scripture pic

scripture pic

Monday, October 28, 2013

The Winepress of God’s Wrath; The Beast and Babylon; Eternal Punishment

There is a series of events that take place after Jesus is crowned and when the wrath of God is poured out. This time is called the “drinking of the wrath of God” and “the winepress of the wrath of God”. There are two events during the second half of the tribulation where blood is squeezed out, like in a wine press. The first time is the fall of Babylon. The second time is the Day of the Lord. Isaiah tells us about this time, the Day of the Lord, and corroborates nicely with Revelation. The punishments are different for these two events as well. One is to the reaping of the harvests, while the other is eternal damnation.

When God uses the word winepress, we are to get the picture in our minds of crushing grapes. When a grape is crushed, its flesh is flattened and all its juice is separated from the skin and flesh. This crushing is not a light matter, especially when used on humans. This is the picture we should have of the winepress of his wrath. Every bit of blood is squeezed out of those God’s wrath is poured out on. However, this fate is not poured out on everyone as we shall see. We must keep in mind some of our previous studies. The Church is not on the earth at this time. Neither are the 144,000. There are two main religious groups vying for supremacy at the midpoint of the tribulation. There are also those people who are martyred for Jesus. Isaiah’s prophecy is that the Lord is the one who will tread the winepress at the end of the tribulation.   

Isa 63:1-6 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress [6331] alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger [639], and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.4 For the day of vengeance [5359] is in mine heart, and the year [8141] of my redeemed is come.5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.KJV
   
OT:6333 ‎puwrah (poo-raw'); from OT:6331; a wine-press (as crushing the grapes): KJV - winepress. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
OT:6331 ‎puwr (poor); a primitive root; to crush: KJV - break, bring to nought, utterly take. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)   
OT:639 ‎'aph (af); from OT:599; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire: KJV - anger (-gry), + before, countenance, face, + forebearing, forehead, + [long-] suffering, nose, nostril, snout, X worthy, wrath.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
OT:5359 ‎naqam (naw-kawm'); from OT:5358; revenge: KJV - + avenged, quarrel, vengeance.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
OT:5358 ‎naqam (naw-kam'); a primitive root; to grudge, i.e. avenge or punish: KJV - avenge (-rself,), punish, revenge (self),  surely, take vengeance.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
OT:8141 ‎shaneh (in plural only), (shaw-neh'); or (feminine) shanah (shaw-naw'); from OT:8138; a year (as a revolution of time):KJV - whole age,  long, old, year (X -ly).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

We see here that the wine press is for crushing. The Lord is angry, but not just mad, but breathing heavy. That is how angry the Lord is. This is the day of revenge, the day to avenge and punish. And this is the age of His redeemed. Let’s read the Amplified to round out the context.           

Isa 63:1-6 WHO IS this Who comes from Edom, with crimson-stained garments from Bozrah [in Edom]? This One Who is glorious in His apparel, striding triumphantly in the greatness of His might? It is I, [the One] Who speaks in righteousness [proclaiming vindication], mighty to save! 2 Why is Your apparel splashed with red, and Your garments like the one who treads in the winepress? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone, and of the peoples there was no one with Me. I trod them in My anger and trampled them in My wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I stained all My raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and My year of redemption [the year of My redeemed] has come. 5 And I looked, but there was no one to help; I was amazed and appalled that there was no one to uphold [truth and right]. So My own arm brought Me victory, and My wrath upheld Me. 6 I trod down the peoples in My anger and made them drink of the cup of My wrath until they were intoxicated, and I spilled their lifeblood upon the earth. AMP

We see that this Lord who comes, who is mighty to save, also proclaims vindication. Compare this with Jesus, who is faithful and true, coming on a white horse with his armies.     

Rev 19:11-14  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.KJV

His clothes are dipped in blood; he comes as the Word of God. By this time Jesus is wearing many crowns, but what happens before this. At first, after Jesus rescues the 144,000, Jesus is crowned with one crown. We should look at the details very closely because in these details we will learn something very interesting.
       
Rev 14:6-7 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.KJV

As soon as the 144,000 are redeemed, the angel witnesses to the whole earth, saying, in essence, worship the Creator. The hour of judgment is come. It is time for Babylon’s judgment.  

Rev 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.KJV

The announcement of Babylon having fallen by the angel, is because the beast went out and killed all those who did not worship his image.     

Rev 13:15-18  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.KJV

If we remember, the Angel gives John the back story in chapter 17 of Revelation. The announcement is that Babylon is fallen. This means that the beast made war with Babylon and overtook her. Here is the back story.
   
Rev 17:16-18 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.KJV

The ten horns are ten kings who receive power, but then give their power back to the beast. They are religious people who hate the woman. As we have studied this before, the woman is a predominant religion that exalts a woman over Jesus. The beast is another religion that exalts a man, and does not believe God has a Son. The beast’s religion hates Babylon. If we remember, we looked at the predominant religions left on the earth after the church leaves earth. They are Catholicism and Islam. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/03/benchmarks-for-end-two-witnesses.html

There are individuals from all walks of life still left on earth who will change and believe in Jesus, who will be martyred by both the woman and the beast. The beast is created and financed by Babylon, the mother of all harlots, even today. This is how Babylon owns, buys, and sells men’s souls. Babylon, the harlot, supports other opposing religions as long as they bow to her. This is our world today, but it won’t last because the beast rises up to kill off Babylon. With that in mind, the next part of this series of events is fascinating. 

Rev  14:9-11 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.KJV

The wrath of God will be poured out full strength on anyone who takes the mark of the beast. “Without mixture” means there is nothing to dilute that wine. Wait, the full strength of the wrath of God is poured out on those who take the mark of the beast? The winepress is the crushing of the beast, and the crushing of Babylon. Babylon is already desolate and naked; her flesh was eaten, burned, and crushed by the beast. Not only is the second winepress for the beast, but also the fire and brimstone. This is not a light matter. Isaiah told us that the Lord was breathing heavy in His anger. Here is what we have, some people will be of the woman, and many will be killed for not worshipping the beast. Some people will choose Jesus as Lord and Savior, and they will be killed by the beast. Some people will join the beast and take his mark, probably an arm band or head band declaring allegiance to him. The beast and his army will be those the wine of the wrath of God is poured out on, on the Day of the Lord.

The Angel then announces that those who die in the Lord from now on are blessed. Those martyred for taking a stand for Jesus are blessed. Therefore the winepress is not for them. They are not going to be crushed by the Lord’s anger because they make Jesus Lord. If we jump ahead to chapter 15 we see a sea of glass and those who had the victory over the beast by being martyred. Getting back to chapter 14, the next thing we see is Jesus, with one crown, and a sickle.
  
Rev 14:14-16 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.KJV

This is the first time we see Jesus Crowned. Other beings have crowns, but Jesus, was just crowned at His coronation ceremony in Chapter 11. In Chapter 9, Appollyon/Abaddon/Gog the Locust King was loosed. Then in chapter 13, the beast from the sea and the beast from the earth are loosed. Now in Chapter 14 the reaper is coming on the earth, it is the judgment of Babylon for all she has done against the prophets and saints. As the beast has been given authority for the second half of the tribulation, Babylon is destroyed. Jesus is seated on a cloud; he is not participating in this event. He has participated from afar, thrusting in His sickle, because the beast is the one to fulfill the harlot’s destiny. After the harlot’s destruction, the bowl judgments come on the earth. The earth is ripe for harvest, meaning it is now time to see who stands for Jesus. This is the beginning of the second half of the tribulation. This is the wrath of God.   

Rev 14:19-20 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress [3025] 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.KJV

NT:3025 ‎lenos (lay-nos'); apparently a primary word; a trough, i.e. wine-vat: KJV - winepress. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:3025 leenou, hee Gen 30:38,41 1.a tub or trough-shaped receptacle, a vat, in which grapes are trodden Rev 14:20  2.the lower vat, dug in the ground, into which the must or new wine flowed from the press: Matt 21:33 (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The winepress is a vat, a holding tank for all the grapes. This takes place outside the city, outside Jerusalem. The first half of the tribulation is called the wrath of the Lamb; the second half is called the wrath of God. The first half is “controlled” by Babylon; the second half is “controlled” by the beast. Let’s look at this in the Amplified. 
     
Rev 14:19-20 So the angel swung his scythe on the earth and stripped the grapes and gathered the vintage from the vines of the earth and cast it into the huge winepress of God's indignation and wrath. 20 And [the grapes in] the winepress were trodden outside the city, and blood poured from the winepress, [reaching] as high as horses' bridles, for a distance of 1,600 stadia (about 200 miles). [Joel 3:13.] AMP 

Joel 3:11-15  Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord .12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord  is near in the valley of decision.15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.KJV    .

The Day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. This is the day people are to make a choice in who they will serve; the beast, or the Lord. The Day of the Lord is very near from this point in time. After the harlot’s fall is when the beast begins to gather the world to make war with Jesus. If we go back to Chapter 17, we will see what the earthlings are doing. Remember we have the perspective of God and the perspective of people being told to us by John
  
Rev 17:12-14 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.KJV   

The ten kingdoms that emerge and give their kingdoms to the beast are all part of the group that kills off Babylon, and then tries to make war with the Lamb of God. Really, how fooled must people be to go along with this?

In Revelation 14, the Angel announced Babylon is fallen; Revelation 18 is the same announcement, but interestingly, in verse 4 of Chapter 18, a voice calls the Jews out of Babylon.   
           
Rev 18:3-4 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.KJV

The Jews are in Babylon buying and selling, the harlot promotes commerce and trade. Sadly, this is the same merchandising Lucifer did, the buying and selling of men’s souls. The beast destroys Babylon and everyone mourns. That is the purpose of God.
   
Rev 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.KJV

Very quickly the harlot is destroyed.  The beast causes a lot of bloodshed, almost 200 miles wide, and as deep as horse’s bridles. Remember in Revelation Ch.13:5, the beast is given authority for three and one half years, or 42 months. That means Babylon is not in charge for the second half of the tribulation.
   
Rev 18:23-24 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.KJV

God puts it in the heart of the beast to fulfill his will because the woman killed the prophets and saints, but maybe not only directly. but indirectly too. Maybe she killed people in covert ways, since the woman controlled commerce and trade, as well as the buying and selling of men’s souls. When men become sold out to the woman’s system (and not necessarily her religion), the prophets and the saints who are of Jesus Christ become a hindrance to the system. There is also the religious aspect of Babylon, who exalts the woman over Jesus Christ. The harvest is the time to look for whoever stands for Jesus among Babylon.
  
Rev 17:17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.KJV

Once the woman is destroyed by the beast, the beast will be destroyed by Jesus. The bowl judgments are poured out and then Jesus goes out with his armies to tread the winepress of the wrath of Almighty God.

Rev 19:15 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.KJV

This is the Day of the Lord. First the Lord directs the heart of the beast to fulfill His will, eliminating Babylon. This is the first winepress of the wrath of God. This shake up gives people the opportunity to either stand for Jesus, or stand with the beast. Once the beast, who has authority for 42 months, takes over the world system, the winepress is activated a second time, when Jesus comes to eliminate the beast.
    
Rev 19:19-21 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.KJV


At the ending of the first half of the tribulation, satan is thrown out of heaven. The two witnesses are killed by Apollyon/Abaddon/Gog the Locust King. Jesus is crowned, as the kingdoms of the world have now become the kingdoms of our Lord and Christ, and he, Jesus, shall reign forever. The saints are given their rewards. Jesus rescues the 144,000. The wrath of God starts as the beast is used to tread the winepress of the wrath of God to kill Babylon, the woman, the harlot. The bowl judgments are poured out. The beast tries to make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb comes with his armies as this is the Day of the Lord. And Jesus is the one treading the winepress of the fierceness of Almighty God’s wrath.  The first time in chronological order, the winepress is tread is on Babylon, by the beast. The second time the winepress is tread, it is on the beast; and it is Jesus himself treading for God Almighty. Like grapes, Babylon, and the Beast, will be crushed. But, whoever takes the mark of the beast will suffer forever, as opposed to Babylon. The punishment for those who take the mark of the beast is eternal.    

Monday, October 21, 2013

Every Eye Will See; the Five Visitations of Jesus

Several events are slated to happen during the tribulation. As we have been studying these events, the question comes up, “how is it that the Jewish people will come to believe on Christ?” There are five events that take place as a witness that attests to who Jesus is. The first one has taken place, as Jesus already came to earth, was resurrected, and has ascended. As we look at these other four events, it will become clear that it is not the intent of the Almighty God to harm anyone, but that several efforts are made to announce the kingdom of His Son Jesus. Revelation tells us that those who are actually saved to eternal life during the tribulation are those who are martyred for their testimony. Those who are not martyred are later judged by their works. Once the devil is cast down to earth, he goes to make war with the people who believe on Jesus, but specifically those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The other evil rulers, the Beast, and Babylon, will kill the non-Jewish people who do not abide by their rulership. Those will be harsh times. 
   
Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.KJV
   
Rev 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.KJV

The first event is Jesus’ appearing, or coming in the clouds. The word for “coming” is not the word parousia, which means Jesus’ coming with his armies to punish Jerusalem, it is a different word, and we have to watch this closely because parousia denotes one type of coming, while erchomai denotes a coming at another time other than to punish Jerusalem. Here are links to some previous studies. Let’s look at the meanings of the words in this passage.
                      
Rev 1:7 Behold, He is coming [2064] with the clouds, and every [3956] eye will see [3700] Him, even those who pierced [1574]Him; and all the tribes of the earth shall gaze upon Him and beat their breasts[2875] and mourn and lament over Him. Even so [must it be]. Amen (so be it). [Dan 7:13; Zech 12:10.] AMP   
      
NT:2064 ‎erchomai (er'-khom-ahee); middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred [middle voice] eleuthomai (el-yoo'-thom-ahee); or [active] eltho (el'-tho); which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively): KJV - accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, light, next, pass, resort, be set.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.) 

NT:3956 including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: KJV - all (manner of, means), alway (-s), any (one),  daily,  ever, every (one, way), as many as,  no (-thing), thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3700 optanomai (op-tan'-om-ahee); a (middle voice) prolonged form of the primary (middle voice) optomai (op'-tom-ahee); which is used for it in certain tenses; and both as alternate of NT:3708; to gaze (i.e. with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from NT:991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from NT:1492, which expresses merely mechanical, passive or casual vision; while NT:2300, and still more emphatically its intensive NT:2334, signifies an earnest but more continued inspection; and NT:4648 a watching from a distance): KJV - appear, look, see, shewself. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)   

NT:1574 ‎ekkenteo (ek-ken-teh'-o); from NT:1537 and the base of NT:2759; to transfix: KJV - pierce. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:1537 ‎ek (ek) or ex (ex); a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):KJV - after, among,  are, at, betwixt (-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+abundantly above), for (-th), from (among, forth, up), grudgingly,  heartily,  heavenly,  hereby,  very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since,  thenceforth, through,  unto,  vehemently, with (-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)   
NT:2759 ‎kentron (ken'-tron); from kenteo (to prick); a point ("centre"), i.e. a sting (figuratively, poison) or goad (figuratively, divine impulse): KJV - prick, sting. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)   

NT:2875 ‎kopto (kop'-to); a primary verb; to "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief: KJV - cut down, lament, mourn, (be-) wail. Compare the base of NT:5114 (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus is appearing “with the clouds”, and all eyes will gaze on him. Even those who are under the earth will gaze on him; those who pierced him will beat their breasts in grief. This is where our understanding of dimensions comes in handy. We see things in only three dimensions, while we know there are four dimensions that we live in, yet there are at least 11 dimensions that exist, and maybe as many as 26. We are simply blind to them in our fallen state. Once we leave our earthly body, we have the ability to “see” beyond three dimensions. Here we see that when Jesus comes and calls the saints from the clouds, the dead in Christ will rise first, and the dead who are not in Christ will see him who they pricked or stung. These are those who died after Jesus rose from the dead, they didn’t see him when he went into hell and preached to the imprisoned spirits. They are the dead who have either physically hurt Jesus and/or the dead who rejected Jesus while they were on earth. Every eye means that they will see in the grave, they are conscious and will have emotions as well. Those who rejected Jesus will lament because they are left there, in Hades, while the others in Paradise rise to meet Jesus in the air to go to heaven. 

When the door of heaven opens, and the shout is heard “come up here”, the living in Christ will join the dead on the way to meet Jesus. Every eye will see this. This is not a cloaked event where everyone in Christ disappears. That is not what happens. Every eye sees Jesus. This will cause quite a commotion.  This is the first event that witnesses to the unsaved on earth. Every eye also means that something happens dimensionally so that every eye can see Jesus. Since we are living on a round planet, the people in our area are going to see the same thing as the people on the other side of the earth. We explored this idea when we studied the sixth seal, everyone will see the same thing no matter where they are, on the earth, or under the earth. 

There is no preceding event or appointed day that this will happen. There is no set time, other than the time of the Gentiles being fulfilled. Paul wanted us to know this information regarding the mystery. Paul wants us to have a profound knowledge and understanding of this, (sagacious) combined with intelligence and judgment.                                                

Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant [50] of this mystery [3466], lest ye should be wise [5429]in your own conceits; that blindness [4457] in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness [4138] of the Gentiles [1484] be come in [1525].KJV   

NT:50 ‎agnoeo (ag-no-eh'-o); from NT:1 (as a negative particle) and NT:3539; not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination): KJV - (be) ignorant (-ly), not know, not understand, unknown.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)   

NT:3466 ‎musterion (moos-tay'-ree-on); from a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites): KJV - mystery.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)   

NT:5429 ‎phronimos (fron'-ee-mos); from NT:5424; thoughtful, i.e. sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while NT:4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and NT:4908 indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative): KJV - wise (-r).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)   

NT:4457 ‎porosis (po'-ro-sis); from NT:4456; stupidity or callousness: KJV - blindness, hardness.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:4456 ‎poroo (po-ro'-o); apparently from poros (a kind of stone); to petrify, i.e. (figuratively) to indurate (render stupid or callous): KJV - blind, harden.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
   
NT:4138 ‎pleroma (play'-ro-mah); from NT:4137; repletion or completion, i.e. (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as container, performance, period): KJV - which is put in to fill up, piece that filled up, fulfilling, full, fulness. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:4137 pleroo (play-ro'-o); from NT:4134; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: KJV - accomplish, after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
   
NT:1484 ‎ethnos (eth'-nos); probably from NT:1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication, pagan): KJV - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
   
NT:1525 ‎eiserchomai (ice-er'-khom-ahee); from NT:1519 and NT:2064; to enter (literally or figuratively): KJV - arise, come (in, into), enter in (-to), go in (through).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Hardness, blindness, or stupidity, is due in part to allowing time for the filling of the nets of the non-Jewish tribes of the earth. This filling, is cramming a net full of fish. Remember how the disciples dropped their nets so that they were so full they almost broke and sank the boat? That is how full Jesus wants the nets with non-Jews. The nets are to be filled until the number of Gentiles that make up that overflowing net enter in or arise. The Amplified says it this way.


Rom 11:25 Lest you be self-opinionated (wise in your own conceits), I do not want you to miss this hidden truth and mystery, brethren: a hardening (insensibility) has [temporarily] befallen a part of Israel [to last] until the full number of the ingathering of the Gentiles has come in, AMP

The other reason there is blindness, or hardness, or stupidity among the Jews, is due to the missing of Jesus’ visitation. Jesus prophesied Jerusalem would be destroyed because of their rejection of him. That happened in 70 AD. Let’s look at a few translations of this.           

Luke 19:42-44 Exclaiming, Would that you had known personally, even at least in this your day, the things that make for peace (for freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin and upon which your peace — your security, safety, prosperity, and happiness — depends)! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For a time is coming upon you when your enemies will throw up a bank [with pointed stakes] about you and surround you and shut you in on every side. [Isa 29:3; Jer 6:6; Ezek 4:2.] 44 And they will dash you down to the ground, you [Jerusalem] and your children within you; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, [all] because you did not come progressively to recognize and know and understand [from observation and experience] the time of your visitation [that is, when God was visiting you, the time in which God showed Himself gracious toward you and offered you salvation through Christ]. AMP   

Luke 19:41-44 When the city came into view, he wept over it. 42 "If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it's too late. 43 In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. 44 They'll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn't recognize and welcome God's personal visit." (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)   

Luke 19:42-44 “If you had only known today what could have brought you peace! But now it is hidden from your sight, 43 because the days will come when your enemies will build walls around you, surround you, and close you in on every side. 44 They will level you to the ground—you and those who live within your city limits.They will not leave one stone on another within your walls, because you didn’t recognize time when you were visited.” ISV

The mystery is hidden from their eyes; they are blind. However, when Jesus comes for his body, every eye will see. Their blindness will be healed when Jesus comes with the clouds. When Jesus was on earth, if the Jews would have accepted Him, they would have been the witnesses to the Gentiles; however, the Gentiles are now the witnesses to the Jews.

There are two other events that will witness to the people left on earth during the tribulation. The next event will occur at the time the sixth seal is opened. Once again every human on earth sees something. This time it is the wrath of the Lamb, and the face of the Father who sits on the throne.
   
Rev 6:15-17 Then the kings of the earth and their noblemen and their magnates and their military chiefs and the wealthy and the strong and [everyone, whether] slave or free hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, [Isa 2:10.] 16 And they called to the mountains and the rocks, Fall on (before) us and hide us from the face of Him Who sits on the throne and from the ddeep-seated indignation and wrath of the Lamb. [Isa 2:19-21; Hos 10:8.] 17 For the great day of His wrath (vengeance, retribution, indignation) has come, and who is able to stand before it? [Joel 2:11; Mal 3:2.] AMP

All humans are so shaken up that they want to die. Truly, who would want a mountain to fall on them if they weren’t scared by what they are seeing? They first saw Jesus take his body (the “Body of Christ”) off the earth, now they see the Father on his throne, and the wrath of the Lamb. Frankly, I don’t want to see Jesus mad at me either.

There will be a clever story about aliens taking the problem people off the earth when Jesus comes with the clouds. That is what the “professionals” will report they saw with their very impressive telescopes. They will mention that what everyone saw the first time was simply a hologram the aliens wanted us to see. The second time the story will slightly change to “force” people to comply with the beast or Babylon, the two opposing world powers at that time. The story will be spun to gain control of the people of the world. 

The third revealing of Jesus will be during the time he takes the 144,000 off the earth. Jesus will stand on Mount Zion, and three angels will make proclamations. If people are still hardened at that time, they will suffer even more. Those martyred will be set free from the world war that is about to take place. The beast will destroy Babylon and then force submission on all humans.
       
Rev 14:6-13 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, with an eternal Gospel (good news) to tell to the inhabitants of the earth, to every race and tribe and language and people. 7 And he cried with a mighty voice, Revere God and give Him glory (honor and praise in worship), for the hour of His judgment has arrived. Fall down before Him; pay Him homage and adoration and worship Him Who created heaven and earth, the sea and the springs (fountains) of water. 8 Then another angel, a second, followed, declaring, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She who made all nations drink of the [maddening] wine of her passionate unchastity [idolatry]. [Isa 21:9.] 9 Then another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a mighty voice, Whoever pays homage to the beast and his statue and permits the [beast's] stamp (mark, inscription) to be put on his forehead or on his hand, 10 He too shall [have to] drink of the wine of God's indignation and wrath, poured undiluted into the cup of His anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. [Gen 19:24.] 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no respite (no pause, no intermission, no rest, no peace) day or night — these who pay homage to the beast and to his image and whoever receives the stamp of his name upon him. [Isa 34:10.] 12 Here [comes in a call for] the steadfastness of the saints [the patience, the endurance of the people of God], those who [habitually] keep God's commandments and [their] faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard further [ perceiving the distinct words of] a voice from heaven, saying, Write this: Blessed (happy, to be envied) are the dead from now on who die in the Lord! Yes, blessed (happy, to be envied indeed), says the Spirit, [in] that they may rest from their labors, for their works (deeds) do follow (attend, accompany) them! AMP

The next event is the bowl judgments, the wrath of God the Father. Next we see that Jesus stands, crowned, (remember the coronation ceremony of Revelation 11) with a scythe, ready to start the next series of events.

Rev 14:14  Again I looked, and behold, [I saw] a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud One resembling a Son of Man, with a crown of gold on His head and a sharp scythe (sickle) in His hand. [Dan 7:13.] AMP

After the bowl judgments, the beast tries to make war against the Lamb. The story will probably be something like, ‘we have to stop these aliens from trying to control us and harm us’. Because, really, who would try to make war with Jesus Christ, who already rose from the dead? Or who would try to make war with the Creator, our Heavenly Father, the Living God? Those left on earth will be pushed into this insanity, but remember, if they suffer and die for the Lord, they will have rest.

The last event is The Day of the Lord, when Jesus comes back with his saints.
      
Jude 14-21 It was of these people, moreover, that Enoch in the seventh [generation] from Adam prophesied when he said, Behold, the Lord comes with His myriads of holy ones (ten thousands of His saints) 15 To execute judgment upon all and to convict all the impious (unholy ones) of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed [in such an] ungodly [way], and of all the severe (abusive, jarring) things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. 16 These are inveterate murmurers (grumblers) who complain [of their lot in life], going after their own desires [controlled by their passions]; their talk is boastful and arrogant, [and they claim to] admire men's persons and pay people flattering compliments to gain advantage. 17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions which were made by the apostles (the special messengers) of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 18 They told you beforehand, In the last days (in the end time) there will be scoffers [who seek to gratify their own unholy desires], following after their own ungodly passions. 19 It is these who are [agitators] setting up distinctions and causing divisions — merely sensual [creatures, carnal, worldly-minded people], devoid of the [Holy] Spirit and destitute of any higher spiritual life. 20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; 21 Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) — [which will bring you] unto life eternal. AMP

The day the Lord comes with His saints will be a terrifying day for all those on earth. This is the last “witness” before Jesus becomes the ruler of the world for 1000 years. At that time, if people still reject Him, they will be thrown into the lake of fire. Sadly, there will be people who end up there along with the beast and the false prophet. 


Jesus came to earth the first time, but Israel rejected him, missing the hour or season of His visitation. The next time every eye will see him, will be when he comes for His body. The third time everyone will see him and be in fear will be at the opening of the sixth seal. The fourth witness for the world will be the gathering of the 144,000 and the testimony of the three angels. The Fifth and final witness is the Day of the Lord. As we can see every attempt is being made by the Living God to save all humans, not just Jews or not just Gentiles. The blindness of the Jews, is in part, because of the mystery, and also because Israel missed the day of His visitation. While during Jesus’ first visitation only the people in Israel saw Him, the next four visitations, everyone, every eye, every human on earth, will see Him.