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(Heb 9:28 KJV) "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." When the Lord Jesus (Rev 1:7) Christ (analuo: G360) returns (departs, Phil 1:23) from a (ready) prepared (wedding) Marriage (Luke 12:36) and (dinner) Supper (Mat 22:4; Luke 14:16-17), and comes (Acts 1:11), appears (Mat 24:30) the second time (Heb 9:28), more will be fulfilled. That which was prophesied about Messiah's, (Dan 9:24-26) first coming (John 1:40-41; 4:25-26; 11:27) was fulfilled (Luke 24:44-49), which was when He was born (Mat 1:18-25), ministered (Luke 4:17-21), bore our sins (1 Pet 2:24), suffered (Isa 53) and died (1 Cor 15:3-8) on the cross (John 19:30-33) at the place called Calvary (Luke 23:33), place of a skull (Mat 27:32-33), which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha (Mark 15:21-22; John 19:17), rose the third day (Luke 24:44-46; Hosea 6:2) and ascended (John 20:17). Note: The prophetic parts are like gathering scattered pieces (parts) of a picture puzzle and placing them, which clarify God's unveiling (2 Cor 3:13-18) order of events (1 Cor 15:20-28), learning about things once sealed (Dan 9:24; 12:3-4, 9), but now not sealed (Rev 22:9-10) and revealed (Mat 11:25-27; Eph 3:1-6) about the Savior (Psa 40:7-8) and His (mysteries) secrets (Rev 10:7) to whoever He so desires (Amos 3:6-8 1). Just as Jesus' first coming was foretold with various details scattered throughout the prophetic (1 Cor 13:9-13) Word, it is the same with His second appearing (Heb 9:28) and coming (Mat 24:30). (1 Cor 13:9 KJV) "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part." As you see in Hebrews 9:28 and in these studies, there will be a second appearing and coming (Mat 24:30) of our Lord, not two more times, no secretly or silently. Quickly, as a Thief, Sudden and Unawares (Rev 16:15 KJV) "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." (Rev 22:12 KJV) "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." When the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) returns (Luke 19:12-27), He and that Day will come (suddenly) quickly (Rev 22:20 2) and as a thief (Mat 24:42-44 3) in the night (1 Th 5:2 4). (Mat 24:42-44 KJV) "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. {43} But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. {44} Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." In one of Jesus' parables when He talked about His coming He said, "...if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken [into] up" (Mat 24:43 KJV); and again "...if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken [into] through" (Luke 12:39 KJV). Note: Some thought the Lord would come (return) in the first watch (century), and then the second watch (century), and now the third (century) watch (Luke 12:36-40). In Revelation 3:3, Jesus told those of the church of Sardis who will not watch, "I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." And in Revelation 16:15 He said, "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth...." The Day of the Lord (Jesus Christ) will come as a thief in the night is part of Peter's (2 Pet 3:10) and Paul's (1 Th 5:2) description of how that Day will come. Some of Jesus' descriptions of His (second) coming (Mat 24:42-44) will be (suddenly) quickly (Rev 22:20 2) and as a thief (Rev 16:15 3), as previously shown, at midnight (Mat 25:5-6) and in that night (Luke 17:34-36 4). For some, He and that Day will come quickly (Rev 2:5, 16), sudden (1 Th 5:3-4; Zep 1:14), unawares (unexpected) and as a snare (Luke 21:34-35). (Zep 1:14-15 KJV) "The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth [suddenly] greatly [quickly], even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. {15} That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress...." Paul, like Jesus (Luke 12:39-40), wanted believers to be ready for that Day. The brethren of the church of the Thessalonians in God knew perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night (1 Th 5:1-2). (1 Th 5:1-11 KJV) "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. {2} For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief 3 in the night. 4 {3} For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. {4} But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. {5} Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. {6} Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. {7} For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. {8} But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. {9} For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, {10} Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. {11} Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." (Isa 13:6 KJV) "Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is [near] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty." (Joel 1:15 KJV) "Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come." You, brethren, are not in darkness, so that Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all children of light and children of the day, and not of the night or of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, like others do, but let us watch and be sober. "For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night." "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." For God has not appointed (committed) us to (suffer) wrath, but to obtain (acquire, purchase) salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or sleep, we should live together with Him... (1 Th 5:3-11). The children of light and of the day are not appointed to (suffer) wrath, for they have been delivered (1 Th 1:9-10; Dan 12:1-3); but the wrath of God will come on the children of disobedience (Col 3:5-7), children of the night (1 Th 5:5) and of darkness (Eph 5:5-8). Note: The Greek word aiphnidios (G160) was translated "sudden" in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 and "unawares" in Luke 21:34. In Luke 21:34-35, Jesus said to take heed (pay attention) to yourselves lest (if perhaps) at any time your hearts be overcharged (burden) with surfeiting (headaches, debauchery, carousing), drunkenness, and cares of this life, so that Day come on you unawares (sudden, unexpected). For as a snare (trap), it will come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. (Luke 21:32-36 KJV) "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. {33} Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. {34} And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. {35} For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. {36} Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." The Lord said to watch therefore, and pray (Mat 26:41) always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all the things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). (Luke 21:25-28 KJV) "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; {26} Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. {27} And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. {28} And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." We will not all sleep (Psa 17:15) in Jesus, because some will be awake and watching when the last trumpet sounds. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air... (1 Th 4:13-18). As shown, the Lord (Mat 24:27; Luke 17:24) and that Day will come (suddenly) quickly (Rev 22:20 2) and as a thief (Mat 24:42-44 3) in the night (1 Th 5:2 4). For some, He and that Day will come quickly (Rev 2:5, 16), sudden (1 Th 5:3-4; Zep 1:14), unawares (unexpected) and as a snare (Luke 21:34-35). (Eph 5:17-21 KJV) "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. {18} And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; {19} Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord...." If we are watching (Rev 16:15), sober (1 Th 5:6-8), praying (Luke 21:36), and "...exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb 10:25 KJV), we will be (ready, Mat 24:42-44; Luke 12:36-40) prepared (2 Tim 2:19-21) and will have done everything possible to see that all in our house (Acts 18:8) were saved (Acts 16:31-33) and not separated from us when Saints are resurrected, caught up (1 Th 4:13-18) and gathered (Mat 24:31) together (2 Th 2:1-4). Heavens and Earth Shake (Heb 12:25-29) (Heb 12:26 KJV) "Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven." In the day the Son of Man appears, immediately after (post) the Tribulation, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give her light, the stars will fall from heaven, the powers of the heavens (Heb 12:25-29) will be shaken (Mat 24:29-30); also the earth (Isa 2:19-22; Rev 16:18-21), the sea (Luke 21:25-26), the dry land and all nations (Hag 2:6-7) will shake, and every mountain and island will move out of their places (Rev 6:12-17). (No Gentile secret or silent pre-trib rapture.) (Mat 24:29 KJV) "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:" (Hag 2:6-7 KJV) "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; {7} And I will shake all nations.... (Rev 6:12-14 KJV) "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; {13} And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. {14} And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; 5 and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Appear Second Time (Heb 9:28) (Mat 24:30 KJV) "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." Coming in Clouds (Rev 1:7) (Rev 1:7 KJV) "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." When the Son of Man appears (Mat 24:30), He will come in the clouds of heaven (Mark 14:62), and every eye will see Him (Rev 1:7). Many times when the Bible describes His coming, clouds (Rev 14:14 6) are part of the scene (Dan 7:13-14). (Zec 12:10 KJV) "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him...." To the Saints, that Day (2 Pet 3:10) will be a day of redemption (Luke 21:25-28; Eph 4:30), a day (time) of deliverance (Dan 12:1-3) from wrath (1 Th 1:9-10), and the clouds (Luke 21:27) of heaven (Mat 24:30), where the Son of Man will be (Rev 14:14-16), from where the light (Rev 21:23-24) of heaven will shine (Acts 26:13-18), will be a refuge to where they will escape (Luke 21:33-36). But to the sinners and wicked (Isa 11:4; Job 21:30), the great and very terrible (Joel 2:1-11), dreadful (Mal 4:5) Day of the Lord, in the day Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) appears (Heb 9:24), will be a day of vengeance (Isa 34:8), a day of wrath, a day of trouble (Zep 1:14-16), a day of clouds and darkness (Joel 2:1-2; Amos 5:18-20), a day of destruction (Isa 13:6-13; Joel 1:15). They (Nahum 1:2-3) will not escape (1 Th 5:2-3; Joel 2:3). Trumpet Sounds (Mat 24:31) When the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) comes, the seventh (Rev 10:7; 11:14-15) and last (1 Cor 15:51-54) trumpet (1 Th 4:16-17) will sound (Mat 24:31). (1 Cor 15:51-54 KJV) "Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, {52} In a moment, 7 in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet 8 shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. {53} For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. {54} So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." 9 (1 Th 4:16-18 KJV) "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: {17} Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. {18} Wherefore comfort one another with these words." Earth Reaped (Rev 14:14-16) (Rev 14:14-16 KJV) "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. {15} And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. {16} And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped." When the Son of Man comes, He, who sits on a white cloud, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle, will trust in His sickle and reap the harvest (of Saints) of the earth (Rev 14:14-16). Literally, the Lord will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather (Mat 13:30, 39) together (2 Th 2:1-4) His (chosen) elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (Mat 24:31). You could look at it this way, when Christ appears (Heb 9:28; 1 John 3:2-3) and Saints are resurrected, "...In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible..." (1 Cor 15:51-54 KJV), and our vile bodies will be changed (Job 14:12-15), each fashioned like unto his glorious body (Phil 3:20-21). And by the Spirit (Rev 11:11-12) of the Lord (Acts 8:39) God (Ezek 11:24) caught (harpazo: G726) up (bodily), and by His holy (Mat 25:31) angels gathered (Mat 13:30, 39) together (2 Th 2:1-4) in the clouds (Mat 24:30-31 6), to meet the Lord in the air... (1 Th 4:13-18). (Job 14:14 KJV) "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." (Job 19:25 KJV) "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:" Note: The gathering of wheat in Matthew 13:24-30 (13:37-43) and first reaping in Revelation 14:14-16 are metaphors (similitudes) of Matthew 24:30-31. Whether it be called the harvest, resurrection, Rapture (caught up), redemption of our bodies, gathering together, etc., the various details describe the time when Saints in their delivered (redeemed) bodies (Rom 8:22-23) go to be with the Lord forever (1 Th 4:16-17). Wrath Revealed (Rom 1:18-32) When the Son of Man comes, the wrath of God will be revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who withhold the truth by their unrighteousness (Rom 1:18-32), who do not obey the truth (Rom 2:5-9), the unrepentant (Rev 16:7-11), the unbelievers (Luke 12:46; John 3:36), sinners (Isa 13:6-13) and wicked (Isa 11:4; Job 21:30). Note: Many will hide (Isa 2:19-22) from Him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:15-17), and the Wicked will be consumed (Zep 1:2-3; 14:12) and slain with the spirit (breath) of His mouth (Isa 11:4), and will be destroyed with the (manifestation) brightness of His (presence) coming (2 Th 2:8). Hebrews 12:29 says, "For our God is a consuming fire." The Wicked (Isa 11:4; Job 21:30) in 2 Thessalonians 2:8 could imply others (2 Th 1:6-10) not just the Antichrist (1 John 2:18). (Isa 11:4 KJV) "...and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked." Angels in Revelation 14:6, 8, 9, 15, 17 and 18 leave the temple to perform some of their responsibilities. After the (harvest of Saints of the) earth was reaped (Rev 14:14-16), another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and trust in his sharp sickle (Joel 3:13), and gathered the clusters of fully ripe grapes of the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress (Isa 63:1-6) of the wrath of God. And by the Word of God (Rev 19:15-16), the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand and six hundred furlongs (Rev 14:17-20). (Rev 14:17-20 KJV) "And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. {18} And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. {19} And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. {20} And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs." From the description in Revelation 14:17-20, it is definitely a metaphor (similitude) of the wrath of God and of the Lamb (Rev 6:15-17), and the battle (Rev 19:11-21) of that great day of God Almighty, at a place called Armageddon (Rev 16:14, 16). Till Seven (Last) Plagues Fulfilled (Rev 15:7-8) In the next chapter (Rev 15), John "saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up [complete] the wrath of God." And he saw as it were a sea of glass (Rev 4:6-8) mingled with fire; and standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God, those who had gotten the victory over (overcome) the beast, his image, his mark, (his name) and the number of his name (Rev 13:14-18). And they sang (Rev 5:8-14) the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb.... After that John looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. "And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles" (Rev 15:1-6 KJV). "And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled" (Rev 15:7-8 KJV). (2 Chr 7:2 KJV) "And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house." (Isa 6:4 KJV) "And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke." Note: The temple (Rev 7:15) is perhaps where John saw the Son of Man (Rev 1:12-16) and the seven stars in His right hand, which are the angels of the seven churches, the seven golden candlesticks, which are the seven churches (Rev 1:20), the messages to the seven churches (Rev 2-3) and over comers were given (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21), souls under the altar (Rev 6:9-11), ones out of great tribulation, throne (Rev 4:1-11) and Lamb of God (Rev 7:9-17), angels, altar and Saints upon the golden altar, golden censer (Rev 8:3-4), two candlesticks, which are the two witnesses (Rev 11:3-4), ark of his testament (Rev 11:19), those who had gotten the victory over (overcome) the beast... (Rev 15:2-4), etc. Because of what happened in Revelation 15:7-8, I believe Jesus previously left the temple with souls (Rev 6:9-11) of the Saints (1 Th 3:13; Jude 1:14), those who sleep (Psa 17:15) in Jesus, those who were slain on the altar (Rev 8:3-4), and with His holy angels (Mat 25:31) to call forth the first resurrection (Rev 20:4-6), (rapture) catching up (1 Th 4:13-18) and gathering together (2 Th 2:1-12), the reaping the harvest (of Saints) of the earth (Rev 14:14-16). Note: Paul explains the merger of Saints and their bodies very well in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. When Jesus appears the second time (Heb 9:28) for the first resurrection (Rev 20:4-6), God is bringing with Him Saints (1 Th 3:13; Jude 1:14) who sleep in Jesus (1 Th 4:13-15) -- souls in heaven (Rev 6:9). "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Th 4:16-17 KJV). That is when Saints live and reign with Christ (Rev 20:4).Possibly the next time anyone is seen again in the temple will be when the Marriage Supper of the Lamb comes (Rev 19:5-9), when the multitude which came out of great tribulation stand before the throne in (Rev 7:9-17), when those who had gotten the victory over (overcome) the beast stand on the sea of glass (Rev 15:2-4), etc. After the (harvest of Saints of the) earth was reaped (Rev 14:14-16), the seven golden vials full of the wrath (Rev 14:17-20) of God (Rev 15:1, 6-8), the seven last plagues (Rev 21:9), were ready (prepared) to be poured out (Rev 16:1-12, 17, 19), which means wrath (Rev 6:12-17) after rapture. Saints will be caught up (1 Th 4:13-18) and gathered (Mat 13:30, 39) together (2 Th 2:1-4) in the clouds (Mat 24:30-31 6) with Jesus (Dan 3:25) for a good reason (Isa 26:20-21). (Gen 7:23 KJV) "And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained [left] alive, and they that were with him in the ark." (Mat 24:37-39 KJV) "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. {38} For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, {39} And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Noah and those with him were in the ark (Gen 6:17-18) when the flood came (Gen 7:21-23). And Saints (1 Th 3:13; Jude 1:14) will be in the clouds with Jesus (Dan 3:25) when the wrath of God is revealed (Rom 1:18-32), the vials of the wrath of God are poured out (Rev 16:1-12, 17, 19), and the battle (Rev 19:11-21) at a place called Armageddon (Rev 16:14, 16) occurs. Day, Appearing, Coming, Rapture Note: ...It must be near the end (Dan 12:4) and the last days, because so much is being revealed in an esoterically way to His Elect. The end-time details over-all is an (riddle) enigma (Ezek 17:2) and to some a paradox. If you have the faith and choose to study prophecy on your own (not for the faint-hearted), first, you need to pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and then be prepared to ask the Father questions. Just when something does not make sense, hang in there and He will bring to you the understanding (Prov 3:5-6). Everything does not come all at once. As you grow, periodically He will give fresh and new revelations to study. Some of those who do not understand prophecy (1 Cor 13:9-10), visions (Num 12:6-8), revelations or the book of Revelations try to break up the Day of Christ (2 Th 2:2-4), Resurrection and (Latin: rapiemur) Rapture (1 Th 4:13-18), and the Day of the Lord (1 Th 5:1-5), Second Appearing (Heb 9:28) and Coming (Mat 24:30-31) into events that happen in segments. The Holy (2 Tim 3:15-17) Scriptures (Rom 16:25-27) of Truth (Dan 10:21), the Word of Truth (2 Tim 2:15) and the guidance of the Spirit of Truth (John 16:12-15) will help (John 14:26) them understand that those prophetic (foretold) future events will all occur in the Day of the Lord (1 Th 5:1-5) Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:8). Note: A prophecy (nebuw'ah: H5016; nabiy': H5030; propheteia: G4394) is a prediction, something foretold (proereo: G4280; prolego: G4302; proepo: G4277), often by a prophet (nebiy': H5029; nabiy': H5030; prophetes: G4396; prophetikos: G4397), who beforetime was called a Seer (ra'ah: H7200, 1 Sam 9:9; chozeh: H2374, 2 Sam 24:11), by a prophetess (nebiy'ah: H5031; prophetis: G4398) or by a messenger (1 Sam 19:20) who could prophesy (naba': H5012; neba': H5013; nebuw'ah: H5017; chazah: H2372; nataph: H5197; propheteia: G4394; propheteuo: G4395). Some prophets prophesy falsely (Jer 5:30-31) and lies (Jer 23:25-26). The various recorded and written (Rev 1:1-3) prophecies (2 Pet 1:20-21) -- believed to be in part (1 Cor 13:9-13) -- were at times put forth as riddles and spoken in (metaphors, similes) parables (Ezek 17:2). Members of the body of Christ (Eph 5:29-30 10) have gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:4-12; Eph 4:7-16), equipping them for their (His) calling, and some have the gift of prophecy and prophesying (Rom 12:6 11). If you understand how differently the pillar of fire and cloud (Psa 105:39), from where the LORD looked down (Exo 14:24-25), appeared to the Egyptians (Exo 14:19-20) and to the Israelites (Exo 13:21-22), then you might understand the great Day of the Lord (Zep 1:14-18) to the sinners (Isa 13:6-13) and wicked (Isa 11:4; Job 21:30), and to the Saints in the day Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) appears the second time (Heb 9:28), coming in the clouds 6 of heaven with power and great glory (Mat 24:30). Whether it be called the "Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Th 2:1 12), "Day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 1:8), "Day of Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:6), "Day of Christ" (2 Th 2:2-4 13), "Day of the Lord Jesus" (2 Cor 1:14 14) or "Day of the Lord" (Acts 2:20 15), each is a reference to the Second (Heb 9:28) Coming (Mat 16:27-28 16) and Appearing (Mat 24:30 17) of our Lord (1 Tim 6:14) and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Tim 1:10), when He will be revealed (Luke 17:30 18) from heaven with His mighty (holy, Mat 25:31) angels... (2 Th 1:6-10). And whether He be called Jesus, Christ, Savior, Lord, God, Almighty, Son of God, Son of Man, Lamb of God, Redeemer, each is a reference to the Holy One (Acts 2:25-28 19) of Israel (Isa 47:4). Visions and Revelations (Dan 2:19) (Amos 3:7 KJV) "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." The LORD God said by the prophet Joel (in the last days) ...that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit (and they will prophesy) (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:16-18). The following will improve the understanding (1 Cor 2:9-16; Col 1:9-11) of visions (Hosea 12:10), dreams (Num 12:6-8) and revelations. Note: A vision is seen (chaza': H2370; chazah: H2372, Num 24:4, Isa 1:1; ra'ah: H7200, Ezek 8:4, 11:24; horao: G3708, Luke 24:23; eido: G1492, Acts 9:12; blepo: G991, Acts 12:7-9), and a revelation (apokalupsis: G602, 1 Cor 14:5-6) or something revealed (galah: H1540, Dan 10:1) is a disclosure (and not a physical change). The LORD will make Himself known (yada': H4758) to a prophet in a vision (mar'eh: H4758), and will speak to him in a (chalowm: H2472) dream (Num 12:6-8). A vision could be at night, in a (chelem: H2493) dream (Dan 7:1-2), and while upon ones bed (Job 33:14-18). Note: There're various Hebrew and Chaldee words in the O.T. (machazeh: H4236; mar'eh: H4758; mar'ah: H4759; chezev: H2376; chazown: H2377; chazowth: H2378; chazuwth: H2380; chizzayown: H2384; ra'ah: H7200; ro'eh: H7203) that were translated "vision" and "visions," etc., in which some were translated "revelation" in some Bible versions. There're various Greek words in the N.T. (optasia: G3701, Luke 24:23, 2 Cor 12:1; horama: G3705, Acts 16:9-10; horasis: G3706, Acts 2:17) that were translated "vision" and "visions," etc., which were seen (horao: G3708; eido: G1492). Perhaps to help understand a vision and revelation from the LORD God, consider what can be seen and revealed on a television set or monitor. If you are reading these studies and messages on a screen, you cannot actually see who typed them or God who inspired them. God has given us the resources and ability to accomplish this type of communication and revelation with each other without being present. How much greater are God's ways (Isa 55:8-9) of communicating then those He has given us. To facilitate the meaning of revelation, or something revealed, and how it is connected to a vision, we will look in the book of Daniel and let the scriptures speak for themselves. (Dan 2:19 KJV) "Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven." (Dan 10:1 KJV) "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision." In Daniel 2:19 it says, Daniel had a secret revealed to him in a night vision (Job 4:12-21); and in Daniel 10:1 it says, Daniel had a thing revealed to him, and he understood the thing and had understanding of the vision. Note: The Chaldee word gelah (H1541) and Hebrew word galah (H1540) were translated "reveal, revealed" and "revealeth" in some King James O.T. verses. Nebuchadnezzar's Great Image (Dan 2:31-46) In Daniel 2:22, Daniel said, "He [God] revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him." And in Daniel 2:28, "But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days...." Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and visions in his head upon his bed. He needed someone to make known the dream and the interpretation. The secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision (Dan 2:19), and he made known the interpretation of the great image that the king saw (Dan 2:28-47). In brief (Dan 2:31-46), the image's head of gold (Dan 2:31-32) represented, the first (Dan 7:4) kingdom, king Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom (Dan 2:36-38), which was Babylonian (Dan 2:47-49); his breast and his arms of silver (Dan 2:32) represented another, the second (Dan 7:5), kingdom inferior to Nebuchadnezzar's (Dan 2:39), which was Median and Persian (Dan 5:28-31; 8:20; 11:1-2); his belly and thighs of brass (Dan 2:32) represented another (Dan 7:6), the third kingdom (Dan 2:39), which was Grecian (Dan 8:21-22; 11:2-4); his (two) legs of iron, and his (two) feet and (ten) toes, part of potters' clay and part of iron (Dan 2:33), the kingdom divided (Dan 2:41-43), represented the fourth (Dan 7:7-8, 19-26) kingdom (Dan 2:40), which was Roman (John 11:48). In the days of these kings will the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which will never be destroyed. It (the stone cut out of the mountain without hands will smite the image on his feet and) will break in pieces (the iron, brass, clay, silver and gold) and consume all these (assimilated) kingdoms, and it will stand forever (Dan 2:34-35, 44-45). We know that the conquering kingdom is the kingdom of our Lord God. Revived (Rev 13:3, 14) Roman kingdom (Rev 16:10; 17:9-11) and kings (Dan 7:7-8, 19-26) will rise (come) up (Rev 13:1-3), and will be destroyed (Dan 7:11, 26), and the Saints of the Most High will take and possess the (everlasting) kingdom (Dan 7:18), it will be given to them (Dan 7:22, 27), when the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) comes again (Rev 17:7-14), and they will reign (Rev 2:26-29) with Him (Rev 11:15; 19:11-16) as kings and priests on the earth (Rev 5:9-10) for a thousand years (Rev 20:4-6), and in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-3) forever and ever (Rev 22:5; Dan 7:18). Similitudes (Hosea 12:10) The LORD (Num 12:6-8) spoke by the prophets (Heb 1:1-2), gave them many visions (chazown: H2377; "from chazah: H2372; a sight (mentally) i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle"), and used similitudes (damah: H1819; "a prim. root; to compare; by impl. to resemble, liken, consider," according to Strong's dictionary) by the ministry of the prophets (Hosea 12:10). The great image in Daniel 2:31-46, the great high tree in the midst of the earth in Daniel 4:8-37, and the four great beasts, the fourth beast's ten horns and little horn in Daniel 7:1-28 are just a few similitudes, and Revelation has plenty of them. Note: In brief, Daniel seven's four great beasts (kings arise and kingdoms, Dan 7:17, 23-24) that came up from (out of) the sea, diverse one from another (Dan 7:1-3): The first was like a lion (Babylonian), it had eagle's wings...; second like a bear (Median and Persian), it was raised up on one side and it had three ribs in its mouth...; third like a leopard (Grecian), it had on its back four wings of a fowl, the beast also had four heads... (Dan 7:4-6; Rev 13:2); and the fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly, and it had great iron teeth... (Roman). It was diverse from all the beasts that were before it. It had ten horns (Dan 7:7; Rev 13:1; 17:3, 7, 12, 16) in his head (Dan 7:19-20), which are ten kings that will arise out of this kingdom. And there came up among the ten horns, and will rise, another little horn, before whom three of the first horns were plucked by the roots (Dan 7:8), and three fell (Dan 7:20). He will be diverse from the first ten kings (horns) and will subdue three kings (Dan 7:24). And there's the beast that rises (comes) up out of the sea, "...having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast...was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the [great red] dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority" in Revelation 13:1-10. And the "...scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns" (kings who have receive no kingdom as yet) in Revelation 17:3 (7, 12, 16). And the "...great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads" in Revelation 12:3. The various similitudes (Hosea 12:10) interrelate (correlate) and describe the Roman kingdom (Rev 16:10; 17:9-11) and kings. We cannot see or know (understand) the future or spiritual things, unless God reveals (Dan 2:22, 28-30) them to us by his Spirit (1 Cor 2:9-16); and we know that no man has seen God (John 1:18), because He is Spirit (John 4:23-24). Note: The LORD spoke unto Moses face to face (Deu 34:10), as a man speaks unto his friend (Exo 33:11), mouth to mouth, plainly, clearly and not in dark speeches (riddles). And he beheld (saw) the similitude (temuwnah: H8544; image, likeness) of the LORD (Num 12:7-8). But then, according to Numbers 12:8, Moses beheld (saw) the similitude (image, likeness) of the LORD, and consider Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15-17), and the express image of His Person (Heb 1:3). Take it as you may. For Jesus said, he who has seen me has seen the Father (John 14:8-11). Note: There are various Bible passages (Exo 24:9-11; Isa 6:1-7; Ezek 1:22-28; 8:1-2; Dan 7:9-10; Mat 17:1-2; Mark 9:2-3; Luke 9:28-29; Dan 10:5-7; Rev 1:13-16; 2:18; 4:1-11; 14:14-16; 19:11-21) that describe our glorious Lord. Compare Revelation 14:1-5 with Zechariah 14:3-5. To help convey and reveal to us that which is spiritual, God has used similitudes (Hosea 12:10). Note: The natural man (Rom 8:5-6) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God...they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor 2:9-16). The Spirit can use what we mentally perceive, see and hear, that which is tangible, to help convey and reveal to us that which is spiritual. (Heb 11:3 KJV) "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Jesus said, no man has seen God at any time, the Only Begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has declared Him (John 1:18). And since Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15-17), God's Son (Heb 1:1-2), and the express image of His Person (Heb 1:3), and the Word of God (John 1:1-5), He would be the perfect One to convey and reveal things. Throughout Jesus ministry He spoke in parables (Mat 13:34-35). According to Strong's dictionary, the Greek word parabole (G3850), from paraballo (G3846), "a similitude," was translated "parable," also "comparison" (Mark 4:30-34), "figure" (Heb 9:9; 11:19) and "proverb" (Luke 4:23). Whether it be a vision (Hosea 12:10), dream (Num 12:6-8), revelation or parable (similitude), the Lord used them through-out His Word to reveal Himself and to convey His messages. Note: In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son (Heb 1:1-2). After His ascension, He conveyed messages (and things) to Paul (2 Cor 12:1-4; Gal 1:11-17) and to John (Rev 1:1; 4:1-2) by revelations; and by the scriptures (Rom 16:25-27), by the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26), the LORD God of heaven (Dan 2:22, 28-30), the Father (Mat 11:25-27) and Jesus Christ (Luke 10:21-22) conveys and reveals things unto us (1 Cor 2:9-16). Some Revelation Pictures (Rev 1:1-2 KJV) "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: {2} Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw." The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which was given to John, was to be shown unto His Servants (Rev 1:1), and was written in a book and sent to the seven churches (Rev 1:11). Some of the things that John saw (eido: G1492), the various similitudes (images, likenesses), were similar to how visions were given in the O.T. If the interpretations of the similitudes are given, one can more easily understand the messages. For simplification, we will call the visions and similitudes, pictures with messages. Note: In essence (Rev 1:10-16) John the Beloved saw (Rev 1:1-3) the glorious throne of God (Rev 4:1-11; 7:9-17; 8:3-4), the Lord God Almighty (Rev 1:7-8; 4:6-8), who is and who was and who is to come (Rev 11:14-18), the Lamb (Rev 5:1-14; 14:1-5; 19:5-9), pictures (Rev 12:1-2, 5) and scenes (Rev 6:12-17; 11:11-19; 16:18-21) of Jesus and His coming (Rev 14:14-16; 19:11-21), the Great White Throne (Rev 20:11-15), etc. Although the pictures of the "seven Spirits of God" are different in the following, each has a message to convey. In Revelation 1:4, the seven Spirits are before His throne. In Revelation 3:1, He (Son of God/Man) has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars, and according to Revelation 1:16, they are in His right hand. In Revelation 4:5, the seven Spirits of God are the seven lamps (Zec 4:2) of fire burning before the throne. And in Revelation 5:6, the seven Spirits of God are the seven eyes on the slain Lamb. After rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Tim 2:15), I came up with the following that help us understand the seven eyes and Spirits. The "...seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth" (Rev 5:6 KJV), are "...the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth" (Zec 4:10 KJV), "...are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Prov 15:3 KJV),"...to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him" (2 Chr 16:9 KJV). "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers..." (1 Pet 3:12 KJV 20). Other Revelation passages will help us understand who the Lamb is "...as it had been slain having seven horns and seven eyes..." (Rev 5:6 KJV). The Lamb is Jesus, because in Revelation 5:9 it says that the Lamb "...wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood...;" and in Revelation 1:5 it says that Jesus Christ is the one "...that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood...." Even if we could see Jesus right now, we would not be able to see the seven Spirits of God. Jesus does not literally look like a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, but the picture helps us understand Him. In the Bible, "seven" came to symbolize completeness. Before the wall of Jericho would fall down flat and the Israelites could take the city (Josh 6:20), they had to march around it one time a day for six days with armed men of war going before seven priests bearing and blowing seven trumpets of rams' horns who were before the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD. But on the seventh day they had to march around the city seven times blowing seven trumpets, and on the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets (made a long blast with the ram's horns), the people had to shout with a great shout (Josh 6:1-16). Then, "horn" is figurative for (the power of) a king and kingdom in Daniel 8:21-22, and for the power of God in Habakkuk 3:3-4. (Hab 3:3-6 KJV) "God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. {4} And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. {5} Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. {6} He stood, and measured [shook] the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting." Consider the one like unto the Son of man in the following paraphrase of Revelation 1:13-16. It says, and in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks was one like unto the Son of Man (Rev 14:14-16), clothed with a garment down to His feet and girt about His chest with a golden girdle. His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were as a flame of fire. His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters. He had in His right hand seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was as the sun shining in his strength. (Rev 1:13-16 KJV) "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. {14} His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; {15} And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. {16} And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." (Isa 11:5 KJV) "And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins." (Rev 2:18 KJV) "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;" This is another picture with a message, like the ones in Exodus 24:9-11, Isaiah 6:1-7, Ezekiel 1:25-28, 8:1-2, Daniel 7:9-10, Matthew 17:1-2, Mark 9:2-3, Luke 9:28-29, Daniel 10:5-7, Rev 4:1-11, 14:14-16, 19:11-21, etc. Note: As you read and study the assorted verses, 21 and see the in part similarities (the message in each vision) and the apparent variations between each prophet's description, take into consideration the times they were written, and the variations between the Hebrew, Chaldee and Greek translations into English, as shown in the various Bible versions. Explanations for parts of the picture are given in Revelation 1:20. The "seven stars in His right hand" are the angels of the seven churches, and the "seven golden candlesticks" are the seven churches. (Rev 1:20 KJV) "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." To help with the same picture (Rev 1:13-16), Daniel 7:9-10 and 10:5-7 are some of the O.T. pictures, each with their own message, that show likenesses (similitudes) of the Son of Man (Dan 7:13-14; 10:16-18) who is in Revelation 1:13-16. (Dan 7:9-10 KJV) "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. {10} A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." (Dan 10:5-7 KJV) "Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: {6} His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. {7} And I Daniel alone saw the vision...." The following are some in part similarities from Revelation 1:13-16, and from Daniel 7:9-10 and 10:5-7 that I have placed for your consideration, which will facilitate in bringing some awareness of visions of the Lord -- the Messiah (Dan 9:24-26), who is called Jesus (Mat 1:21) Christ (John 1:40-41; 4:25-26), who Christians know and love, the Son of God (John 11:27; Rev 2:18) -- in the O.T. "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" (Rev 1:13 KJV ); "Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz" (Dan 10:5 KJV). "His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow" (Rev 1:14 KJV); "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool..." (Dan 7:9 KJV). "and his eyes were as a flame of fire" (Rev 1:14 KJV); "and his eyes as lamps of fire" (Dan 10:6 KJV). "And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters" (Rev 1:15 KJV); "and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude" (Dan 10:6 KJV). "...and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength" (Rev 1:16 KJV); "His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning" (Dan 10:6 KJV). Looking again at the one like unto the Son of Man (Rev 14:14-16), clothed with a garment down to His feet and girt about His chest with a golden girdle in Revelation 1:13-16, and also He who sat on a white horse in Revelation 19:11-16. Both pictures show, His eyes were as a flame of fire (Rev 1:14; 19:12), also, both pictures show, out of His mouth (Rev 2:16) proceeds a sharp (two-edged) sword (Rev 1:16; Isa 66:15-16). With it He will smite the nations (Rev 19:15) and slay the remnant in Revelation 19:21. (Rev 19:11-16 KJV) "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. {12} His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. {13} And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. {14} And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. {16} And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Isa 66:16 KJV) "For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. {16} For by fire and his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh...." Consider that the Word of God is sharper then any two-edged sword (Heb 4:12), the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God (Eph 6:17), and the Word became flesh (John 1:1-14). And Revelation 19:11-13 says, he who sat on a white horse "...his name is called The Word of God." Then 2 Thessalonians 2:8 says, the Wicked will be consumed (Zep 1:2-3; 14:12) with the spirit of His mouth (Isa 11:4), and will be destroyed with the (manifestation) brightness of His (presence) coming. Including Isaiah 66:15-16, the Word of God definitely illuminates itself. Is He who sat on a white horse and the armies (the called, chosen and faithful in Revelation 17:14), which were in heaven that followed him on white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, in Revelation 19:11-16, actually on white horses? Like (the vision of) the person on the white horse in Revelation 6:2, this picture has to be explained. First of all, white is the closest color to light and that which is clean. God is light and in Him is no darkness (1 John 1:5). Note: The following are other prominent Bible passages that have the color white in their description. "...though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..." (Isa 1:18 KJV). When Jesus was transfigured on the Mount of Olives His raiment was white (Mat 17:1-2; Luke 9:28-29) as snow... (Mark 9:2-3), which is comparable to "...the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow..." (Dan 7:9 KJV). "And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white..." (Dan 11:35 KJV). "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried..." (Dan 12:10 KJV). The over comer will be clothed in white raiment (Rev 3:4-5). Ones of the Laodicean church could buy from the Lord gold tried in the fire, that they may be rich; and white raiment, that they may be clothed... (Rev 3:18). The twenty-four elders sitting were clothed in white raiment... (Rev 4:4). White robes were given the souls of them (Saints) under the altar (Rev 6:9-11). The great multitude which came out of great tribulation were those who washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:9-17). The seven angels having the seven plagues were clothed in pure and white linen (Rev 15:6). The Lamb's wife "...was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints" (Rev 19:7-8 KJV). The fine linen, white and clean (pure), the armies in Revelation 19:14 were clothed in and the Lamb's wife in Revelation 19:7-8 was (clothed) arrayed in, the seven angels in Revelation 15:6 were also clothed in. It is only appropriate and necessary (Mat 22:11-13) that holy (Mat 25:31) angels (who at times do the task of priests) be clothed in pure and white linen for the Marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-8). Note: The linen clothing, like the linen coats and clothing that were made for Aaron and his sons (Exo 39:27-29), could signify our priestly (Rev 1:5-6 22) position. The army in Joel 2:1-11 helps us to some extent understand the Lord on a white horse and the armies on white horses in Revelation 19:11-16. The army had as the appearance (vision) of horses, and as horsemen... (Joel 2:4). The Hebrew word mar'eh (H4758), which was translated "appearance" in Joel 2:4, was translated "vision" in Numbers 12:6 and in Ezekiel 43:3. In view of this finding, the army in Joel 2:1-11 that had as the appearance of horses, and as horsemen... (Joel 2:4) is part of the vision.(Joel 2:2 KJV) "A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations." (Joel 2:4 KJV) "The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run." (Joel 2:11 KJV) "And the LORD shall utter his voice 23 before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?" Therefore, what can be understood is that the two passages (Joel 2:1-11; Rev 19:11-16) are pictures with messages, which show various details of the armies of the Lord (Joel 2:11; Rev 19:14). Joel 2:2-3 talks about a great and strong people, which are the LORD's army. "...A fire devoureth before [paniym: H6440] them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness...." Note: Consider, in Joel 2:31, the Hebrew word for "before" is paniym (H6440), "the face," and in other verses was translated "countenance" (Num 6:26), "face" (Gen 4:14; Ezek 38:20), "presence" (Ezek 38:20), etc. Vengeance belongs to the Lord, He will recompense (Heb 10:30). "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to those who trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished [dike:G1349 - tino:G5099] with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints..." (2 Th 1:6-10 KJV). "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him" (Jude 1:14-15). (1 Th 3:12-13 KJV) "...To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." Again, the Word of God illuminates itself. As you have discovered, the way to interpret a scripture (which could include a prophecy, vision and/or revelation) is with other scriptures and by the Word of God. Let the Holy (Spirit) Ghost guide you into the truth (John 16:12-15), and study, rightly dividing (dissecting correctly) the Word of Truth (2 Tim 2:15). Search the Holy (2 Tim 3:15-17) Scriptures (John 5:39) of Truth (Dan 10:21) to find out that which is true (Acts 17:11). For the Lord has revealed His secrets to His prophets (Amos 3:7). Note: Before accepting any of the various prophecies (2 Pet 1:20-21) within Christian circles, need to see if the teachers are confirming their revelations (Rom 16:25-27 1) with the Scriptures (John 5:39-40), and with the prophets (John 5:45-47) and eyewitnesses (John 1:45) mentioned in the Bible (Heb 10:7). I have found that O.T. prophets (Mat 24:15), prophecies (Isa 8:13-15; 28:16) and scriptures (Psa 118:22-23) were referred to time and again by other prophets (John 19:37), Apostles (Rom 9:32-33) and disciples' (1 Pet 2:6-8) of Jesus, and by Jesus himself (Mat 21:42, 44) verifying (Luke 4:17-21) the Word (Luke 24:25-27). There are so many Bible passages that encompass the Second Coming of our Lord. This study does not cover them all, but there's more ahead. Note: We are in a transitional state, being changed (2 Cor 3:18) and transformed (Rom 12:2) in ways. When Christ is revealed, we will be changed (Job 14:12-15), fashioned like unto his glorious body (Phil 3:20-21) and be like Christ (1 John 3:2-3). At this particular time, Christ is the one with immortality (1 Tim 6:14-16). Before we are (raptured) caught up (bodily) by the Spirit (Rev 11:11-12) of the Lord (Acts 8:39) God (Ezek 11:24) and gathered (Mat 24:31) together (2 Th 2:1-4), we will need to be changed and put on immortality... (1 Cor 15:51-54). Summary: When the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 1:7) comes (Acts 1:11), appears the second time (Heb 9:28), the mystery (secret) of God will be (fulfilled) finished, as he has declared to his servants the prophets (Rev 10:7; Amos 3:7). He (Mat 24:27; Luke 17:24) and that Day will come (suddenly) quickly (Rev 22:20 2) and as a thief (Rev 16:15 3) in the night (1 Th 5:2 4). For some, He and that Day will come quickly (Rev 2:5, 16), sudden (1 Th 5:3-4; Zep 1:14), unawares (unexpected) and as a snare (Luke 21:34-35). Therefore, we need to be watching (Rev 16:15), sober (1 Th 5:6-8 24), praying (Luke 21:36), and "...exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb 10:25), and ready (Mat 24:42-44; Luke 12:36-40) when the Son of Man (is seen) appears (Luke 21:25-28), coming in the clouds (Mat 24:30-31 6) of heaven.(Luke 12:45-48 KJV) "But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken...." The Lord will shake the heavens (Heb 12:25-29; Mat 24:29), the earth (Isa 2:19-22; Rev 16:18-21), the sea (Luke 21:25-26), the dry land and all nations (Hag 2:6-7). He will come in the clouds 6 of heaven (Mark 14:62), and every eye will see Him (Rev 1:7). The Lord will be revealed from heaven with His army of (Joel 2:1-11) mighty (holy, Mat 25:31 25) angels (2 Th 1:6-10). (To some it will be U.F.O.'s and unknown aliens attacking.) When the seventh (Rev 10:7; 11:14-15) and last (1 Cor 15:51-54) trumpet (1 Th 4:16-17) sounds (Mat 24:31), He will reap the harvest (of Saints) of the earth (Rev 14:14-16). Noah and those with him were in the ark (Gen 6:17-18) when the flood came (Gen 7:21-23), and Lot and his family went out of Sodom before the Lord rained fire and brimstone from heaven... (Luke 17:26-30). And Saints (1 Th 3:13; Jude 1:14) will be in the clouds with Jesus (Isa 26:20-21; Dan 3:25) when the wrath of God is revealed (Rom 1:18-32), the vials of the wrath of God are poured out (Rev 16:1-12, 17, 19), and the battle (Rev 19:11-21) at a place called Armageddon (Rev 16:14, 16) occurs. The next study perhaps will help you understand the LORD, the resurrection and catching up (rapture) to be with the Lord much better than before. References:
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