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.
