The Lord has chosen a secret place wherein he might dwell and a place from
where he shall one day manifest the fullness of his glorious salvation even
unto the whole of' creation. Back in 1 Chr.17:9-12 God had spoken to David
that he would ordain a place of safety for his people and subdue all their
enemies. ''I tell thee that the Lord will build thee a house." ''God had
earlier spoken of the same truth to Moses..."But unto the place which the
Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there,
even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come... when
he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about so that ye dwell in
safety. Then shall there be a place which the Lord your God shall choose
to cause his name to dwell there." Deut.12:5,10,11. Moses proclaimed this
same thing in Ex.15:17...''Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the
mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord. which thou hast made
for thee to dwell in, in the sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have
established."
We find that God's initial dwelling place on earth at the
beginning of the New Testament dispensation was in Christ. "God was in
Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.'' 2Cor.5:19. Today, his Spirit
is dwelling in a many-membered body of Christ on earth; "not in temples
made with hands" (Ac.7:48) but in earthly bodies which are "the temple of
the Holy Ghost." 1Cor.6:19. Jesus said, "In my Father's house (speaking
even (of Christ's heavenly and earthly body) are many mansions (dwelling
places, tabernacles, temples)....I go to prepare a place for you'' (Jn.14:2)
to be with me where I am." (Jn.17:24) in power and glory, abiding totally
in the Father as he was - Jn.14:20. Paul speaks of the occupants of his
Father's spiritual house. "But in a great house (the body of Christ) there
are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth:
and some to honour and some to dishonour." 2Tim.2:20. Which on will you
be?
Let us look further into this house. this place wherein his name
shall dwell. this mountain sanctuary which his hands have established.
Where is this high mountainous place and "who shall ascend into the hill of
the Lord?...or who shall stand in his holy place?", even in the very
heights of his Spirit of holiness. It shall be only "he that hath clean
hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor
sworn deceitfully." Psa.24:3,4. The Lord spoke through Isaiah. "I dwell in
the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and
humble spirit." Isa.57:15. "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore
will I deliver him: (even out of the valley of the shadow of death): I will
set him on high, because he hath known my name." Psa.91:14.
David
prayed for deliverance in time of distress. "Oh send out thy light and
thy truth: let them lead me: let them lead me and bring me unto thy holy
hill, and to thy tabernacles." Psa.43:3. Zechariah prophesied of future
days when truth and light would be restored. "Thus saith the Lord, I am
returned unto Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem
shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts the
holy mountain." Zec.8:3. The psalmist reveals to us that "in the city of
our God in the mountain of his holiness...is mount Zion, the city of the
Great King.'' Psa.48:I. 2. Is this dwelling place the literal mountain
in the existing earthly city of Jerusalem? Let's look a little
closer.
Isa.18:7 tells us that Mt. Zion is "the place of the name of
the Lord of Hosts." In Rev.22:3,4 we see exactly where this place is. "His
servants shall serve him..and His name shall be in their foreheads." These
servants are those of Rev.14.1 for "they that trust in the Lord shall be AS
mount Zion." Are these 144,000's {note the plural in original Grk.) all
natural born Jews as is commonly taught? No! Gentiles in Christ (who become
the seed of Abraham - Ga1.3:28, 29) are now God's people whereas once they
were not - Rom.9:24-26.
The Gentiles in Christ are now fellow citizens
of the household of God ...in whom they are also builded together for an
HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH THE SPIRIT - Eph. 2. Now, who did God choose for
his habitation? "For THE LORD HATH CHOSEN ZION, he hath desired it FOR HIS
HABITATION. This is my rest FOREVER: here will 1 dwell.'' Psa.132:13, 14.
Now, is Christ not dwelling only in Christians (2Cor.13:5; Ro.8:9), in
those people who are "called by his name?" Ro.9:25,26. God
declares..."ZION, thou art MY PEOPLE." Isa.51:16. We can now begin to see
what the psalmist meant when he declared, "The Lord's name will be declared
in Zion (his mature sons) and his praise in Jerusalem (the church,
the bride)." Psa.102:21. We will find there is a definite similarity in
meaning connected with words such as Zion, Jerusalem, the city of God and
mount Zion, yet just as in the natural realm they differ in relationship,
so it is in the Spirit.
Throughout the ages, God has been calling for a
people who would hear by the Spirit what he was speaking. But, until the
appointed time in the great plan of God arrives, only a chosen remnant of
his elect shall hear; only "a few names" shall be granted an ear to hear
what the Spirit saith. The others shall remain in the spirit of deep sleep
until the Lord does choose to open their eyes - Isa.29:9-24;
Jb.17:4; Psa.40:6; Mat.13:10-17. There is a voice from heaven continually
calling, "Come out of her (Babylon - traditional religious, economical,
social and political strife and confusion), my people that ye be not a
partaker of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.'' Rev. 18:4.
"Forsake her" (Jer.51:9) and "come out from among them (the harlot mother
and her unclean offspring), and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch
not the unclean thing: and I will receive you (as my full grown sons
and daughters) saith the Lord Almighty.'' 2Cor.17:18.
God refers to
the universal body of Christ saying, "ye are the light of the world, a city
that is set on a hill cannot be hid.'' Mat.5:14. This enlightened city is to
be "the Lamb's wife", "the bride", the "holy city, new Jerusalem adorned
for her husband'' (Rev.21:2, 9), who the Spirit is now prodding and
exhorting to "Awake, awake, put on thy strength O ZION (my spiritual
nation) (Psa.102:2), put on thy beautiful garments oh Jerusalem, the holy
city.'' Isa.52:1. She is to be clothed with the garments of salvation
(deliverance) and covered with the robe of righteousness (Isa.61:10), as
she shakes herself from the dust (flesh) and arises to sit at rest in
her throne (authority in Christ), having loosed herself from the bands of
her neck (bands of wickedness - Isa.58:6) which hold her captive -
Isa.52:2.
Only after her dross has been purely purged away, the Lord
says, "I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at
the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, the city of righteousness,
the faithful city.'' Isa. 1:25, 26. "Then the sons of them that afflicted
thee shall come bending unto thee, and they that despised thee shall bow
themselves down at the soles of thy feet (see Rev.3:9) and they shall
call thee, the city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.''
Isa.60:14. Jeremiah saw into the same days where "at that time they shall
call Jerusalem (at that time including Mt. Zion, the highest place of
authority in the midst of this city) the throne of the Lord'' (Jer.3:17);
and we see in Revelation, "the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne (in
spiritual Zion, in spiritual Jerusalem ) shall feed them.'' Rev.7:l 7. "For
a glorious high throne from the beginning (even Christ) is the place of
our sanctuary.'' Jer.17:12
Here we see a picture of the glorious
Lamb of God ruling (Jn.5:22) on his Father's throne (power and authority -
Mat.28:18), and feeding multitudes of people from within another throne
(Jerusalem's mount Zion). In this higher place in the Spirit, are those
firstfruits who are "caught up unto God, and his throne" (Rev.12:5,6),
the "manchild" (mature sons) who for a period, feed the woman (bride,
Jerusalem) in the wilderness. This heavenly throne (governmental authority)
is part of the ''overcomers" (Rev.3:21) inheritance of those who are the
spiritual seed of Christ (Jer.33:22; Isa.53:10), even "the throne of his
father David." Lk.1:32. This spiritual throne is to be the place of the
"overcomers" sanctuary (Isa.8:13,14; Psa.91:9) and the city Jerusalem
(Bride) and mount Zion (bridegroom sons), together (married - Isa.62:4, 5),
will be the full dwelling place or sanctuary of God. "And the heathen shall
know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary (the resting
place of my Spirit) shall be in the midst of them forever more." Ezk
.37:28.
So we see that this city or dwelling place which the Lord
desires to inhabit, even in his fullness and "all in all" (ICor.15:28), is
not really a literal city or throne, but rather is a holy, sanctified
people. Let us continue to further follow this golden thread of truth which
is interwoven through-out the Old and New Testament, forming a beautiful
picture of the nation and kingdom of God.
Moses voiced God's word
saying, "The Lord shall establish a holy people unto Himself...and all the
people of the earth shall see...and they shall be afraid of
thee.'' Deut.28:9, 10. These prophetic words have not yet been fulfilled in
their entirety. These "holy people" are further spoken of such in
Isa.62:12; Dan.8:24; 12:7; Isa.4:3. "But ye are a chosen generation, a
royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people." 1Ptr.2:9; Deut. 4:2.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood." 1Ptr.2:5. Yet in this great house are numerous vessels, each
with a different calling and each walking in various degrees of
spiritual maturity - 2Tim.2:20.
The word tells us that each member
in Christ's many membered body (1Cor.12:13,14) is also an individual house
(Heb.3:6; 1Cor.3:9), temple (1Cor.3:16). mansion (Jn.14:2), in whom Christ
is dwelling. We, that is born again believers, are separate dwelling
places, tabernacles, who are being builded together in a spiritual city,
the New Jerusalem, even though the old city (flesh, carnality) is still in
bondage to the powers of the earthy realm - Ga1.4:25.
For even now
"all that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at
the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, is this the city that men call the
perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?" Lam.2:15. They shall not
mock much longer at "the captive daughter of Zion'' for "whereas thou hast
been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee
an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations." Isa.60:15. "And they
shall call them, the holy people, the redeemed (Isa.51:11) of the Lord: and
thou shalt be called, sought out, a city not forsaken.'' Isa. 62:
12.
Yes, ''there is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the
city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High." Psa.46:4.
"For in that day living waters shall go out from Jerusalem.'' Zech.14:8.
Then also shall thy peace be "as a river, and thy righteousness as the
waves of the sea.'' Isa.48:18. "He that believeth on me, as the scripture
hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (the
Spirit that gives life)'' Jn.7:38,39, 39. ''And it shall come to pass, that
every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come,
shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish (life),
because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and
everything shall live whither the river cometh." Ezk.47:9. In the earth,
"all the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full: unto the
place from whence the rivers come thither they return again." Eccl. 1:7. So
also is it in the realm of the Spirit.
We see Christ "high and
lifted up", yet He also remains as a foundation (1Cor.3:11) continually
rebuilding by his Spirit, these fallen earthly houses or
tabernacles (Heb.8:1-2), building them "together for an habitation of God
through the Spirit." Eph.2:22. "For we know that if our earthly house of
this (fleshly) tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a
house not made with hands (Ac.7:48) eternal in the heavens. For in this
(present earthly house) we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon
with our house which is from heaven." 2Cor.5: 1, 2.
These houses which
are being built in heavenly places (spiritually in our bodies while yet on
earth) are now, each one in different stages of construction and
will eventually make up the completed new city. The first fully completed
houses of this city will be those of mount Zion, who have allowed their old
structures to be torn down in order that the new might be completed -
Jn.3:30; Mk.8:35. All shall be made alive and complete but each in his own
order or rank - 1Cor.15:22-23. In the meantime, as the Lord continues to
make up His precious jewels (Mal.3:17) the whole earth continues to groan
and travail awaiting "the manifestation of THE SONS OF GOD" (Ro.19-22) even
"the precious SONS OF ZION" who in God's eyes are comparable to fine gold
in the natural - Lam.4:2.
At the present the son of man is descending,
not from the sky where he would be easily observed, but he is coming "in
his kingdom" even now (Mat.16:28), as a thief to those not watching
(Rev.3:3) nor prepared (1Jn.3:3; Mat.25:1-13). "For behold the kingdom of
God is with (and) in you'' (Lk.17:21) , as a realm of the spirit that grows
and matures unseen - Mk.4:26-29. Yes, this is "the Lord of glory''
(Jas.2:l), Christ in you, the hope of this same glory (Col. 1:27) which
shall be revealed in the inner man (Eph.3:16) as well as the outer. This
glory of Christ which believers have in their earthen vessels even now
(2Cor.4:6-7), is changing them by his glory even into the same image
(2Cor.3:18) fashioned like unto his glorious body - Phil.3:21. Paul
further states, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Ro.8:18), for
when the Lord shall build up (have fashioned) Zion, He (Christ's image)
shall appear (be revealed) in his glory (even IN US) -
Psa.102:16.
God's word further reveals through Isaiah, ''I will shake
all nations and the desire of all nations (even the firstfruit manifested
sons of God) shall come: and 1 will fill THIS HOUSE with glory, saith the
Lord." Hag.2:7. "The glory of this latter house (body) shall be greater
(Jn.14:12) than of the former,...and in this place will I give peace.''
Hag.2:9. "Thou art my servant, O Israel (of God in Christ-Gal.6:15, 16)
in whom I will be glorified.'' Isa.49:3.
The Lord is preparing for
himself' "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing.'' Eph.5:27. Isaiah prophesied, "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto
thee", this place of his sanctuary wherein will also be the place of his feet
which will be made glorious - Isa.60:13. God is patiently waiting for the
building of this place to be completed. The Lord asks, "The heaven is my
throne and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto
me and where is my place of rest?'' Isa.66:1. Here we see that the resting
place for God's feet is on and in the earth even in his earthen
vessels...wherefore Jesus prayed for the kingdom of God to come in the
earth, and for God's will to be done in the earth as it is in heaven -
Mat.6.10.
Notice Dan.7:18-28 which shows that the Ancient of days comes
to the saints of the Most High who themselves, take and possess the kingdom
forever. These saints are not national Jews but are saints of the Most
High, of the church of the body of Christ - 1Cor.1:2; 6:2; Ro.1:7; Ac.9:13;
2Ths.1:1O; Rev. 13:7. Christ himself, as a forerunner for his spiritual
seed has already been crowned as the Most High, being crowned with glory
and honour (Heb.2:9), having all power over heavenly and earthly kingdoms -
Eph.1:21.
He spoke, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in
earth.'' Matt.28:18. Peter also confirms, "Christ is gone into heaven and
is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being
subject unto him." 1Ptr.3:22. But, we see in Heb.2:6-8, that although all
things are under Christ and his power, the work and his power are not yet
completed in us, until all things are put in subjection under man himself
(Gen.1:26, 28), just as God had originally willed. Presently, "we see not
yet all things put under him" (man). Christ has finished the work for us
but it has yet to be fulfilled in us and through us - Mat.3:15;
Ro.8:4.
This same power which Christ has, the power to conquer even
death, is given as an inheritance to those who love him and keep his
commandments. "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions and over all the power of the enemy'' (Lk.10:19), "for the
kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." 1Cor.4:20. Jesus prayed to
the Father, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also
sent them into the world." Jn.17:18. We see that Christ's commission on
earth was to do the will of his Father that sent Him, and to finish his
work - Jn.4:34.
Shortly before he was crucified, Jesus spoke to the
Father...''I have glorified thee on earth: I have finished the work which
thou gavest me to do.'' Jn.17:4. "And now come I to thee; and these things
I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I
have given them thy word.'' Jn.17:13, 14. He also spoke, "Go ye therefore,
and teach all nations...teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end (both
in time and distance) of the world." Mat.28:19-20.
Now we can
understand what the Spirit spoke through Isaiah..."How beautiful upon the
mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings." Isa.52:7. Whose
are these feet? This prophecy seems to have its fulfillment in Christ,
until we remember he has finished his personal work here on earth and sends
now His disciples and "them which shall believe on me through their word."
Jn.17:20. Paul spoke by the spirit of revelation saying, "How beautiful are
the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings."
Ro.10:15.
Paul had seen the glorious revelation of Christ in a
many-membered body, being "with this body always", by dwelling in them
(2Cor.13:5) as the head (Eph.l:22, 23); this mind of Christ guiding his
feet. It is these same many-membered feet of his earthly body which shall
stand in that day upon the mount of Olives (the spiritual place where the
firstfruits ripen to maturity)." Zec.14:4. This is Christ rising up
in power and great manifestations of glory and standing in the place of
that which is "standing where it ought not." Mk.13:I4.
These are the
"feet saints" which have been shed and now fully prepared to bring the
gospel of peace to the whole of the groaning creation. Yes, this is the place
of rest for God's feet, even his "floor" whom he shall have thoroughly
purged (Lk.3:17) in order that "the floors shall be full of wheat (his life
giving Spirit)." Jl.2:24. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of
God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all,
to stand (rise up). Stand therefore...(your feet) shed with the preparation
of the gospel of peace.'' Eph.6.13-15. The righteousness of the law shall
be fulfilled in those feet which walk not after the flesh but after the
Spirit (Ro.8:4), "that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him"
(Christ) - 2Cor.5:21. For then "the counsel of peace shall be between them
both'' (Christ and his many brethren) (Zec.6:13), and "of the increase of
his government (law) and peace (righteousness) there shall be no
end." Isa.9:7; 32:17.
We see Isaiah further reveals the identity of
the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace even the gospel of the
kingdom - Mat.24:14. Oh Zion...Oh Jerusalem that bringest good tidings."
Isa.40:9. The Lord says, "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm
in my holy mountain.'' Jl.2:1. "Lift up thy voice with strength...like a
trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob
their sins." Isa.58:1. "The Lord gave the word: great was the company of
those that published it." Psa.68:11. "There is no speech nor language,
where their voice is not heard. Their line (gospel of peace with power) is
gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. IN
them (Mat.13:43) hath he set a tabernacle for the sun (Son), which is as a
bridegroom coming OUT OF his chamber." Psa.19:3-5.
David saw in the
spirit and yearned, "Oh that the salvation of Israel were come OUT OF
Zion'' (Psa.14:7), Israel, the church, the bride. Isaiah saw in the last
days, people out of all nations going up to the mountain of the Lord (Mt.
Zion) to be taught how to walk in the ways of the Lord (Zech.8:22-23;
Isa.60:5), "for OUT OF Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord
from Jerusalem and he (the Lord through Mt. Zion, the manchild, the
overcomer) shall judge among the nations (1Cor.6.2) and rebuke (in order to
correct) many people.'' Isa.2:1-3. This is the time following the great
"day of the Lord'' and his judgments upon the nations. Then shall it be
said, "The Lord is exalted; for he dwelleth on high (even in his
holy mount): (for) He hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.''
Isa.33:5. For "upon mount Zion shall be deliverance and there shall be
holiness.'' Obed. 17.
Hear all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all
that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, for the Lord
from his holy temple (whom we presently are...cometh forth out of his
place, and will come down (manifest his Spirit and power out of the
spiritual into the natural realm) and tread (with his feet company) upon
the high (proud) places of the earth - Mic.1:2-3. "For, behold, the Lord
cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their
iniquity." Isa.26:1.
Here we see a picture of how the Lord himself will
descend...first manifesting his image and likeness and his judgment from
out of his people, his holy temple, the place of his sanctuary, which we
have seen is in his holy mountain, even Zion the first chosen one's of
God's holy city Jerusalem. Only they which have suffered with Him and for
Him, shall be given of that realm of power and glory wherein they might
rule and reign in his image on the earth - 2Tim.2:12; Rev.5:10;
20:4.
Paul prophesied concerning the next coming of Christ..."There
shall come out of Zion (not out of heaven) the Deliverer.'' Rom.11:26.
David prophesied, "The Lord (Father) said unto my Lord (Christ), sit thou
at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall
send the rod of thy strength out of Zion.'' Psa.110:1, 2; Rev.2:26, 27.
This strength and beauty shall come forth and be manifested outwardly from
within his sanctuary - Psa.96:6. "Thy way, O God, is IN the sanctuary."
Psa.77:13. Here we see Christ glorified in his earthly body
(church), ruling and reigning still from the throne of his Father while
manifesting his strength, power and beauty from within this many-membered
place of his feet; his judgments flowing out in righteousness, subduing
under foot all his enemies. This "rod of thy strength" is also the "rod of
his inheritance", those which have been fully redeemed (Isa.63:4), Mount
Zion wherein he has dwelt - Psa.74:2. It shall come to pass that "the Lord
shall reign over them (multitudes of his people) IN MOUNT ZION from
henceforth even forever.'' Mic.4,7; Isa.24:23.
Beloved, it is not God's
plan in this present age, for Christ to return again in a literal,
physical, one membered body which he once had before he ascended on
high, nor will he have to receive another physical crown or throne in the
earthly city of Jerusalem. This surely was not the city that Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob looked for, nor was Palestine the kingdom - Heb.11:10, 13-16. We
have just seen by the scriptures that his redeemed people are the city, and
the place of his throne, the place of his sanctuary and the place of the
soles of his feet, wherein he will be dwelling in the midst of the children
of Israel forever - Ezk.43:7. Yes, "the Lord is great IN Zion" (Psa.99:2)
but it yet remaineth for his true greatness to be manifest from "OUT Of
Zion." "For the Lord hath chosen Zion, he hath desired it (this place in
his earthly body) for his habitation. This is my rest forever: here will
I dwell for I have desired it." Psa.132:13; Rev.21:3. "Holiness becometh
thine house O Lord, forever.'' Psa.93:5; Psa .68:16. The literal city of
Jerusalem & the literal earthly Zion of today is not where God has
chosen to dwell forever!
The Bible gives many pictures and symbols of
how the Lord shall tread his enemies underfoot. Let's look at a few of
them. We see a day coming when the sun and moon shall be darkened and the
stars shall withdraw their shining and the Lord shall roar out of Zion and
utter his voice from Jerusalem - Jl.3:15,16. Comparing this with Jer.25:30,
we discover.."The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice
from his holy habitation...so shall ye know that I am the Lord your God
dwelling IN ZION my holy mountain: Then shall Jerusalem be holy"
(Jl.3:17,21), "for OUT OF ZION the perfection of beauty, God has shined.''
Psa.50:2. This is the manifesting of his kingdom which is nigh at hand.
"When that which is perfect is come'' (1Cor.13:10; Col.3:14), ''then shall
the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.''
Matt.13:43.
Isaiah foresaw the same thing. "Arise, shine for thy light
is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee,..his (fullness of)
glory shall be seen upon thee" (lsa.60:1, 2), even those that walk in the
fulfilled light of Isa. chapter 58. We know that "this same Jesus which is
taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen
Him go into heaven. " Ac.1:11. He was taken up or ascended, by rising in
his glorified body. In like manner he will come again, first rising to be seen
by and in his new glorified body, "our vile body fashioned like unto his
glorious body." Phi1.3:21. Those disciples closest to his presence saw him
go. In like manner, only to them shall he first come again, unseen by the
masses of sinful humanity and unseen as yet by that portion of his bride
that hath not made herself ready.
He went up in the clouds unexpectedly
and is returning in "clouds" in a like or similar pattern, but not
necessarily in the same place or manner. Yes, the reality of Christ's
existence, shall this time shine forth in his "bright clouds." Zech.10:1.
" Thou shalt ascend...Thou shalt be like a cloud... thou...and many people
with thee.'' Ezk.38:9. "Behold he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall
(eventually) see Him.'' Rev. 1:7. They shall see Him working his power and
glory in and through his elect glorified saints, and the wicked shall he
tread down in that day "that shall burn as an oven.'' Ma1.4: 1. "And the
heathen shall then know that I am the Lord saith the Lord God, when I shall
be sanctified (set apart and glorified) in you before their eyes."
Ezk.36:23; Isa.chptr. 60. For in that period, "the glory of the Lord shall
be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.'' Isa.40:5;
Habk.2:14.
"Though we have known Christ after the flesh...henceforth
now we know him no more" (2Cor.5:16) after the same manner. Christ will
come "in the clouds of heaven" (in the dead witnesses in Christ who will
resurrect first - Heb. 12: 1; not physical earthly clouds, coming) with
power and great glory." Mat.24:30. "Then we which are alive and remain
(stay behind, remained on earth) shall be caught up (ascend, not bodily nor
physically - 2Cor.12:2-4) together (to be in unity) with them in the clouds
(that rank or formation of firstfruit saints who were the dead in
Christ) to meet (and to continue on to the destination of the one met -
even this earthly realm, meeting and being changed in a twinkling of an eye
to resurrection life and immortality by) the Lord in the air (all this in
the surroundings of this earth, in the air we breathe): and so shall we
ever be with the Lord'' (1Ths.4:17), reigning with the spiritual authority
of the Melchisedec priesthood and ruling as kings, having dominion in the
midst of our enemies - Psa.110:2; Rev.5:10. Therein, "as the vessels of a
potter shall they (the enemies of God) be broken to shivers."
Rev.2:27.
It remaineth of a truth that "the upright shall dwell in the
land, and the perfect shall remain in it (also)." Prv.2:21. "The righteous
shall never be removed." Prv.10:30. It was the Father's will, wherein
Jesus prayed for those that were to be one with Him praying, "not that thou
shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them
from the evil.'' Jn. 17:15. "One shall be taken and the other left."
Mat.24:37-41; Lk.17:35,36.
These clouds of which we were speaking are
"the dust (flesh) of his feet" (those of Ro.10:15) (Nah.l:3), "chariots"
(Psa.104:3), coming "like a whirlwind'' to render his anger with fury and
his rebuke with flames of fire - Isa.66:15. These are his angels and
ministers (Psa.104:4; Heb.1:7), coming as a great cloud of witnesses
(Heb.12:1) in whom he shall come with divine judgment and strength. One
final time will his strength be declared (Psa.74:14) and we see "his
strength is in the clouds. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy
places...he that giveth strength and power unto his people." Psa.68:34, 35.
So shall it be when "Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty
angels, in flaming fire (IN his ministers Psa.104:4) taking vengeance on
them that know not God (1Jn.3:6), and obey not the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ.'' 2Ths.1.7, 8. This is the same time "when he shall come to
be glorified in his saints, and to be admired (wondered at-Isa.8:18) IN all
them that believe." 2Ths.1:10.
These are the first fruit chosen
saints that believed in salvation (deliverance) to the uttermost (Heb.
7:25) through sanctification of the spirit (unto obedience -1Ptr.1:2, 9;
1Ths.5:23) and belief of the truth (the truth which was able to set them free
- Jn.8:32) ..."to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."
2Ths.2:14.
"These are a great people and a strong...a strong people
set in battle array (full armour of the Spirit), who are like the noise of
a flame of fire and like the noise of chariots." Jl.2:2, 5. "Who among us
shall dwell with the devouring fire...with everlasting (age enduring)
burnings? (It shall be) he that walketh righteously. " Isa.33:14,15. "For
the Lord's fire is IN Zion and his furnace in Jerusalem.'' Isa.31:9. "Our
God shall come. and not keep silence: a fire shall devour before Him.''
Psa.50:3. "Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts
with righteousness" (Isa.1:27)) for truly, "judgment must begin at the
house of God." 1Ptr.4:17. ''Righteousness and judgment are the habitation
of his throne. A fire goeth before Him, and burneth up his enemies round
about..The heavens declare his righteousness.; and all the people see his
glory." Psa.97:2, 3, 6.
In the days of the coming of the Son of man
there shell be no bodily "rapture" after the manner as is commonly taught,
"but as the days of No'e were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man
be." Matt.24:39. The wicked are to be severed from amongst the just -
Matt.13:49, 50. The tares shall be gathered first, ready to burn
- Matt.13:30. When the judgment of the flood covered the entire earth, who
was it that was taken off the earth in the days of this judgment? It was
not the righteous ones which were taken, but rather it was the wicked -
Mat.24:38-40. How were they taken? They were destroyed! "The flood came and
destroyed them all." Lk.17:27. "Then two shall be in the field (world -
Mat.13:38) the (wicked) one shall be taken. and the other (the righteous
overcomer) left." Mat.24:40. It is written... "He shall destroy the sinners
thereof out of it'' (Isa.13:9), but take heed brethren for it is
also written. .. "All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword (both
naturally and spiritually), which say the evil shall not overtake or
prevent us." Amos 9:10.
Jesus said, "Every branch in me that beareth
not fruit, he taketh away.'' Jn. 15:2. Whosoever shall seek to save his
life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it."
Lk. 17:33. The psalmist prophesied, 'The righteous shall inherit the land,
and dwell therein forever...Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and
he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou
shalt (remain to have a part in it and) see it.'' Psa.37:29, 34;
Psa.37:9-11; Psa.91.
Now we can still see only in part, how God will
initially subdue the enemy and the nations under his feet. But his promise
is sure...''Through God WE SHALL DO valiantly. For HE IT IS (through his
overcoming saints, his mighty ones'' that rejoice in his highness
-/Isa.13:3) THAT SHALL TREAD DOWN down our enemies." Psa.108:13. No, this
will not be Christ coming down from the sky, but will be Christ in his
mighty chosen army who have put on (1Cor.15:53) their Lord Jesus Christ
(Ro.13:14) the full suit of armour that they "may be able to withstand in
the evil day." Eph.6:13. "His truth shall be their shield and buckler.''
Psa.91:4. "They shall stand upon their feet. an exceeding great army''
(Ezk.37:10) ready to go forth at Christ's command.
"For YE SHALL
tread down the wicked; for they shall he ashes under the soles of your feet
IN THE DAY THAT I SHALL DO THIS, saith the Lord of hosts." Mal.4:1. "Who is
like unto thee, O people saved (delivered) by the Lord, the shield of thy
help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be
found liars unto thee; and THOU SHALT TREAD upon their high places."
Deut.32:9. "For HE bringeth down them that dwelleth on high, the (proud)
lofty city, he layeth it low;...even unto the ground...even to the dust.
The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor (Mat.5:3), and the
steps of the needy." Isa.26:5,6. "And they shall be as mighty men. which
tread down their enemies: in the mire of the streets in the battle: and
they shall fight, because THE LORD IS WITH THEM (even strong and mighty IN
THEM) and the riders on horses shall be confounded.'' Zec10:5.
''Thou
(Israel, Zion, overcomers ) art my battle axe and weapons of war,
(the "weapons of his indignations"-Isa.13:5), for WITH THEE (using thee,
working through thee) will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee
will I destroy kingdoms: and with thee will I break in pieces the horse and
his rider.'' Jer.51:19-21. "The young lion and the dragon SHALT THOU
trample underfoot" (Psa.91:13) when "the GOD of peace SHALL bruise Satan
under your feet shortly." Ro.16:20; Deut.32:27-29.
We know even now
as we wrestle against spiritual wickedness in high places, that our weapons
are not carnal. "For though we walk in the flesh we do not war after the
flesh. for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (neither shall God's army
be carnal men) but mighty through (God to the pulling down [and treading
down)]of strongholds." 2Cor.10:3,4. Therefore, until "the daystar (Christ
the sun [Son] of righteousness - Mal.4:2) arises (to full stature) in your
hearts" (2Ptr.1:19; 2Cor.4:6; Isa.58:8), we are to endure hardness, as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ. "No man that warreth entangleth himself with
the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be
a soldier." 2Tim.2:3,4. A prepared soldier, that "mightest war a good
warfare." 1Tim.1:18; 6:12.
"Let them that love Him be as the Sun when
he goeth forth in his might." Judg.5:31. "In them hath He set a tabernacle
for the Sun.."Psa.19:4. "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair
as the moon, clear as the Sun & terrible as an army with banners?" Song
6:10. They are His beloved & His beloved is theirs "comely
as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners." Song 6:3, 4.
"For
the Lord taketh pleasure in his people. He will beautify the meek
with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon
their beds. Let the praises of God be in their mouth, and a two edged sword
in their hand; to execute vengeance (Jude 14, 15; 2Ths.1:7, 8) upon the
heathen, and punishments upon the people; to bind their (demonic) kings
with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them
the judgment written: this honour have all his saints." Psa.149:4-9;
Psa.110:5; Dan.7:22. These saints come to execute judgment upon all and to
convince all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds - Jude
14. When "the judgment shall sit and they (the saints - ICor.6:2) shall
take away his (Satan's) dominion to consume and destroy it unto the end,"
then "all (opposing) dominions shall serve and obey him" (Christ the King
of Kings), ruling in true righteousness in his many-membered body which has
become one with Him in power and glory - Dan.9:26, 27.
It is God's
intent and purpose to use these saints to show the exceeding riches of
his kindness toward them in the ages to come - Eph.2:7. The manifold wisdom
of God shall be shown "by the church" and through the church unto "all
men", and unto all principalities and authorities and powers that exist in
the creation - Eph.1:9-11. Then truly, shall all his works bless the Lord
in all places of his dominion - Psa.103:22.
Jesus Christ, "whom the
heavens must receive (retain invisible) until the times of the restitution
of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy
prophets since the world began" (Ac.3:20; Mat.5:18; Lk.24:24), Himself "sat
down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting (waiting) till his
enemies be made his footstool." Heb. 10:13; Psa.110:2. Beloved, are you
preparing to be "a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the
master's (coming) use, and prepared unto every good work?"
2Tim.2:21.
Oh Zion, thou chosen and faithful of Israel, prepare thou
(now) to rule in the midst of thine enemies - Psa.110:2. Christ our Lord
has mightily conquered and abolished even that "last enemy'' death
(2Tim.1:9, 10), and now has purposed for his faithful saints to make
themselves ready through the same workings of his mighty Spirit, to execute
their part in subduing the rebellious peoples and nations under their Feet
- Psa.47:3; Heb.2:8. Therein shall be fulfilled the scripture where God
said unto man, "Be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth (with My
life), and subdue it: and have dominion over every living thing that moveth
upon the earth." Gen.l:28; Dan.7:27. Man's dominion shall even one day
stretch unto the stars - Psa.8:3, 6.
In the day when the Lord shall
begin to set his full "glory in the land of the living" (Ezk.26:20), then
truly "the Lord of hosts shall reign IN mount Zion, AND IN Jerusalem, and
before his ancients gloriously." Isa.24:23; Isa.4:3. It truly shall
be fulfilled that "God ruleth in Jacob (Spiritual Israel - his elect and
faithful people) in the ends of the earth." Psa.59:13.
Even as the
total of man's inner space shall succumb to the rule of his God, so
shall he be granted to rule over the universe without.
"Can thine
heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal
with thee? I the Lord have spoken it and will do it...and will consume the
filthiness out of thee. And thou shalt take thine inheritance (the ruling
In the love of Christ over the yet unconverted - Psa.2:8) in thyself in
sight of the heathen, and thou shalt know that I am the
Lord.'' Ezk.22:14-16.
"Is not the Lord in Zion? Is not her king in
her? Jer.8:19