The knowledge that His judgments are just and true is both reassuring and frightening. Every case that He passes on is eternal and everlasting. Rev. 16:7 


    THE FOURTH VIAL. 
This vial is poured out upon the sun. The judgment is not against the sun for it has done no wrong. 

The sun will, at this time, increase the power and strength of its shining on the earth. No sun screen will be effective or protective. Men will be scorched by the fiery shining of the sun. 

Scientists say that we are already experiencing a small measure of this. It would seem that many things which are happening to us today are acting as a precursor and a warning of things to come. 

How much do the climatic changes that we are encountering today fit into this? The immense heat will burn men seriously, causing great pain. The condition of the hearts of men is very evident, for they will blaspheme the NAME of God. How satan hates the name that the Father has bestowed on His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

In this instance it is worthwhile to note that the cursing is not against God but against His name. In this time frame, men will not even think of repentance. Their hearts are extremely hardened and in utter rebellion against the Lord. They will not confess him but they will curse Him. Rev. 16:8-9


    SURELY, THE PROPHECY OF THE LORD JESUS FITS HERE. 
He mentioned that there would be signs in the sun as well as the other light bearing bodies. While here on earth there will be (IS) great consternation among the (United) nations. 

Can we deny that there is a constant increase in the distress and perplexity among the peoples of the world. While we are not even close to the situation that will develop with the outpouring of these vials, we are being warned daily, the forerunner is here. 

Another sign, is heart failure because of fear. 

There are two other signs, the seas and the waves roaring, violent storms. 

Eventually, even the heavens will be found to be in turmoil, celestial shakings of immense proportions. 

Please note that AT THAT TIME, THEN, they shall see the Son of Man, the Lord Jesus, coming in the clouds and with a mighty display of the eternal glory of the living God. Luke 21:25-27 

Do you think it might be time to begin to look up and rejoice in the revelation of the fullness of our redemption, that is, the redemption and resurrection or transformation of our bodies which will take place when He has accomplished His purposes in this earth. Luke 21:28  




                            HIS COMING 50

    THE FIFTH VIAL. 
Five is the number of atonement by blood. In this case it is a defeating blow, struck by the Lord, against the very core of the kingdom or throne of the antichrist. His throne is the exact center of all that is ungodly, wicked and evil. 

When the contents of the vial reach this seat, it is as if the curtain were pulled back and it is revealed to be exactly what it is, THE THRONE OF DARKNESS. Rev. 16:10 

In all actuality it is the throne of satan himself, which will be occupied by the antichrist in whom he will instill his miracle working power, false miracles of course, and likewise great authority and strength. 

He will possess superhuman capabilities and mastery, ruling the whole earth. Rev. 13:2 

The display of true and total darkness in the kingdom of darkness. This judgment of darkness will be like that of Egypt. 

In Egypt, it was a total blackout which left them incapable of moving about. Termed "a darkness which may be felt", also called a "thick darkness". They were unable to see anyone who might have been in the same room with them. They did not move from the place where they were located. They occupied that particular spot for three days. That is the extremity and fullness of darkness. Ex. 10:21-23 

The feelings and emotions of such great darkness will cause extreme pain until the inhabitants of the kingdom of the antichrist will chew their tongues, only adding to their sorrows and hurt. Because of their wicked hearts, their pain, and subsequent punishment they will blaspheme the Lord. 

This will not be after a casual manner but with extreme anger and malice. There is no movement among them toward repentance whatsoever. They are so involved in satanic worship and surrender to him that they are absolutely incapable of displaying any kind of a cry for forgiveness. Rev. 16:10-11


    THE SIXTH VIAL.  
Six is the number of man. One number less than seven, the number of perfection. Man will always come short of the glory of the Lord. 

The great river Euphrates, that which brought and sustained life on the plain of Babylon, and typical of natural life, life outside of Christ. The river is destined to dry up, to cease to exist. This is in preparation for the coming of the kings of the east, or the sun rising. 

This is unquestionably a reference to the coming of Christ and those who will accompany Him. He is the King of kings and those who are with Him have been made Kings and Priests unto the Lord, and shall reign on the earth. Rev. 1:6, Rev. 5:10 

The direction of His coming is from the east (or sun rising) unto the west. Mt. 24:27 

There is a similarity here to the coming of the wise men, who were kings, to attest to the fact of the Christ child. These men were not necromancers as many make them to be. They are the men who are termed the "two witnesses", who will witness during the tribulation period as to the first coming of Christ. 

In order to be a witness one must have actually witnessed the scene of which they will give testimony. These two periodically appear in the New Testament. They are not always identified by name, but were revealed on the mount of Transfiguration, as being Moses and Elijah. Mt. 17:3  




                         HIS COMING 51 

    THE SIXTH VIAL. Continued. 
The appearance of three vile, evil, unclean spirits. These represent impurity and uncleanness of every sort and kind. Physically, spiritually, morally, anything that can be called wicked and sinful is represented in these demonic spirits. They come forth from the mouths, the organ of speech, in this case propaganda, leading once again to deception. It is the purpose and intent of these devilish spirits to gather and unify the leaders of the earth into a concerted attack against the Second Coming of Christ. Once again, they will deceive the peoples of the earth by mighty signs and miracles. False of course, nevertheless persuading to the nations. Rev. 16:13-14  


    THE GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY. Rev. 16:14 
The warning that follows this declaration is sufficient to make us to understand that the reference is to the Second Coming of Christ. It is here, at this moment of time that Christ will appear "AS A THIEF". These words "AS A THIEF" are extremely important to us in determining the precise time of His Coming. Many, wrongly state that He could come as a thief at any moment of time. How could that possibly be, when the scriptures are now showing us that His Coming will be at the time of the battle of Armageddon? Which war will not take place until the end of the tribulation, as a part of the seventh trumpet and the outpouring of the seventh vial. Rev. 16:15 

 
    AS A THIEF. 
There is no question but what He will appear as a thief to the unsaved segment of the world. The scripture gives us perfect knowledge of that fact. 1 Thes.5:2 

However those who are in Christ do not walk in the darkness of this world. In misunderstanding and unbelief as the unsaved do. That day WILL NOT overtake the saved with surprise and fear. For the saved do not walk in darkness but in the light of understanding from the Word of the Lord. 1 Thes. 5:4-5 

We may not know the DAY or the HOUR but with all the great events that precede His Coming, how could we not know the times and the seasons? 1 Thes. 5:1 

 
    IT IS IMPORTANT. 
It is vital that we remember that at this stage of the tribulation, amongst the general population of the earth there are no living saints to be found.  The two witnesses will be in Jerusalem until the time of their deaths. Then their bodies will lie, unburied, in the streets of the city for the last three and one half days of the tribulation period. Rev 11:8 

The Spirit of life, the power of resurrection will come upon them and they will stand up. The voice of the Lord will call to them to arise into the cloud, the cloud of the resurrected and proceed into heaven. Rev. 11:11-12 

There is another extremely important number of living saints, but they are not found amongst the general population of the earth. They are the Bride of Christ who have been sheltered, protected from all the horrible events that take place on the earth during the tribulation. They have spent the tribulation years in perfect tranquillity, totally undisturbed by all that has transpired. Rev. 12:6 

The marriage of the Lamb is the Spiritual event for which we should be in urgent preparation. 
 



                                 HIS COMING 52 

    ARMAGEDDON. 
The great war which will conclude the reign of the man of sin and sin here on earth. Because of its dreadfulness it will also exclude all of the ungodly from the Millennium, the one thousand year reign of Christ, here on earth. As they do now, they will at that time take their stand with the wrong army and be defeated and utterly destroyed. They do not stand even the most minute chance of victory. The whole world is marshaled against the Christ and His army. Rev. 16:16 


    TEN KINGS. 
This is rather a strange situation. The ten kingdom empire is reported to be a restored Roman Empire. But is it? The European nations have long since gone far beyond the number ten. It is time to look for a different solution. 

One thing that is note worthy of these kings is the statement that up to and until this time they have received no kingdom. Their power and authority as kings is limited to one hour. This could well be the time needed to finish the battle, in all actuality the Lord would not need an hour to finish the job. These ten kings think as one man and surrender their power and authority to the beast, and will make war against the Lamb of God. 

Their defeat can be the only outcome of this very one sided battle. Christ is LORD, supreme over all lords. Christ is the KING of all kings and authority of any kind.  His army is composed of those who have been called and chosen by Him. Those who faithfully follow Him. Rev. 17:12-14


    THE LEADER OF THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN. 
That the rider of the white horse and the leader of the armies is Christ is beyond question. The names given Him indicate His personality, His being and His integrity. He is the ever Faithful one from eternity. He is Truth personified. As a warrior His actions are righteous and with perfect judgment He will make war. Rev. 19:11 

In appearance He will be frightening with eyes that blaze with the fire of the Almighty. Crowned with a multiplicity of crowns. Every crown and indication of leadership that is worth while will be His. He is head over all. He is the creator of all. Col. 1:16 

He bears a multiplicity of names, one of which is known only to Himself. His names indicate His bearing, His being, his status among other things. Rev. 19:12 

As the Lamb of God it is fitting that His priestly robe bears the sign of having been dipped in blood, His own blood. We may be assured that there will be eternal evidence of the blood of the Lamb of God in heaven. He is the WORD of GOD. What a formidable enemy the powers of darkness and its followers will face at the time of the coming of Christ. Rev. 19:13 

The armies, plural because of their vast number. No conscription here, all occupants of heaven gladly join this victorious army. They will never know defeat. Dressed in white, riding white steeds. A vast white cloud, following their commander into battle. This is the cloud of the resurrected dead and the living who are to receive a physical/spiritual change, a new body, a transformed body, a body eternal.




                               HIS COMING 53

    THE SWORD OF HIS MOUTH. 
The capable, living, powerful, anointed Word of God. Sharper than any two-edged sword, effectually accomplishing its purpose with just one swing. It accomplishes its intentions in a twofold manner, in the salvation of the souls of men or in the judgment and destruction of the ungodly. Heb. 4:12 

In the time and situation that is before us it is a sword of judgment and destruction. Rev. 19:15 

There is no possibility of the sinner, the ungodly living past the events spoken of in this verse and finding a place in the Millennium. To cause anyone who does not know Christ as savior, to believe that they may live through the tribulation period and the subsequent Second Coming of Christ, and enter into the thousand years of rest, is to grossly mislead them. 

Just in this verse alone, they must face the sword of His mouth. The smiting of the earth, with the rod of iron, which are the multiplied judgments of the tribulation period. Then the treading, the crushing, the smashing of the vine of the earth in the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. 

The great harvest and the time of the treading of the winepress of the Lord is shown in Rev. 14:17-20. 

As we have seen, this tremendous demonstration of the power of the sword is made manifest at His second coming. It is also called the "spirit of His mouth" and will be that power which will overthrow and destroy, by the "brightness", (Greek, epiphaneia) of His "coming" (Greek, parousia, commonly spoken of as the rapture), the antichrist. 2 Thes. 2:8 

There are not two phases of the second coming. He will come the second time, but once, and that is at the close of the tribulation period.


    A RESIDENT OF THE SUN. 
A being with capabilities far beyond any that we could possibly imagine. Rev. 19:17 

Taking into consideration that the scriptures declare that the Lord Himself is a SUN AND A SHIELD, it is little wonder that a spiritual entity such as the angel is quite comfortably standing in the sun. Ps. 84:11 

The woman of Revelation twelve is wearing the sun for a garment. This does not mean that the physical sun will descend from the heavens to enshroud her, but it does show that the complete glory of the Lord will not only be her clothing but that brightness will literally be in her. 

It is a part of her very being. She is filled with the glory, the light of the Lord. He who is the light of the world will be shining forth out of her spiritual nature. He is that SUN of RIGHTEOUSNESS and He has filled His people with the marvelous glory of Himself. Mal.4:2 

She is the city of God, The bride, The New Jerusalem. The created light bearing bodies will not need to exist for that future city. Rev. 21:23 

She, herself is completely filled with the eternal glory of the living God. He who is the light from whom all light emanates, the Lamb of God will be the light that fills all in all. Every occupant of the city will be what He is. Light, beings of light, creatures of the marvelous glory of the Lord of light. There will be no darkness to be found in that city. No night. Only an eternity of His glory
shining forth.    




                             HIS COMING 54

    THE PROCLAMATION. IT IS DONE. THE SEVENTH VIAL. Rev. 16:17
That certainly has a ring of finality about it. This is the consummation of human existence as we now know it now. For the one thousand years that are to follow the Kingdom of our God and His Christ will be established here on earth. 

The contents of the vial are poured out into the atmosphere with the explicit purpose of defeating and destroying the works of darkness. Man pollutes the air until it has become a world wide problem. 

There is a greater, unseen pollutant in which we live. That is a spiritual contamination, which will be destroyed. The ruler and the kingdom of the air, the wicked, unclean spirit which manifests itself in the rebellious and disobedient of the world. Eph. 2:2 


    AN IMPORTANT OCCURRENCE WHICH WILL TRANSPIRE HERE.
The dragon, satan, old lucifer himself arrested and incarcerated by an angel who will descend from heaven. 

The dragon is chained with a great chain. A chain that is immense in every way, in size, in length, in strength and most certainly unbreakable. Absolutely inescapable from its binding force and power.  

The devil will be bound and shut up, jailed for one thousand years. The entire length of the Millennium. Rev. 20:2 

He will be violently thrown into the Abyss, the bottomless pit. He is not treated gently by any means. The entrance is locked (NIV), sealed with the seal of the Almighty. Who would dare break it? He is excluded from any contact whatsoever with the inhabitants of the Millennium. With him out of the way there will be no sin nor sinners on earth during that time period. Rev. 20:3


    MOST UNFORTUNATELY. 
He is destined to be loosed, briefly, for a short season of time, at the conclusion of the thousand years. Rev. 20:3

His loosing will be at the time of the second resurrection, the resurrection of the ungodly, which is at the conclusion of the one thousand years. They are termed "the rest of the dead" in Revelation twenty verse five. Verse seven continues the theme of his brief liberation. 

Then we are introduced to the deception that he will perpetrate on these who are raised in the second resurrection. He will deceive and then assemble them as a vast army from all over the world, each in the place where they died and where they will be subsequently raised from the dead, or in the four quarters of the earth. Their number will be vast, like the sand on the seashore. 

These who are deceived are not people who have enjoyed the kingdom of God on earth, for the thousand years. They have spent the thousand years in the grave, in death and eternal separation from the kingdom of God. There is no way by which they will by any means be able to change their eternal status. Rev. 20:8 

The Millennial reign of Christ is introduced by the battle of Armageddon and will conclude with the battle of Gog and. Rev. 20:8

Both wars are spiritual battles between the forces of the Lord and those of the devil. Of their outcome there can be no question. Christ wins, always, all ways.




                HIS COMING 55

    THE FIRST RESURRECTION. 
The FIRST RESURRECTION and the
Second Coming of Christ are one event. He has promised that those who sleep in Christ, believers who are in the grave, will accompany the Lord Jesus when He comes. 1 Thes. 4:14 

Those, in Christ, who are living at the time of His appearing will not precede them in the resurrection of the dead.

The dead rise first, then the living are transformed and caught up with them to spend eternity with the Lord. The Lord Jesus personally will descend from heaven with a shout and the sounding of the trumpet, calling His own unto Himself. The two groups are unified and taken into the clouds of His
coming, to be ever with Him. 1 Thes. 4:15-17


    IT IS IMPORTANT, 
that we note, that the First Resurrection is scheduled to take place at the dividing line between the great tribulation period and the millennial reign of Christ. 

There is a group who are made to be key witnesses as to the timing of the first resurrection. They are the tribulation martyrs. They are singled out as being those who were beheaded because they resisted the antichrist and because of their faith in the Lord Jesus and adherence to the Word of God. 

They were totally resistant to all false worship which will be exacted on the peoples of the world. They will be completely uncontaminated from any of his requirements. They resist him unto death. 

It is specifically stated that they, "live and reign with Christ a thousand years". This shows, without a shadow of a doubt, that the second coming of Christ is at the conclusion of the tribulation period, for they are included in the first resurrection. Rev. 20:4 

Those participating in the first resurrection are blessed of the Lord and are a holy people. The second death will be unable to touch them. Their office is that of the priest for the thousand years and for eternity. Rev. 20:8


    THE GREAT DECEPTION. 
At the close of the millennial reign of Christ the last attempt of satan to rule and control will take place. This time it will be an attempt to take the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ. 

There is only one way to be a citizen and a part of that city and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan and sinners are not able to comprehend that there is just one way and that is Jesus. 

From the very beginning his aim has been to control the kingdom of God but he is destined to fail. The fire of the Almighty will fall from heaven and thwart his intent and purpose. Rev. 20:9 

At this time, satan is cast into the lake of fire having been preceded by the antichrist and the false prophet, who had been cast into the lake of fire at the time of the second coming of Christ. Rev. 19:20 

They will have spent one thousand years in the torments of the lake of fire, which is a fitting punishment for deceivers such as they will be. The nations are twice deceived, at the beginning of the thousand years and again at the conclusion of the thousand years, at which time their judgment
will be final.   





                       HIS COMING 56

ACCOMPANYING THE SEVENTH VIAL THERE ARE EXTREMELY SERIOUS AND FRIGHTENING EVENTS. 
The first mentioned is that there will be VOICES. Rev. 16:18 

As this is being prepared how many voices are passing through this room? A multitude of radio emissions from stations, AM and FM, TV, Commercial, Governmental, and Private means of communications of all kinds, the atmosphere is filled with voices. 

If man can fill the air with voices, how much more the Lord. In times past He has spoken and will yet do so in the time of the return of Christ. We note that He is coming with a SHOUT AND THE VOICE OF THE ARCH ANGEL. 1 Thes. 4:16 

That is a voice and a sound that will be heard around the world. The voices heard are voices of judgment. Rev. 11:18-19   


    THUNDERING AND LIGHTENING. 
These are not localized storm conditions. They will thoroughly cover the globe and will simultaneously be heard and seen. The magnitude of the usual electrical storm will fade into insignificance compared to this manifestation of the might and power of God. This is a deliberate act of God and will be frightening beyond description. Rev. 11:19 

One of the amazing things about the throne of the Lord is that this very phenomena is seen proceeding from it. Rev. 4:5 

The visitation of the Lord is stated to be after this manner. Isa. 29:6 

We can be assured that the coming of the Lord will be one spectacular display of His might and power. It is not a casual event where power and authority are transferred to King Jesus by the kings and rulers of this world.  


    THERE WILL BE A GREAT EARTHQUAKE. 
Earthquakes in a great variety of places are to be one of the signs of the soon return of Christ. These need not be strong nor destructive earthquakes. 

Here in the state of Washington we have been experiencing a series of minor earthquakes, noteworthy, not because of great magnitude but because of their number. The seventh vial is responsible for the greatest earthquake that has ever taken place on the earth. Rev. 16:18 

The power and force of such a quaking will completely transform the topography of the earth. Babylon (The place of the throne of the antichrist) is split and divided into three parts. 

PLEASE NOTE, "THE CITIES OF THE NATIONS FELL". 
All the handiwork and pride of men in the beautiful cities with their buildings and monuments will be utterly destroyed, wrecked and leveled to the ground. It is impossible to build a building that can withstand this tremendous shaking. There are no construction materials known to man that could be used. Rev. 16:19 

After this gigantic shaking the islands and the mountains will no longer exist at their current locations. The terrain of the earth will be completely different during the Millennial reign of Christ. Rev. 16:20 

There is no possible way for any person or city to escape this great judgment and sneak into the Millennium. To top it off, is the plague of hail, chunks of ice weighing about one hundred twenty-five pounds. Rev. 16:21 

That will finish the destruction.  




                HIS COMING 57

GREAT BABYLON. 
A prophetic utterance pertaining to the end of the system which is represented by Babylon. The name Babylon means "confusion" and represents the utter perplexity that will prevail in the end of the age. 

The attempt of the people to build a tower unto God caused the Lord to confuse the language of that day, where there had been but one, there became many and utter confusion, bringing division. Gen. 11:9 

The original language, which was given by the Lord for communication and unity, the Lord had to mix and change, as a judgment, in order to defeat their work of pride. They were then scattered over the face of the whole earth. 


BABYLON SPEAKS. 
Where there is an item or a commodity of great value there will be a counterfeit. 

In the manifestations of the Spirit each of which has been imitated, and a substitute made by the flesh, and has been brought into the church.  Babylon comes from a root word, balal, meaning, to overflow, specifically with oil. To anoint. 

This gives us a dual reference to the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is manifest by a language, unlearned but is a gift of the Lord. 

Also it is the precious anointing oil of heaven poured forth upon the believer. Anything as precious and as necessary to the functioning of the body of Christ as the gifts of the Spirit are going to be copied and duplicated, which can only create confusion. 

We face a challenge today to discern between that which is an imitation and that which is real, other wise our churches will be filled with confusion and division. The right spirit produces unity, the false spirit separation.


BABYLON THE GREAT. 
The great, most unique and attractive to the merchants and the political leaders of the earth. She is the amalgamated religion of the last days, causing the nations, the peoples, of the earth to drink of the maddening wine of her harlotry and spiritual fornication. The merchants of the earth will follow suit as they dispense the "luxuries" that she produces and will grow rich in the process. Too many practices of the church today fit the pattern that is established by this word picture of Babylon. Rev. 18:3 

Isaiah spoke of this condition that would prevail in the last days. Seven women, seven being a divine complete number, which is indicative of the end of the age. This is the false church, the harlot church.

They will eat their own bread, maintain their current doctrine and teaching. They will wear their own apparel, that which maintains their religious association and apperance. All they are seeking for, is to be called by his name, one world, one religion. That any disgrace and reproach might be removed from them because they belong to the "accepted" church. Isa. 4:1 

This is a church that is nothing but a hollow shell. Believing everything while believing nothing. It is a conglomeration of religions that will reach out and embrace everything and anything. The last day church of utter confusion. Babylon is upon us today.




                                HIS COMING 58

CALLED OUT. 
As painful as it may be, there are times when there must be a separation from an association or a group of churches or an organization, if they - officially - begin to follow the ways and teachings that lead to Babylon. The call of the Spirit and the Word is to "come out of her". 

For, if we follow the ways of the spirit of Babylon and become associated with her sin, we will also be made a partaker of her plagues. This is a test that the church will come face to face with in these last days. 

Viewing the religious world one can see the tide of choices and events swirling together and forming the erroneous harlot church named Babylon. Rev. 18:4 

The last day religious order which will partner with the antichrist is not made up of one single church which exists today, but of a combination, of the many, churches and individuals who will follow the antichrist. 

Not to belabor the point, but too many have singled out one church to be the Babylonian order; they are but a portion of that religious movement, and not by any means the whole. It is grossly misleading and deceptive to label one church as the entire antichrist Babylonian system.


HER REWARD. 
The magnitude of her iniquity has increased until it has reached or infiltrated even the heavenly. The special attention of the Lord has become focused on her. Rev. 18:5 

It is time for her recompense. Elisha, requested of Elijah a "double portion" of the Spirit that was upon Elijah, for himself. 2 Kings 2:9 

The double portion is not simply twice as much, but it will measure out to a full portion or a complete measurement. The true church of the last days will receive the FULLNESS OF CHRIST. Eph. 4:13, 3:19, Col. 2:9 

Now, it is very evident that the false church will receive a double portion of judgment. The church of Babylon, the bride of the antichrist, will be rewarded with the same measuring cup that she used in her persecution and hatred displayed against the true church and its remnant, and then it will be doubled, which will be the fullness of the wrath of the Almighty. Rev. 18:6 

The measure of her torture and grief will be equal to the pleasure, the luxury and glory she bestowed on herself. Her life of ease and worldly pleasures will be the standard used in determining her judgments. 

How scriptural her judgment will be. As a man soweth, so shall he also reap. What ever measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. I sit a queen. The pseudo queen of heaven. I shall never be a widow. A back handed slap at the fact that the husband of the true church was crucified. 

What she failed to realize is, that He was also raised from the dead. He lives. She is depending on a false assumption and teaching that no displeasure, harm of sorrowful event can ever take place in her life. Rev. 18:7 

It behooves us all to study the life of the Apostle Paul. A man mightily used of the Lord, yet a man who suffered persecution, imprisonment, even death for the Gospels sake. And so he wrote,"ALL" who would live Godly in Christ Jesus "SHALL" suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 3:12 

Especially in these last days.




                HIS COMING 59

WHAT CITY IS GREAT BABYLON? 
To identify the city, determined by the Lord to be this Babylon, we must turn to the scriptures. The emotions of the heart of the Lord are being, and have been, moved upon many times and He expresses that in His word. 

There is great evidence that Babylon is destined to become the center of commerce. Much attention to its accumulated wealth is noted in Revelation Eighteen. It is also recorded here that there will be those, (Heaven, saints (NIV), apostles and prophets), who rejoice greatly over her judgment and demise because of the mistreatment which they had received by the inhabitants of Babylon. Rev. 18:20 

This action will establish a pattern by which the city of Babylon is easily identified. Further testimony of the guilt and responsibility of the "shedding of the blood", of innocents, saints and prophets is given concerning this city. Rev. 18:24 

The city is given the very uncomplimentary name of the "great whore", because of the spiritual compromise for which she will be noted. Also for the shedding of the blood of the servants of the Lord. So excessive is the action of this harlot city that she is stated to have become drunken in her killing spree. Like those who go berserk in a riot and kill just for killings sake. Rev. 17:6 

So excessive are they in their killings that the Lord will change their water into blood. Rev. 16:6


WHAT DID JESUS SAY? 
Very pointedly He placed a responsibility for the prophets killed by the fathers upon their descendants who commemorate the prophets past by building elaborate tombs as tourist spots for the murdered prophets. In this manner He considered that they were approving of the actions of their forefathers. Luke 11:47-50 

Then, to that generation, as well as unto this one. He sent prophets, wise men and scribes who were mistreated, persecuted and killed. Mt. 23:34 

Eventually, the very Son of God Himself came to His own but they rejected Him. His compassionate cry
was directed to Jerusalem, whom He most gladly would have gathered unto Himself in love and grace, but they refused and rejected the one who is the express manifestation of the great love of God. 

Because of their attitude, their house is left desolate. Outside of the individual accepting Christ as savior the house will remain desolate and forsaken. Redemption and salvation are in Jesus alone. There is no other way. Race cannot save, only grace. Mt. 23:37 

The city of the crucifixion of The Lord Jesus Christ was punished for its rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God. It has yet a final judgment. The Lord called it Sodom and Egypt, both of which speak of unpleasant memories of the past. Yet in the sight of the Lord and as one of the events of the return of Christ there is the murder of the two witnesses, whom the Lord called "MY WITNESSES". Rev. 11:3 

This action will immediately precede the return of the Christ of God. All this is a testimony to us of the love of the Lord for the bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem. The true eternal city. The city of light and life. The everlasting dwelling place of the Lord Almighty.  Rev. 21:2-3  




                HIS COMING  60

VARIOUS NAMES AND MEANING OF THE NAMES APPLIED TO ANCIENT BABYLON. 
Gate of God or of the Gods. Seat of life. The good city. Paradise. 

All of which indicate the pride that was and will be associated with the city. It is remembered by one of the ancient wonders of the world.

Its hanging gardens. We note that the last day Babylon will "glorify herself", be boastful and self exhalted. They will live the so called "good life", a life of luxury and wealth. Lacking none of the pleasures and the goods of this world. Rev. 18:7 

Rewards are available, some given now and enjoyed in this life. Some are not received until in the life to come. In the report of two men who died, both sons of Abraham, they possessed exceedingly opposite life styles on earth and in eternity. It is almost as if they switched places. 

The rich man, having lived in great luxury, now tormented. 

While Lazarus, having spent his life on earth in poverty, in eternity, enjoying all the very best of heaven. Lk. 16:25 

The moral of the story being, do we want our rewards now or then? 


THE BOGUS QUEEN. 
Of her beauty and attractiveness there can be no question. She is exceedingly rich and dressed in the very finest. The kings (political figures) and the inhabitants have all partaken of her fornication, which will be more spiritual that physical. 

Such actions will play out as being a denial of the Word of God, of the truths of the Word, such as the virgin birth of Christ, the efficacy of the blood of Christ and so on. Rev. 18:9 

So complete is the deception perpetrated by the powers of darkness at this time that this harlot church is to be found in the wilderness. Rev. 17:3 

This false church will be as close an imitation to the real as it is possible for her to be. Her location in the wilderness is an extreme deception, for that is the place and the shelter of the true church, the Bride of Christ. Rev. 12:6,14 

The political power and authority of the false church is seen as she sits astride the ungodly beast. Rev. 17:3 

She is most colorful and certainly must be a being of great natural beauty and attractiveness. The cup in her hand may be of gold, beautiful, valuable and shining, but consider carefully its contents. It is FULL (meaning the time of judgment is near). It is filled to the brim with ever filthy and unspeakable kind of unrighteousness and wickedness that the unclean spirit of satan and the vile mind of man can produce. Rev. 17:4 

God himself will eventually pour into her cup the wine of the great fury of His wrath, that she might drink it to the dregs. Rev. 16:19 

As the heavenly Jerusalem is the mother of the redeemed, Gal. 4:26 so the false church is the mother of and the source of all ungodliness. Rev. 17:5 

Who she is and what she is is indelibly written in her forehead, while the Bride of Christ will have the name of the Lord Jesus Christ written in her forehead. Indicating her full surrender to Christ and His acceptance of His Bride as His one and only. Rev. 22:4 

The true church is facing terrific deceptions in these last days. It behooves us to study and know what the WORD teaches. 




                            HIS COMING 61

BABYLON THE FALLEN. 
She is to be revealed spiritually, as being exactly the mixture that will promote all manner of ungodliness. She will have become the gathering place and home of every demon and prison or hold of every foul evil spirit. What an atmosphere that will create. 

While the city is not structurally destroyed here, spiritually it would be paramount to hell itself. The cage of every unclean scavenger that flies.  Rev. 18:2 

The spiritual condition of this great false church is well evaluated by the description given her. 

She is drunk on the wine of her fornication. 

She is morally corrupt, and that to great excess. 

She is politically corrupt in her dealings with the political powers and leaders of the world. 

She is wealthy beyond that which may be termed excessive. 

Through her demands for, and her ability to supply certain commodities, she is in cahoots with the retailers of the earth whom she has made rich by her trafficking. Rev. 18:3



A VOICE WITH A VERY STRONG INVITATION. 
It is an invitation to "come out". One would not anticipate that there would yet be those among this false church who were consecrated Christians, but the call is directed to them, and is a plea for them to separate themselves. 

Only by disconnecting from that which is fake and false can we be delivered from the punishment which will be exacted against Babylon. Rev. 18:4 

The Lord does not wait until the very last moment to warn His people of impending situations. Even now that same call is going forth to the church in this very day. Babylon is in the process of formation and daily is growing stronger. The call of the Spirit and the Word is to "come out". 2 Cor. 6:17


HER DAY AND HER HOUR WILL CERTAINLY COME TO PASS. 
That day and hour are predetermined, on the great end time calendar of the Lord. Her judgment will come suddenly and be very through. 

There are four events that will transpire to her on the one day of her punishment. 

Death, is certain and sure. 

Mourning, sorrow and grief will abound in her. 

Her loss of well being will be great. 

Famine will also strike her. She will plunge from having had the delicacies of this world to starvation. 

Then, she will be burned by fire while those who were in partnership with her stand afar off, in deep sorrow and distress because of their losses. 

Here the time element is given as being one hour. How quickly temporal things come to naught. In a brief period of time they are destroyed and consumed. Rev. 18:8-10 

So tremendous is this blow to the world that all commerce will grind to a halt. Their ability to buy and sell will no longer exist and that because of the destruction of the city that will have become the very hub and core of all business transactions. 

Extreme anguish and great wretchedness will grip the merchants at this time. There will be the greatest depression ever known to man. The pleasantries and luxuries of life will be quickly removed from among men, in all countries. 

They will never be returned nor exist again. Rev. 18:17-19 

All this will precede the Second Coming of Christ.
     

   


                      HIS COMING 62

HE WILL COME IN THE CLOUDS OF HIS GLORY. 
Jesus addressed the high priest (Mt. 26:63) with a positive statement, Jesus said to him that he would SEE the son of man, the Lord Jesus, situated at the right hand of His Father and coming in the clouds of heaven. Mt. 26:64 

These are not the clouds that surround our earth and which fly by in the sky, they are the clouds of heaven. They are the manifestation of the glory of the Father and the accumulation of His angels and the redeemed, which will be made visible at His coming. Mt. 16:21 

It was also stated by Jesus that it is His glory, the Father shares His glory with His Son. Mt. 25:31 

The most certain visibility of His coming in the clouds is a positive and sure fact. This truth was reiterated at His ascension which was witnessed by His disciples and the two witnesses who stood by. 

Their testimony was that THIS SAME JESUS, not another, but the identical person, would return in the same manner as they had watched Him go away. 

At His ascension they had watched Him as He was received up into a cloud. They were able to keep Him in their sight until He had entered into the cloud. He is coming in the exact manner, very visible. Acts 1:9-11 

The promise made to the high priest will be consummated at the second coming of Christ, he will see Jesus when He returns. Not only will the high priest see Him but so will all who were involved in the act of His crucifixion. His return to the earth will be viewed in three realms, heaven, earth and by those in the grave, for every eye shall see Him. Rev. 1:7 


THE REDEEMED ENTER INTO THE CLOUDS. 
This same Jesus, the Lord himself will come down to the earth from out of heaven. We have seen repeatedly that His coming is not secret nor unseen. Now we are being told that is not a silent coming for He will come with a shout. 1 Thes. 4:16 

It is the time when the shout of a king will be heard among them. Num. 23:21

The voice heard is the voice of the archangel, Michael (Who is like God. Jude 1:9) 

Certainly none other than the Lord Jesus. It is a shout and a voice of awakening for those in the grave, of assemblage for those alive on the earth and a voice of fear and trembling for those who are not saved.

The redeemed will comprehend the sound and message of His shout, while the unsaved will only hear a great sound and to them, a most unusual noise. 

The trumpet of the Lord will also sound, a vibration that will be heard and felt around the whole world. 

The redeemed dead will come forth from the grave without the grave having to be opened. Their bodies will no longer be hindered by the material and the elements of this earth. The living redeemed will be caught up with them and will be accepted into the clouds of the glory of the Lord. 1 Thes. 4:16-17 

With all the sounds of the shout and trumpet and the appearing of the cloud of glory, the activity of resurrection and the catching up of the living Bride how could the inhabitants of this world possible not know that Christ has indeed fulfilled His promise and has returned? 

It is impossible for His Coming to be a secretive happening. It will be clearly understood and reported.




                          HIS COMING  63

THE CLOUD OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE. 
It is a most unusual cloud for it is called THE CLOUD OF THE LORD. That gives assurance that the presence of the Lord will be found in that particular cloud. They were overshadowed by the glorious presence of the Lord for the entirety of their journey in the wilderness. Num. 10:34 

When the Lord visited Moses in the cloud, He took of the Spirit that was on Moses and transferred it upon the seventy who immediately started to prophesy. The cloud allowed the Lord to come nigh to them and for the blessing of the Lord to come upon them. The presence of the Lord was in the cloud. Num. 11:25 

Moses was called up into the cloud of the GLORY OF THE LORD, which covered the top of Sinai. Moses who was in the cloud rejoiced in the glory of the Lord while the Israelites, viewing the mount and the fiery presence of the Lord were filled with consternation and fear. 

Moses came down from the mount having absorbed the glory of the Lord. His being was aglow with the glory of the Lord. The Lord is the same today and He will glorify His church in a tremendous manner in the end of the age. 

But Israel turned to the worship of idols. The cloud of the glory of the Lord is a good place in which to abide. Ex. 24: 15-18


THE CLOUD OF HIS PRESENCE. 
The LORD, Himself accompanied Moses down from the mountain top. He stood with him at the door of the tabernacle, in this fashion showing His pleasure of the tabernacle built for glory of His presence and dwelling place. It was an occasion for the LORD, Jehovah, to proclaim the might and majesty of His name. Ex. 34:5-6 

The LORD also proclaimed His nature and attitude for all to hear. The unique quality of this cloud is again expressed at the time of the dedication of the temple. So powerful is the awesome presence of the Lord in His cloud that the priests could not stand to minister in the presence of the Glory Cloud. 1 Ki. 8:11 

Having manifest His Glory in such a beautiful and majestic fashion in buildings that were the work of the hands of men, how much more is it His desire and purpose to manifest the power of His Spirit in a
living church.  


THE GREAT GLORY OF THE LORD IS FOR THIS AGE AS WELL. 
The Lord will yet glorify the house of His glory. He is coming in glory and will occupy His throne which is the seat of His glory. Mt. 25:31 

The glory of which we write is that same visible glory that was made known on the mount of transfiguration. Its shining is not small nor faint like a candle but is equal to the shining of the sun. Christ, his very garments shone with the brilliancy of the sun. It was a living, glowing, glistening, scintillating light of the glory of the Lord that came upon Christ at that time. The veil of His flesh was pulled back and they beheld Him as He was inside. Luke 9: 29-32

They saw Him as all heaven will see Him throughout eternity. Consequently the inhabitants of heaven will be filled with and resonate with that same glory.




                         HIS COMING 64

THE COMING OF A MIGHTY ONE. 
A strong, valiant and forceful messenger descending from heaven with a very special message. As to His identification there can be no question. This is the Lord Jesus and it is that time when He shall appear in the clouds. The matters recorded in this portion of scripture are of vital importance to our understanding of His second coming. The SOURCE of His coming is verified. He will come from HEAVEN. Rev. 10:1 The time of His coming is stated as being, "IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS". Mt. 24:29 

Is there any possible way of stating it in a better or clearer fashion? They "SHALL SEE THE SON OF MAN" coming in the CLOUDS of heaven, with the same power and great glory as our messenger of Revelation chapter ten. Of course, they are one and the same person, only presented in a little different manner.


ROBED WITH A CLOUD. 
The advent of Christ will be spectacular beyond words. The cloud itself will be unusual, for it is a bright, shining, glowing cloud of the glory of the Lord. A cloud such as that manifest on the Mount of Transfiguration which was described as a bright cloud, a cloud filled with light and well illuminated. Mt. 17:5 

This is further verified by the fact that "HIS FACE WAS AS IT WERE THE SUN". What a marvelous display of light and glory that will be. The bright shining of His countenance filling the whole of the cloud with that glory that is the very light of heaven. Once again, we refer, to the Mount of Transfiguration where His face was seen as the sun. So full of light is He that His garments were effected and glowed, scintillated with that same glory. Mt. 17:2 

Let your imagination run wild to the greatest extreme, we will never be able to visualize the breath taking beauty and glory of this event. Added to the light of His face is the glow of His lower limbs which will be evident as pillars of fire. It was a pillar of fire, and a pillar of cloud that led Israel of old through the wilderness. Ex. 13:21

With Israel it was a pillar, singular. With Christ there are two pillars, or the double (full, complete) portion. With the LIGHT OF THE WORLD the center and purpose of this cloud, it could be nothing less than the greatest display of light that the world has ever seen. Added to the beauty of this tremendous exhibition of light is "THE RAINBOW" crowning His head.

The rainbow is a marvelous type of the Triunity or the Godhead. One rainbow, with three primary colors. Or three unified in one, each distinct and identifiable, yet in perfect and absolute harmony. The bow is the sign of the covenant keeping God. Gen. 9:13 

Not only has the Lord Jesus created the covenant of salvation, He is the covenant. Therefore the sign of the covenant keeping God is upon Him. The same resplendent, perfect, brilliant rainbow is seen surrounding the throne of the Lord. It will enhance the throne and be the crown of the Lord Jesus, eternally. Rev. 4:3 

The majestic splendors and colors of heaven will be surpassed only by the thrill of the presence and Spirit of the Lord. All the beauties of heaven will be intense and perfect.    




                                HIS COMING   65

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE MIGHTY MESSENGER. 
He located Himself with one foot on the dry ground and the other on the sea. The sounding forth of His message will alter the whole of creation. Life as it is now will never be the same, the topography of the earth will be completely changed.

His oath of the impending change was based upon the authority of the one who created all things. His message will be of uttermost importance for He will declare the cessation of time. "THAT THERE SHOULD BE TIME NO LONGER". The time given to man will have come to its completion. The Lord has measured out the span of time allotted to mankind for him to live on the earth. 

That time will soon come to its end. The Lord will bring it all to a crashing halt. What frightening words, no longer time. 

No longer time to get right with the Lord. 

No longer time to do those spiritual acts that we promise ourselves that we will someday do. 

No longer time to rectify, to change our lives and conform to His will. 

The final day, the final hour, the final minute will come. There is an end to time, after which we will find ourselves in eternity and in situations from which there is no possibility of change. Rev. 10:2-6


DUAL HARVESTS BY THE ONE SITTING ON THE CLOUD. 

THE FIRST. 
The gathering of the redeemed. 
The grand results of a mighty last day revival. A restoration of holiness and purity to the church, resulting in the perfection of His body and the subsequent marriage of Christ and His church. Eph. 5:27 

John saw the beautiful white cloud with one sitting on the cloud. The cloud is so evident in relationship to the second coming of Christ. The occupant is described as one like unto the SON OF MAN, could we possibly believe that it would be anyone other than the Lord Jesus? He is crowned with a crown of gold, the seal and sign of that which is eternal. He is the King of kings, the King of eternity.

Consequently He is crowned with a crown of the most precious and costly of metals. He holds the sickle in His hand for it is harvest time and He must reap. There must be a vast harvest prior to His coming, therefore His coming is not imminent, like today or tonight, or even this year. Harvest
FIRST, then He will come. Rev. 14:13-14


THE SECOND. 
A second and awesome harvest conducted by the angel. 
The time is come. These last day events are all scheduled by the Lord. Could we see His calendar, we would note certain days that are marked for the fulfillment of great and sometimes tragic events. 

The time for judgment has arrived. The sharp sickle is swung over the peoples of the earth and they are harvested. This is not a pleasant harvest for they are immediately thrown into the wine press of the wrath of God. 

The unsaved nations of the earth are gathered at the second coming of Christ and are trodden down at this time. Their slaughter is great and absolute. None will escape this horrendous and final punishment. The river of their blood will be deep and long. They have rejected the blood of Christ. The shedding of their blood is the consequence. Rev. 14:17-19 

   


                    HIS COMING   66

EVENTS PRECEDING THE TIME WHEN HE SHALL BE SEEN AS HE COMES IN THE CLOUDS OF GLORY. 
When the peoples of the earth SEE Him coming in the clouds, with power and great glory, they shall MOURN, beat themselves on the breast, be in great agony and anguish. In reality there is no way to fully describe the extreme emotions displayed by the unsaved at this moment of time. Mt. 24:30 

Perhaps the multiplicity of the statements made by Jesus will be convincing that His COMING IN THE CLOUDS WILL BE HIGHLY VISIBLE. Mt. 24:30, Mark 13:26, Mark 14:62, Luke 21:27, Acts. 1:11 

All these relate to His second coming in the clouds with power and great glory. That the Christian will become a missing person at this time there is no doubt, but it will not be a mysterious disappearance. When, where and how they go will be watched by the whole population of the earth. They will see our Lord descending from heaven. They will hear the shout and the sound of the trumpet and they will see the cloud and those who are resurrected and the living who are caught up to be with the Lord, eternally. 1 Thes. 4:16-17. 

We are assured that He is coming with clouds. We may also be strongly guaranteed that "EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM", even those who were physically responsible for nailing Him to the cross. ALL will see Him COMING IN THE CLOUDS and the ungodly will wail because of His coming. Rev. 1:7


ACCORDING TO THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 
Before His statement in Mt. 24:30 

There must be a time of great tribulation. A time such as never has been nor ever shall be. Mt. 24:21, Mark 13:19 Then He spoke of the time element of His coming as being IMMEDIATELY AFTER that period of time. Mt. 24:29, Mark 13:24-26


    A LAST DAY DECEPTION WHICH IS A PRELUDE TO HIS COMING.
There have been proclamations of His coming made at various times and by different individuals; they of course are false prophets giving false prophesies. They are almost too easy to discern as fraudulent and deluded persons. 

More dangerous to the body of Christ are those who claim to be Christ and also false prophets. These will come working miracles and will show great signs. Too many are dependent on or seeking after a display of wonder working power, things that are visibly amazing and astonishing.

There can be and will be deception manifest which were it possible would deceive even the very elect, the chosen of the Lord. Good people many times are misled. 

Our only way of discernment is by measuring all things by the Word and the Spirit. Among the several declarations of the location of His presence is the "secret chamber". How much is this referring to a secret coming? It is remarkably evident that He will be seen when He comes in the clouds. 

The only way that anyone could participate in a secret coming is to be caught totally unawares of the fact that all the signs of His coming have been fulfilled and the time has arrived. Surely, if we understand what the Word teaches, there is no secret coming, not for the saints. 

 




                HIS COMING  67

THE BLESSED HOPE. 
More than the second coming of Christ is embraced in the "Blessed Hope".  Titus 2:13 

There is a pretribulation marriage between Christ and His church which, more than any other event, is the hope and longing of the church/bride. Christ, who is love personified, has loved the peoples of the world and provided salvation for the whosoever will. 

But, in particular, and especially, He has loved His church. This is the end result of His great and mighty love. It is the depths of His love, a love that emanates from Him and is responded to fully by His glorified bride.

The manifestation of that love has the beautiful effect of producing a body of believers who touch the perfection of Christ. It is a marriage of the elite of the Lord. Eph. 5:25-27 

Every expectation of Christ toward His bride is one of righteousness and holiness. His grand design is a bride who is separated from ALL iniquity and unrighteousness. A people who are exclusively His. They are His very own, completely consecrated and dedicated to Christ. Titus 2:14


THE GLORIOUS APPEARING. 
The manifestation of the Christ of God in full splendor and exceeding great glory. It is very apparent that this too relates to the visible second coming of the Lord Jesus. It is the same event that we have noted previously as being the Coming, Greek, parousia or commonly called the rapture. This is the word, epiphaneia, appearing, brightness and relates to the advent of the Lord Jesus. Titus 2:13 

His promise that His appearing will result in the appearing of His redeemed at one and the same
time. Col. 3:4 

However, as always, there are divine standards which are required in order to participate in the blessings of the Lord. In this instant it is death to self, the carnal man. There is a place where His life is lived in His very own. His life lived in us, will overwhelm the old man, the old life and produce a new life in Christ. Col. 3:3,5 

Just how strict is His standard? Once again it is to be without spot or blame until the time of His appearing. His presence in us enables us to live a life that is completely acceptable to Him. 1 Tim. 6:14 

It is well that we note Christ will appear to judge those who are living and those who are in the grave as to their worthiness to participate in the establishment of His kingdom. 

It is important that we consider here the fact that His appearing and the establishment of His kingdom are spoken of as one and the same event. When He comes, and is visibly seen, He will establish His kingdom. We know that His kingdom will not be instituted until the end of the tribulation period. 2 Tim. 4:1 

He came the first time for the salvation of all who would receive and believe in Him. 

His appearing will not be for the salvation of the soul, but the second time is for the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the transformation of the physical bodies of those who are in Christ. 

This will consummate the dealings of the Lord with mankind, those who are descendants from Adam. The eternal will prevail and we shall posses glorified bodies. Heb. 9:28 




07:35 24-08-03

Complete.
07:46 3/11/2004 formatting edited 
eof