Again, and back in Revelation 1:7, we are told that every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him. So, at the Second Coming of Christ, everyone who is on this earth will see Him. This is taken from Zechariah 12:10.
So, every eye will see Christ at His Second Coming. But if the rapture takes place at the Second Coming of Christ, it would only be logical that all eyes will witness the rapture also. But how can this be when the rapture happens in a millisecond?
It makes sense that those who are on the earth will see Jesus coming back just the same as they saw Him ascending up because scripture gives us that. But how can anyone see something that happens in the "twinkling of an eye?"
No person with a naked eye can see a bullet travelling through the air after being fired from a gun. But even the speed of a bullet doesn't come anywhere close to the speed it talks about the rapture happening in 1 Corinthians 15:55. No human eye can see something happening so fast, one-billionth of a second.
So, the question would be, how can the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ happen together? Just a thought!
If I may, the armies that come from heaven when Jesus returns are angels, as mentioned in Matthew 13:39, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:31, Matthew 25:31, Matthew 26:53, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, and others.
If the Church, the dead in Christ, are resurrected and those still living are changed and taken to heaven, raptured before Jesus returns. When Jesus does return, who are they in Revelation 20:4-6? The judgment seat of Christ includes some who are here during the time of the beast. That would make another resurrection.
A separate rapture before the second coming would mean two resurrections before the white throne judgment. I can't find that in Scripture. The Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ must be the same event.
Brother, my memory could be failing me, but I thought you didn't believe in a rapture so I was sort of taken aback by your statement saying, "The Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ must be the same event."
I agree that there will be angels coming with the power of God, and they will accompany Christ when He comes back to the earth at His second coming. The scriptures you provided show that, although I'm not sure how Matthew 26:53 fits in there. However, I'm not sure if angels accompanying Christ would rule out the church from coming with Him also.
We have the description of the events of the Second Coming of Christ beginning at Revelation 19:1 and ending at Revelation 22:5. In Chapter 19, we see a marriage feast taking place. Revelation 19:7 says, Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
We know who the Lamb is. But who's His wife that is arrayed in fine linen, clean and white? I say it is the church. We are His bride. Verse 8 says that she (His bride) should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Whoever it is, we are told in Verse 14 that the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. If you are saying that the armies mentioned in Revelation 19:14 are angels, why would they be clothed in fine linen white and clean, the same apparel as the bride in in Revelation 19:8?
We know that angels will be accompanying Christ, but are these angels the ones who are clothed in fine linen, white and clean, or is it the bride that we see up in Verses 7 and 8? Whoever it is, they will be the ones coming with Him and they are the armies we see in Verse 14.
I see Revelation 19:8 as describing the bride of Christ (the church). And the bride is given fine linen to wear, the same attire spoken of in Verse 14. So, my understanding is that the armies (emphasis on plural) in Verse 14 consists of both angels and saints, with the saints being the ones arrayed in fine linen.
Zechariah 14:5 indicates that when the Lord comes, all the saints will come with Him. In Matthew 24:31, which you referenced, the elect being gathered are the Jews, not the church.
To answer your question asking who they are in Revelation 20:4-6, I would say that they are the ones who were still here after the rapture, and during the tribulation they were persuaded by the angelic preaching of the gospel and the gospel being preached by the 144,000 not to take the mark of the beast. They will be beheaded for not worshipping the beast or taking the mark.
From what I see, Revelation 20:4-6 is not talking about the church. There will be some who will turn to Christ during the tribulation period, and they will be saved.
Anyways, I'm sure we are once again in disagreement on this subject, but it is still nice to be able to share our understanding with each other. May the Lord continue to keep us until the day of redemption, and may He continue to give us a hunger for His word in order that we might grow in His grace and knowledge.
Jude 1:14-15, 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.
1 Thessalonians 3:13To 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. .
Where do they fit?
Here's another argument I've heard but I'm not sure it's correct but on the surface it's interesting.
The word Angel is used in diverse ways in scripture.
Example.
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. Acts 12:14-15.
Thinking it was Peter's angel as his spirit to me would be a stretch; it would be like seeing a ghost, our souls or spirits don't move around after we die. Angels are messengers; to me, they may have thought it was someone delivering a message. They knew he was in prison.
If we look at Matthew 24:29-31 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the Earth is round. When Jesus returns, there will be saints all over it. The angels Jesus sent to gather us, the air where we meet Jesus, is the Greek word 'aer,' meaning the air we breathe.
The angels will gather all the saints from across the earth to meet and escort Jesus as He descends to earth as King. This aligns with 1 Thessalonians 3:13 and Jude 1:14-15.
When Satan was cast out of heaven down to earth, his angels were cast down with him. We see many verses portraying angels as an army, like in 2 Kings 3:17 and Isaiah 37:36.
The Bible doesn't say this explicitly, but with all the fallen angels cast down here, I believe it will take an army of angels, along with the resurrected saints, to cleanse this world of evil. After the angels go back to heaven.
Purpose: Remove the Body of Christ before God's wrath ( 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9), unite all Church-age believers with Christ in heaven ( John 14:1-3), and complete the "mystery" program revealed to Paul but hidden in the OT ( Eph. 3:1-11).
Timing: Before the seven-year Tribulation (pre-trib view). No prophetic signs must occur first; it is imminent ( Titus 2:13).
Nature: Sudden, supernatural, without visible cosmic signs.
Christ descends into the air, not to earth. Believers' bodies instantly transformed ( 1 Cor. 15:51-52). Dead and living saints caught up together to meet Him ( 1 Thess. 4:16-17).
Participants: Exclusively the Church - those "in Christ" from Pentecost to the Rapture.
Aftermath: Church in heaven; world enters Tribulation ( Dan. 9:27; Rev. 6-18). God's focus returns to Israel's prophetic program ( Rom. 11:25-27).
SECOND COMING - Christ Comes with His Saints
Purpose: Judge nations ( Matt. 25:31-46), deliver Israel from her enemies ( Zech. 12:9-10; 14:3-4), and establish the Millennial
Kingdom ( Rev. 20:1-6).
Timing: After the Tribulation ( Matt. 24:29-30). Preceded by clear signs - cosmic disturbances ( Matt. 24:29), Antichrist revealed ( 2 Thess. 2:3-4), global judgments ( Rev. 6-18).
Nature: Public, visible to all ( Rev. 1:7). Christ descends to the Mount of Olives ( Zech. 14:4) with heaven's armies to defeat His enemies ( Rev. 19:15-21).
Participants: Christ, angels, and all raptured saints return ( Rev. 19:14). Survivors of the Tribulation, believing and unbelieving, are judged.
Aftermath: Satan bound 1,000 years ( Rev. 20:1-3). Christ reigns from Jerusalem ( Isa. 2:2-4; Mic. 4:1-3). Israel restored to her land in peace and blessing ( Ezek. 37:21-28).
Dear "Lbooth1955" You have many fine explanations. But when things get choppy, uncertainty often creeps in, because it's not based on the truth. That's how it is for all of us. Where are the believers in Christ during the great tribulation? And where will we be when God's wrath comes? U dont need to answer. Rev 19:11-16 Is that when you mean Jesus will come and judge the living and the dead? Or where is that stand? There are some truths here in John 12:27-32 and further for those who want 33-36 JESUS SAYS Now the common judgment. So if we put it together with the fact that Jesus' death and resurrection have their own time calculation. Let's say that when He died the 1000 years started. Then it means that today we are still in Christ also with all those who have died in Christ. Anyone who doubts this should read the book of Hebrews carefully. Because you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. And what is written in John here, it may also seem that we live in great peace, compared to previous times, right?
But to go on. You had a question yesterday. If someone thinks that we can do so that we are not worthy to come to God. It can happen. I got words today when I opened the Bible, just for you. 1 Cor 9:27 So we must take up our cross every day, and follow Jesus' pure path. That also means if we sin and repent. Is God's grace greater than human grace. And here a sinner must repent and know that the Spirit of the Lord lives in him. All days until the end of the world! Love you in Christ. Be strong and courageous.
Jesus has said so much Himself. So for us humans and interpreting a vision given to John on Patmos has always been a draw towards the mysterious, we humans love secrets and solving puzzles. But Jesus has said everything that needs to be said. Also His disciples. Then He lets us pray for wisdom and the Spirit of understanding so that we can keep up with the times that are and were and are to come.
I believe knowing Who We Are in Christ Matters, it's crucial.
To understand OUR identity in Christ, we must distinguish between God's program for Israel and His program for the Body of Christ. Covenant theology often blends these, spiritualizing Israel's promises and applying them to the Church. Yet God's covenants with Israel are unconditional and tied to their national FUTURE.
Israel was promised land, a throne, and blessing through the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants ( Gen. 12:1-3; 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Jer. 31:31-34). The prophets foretold Messiah reigning from Jerusalem, with Israel restored as head of the NATIONS ( Isa. 2:1-4; Zech. 14:9,16). These remain unfulfilled and will be realized at Christ's return.
Paul, however, revealed a "mystery" hidden from ages past ( Eph. 3:1-9). The Body of Christ is not Israel, but a new creation with a heavenly destiny. Our blessings are spiritual and heavenly ( Eph. 1:3), our justification is by grace apart from the law ( Rom. 3:28), and we are united to Christ as His Body ( 1 Cor. 12:13). Sealed with the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13), we display God's wisdom in the heavens.
This also explains why Revelation does not address the Body of Christ as so many subscribe too. It only continues Israel's prophetic program: Jacob's trouble ( Jer. 30:7), Daniel's seventieth week ( Dan. 9:24-27), the sealing of Israel's tribes ( Rev. 7), and Messiah's earthly reign ( Rev. 20). Its judgments and kingdom promises fit Israel's covenants, NOT Paul's revelation of grace. The Church, delivered from wrath ( 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9), is absent.
Knowing who we are in Christ preserves both Israel's earthly hope and the Church's heavenly calling, magnifying God's faithfulness to Israel and the Body of Christ.
Hello again in peace "Lbooth1955". I didn't get an answer to the question I asked about the day of God's wrath? Where is it mentioned? I think that Jesus is at least described well at the end of Revelation. I might be able to help you a little here when I checked it up, I found out, God's wrath. I do not doubt that you do not know it yourself, but to make the word alive for other readers. The day of God's wrath is mentioned in Proverbs 11:4 in Zeph 1:15 in Romans 2:5 and many warnings from Jesus and the Apostles mention some in Matthew 24:48-51 and Mat 25:13Rev 14:19-20 And of course this word when the Earth is to be harvested. The day of God's wrath is when He begins to reap the Earth. So just to mention it in the book of Rev we understand that we are talking about what was and what is. And afterwards we have glorious days with the Lord and finally a new Earth and a new Heaven are created. I completely agree that the Bible was written for the Jews first and then the Gentiles. Those words have been mentioned many times, probably a whole study if you want. But when you have received the Holy Spirit, you can understand the reading. Therefore, the Jews deserve our thanks for their faithfulness to God.And last but not least, we must never forget that they are the first to receive the Word. But as we know, they did not accept Jesus when He visit Israel. But they will see Him, and we expect that Jesus has made everything ready for us. The day we lay down our earthly bodies we are truly with Him. We can't do anything more, so if we come to the last regret about something we didn't do, it's too late of course. I'm sure you've gotten good answers from others here in the forum.To be honest,I haven't read them all. Because we have something going on here now.And the day of the Lord's wrath is coming quickly.But before it we receive many warnings, as we have read the Lord's words in Matthew 24.Here Jesus says, among other things, wars, earthquakes, and so on.There we are. GBu
For those who trust Paul's gospel - that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4) - the Scriptures assure complete deliverance from God's wrath. Though all were once "children of wrath" by nature ( Eph. 2:3), in Christ we are made new creations and sealed by the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13; 4:30). God's wrath is real, revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness ( Rom. 1:18), yet believers stand justified by His blood and eternally secure.
Romans 5:9 proclaims, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." The penalty of wrath fell upon Christ at the cross, so that no condemnation remains for those in Him ( Rom. 8:1). While wrath abides on the unbeliever ( John 3:36), the believer has peace with God ( Rom. 5:1). Paul makes it plain that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation ( 1 Thess. 5:9). Christ delivers us from "the wrath to come" ( 1 Thess. 1:10), meaning both eternal judgment and the prophesied outpouring during the Day of the Lord.
The "wrath of God" throughout Scripture falls upon the ungodly, rebellious nations, and those who reject the Son ( Col. 3:6; Rev. 6:16-17). But the Body of Christ is distinct; we are part of the mystery revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9). Wrath belongs to Israel's prophetic program and the unbelieving world, not to the saved in this dispensation of grace.
Key Truth:
In Christ, believers are forever secure. Wrath is past at the cross, present against the ungodly, and future upon unbelievers - but those who believe the gospel are delivered, sealed, and assured eternal peace with God.
Deuteronomy 4:30 "When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;"
Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Matthew 24:9"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."
Mark 13:24-27 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light," "And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken." "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." "And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven."
(Part 4):
Again, and back in Revelation 1:7, we are told that every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him. So, at the Second Coming of Christ, everyone who is on this earth will see Him. This is taken from Zechariah 12:10.
So, every eye will see Christ at His Second Coming. But if the rapture takes place at the Second Coming of Christ, it would only be logical that all eyes will witness the rapture also. But how can this be when the rapture happens in a millisecond?
It makes sense that those who are on the earth will see Jesus coming back just the same as they saw Him ascending up because scripture gives us that. But how can anyone see something that happens in the "twinkling of an eye?"
No person with a naked eye can see a bullet travelling through the air after being fired from a gun. But even the speed of a bullet doesn't come anywhere close to the speed it talks about the rapture happening in 1 Corinthians 15:55. No human eye can see something happening so fast, one-billionth of a second.
So, the question would be, how can the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ happen together? Just a thought!
Blessings to you all in Christ!
If I may, the armies that come from heaven when Jesus returns are angels, as mentioned in Matthew 13:39, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 24:31, Matthew 25:31, Matthew 26:53, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, and others.
If the Church, the dead in Christ, are resurrected and those still living are changed and taken to heaven, raptured before Jesus returns. When Jesus does return, who are they in Revelation 20:4-6? The judgment seat of Christ includes some who are here during the time of the beast. That would make another resurrection.
A separate rapture before the second coming would mean two resurrections before the white throne judgment. I can't find that in Scripture. The Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ must be the same event.
God bless,
RLW
(Part 1):
Brother, my memory could be failing me, but I thought you didn't believe in a rapture so I was sort of taken aback by your statement saying, "The Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ must be the same event."
I agree that there will be angels coming with the power of God, and they will accompany Christ when He comes back to the earth at His second coming. The scriptures you provided show that, although I'm not sure how Matthew 26:53 fits in there. However, I'm not sure if angels accompanying Christ would rule out the church from coming with Him also.
We have the description of the events of the Second Coming of Christ beginning at Revelation 19:1 and ending at Revelation 22:5. In Chapter 19, we see a marriage feast taking place. Revelation 19:7 says, Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
We know who the Lamb is. But who's His wife that is arrayed in fine linen, clean and white? I say it is the church. We are His bride. Verse 8 says that she (His bride) should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Whoever it is, we are told in Verse 14 that the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. If you are saying that the armies mentioned in Revelation 19:14 are angels, why would they be clothed in fine linen white and clean, the same apparel as the bride in in Revelation 19:8?
We know that angels will be accompanying Christ, but are these angels the ones who are clothed in fine linen, white and clean, or is it the bride that we see up in Verses 7 and 8? Whoever it is, they will be the ones coming with Him and they are the armies we see in Verse 14.
(Part 2):
I see Revelation 19:8 as describing the bride of Christ (the church). And the bride is given fine linen to wear, the same attire spoken of in Verse 14. So, my understanding is that the armies (emphasis on plural) in Verse 14 consists of both angels and saints, with the saints being the ones arrayed in fine linen.
Zechariah 14:5 indicates that when the Lord comes, all the saints will come with Him. In Matthew 24:31, which you referenced, the elect being gathered are the Jews, not the church.
To answer your question asking who they are in Revelation 20:4-6, I would say that they are the ones who were still here after the rapture, and during the tribulation they were persuaded by the angelic preaching of the gospel and the gospel being preached by the 144,000 not to take the mark of the beast. They will be beheaded for not worshipping the beast or taking the mark.
From what I see, Revelation 20:4-6 is not talking about the church. There will be some who will turn to Christ during the tribulation period, and they will be saved.
Anyways, I'm sure we are once again in disagreement on this subject, but it is still nice to be able to share our understanding with each other. May the Lord continue to keep us until the day of redemption, and may He continue to give us a hunger for His word in order that we might grow in His grace and knowledge.
God Bless!!!
I got your message. I am heading out of the house for a few hours but will try and get back with you tonight. If not, I will respond tomorrow.
Blessings!
Revised.
Maybe Jesus is coming back with both.
We can't ignore these scriptures.
Jude 1:14-15, 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.
1 Thessalonians 3:13To 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. .
Where do they fit?
Here's another argument I've heard but I'm not sure it's correct but on the surface it's interesting.
The word Angel is used in diverse ways in scripture.
Example.
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. Acts 12:14-15.
Blessings
Thinking it was Peter's angel as his spirit to me would be a stretch; it would be like seeing a ghost, our souls or spirits don't move around after we die. Angels are messengers; to me, they may have thought it was someone delivering a message. They knew he was in prison.
If we look at Matthew 24:29-31 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the Earth is round. When Jesus returns, there will be saints all over it. The angels Jesus sent to gather us, the air where we meet Jesus, is the Greek word 'aer,' meaning the air we breathe.
The angels will gather all the saints from across the earth to meet and escort Jesus as He descends to earth as King. This aligns with 1 Thessalonians 3:13 and Jude 1:14-15.
When Satan was cast out of heaven down to earth, his angels were cast down with him. We see many verses portraying angels as an army, like in 2 Kings 3:17 and Isaiah 37:36.
The Bible doesn't say this explicitly, but with all the fallen angels cast down here, I believe it will take an army of angels, along with the resurrected saints, to cleanse this world of evil. After the angels go back to heaven.
Thanks, brother,
God bless,
RLW
I agree it does sound like a stretch that is why I presented it as another argument I've heard.
but I'm not sure it's correct but on the surface it's interesting.
This was an attempt to consider and explain both views where the scriptures you presented says Angels and the other says Saints.
That would be more reasonable to leave one or the other out as you did.
Ronald how about letting me catch up on what was presented so far there's a lot of scripture to go through and I haven't had time to read half of it.
My apologies for getting off track.
I will give my approach and way of interpreting scripture and why I hold to the view I do
Blessings
My understanding of the Endtimes...
RAPTURE - Christ Comes for His Church
Purpose: Remove the Body of Christ before God's wrath ( 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9), unite all Church-age believers with Christ in heaven ( John 14:1-3), and complete the "mystery" program revealed to Paul but hidden in the OT ( Eph. 3:1-11).
Timing: Before the seven-year Tribulation (pre-trib view). No prophetic signs must occur first; it is imminent ( Titus 2:13).
Nature: Sudden, supernatural, without visible cosmic signs.
Christ descends into the air, not to earth. Believers' bodies instantly transformed ( 1 Cor. 15:51-52). Dead and living saints caught up together to meet Him ( 1 Thess. 4:16-17).
Participants: Exclusively the Church - those "in Christ" from Pentecost to the Rapture.
Aftermath: Church in heaven; world enters Tribulation ( Dan. 9:27; Rev. 6-18). God's focus returns to Israel's prophetic program ( Rom. 11:25-27).
SECOND COMING - Christ Comes with His Saints
Purpose: Judge nations ( Matt. 25:31-46), deliver Israel from her enemies ( Zech. 12:9-10; 14:3-4), and establish the Millennial
Kingdom ( Rev. 20:1-6).
Timing: After the Tribulation ( Matt. 24:29-30). Preceded by clear signs - cosmic disturbances ( Matt. 24:29), Antichrist revealed ( 2 Thess. 2:3-4), global judgments ( Rev. 6-18).
Nature: Public, visible to all ( Rev. 1:7). Christ descends to the Mount of Olives ( Zech. 14:4) with heaven's armies to defeat His enemies ( Rev. 19:15-21).
Participants: Christ, angels, and all raptured saints return ( Rev. 19:14). Survivors of the Tribulation, believing and unbelieving, are judged.
Aftermath: Satan bound 1,000 years ( Rev. 20:1-3). Christ reigns from Jerusalem ( Isa. 2:2-4; Mic. 4:1-3). Israel restored to her land in peace and blessing ( Ezek. 37:21-28).
God Bless!
But to go on. You had a question yesterday. If someone thinks that we can do so that we are not worthy to come to God. It can happen. I got words today when I opened the Bible, just for you. 1 Cor 9:27 So we must take up our cross every day, and follow Jesus' pure path. That also means if we sin and repent. Is God's grace greater than human grace. And here a sinner must repent and know that the Spirit of the Lord lives in him. All days until the end of the world! Love you in Christ. Be strong and courageous.
Jesus has said so much Himself. So for us humans and interpreting a vision given to John on Patmos has always been a draw towards the mysterious, we humans love secrets and solving puzzles. But Jesus has said everything that needs to be said. Also His disciples. Then He lets us pray for wisdom and the Spirit of understanding so that we can keep up with the times that are and were and are to come.
Thanks for your feedback.
I believe knowing Who We Are in Christ Matters, it's crucial.
To understand OUR identity in Christ, we must distinguish between God's program for Israel and His program for the Body of Christ. Covenant theology often blends these, spiritualizing Israel's promises and applying them to the Church. Yet God's covenants with Israel are unconditional and tied to their national FUTURE.
Israel was promised land, a throne, and blessing through the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants ( Gen. 12:1-3; 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Jer. 31:31-34). The prophets foretold Messiah reigning from Jerusalem, with Israel restored as head of the NATIONS ( Isa. 2:1-4; Zech. 14:9,16). These remain unfulfilled and will be realized at Christ's return.
Paul, however, revealed a "mystery" hidden from ages past ( Eph. 3:1-9). The Body of Christ is not Israel, but a new creation with a heavenly destiny. Our blessings are spiritual and heavenly ( Eph. 1:3), our justification is by grace apart from the law ( Rom. 3:28), and we are united to Christ as His Body ( 1 Cor. 12:13). Sealed with the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13), we display God's wisdom in the heavens.
This also explains why Revelation does not address the Body of Christ as so many subscribe too. It only continues Israel's prophetic program: Jacob's trouble ( Jer. 30:7), Daniel's seventieth week ( Dan. 9:24-27), the sealing of Israel's tribes ( Rev. 7), and Messiah's earthly reign ( Rev. 20). Its judgments and kingdom promises fit Israel's covenants, NOT Paul's revelation of grace. The Church, delivered from wrath ( 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9), is absent.
Knowing who we are in Christ preserves both Israel's earthly hope and the Church's heavenly calling, magnifying God's faithfulness to Israel and the Body of Christ.
Blessing
Believers and the Wrath of God
For those who trust Paul's gospel - that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4) - the Scriptures assure complete deliverance from God's wrath. Though all were once "children of wrath" by nature ( Eph. 2:3), in Christ we are made new creations and sealed by the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13; 4:30). God's wrath is real, revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness ( Rom. 1:18), yet believers stand justified by His blood and eternally secure.
Romans 5:9 proclaims, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." The penalty of wrath fell upon Christ at the cross, so that no condemnation remains for those in Him ( Rom. 8:1). While wrath abides on the unbeliever ( John 3:36), the believer has peace with God ( Rom. 5:1). Paul makes it plain that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation ( 1 Thess. 5:9). Christ delivers us from "the wrath to come" ( 1 Thess. 1:10), meaning both eternal judgment and the prophesied outpouring during the Day of the Lord.
The "wrath of God" throughout Scripture falls upon the ungodly, rebellious nations, and those who reject the Son ( Col. 3:6; Rev. 6:16-17). But the Body of Christ is distinct; we are part of the mystery revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9). Wrath belongs to Israel's prophetic program and the unbelieving world, not to the saved in this dispensation of grace.
Key Truth:
In Christ, believers are forever secure. Wrath is past at the cross, present against the ungodly, and future upon unbelievers - but those who believe the gospel are delivered, sealed, and assured eternal peace with God.
Grace and Peace.
Very well spoken!
I'm very busy this weekend,playing catch up!
Hopefully I can join you guys soon.
God bless.
[Comment Removed]
Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Matthew 24:9"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."
Mark 13:24-27 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light," "And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken." "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." "And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven."
Blessings
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