Thursday, May 9, 2013

"LORD JESUS COME"

We are approaching the time of the inauguration of the reign of the Lord on earth and the establishment of his Kingdom upon the nations of the whole earth. I believe it cannot be far off.
One day the moment will come when the saints will possess the Kingdom. (Dan 7:18,22) "The kingdoms of the world will become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ and He will reign forever and ever". (Rev 11:15) His Kingdom is coming in power and great glory. No one will be able to resist or oppose it. It will be a complete and total victory, an overthrow of Satan's power. At that time there will be a huge harvest - millions will turn to the Lord. John described this when he saw the "Son of Man", the unique title of Jesus, on a cloud crowned with a golden crown and holding a sickle to reap the whole earth. (Rev 14:14-16)
God has through his people established a world wide net that will bring the greatest ingathering of the ages. There are more people alive now than have ever lived; mankind is ripe unto harvest. Early one morning on the shores of Galilee the risen Lord called out to his disciples to cast their net and they caught a catch so big they could hardly land it. This was a preview of what will come. (John 21:1-6) Two things will take place. The tares will be burnt and the harvest will be gathered. The angels will go through the entire world and bring them in. Who are the angels? The word angel means messenger and in scripture is applied to both heavenly angels and people. When Jesus returns he and his people will harvest the nations.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

THE ANGELIC REALM

Angels manifest themselves from one realm to another. When they do they appear as real persons, wear clothes and can touch people. Very often they radiate the brightness of God's glory for they come from the presence of his glory. (Matt 28:3, John 20:12, Acts 1:10) Paul was caught into the "third heaven" which indicates there are different levels in the spiritual realms. There are different kinds of angels and there are also fallen beings, principalities and demons. In fact the whole problem of sin started with the rebellion of Satan. In Revelation we are told of a war between Satan's angels and Michael's angels. (Rev 12:7-12) This war takes place in the spirit dimension immediately adjacent to earth. Satan and his angels will be cast out of that realm onto earth and this is followed by a time of conflict. During this period angelic activity will become very intense and I believe that people will see more and more spiritual manifestations of one kind and another. Even as I write there are amazing reports of things that are happening. The world is entering a spiritual conflict. Christians are having more and more spiritual encounters, angelic visitations, and spiritual revelations as barriers between the realms are opened. There are testimonies of our Risen Lord appearing to people world wide. This will increase more and more until the time he “catches” them through the veil right into his Cloud. The exact moment is known to Him alone. Jesus said to Nathanael that he would see the heavens open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. Jesus is the true ladder or stairway to heaven. The word "highway" in Isaiah 40 means a viaduct or "staircase" allowing entry into God's glory which will be revealed to all who travel that highway. It is Jesus himself who is the gateway and opens the heavens to enable us to enter; he is the door and mediator into God's realm and Glorious Presence. He is the "ladder" or link between the two realms. (John 1:51, Gen 28:12, Isa 40:3-5, 62:10) After his resurrection the Lord Jesus lived in both realms. He is forever the risen Son of Glory and Eternal God. During the forty days if he wanted to be visible he stepped through the veil into the visible realm. When he wanted to be invisible he stepped back into it. He was in any place at any time with no earthly restrictions. He had no limits, no hindrances. When Jesus departed he simply lifted himself up and stepped through the veil into the Cloud. He did not go like a rocket into the sky but disappeared into the Cloud of God. On the day he returns he will simply step back from the invisible. Weymouth's translation puts it well; "on the day that the veil is lifted from the Son of Man". (Luke 17:30) Paul wrote that we eagerly await the revelation or unveiling (apokalupsis) of our Lord. (1 Cor 1:7) He can come at any time! When he does he will be real, as real as he was to Thomas! There are those who say that Jesus cannot be in two places at the same time. I discount that. He is God with no limits. Scientists now know that quarks, very small particles of matter, can be in two places at one time, how much more the One who made them? His resurrected body is real but not physical; it is a body of Glory empowered by His Holy Spirit.
There is a "veil" that hides God’s realm. Before Adam sinned he had perfect communion with God but after his fall he only heard God’s voice. He hid from the Presence of the Lord. (Gen 3:8) A veil shut off God. This veil will one day open. At his return Jesus will forever destroy the veil that covers all nations. (Isa 25:7-9) At present we look through a "glass" but one day we shall see him "face to face"; "We all, with open (or unveiled) face beholding as in a glass (or mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory". (1 Cor 13:9-12, 2 Cor 3:16-18)

Sunday, May 5, 2013

JESUS IS JUST A STEP AWAY - BEHIND THE VEIL

For forty days Jesus lived with his people in his resurrection body. He lodged with them, ate with them, and taught them about the Kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3) During this time he came and went with no restrictions or limitations. He lived in two realms, the invisible and the visible, the material and the spiritual. God dwells in the invisible spirit realm, the "heavens". This is not at the other end of the universe but is in another dimension. Jesus must have had access to this realm even as a young lad. He grew up seeing and hearing the Father in perfect communion. (Jn 8:38) At times God has allowed people to see into this realm. (Luke 2:13) Every time "heaven was opened" the veil was drawn aside and people were permitted to see things which were not necessarily far away but right there in front of them in the invisible "heavenly" realm. For example Elisha saw an angelic chariot when Elijah was taken to God. Later he prayed that the eyes of his servant be opened to see the angelic army that surrounded them. (2 Kings 2:11, 6:17) These angels were not far away but nearby in the invisible realm.
In Hebrews 12:1 it is written "we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us". This is the cloud of those people who have gone before into God's presence; they surround us, not far away but just beyond the veil. At death Christians pass through the veil and enter into the presence of the Lord. At the approach of death there is every indication that believers can see through the veil into the invisible realm for they often respond as if someone is there and even talk to them. They sometimes reach out and declare that they can see angels, loved ones and the Lord himself! (Psalm 23, 2 Cor 5:8, Phil 1:23, 2 Pet 1:13-15). I have been in the presence of dying believers who saw through the veil yet I could not. It is a portal that opens at the right time and through which they see and enter. They step out of the physical realm into the spirit realm. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. If we have our eyes opened we will see them. (2Kings 7:20)

Friday, May 3, 2013

HE WILL RETURN

At the end of the forty days he was lifted up and a cloud received him out of their sight. We are not told how high he went. Contrary to the popular concept of him rising high into the sky he just lifted himself up and was received by the cloud into which he disappeared. (Acts 1:9) This was the Cloud of God, NOT a weather cloud. It was the portal through which the Lord appeared and disappeared. He did what he had done during the previous forty days as he appeared and disappeared except this time he did not return. As we have already considered, heaven is not far away but is another dimension close at hand yet invisible to the finite eye. It is said to be "up" but this is not a physical but spiritual elevation. The idea of him ascending high in the sky comes out of our Western expectations of going up to heaven. This is a Gentile concept. Jewish beliefs see heaven here on earth. The disciples were not gazing into the sky but were looking into heaven. Heaven is not in the upper reaches of the atmosphere but very close, in another dimension. When “heaven opens” it is near by, alongside us.
When Stephen was about to die he saw heaven opened and Jesus standing in the glory of God. He was not looking far into the sky but right in front of him. The veil opened so that he could look into the invisible realm. It was like a portal before Stephen and through which he gazed. Heaven is the spirit dimension. When Jesus stepped into it two men in shining robes stepped out of that dimension and appeared to the disciples. They had a message, "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." (Acts 1:11)
This SAME JESUS, who in risen glory came to his disciples for forty days in his resurrection body, will return in the SAME manner. The same person who died on the cross and rose again will return in his risen body. He will come in the same way he left. He will simply step out of the "cloud" and once more be with his people. When he returns from the invisible realm he will be visible just as he was during the forty days. He will appear to all who love him, to individuals, small groups and to large crowds anywhere in the world. When he comes he will not be confined to an earthly body walking the dusty roads of Israel but will be in a risen body everywhere in the world! He is God and has all Power and Glory of the Godhead. He is also the risen man of glory and as such will be perfectly fitted to live in the realm of earth. His body of glory will have no limits of any kind. He can appear in different forms and in different places. He will be invincible and his disciples will be able to see him and meet with Him. Unbelievers will not be able to enter his presence but believers will and as they do they will meet the Lord, FACE TO FACE, just as Moses did long ago. They will see the King, will be changed to be like him and will never be separated from him.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

THE FORTY DAYS OF HIS RESURRECTION PRESENCE

After Jesus rose from the dead He remained on earth for forty days. During this time he was visible and on many occasions appeared to believers. Although changed, he nevertheless had a real body, wore clothes, and ate and functioned with them. His own people could see and touch him. He was fully fitted as a new man to remain on earth had he so desired, yet he was risen in Glory, the Eternal God revealed in man. It was to this that John referred when he said; “That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled concerning the Word of life – that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us...” (1 Jn 1:1-3) The disciples not only saw him but they touched him and handled him in his resurrection.
What significance does this have?
We have seen how God's presence in the Old Testament was in the Cloud which was visible to his people. Not everyone could approach that cloud; but Moses was able to enter it and when he did he saw God "face to face". For forty days he was with God in the cloud and when he came out he radiated that glory so much that he had to cover his face. (Ex 34:30-33)
In a similar way believers were with Jesus for forty days in his resurrection glory. Not everyone saw him; only believers. He appeared to them and taught them many things. First he revealed himself to individuals and then to more and more of his followers but no unbeliever could see his visible presence. (Acts 10:40,41) He appeared first to Mary Magdalene and other women. Very early in the morning just before daybreak they went to the tomb. These women loved him dearly and could not stay away. Jesus appeared to them. Then he appeared to more people. Paul gave a detailed account of the order of Christ's resurrection appearances and where he appeared. I believe there is a reason why he did so. Jesus first appeared to individual people who loved Him more than anything else. Then He appeared to small groups of dedicated disciples. Finally he appeared to the larger crowd. He made himself visible wherever and whenever he chose. He came and went at will, stepping between the visible and invisible realms. He was invincible and Thomas declared of him, "my Lord and my God". He illustrated his perfect suitability for life on earth and his ability to interact between the two realms.
The 40 days of resurrection is in direct contrast to the 40 days of temptation Christ suffered. That was a terrible time directly after his baptism when as “The Lamb of God who bears away the sins of the world” he was led by the Spirit as our scapegoat into the wilderness to suffer 40 days of devastating temptation from Satan. His three and a half years of ministry started with 40 days of severe personal conflict and ended with 40 days of triumphant victory.
Peter described this time of resurrection interaction in Acts 1:1-4, 21,22. Everything Jesus said and did from his baptism until he ascended and especially during the 40 days resurrection was to teach about the Kingdom of God. Peter mentions how Jesus “went in and out among us”. To what did he refer? It was to the manner in which Jesus could move between the invisible and visible dimensions right here “in the air”. He stepped in and out. He did not come from the other end of the universe; he was and still is just a step away. Jesus showed them how the Kingdom of God works. It was to this that the two messengers on the Mount of Olives referred when they said “he will come in like manner”. This means in like deportment and character; the same Jesus, the same way.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

THE SPLENDOUR OF CHRIST'S LIGHT

When Jesus was transfigured his face and clothes shone like the sun in brilliance. This was the unveiling of his Shekinah Glory. This is what will happen at his appearing (epiphaneia) in glorious light. (1 Tim 6:14-16)
The psalmist wrote that God is clothed in splendour and majesty and covered with light as a garment. (Ps.104:1,2) The prophet Malachi wrote that to those who fear his name the Lord will rise as the "sun of righteousness, with healing in his wings". (Mal 4:2) Peter described Christ's "majesty" as "megaleiotes" meaning "splendour, superb magnificence, mighty power, glory". He foretold that a new day, or "age", will dawn when the “morning star” will arise in the hearts of God's people. (2 Pet 1:17-19)
Morning Star comes from the Greek word "phosphorus", meaning "light bearer". It comes from "phos" meaning to shine or make "luminous", and "phero", "to bear or carry" and refers to the appearing of Jesus in splendour as personal fulfilment in hearts of believers at his coming in glory to establish his Kingdom on earth. The reference to Jesus as Morning Star, (pertaining to the dawn) endorses this theme. (Rev 22:16, 2:26-28) To those who follow him he gives a promise that they will rule the nations and receive the Morning Star. Jesus is the Morning Star who one day will appear as the “Sun of Righteousness” to govern the world in peace. He is the light who shines in darkness and brings God's government into the world. (Isa 9:1-7, John 1: 4-9, Rev 21:23,24)
HIS LIGHT IN BELIEVERS
A new day will dawn when Christ's light will arise and shine within believers. True believers already experience the indwelling of Christ by his Spirit. One day he will reveal himself to those who trust in his name and then the righteous will shine forth (and be resplendent) as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. (Matt 13:43) The Morning Star will arise and shine within believers. We read something similar in Daniel 12:3; the righteous will shine like stars. Believers will appear with him in glory. "Christ is our real life. When he comes back, you will shine with him in all his glory". (Col 3:4 Simplified Living Bible) "When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in (the splendour of His) glory”. (Col 3:4 Amplified Bible) The word ‘appear’ is "phaino" which is derived from phos, to shine. People who saw Christ’s glory described it as brilliant light. When Moses saw God's glory he radiated that glory and his face shone so brilliantly he had to cover it. He had experienced such concentrated exposure to the Lord's presence that he wore a veil. This glory faded outwardly but one day it will remain and believers will share His Shekinah Glory.
Martyrs and faithful followers of Jesus will be given robes of pure white. (Rev 3:4,5,18, 6:11) The word "white" is derived from the word for light and is used to describe the brightness of Jesus in glory. (Matt 17:2, Rev 1:14) Those who are faithful to him will walk in the same whiteness, as pure light, and not be found naked. (Rev 3:4,5,18) God’s children will put on garments of pure white just as He is arrayed in garments of splendour and light. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, reflected this glory and his face looked like the face of an angel.
When Adam and Eve sinned they lost their spiritual covering and became naked. Prior to their fall they were clothed in the glory of God which departed when they chose death rather than life and immortality. However, one day Jesus will restore believers to be like him. Then he will present to himself his church, glorious and without spot or wrinkle. (Phil 3:21, Eph 5:27)
God's people will shine with His Glory. "The Lord shall be their everlasting light" and they will be planted by the Lord for "the display of his splendour". (Isa 60:19,20 and 61:3 NIV Bible)

Thursday, April 25, 2013

REVEALING THE SONS OF GOD

Romans 8:1-30
The apostle Paul wrote that the whole creation groans as it waits for the unveiling or "revealing of the sons of God" when God's Sons will be revealed to the whole world. Paul taught that through the indwelling Spirit of God believers are victorious over the sinful carnal nature and one day their mortal bodies will be quickened by God's Spirit to receive full redemption. He described it as the "glorious freedom" of the "sons of God" for which the whole of creation awaits. Believers will be set free from the bondage of the mortal body; carnality, sickness, pain, weakness and death. When this happens believers will conform to the image of Christ and be the "Sons of God". Nothing will be able to harm them. It will be a public display of God's Power and Glory in believers. At that time the Glory of God will be unveiled in His "Sons" and evident for all to see.
John the apostle confirmed this. 1 John 3:1,2 - "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is."
The statements Paul made in Romans chapter eight cannot be fully appreciated unless they are placed in the context of chapter seven in which he described the conflict within each believer between the carnal sinful nature and the spiritual nature that desires to serve God. The carnal nature fights against the Spirit. (Gal 5:17) Paul said that he was "carnal sold under sin" and described the law of sin and death which he was powerless to overcome. This war was within the members of his body and worked in him to produce death. There is tension within every believer between the carnal nature and the Spirit. In a very real sense believers are caught between two dimensions or ages. As children of Adam they are subject to the law that in Adam all die. Spiritually however, they have passed from death to life. The day will come in the new age of glory when the tension between the two realms will cease. Paul cried out "Who can set me free from the body of this death?" He longed to be free of the power that worked death in him and it is this very question that he answered in chapter eight. It is through Jesus that it is possible to be victorious and to be controlled by the law of the Spirit of life. Believers receive the “first fruits” or pledge of this when they receive the Spirit of God by which they know that one day they will receive the completed work. (Romans 8:23, 2 Cor 5:5) The infilling of the Holy Spirit is not the final work but only a foretaste of it. Paul declared that one day there is coming total release from the law of death and corruption when the body itself will be set free into glorious liberty. The complete revealing will come when "He shall appear and we shall see him as he is".
How then will this work? When Jesus appears, all those who are walking in His Spirit will be “quickened” by His Spirit. (Rom 8:11) There is an order to follow; first we “walk” in the Spirit and overcome the carnal nature. (Rom 7:23,24) By living in the Spirit we have entry into a new dimension of life in the Spirit. (Rom 8:9,10) By living in His Spirit we are victorious over the carnal nature and then at His Coming His Spirit will fully redeem and quicken (2227 make alive) our mortal bodies. Jesus “shall quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit in you”. Then full resurrection life will be unveiled within our bodies as the “Sons of God”. (Rom 8:19-23).
When this happens believers will become like Jesus. When Jesus walked on earth he was as immortal as when he arose after death. In the earthly body he had no sickness and was not subject to the restrictions of his body for he could walk on water, go from one place to another instantaneously, could be invisible and so on. He was only limited to earthly boundaries because he chose to be. If he had chosen he could have stepped into glory without experiencing death but he chose to go to the cross. When the sons of God are revealed they too will have bodies like he had and be able to do amazing things. For them death will lose its power, they will not see corruption and will be able to step through the veil into his Presence.
There is coming a "day" when the world will enter a new age of blessing. This is a transitional period during which there is an ever increasing growth of His power and glory through the whole world as nations submit to him and even nature itself will share and benefit from the glorious liberty of God's Sons and be brought into harmony and freedom. The entire creation will begin to enter into a new freedom from the suffering which came about by sin and which brought decay and death. When will this happen? When the “Sons of God" are set free. “The universe itself is to be freed from the shackles of mortality and enter upon the liberty and splendour of the children of God”. (Isa 11:4-10, Romans 8:21 NEB) Christ's initial reign will last a thousand years and that is only a foretaste of more!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Immortality..

Paul taught that believers will be caught out of their present condition which is subject to mortality and into a condition subject to immortality. They will be clothed with immortality. (1 Cor 15:53,54,) What did Paul mean by immortality? Immortality is not being subject to death; deathlessness. However, according to Vines Expository Dictionary immortality (athanasia) is more; it suggests the quality of life enjoyed by the believer when mortality is "swallowed up by life". The immortality Jesus offers is to be joined in him, the source of life and joy. It is to be fully released from the carnal principle that works in us producing death and to be joined in union with Him who is immortal. (2 Cor 5:1-8) Every believer already has that kind of life but the day will come when it will be experienced in its complete fullness. (Jn 8:51, 10:10)
After his resurrection Jesus displayed his immortality to his people. At his return he will release it into those who are his, who will then be able to live and function in a way no longer subject to the physical dimension just as Jesus was able to do in his earthly body. May I ask “Did the Lord have immortality in his earthly body when he lived on earth? Yes, he was free of sin and no curse of death operated in his life so he must have. He is the author of life and light; its very source. In him was the life of the Father so he must have been immortal. (John 1:4, 5:26, Acts 3:15, Col 1:16) In his earthly life he was not subject to the restrictions of his body. He was able to walk on water and could pass right through hostile crowds either by being invincible or invisible. (Luke 4:30, Jn 7:30, 8:59, 10:39) If Jesus had not died surely he could have just walked into heaven; otherwise he would still be alive on earth. The pre-flood Patriarchs lived for hundreds of years and they were sinful, Jesus was sinless. No one took his life from him for he voluntarily submitted to death. (John 10:15-18) At his transfiguration I believe that he could have stepped back into his glory but chose not to but to go to the cross and die for us. And when he died it was not possible for death to hold him. (Acts 2:24) So too believers will function in bodies that are powerful, glorious and spiritual, made like the man from heaven. It will be a worldwide replication of Christ’s life in his people. (1 Cor 15:35-48) At his "parousia" or "Presence" his people will experience a change that will release them from the present physical restrictions of this dimension and give them access to his power. Believers who have died will rise in resurrection and be able to function like angels (Luke 20:35) and believers who are alive will be changed so as to also enter and share in the life of Jesus. They will have newly empowered and changed bodies not subject to carnality or restrictions of this present dimension. They will be like Christ was on earth, not subject to death or disease and like Enoch will be able to walk through the veil into God's presence. We will consider Enoch later.
There are three groups of people on earth when Jesus returns. 1/ there are believers in Jesus who will be changed to become like him and then live and function with him. Through “harpazo” they will possess the power, life and glory of Jesus and enter the Kingdom of God which will grow and increase. 2/ There are the desperately wicked who will be destroyed at his coming. 3/ There is the remainder of mankind who will come under the authority of the Kingdom of God. The “Day of the Lord” is the time of Christ's reign on earth. It commences at his parousia and continues until "New Jerusalem" comes down to earth. This period is designated as a thousand years. We will consider this more fully later.
The emphasis through the Bible is that the Kingdom of God will come to earth and subdue the whole world. God will empower his people and will rule and reign through them. How will this happen if there are no people left on earth? Will they rule over one another? Who has ever heard of a Kingdom without a structure, without rulers and people who come under it? In his church the Lord has established a world wide net that will take control of the nations and gather in a vast harvest. The Lord Jesus will have complete dominion over all nations. It will be the righteous reign of God through the one and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords and those who rule with him. (1 Tim 6:15) When will this happen? – At his coming PRESENCE - “parousia”.

Monday, April 1, 2013

"CAUGHT UP"...

"CAUGHT UP" - HARPAZO - 1 Thes 4:17
The term "caught up" depicts a powerful event. The Greek word "harpazo" (Strongs 726) conveys the idea of force suddenly exercised (Vines) and is used to describe a powerful release of God's energy. It means to be taken hold of, to be seized by a power beyond our own. For those who would say “caught up” means to be removed from the earth let us consider the following. Paul was “caught up” to the third heaven and whether in or out of his body but he did not leave the earth; he had access to spiritual realms and heard words which could not be expressed in human language. Philip was “caught away” by the Lord from one place to another but neither did he leave the earth. It seems Ezekiel also had a similar experience. Each received a powerful intervention of God's power which released them from the restrictions of this physical dimension but they were not taken away. (2 Cor 12:2-4, Acts 8:39, Ezk 8:3, 11:24)
The use of this word by the Lord himself reveals its meaning. Jesus used the same word but never said that people are taken out of the world. He said that "harpazo" empowers “men of force” to enter the Kingdom of God. (Matt 11:12) The NIV says, "the Kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it". Men enter into it by the “harpazo” power of God. It conveys the idea of pressing into and possessing the Kingdom. (Luke 16:16) Every time Christ did a miracle he reached into a “future age”, the Kingdom age, took hold of it and released its power into the present situation. Through "harpazo" believers were able to take hold of and enter into the Kingdom. Jesus did not use the word to mean being taken to heaven but to mean entering the Kingdom of God here on earth. They were not taken out of the world but experienced the power of God coming in to them to change them in the world. “Harpazo” is the forceful dynamics of God to catch someone into His power. It is God seizing control.
Paul experienced “harpazo” and used the same word to describe what will happen to living believers at the parousia. It is the release of God's power into believers, not to take them away but to enter His Presence when He comes. It is not a removal from a place but a transformation from a state. The "harpazo" is the dynamic power of God to catch believers out of their fallen condition of corruption and transform them into the incorruptible life of Christ. It means first and foremost a catching out of a state, that of carnality and death, into that of spiritual power. (See page 28, Romans 8) The “harpazo” releases one from the restrictions of this present mortal life to fully transform one into the freedom of Christ's life right here and now. The “harpazo” will happen as it did with Jesus. The “man child” was “caught up” to God. (Rev. 12:5) In the same way he had come and gone during the 40 days he just stepped through the veil into the cloud. When He returns the “harpazo” will happen in the same way. He will step out and they will meet him not up in the stratosphere but right here in the Cloud of his Presence. But some may say “The Lord must first descend”. To descend (Strongs 2597) means to “step down”. (Jn5:7) He will just step down from the cloud.
"A MEETING IN THE AIR"
If the clouds at Christ's return are not weather clouds but clouds of God's Glory and Presence, then the term "in the air" must also convey a spiritual reality. Once again, if I said “I am walking on air” would you take that to mean I am floating around in clouds? Paul did not mean that believers will go up to the atmospheric clouds but that they will enter the Presence or realm of Christ's Power and Glory in the mighty Clouds of His Holy Spirit. The place God met His people in the OT was in the Cloud of His Presence in the “Tabernacle of Meeting”. (Num 12:4) This is where He will return, to his Living Tabernacle, in the Cloud of His Mighty Spirit.
The “air” is a word Paul used to describe a dimension in our immediate vicinity. This is not a frequently used word and the apostle Paul used it to mean the air in the sense of it being nearby, surrounding us, not far away. (Strong’s Dictionary, no.109 - circumambient.) This is how he described the reality of the invisible spiritual dimension very near to us, all around us, right here “in the air”.
The word "air" is used in the New Testament for both natural air and the realm of spiritual powers working in the earth. In the book of Revelation it is used in the context of angelic activity on earth and in Ephesians 2:2 it describes the realm and work of "the prince of the power of the air" working in this present earth. It is a spiritual dimension right here within the natural air. To understand this one must understand the realities of different dimensions so close to each other that they superimpose upon each other. Paul linked the air with the realm where spiritual battle takes place and the Lord rules. The realm of the air is the realm over which Jesus has ultimate rule. This dimension will open for believers.
When Jesus returns he descends from heaven. (1 Thes 4:16) He will then “catch his people into the air”, a different word from heaven. He does not ascend back into heaven with them but he takes them into His immediate Presence in the Holy Spirit, the Cloud of Shekinah Glory, His Holy Presence, “in the air”.
The word "air" is used in a similar way as the word “wind” which also denotes both natural and spiritual realities. (Eph 2:2) In the New Testament the word "wind" almost always conveys the meaning of "spirit". In the same way, when the apostle Paul spoke of "air" he certainly did NOT mean what we breathe, made of nitrogen and oxygen but was referring to an invisible spirit dimension. Air is the nearest Paul could get to describe this invisible realm. Just as air is real but invisible so Paul used it to describe the very real but invisible realm which is very close to us. It is a spirit dimension which is not far off, just invisible, nearby "in the air" all around us. Paul did not mean that believers will be caught up to the cloudy sky but that believers will have access to spirit dimensions. The "air" is the Spirit realm that Jesus rules over and which will open for believers. At his "parousia" believers are not going up into the weather clouds but are going into the "Presence" of Christ in the Clouds of the Holy Spirit and Shekina Glory.
As believers we are “seated with him” and have access to the realm of His Presence even though we may not see Him. When he returns we will be able to fully enter and see him “Face to Face” in Glory.

Friday, March 1, 2013

THE SHEKINAH GLORY OF GOD

The visible manifestation of the "Presence" of God among his people became known as the "Shekinah Glory". Nelson's Bible Dictionary describes it as the visible manifestation of the presence of God. Although the word is not found in the Bible it occurs frequently in later Jewish writings. It refers to the instances when God showed himself visibly, as for example on Mt. Sinai and in the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. The Shekinah was a luminous cloud which rested above the Ark within the place of worship, the Holy of Holies, and lit up the room.
The New Bible Dictionary describes it as "the radiance, glory, or presence of God, "dwelling" in the midst of His people". The Shekinah, the nearest Jewish equivalent to the Holy Spirit, became, with other Old Testament ideas and derivatives, Word, Wisdom, etc, a bridge between man's corporeality and God's transcendence. It is used by the Rabbi to signify God Himself. It underlies the concept of God dwelling among His people. The glory of God, "kabod" in Hebrew and "doxa" in Greek, is another name for the Shekinah. It is the cloud of the Holy Spirit.
In the Old Testament, therefore, the Cloud represented the VISIBLE PRESENCE of God dwelling with his people. It is the environment of God, the place in which he dwells and functions and meets with his people. The Cloud rested in the Holy of Holies and was closely associated with the Ark of God. Once a year the high priest went into the sanctuary and met with God. The "Cloud" was God's special VISIBLE PRESENCE and GLORY abiding with His people. Jesus said he will return on the "clouds of glory". He was using Biblical terms to convey something real. Although the Cloud may not be visible any longer, it is still real in that the presence of God can at times still be felt and sensed. I know people who have seen it during times of deep worship. At least twice in my own ministry people have seen a beautiful light in the gathering of God’s people. During one ministry people saw behind and to one side of me a glowing light like a cloud. It remained there for the entire hour of my ministry only leaving when I closed the teaching. On other occasions there have been tangible manifestations of His Presence.
His presence is especially real in times of deep worship when believers have entered within the spiritual "veil of his presence". At his return, or parousia, he will appear to his people. Those who enter through the veil of the "cloud of his presence", the realm of the Holy of Holies, will see him in the cloud of GLORY. He will appear “face to face”.
THE NEW TESTAMENT CLOUD - Matt 16:27 - 17:7
When Jesus went to the mount of transfiguration he was transformed in glory. Some days before this he told his disciples they would see him “coming in glory” and then he gave them a preview of that glory on the mount of transfiguration. He met with Moses and Elijah in the bright cloud of God's presence. This event was later described by Peter as the "parousia" or “coming” of Christ and he used the same words to describe Christ's future return. Although the two events are separated by thousands of years there is a similarity in terms. Peter first described the "parousia" at the transfiguration (2 Pet 1:16-19) and then described the "parousia" at Christ's return (2 Pet 3:4,12). He looked back to the display of Christ's glory on the mount and looked forward to the promise of his future return. In Peter's mind what he saw on the mount was a preview and illustration of what will happen at the future “parousia” or “coming of Christ”. He said he was not telling stories about Christ's Glorious Coming because he was already eyewitness of it. When did he see it? - at the transfiguration.
Christ and the disciples did not leave the vicinity of earth to be in the realm of transfiguration and glory in the Cloud of God's Presence; it all took place with their feet firmly on earth. Jesus was present in glory and the past and living saints met together, "in the cloud" of God's Presence. Not all the disciples saw it at that time, only Peter, James and John. These were the closest to Jesus, they saw it others did not.
When the apostle Paul saw the Lord on the Damascus road he described it in similar terms as the transfiguration. God's glory was revealed at the birth of Jesus and at other times. All these displays of glory were NOT far up in the atmosphere but in immediate vicinity of earth. (Acts 22:6,14, 1 Cor 9:1, 15:8, Luke 2:9) It is this glory that the church will again witness when Jesus comes in the Clouds. No one will see him except in the Cloud of His Presence. Just as Moses entered the Cloud and saw God face to face so too believers will see Jesus in His Cloud. The “Clouds” are plural because wherever believers will be the Cloud of his Presence will be there too. The Glory of God is described in 1 Tim 6:14-16. No one can on their own initiative or through their own ability see that glory, but Jesus will himself appear and reveal it to those who are his. He will come back "in clouds of glory". The Clouds of God's glory were never somewhere up in the atmosphere but were always on earth in the immediate vicinity of his people.
To put it simply when Jesus comes the church is not going up into the sky but will meet the Lord in the Cloud of the Holy Spirit where He will be unveiled and visible right here in the presence of his believers.
THE "RAPTURE" - NOT A DEPARTURE BUT A CHANGING.
“CAUGHT UP IN THE CLOUDS” - 1 Thes 4:13-18
Paul wrote that we shall be changed. What did he mean "caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air"? Just as the Lord spoke in Hebrew Biblical figurative terms so Paul also used these same terms to describe the mystery of what will happen at his return. If you rely on your Gentile mind you may like to think he is talking about flying up to the clouds in departure. However, if you were a Jewish believer you would certainly not think that.
Let us establish the order. When Jesus returns he will bring back his believers who have died. They are with him and when he comes they will come with him. When Jesus was transfigured in the cloud of glory both Elijah and Moses were also there. They came from a previous time and appeared with Jesus and talked with him. Remember, when he arose and appeared to living believers many past saints also appeared. (Matt 27:51-53) They ascended with him and ever since then believers at death immediately enter His Presence. Jesus is raised in heavenly places and the church is also seated with him in that realm. (Eph 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12)
When he returns he will bring them back with him. AFTER that, living believers will be "changed" (1 Cor 15:52) and will be able to enter "the cloud of glory", his Presence. Like Moses and Elijah, Peter, James and John we will be able to enter the Cloud and see him Face to Face. This will take place at his parousia - or "Presence". The term "in the clouds" does not refer to natural clouds in the atmosphere but, as we have seen, is a spiritual term to describe Christ's power and Shekinah Glory of the Holy Spirit in His temple. Why would Jesus bring back heavenly believers to immediately turn around and take them away again? He brings them back for a reason; to give them new bodies. Why do they need new earthly bodies? It is clear that believers who have died and gone to heaven already have their heavenly bodies. (2Cor 5:1-8, 1Cor 15:40-54, 2Pet 1:13,14) We do not need resurrected bodies to go to heaven but we need them to function here on earth. The Lord will come back to earth and bring believers with him who will then be resurrected so as to function on earth. Note the order: FIRST believers in heaven come back with Jesus and receive resurrected bodies, AFTER that, living believers are changed. Together they join the glorious Presence of Christ in "clouds of glory". He comes in Clouds, plural, because it will happen throughout the world in every place there are true believers. Let me reiterate; the clouds are not up in the sky but right here in the midst of his people. Note that this is a sequence and not simultaneous. It is the individual believer's change that happens in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. When some believers insist the rapture means being taken away they are interpreting scripture from a Western mindset. A Jewish believer sees it with a Hebrew mind and understands what Paul says by the Biblical symbols he uses. The rapture is not up in the sky but right here in His Presence; it is not going up to the clouds but going through the veil.

Friday, February 1, 2013

The "Presence" ...

The "Presence" is by no means only a New Testament concept but is at the heart of the Old Testament. The Lord promised Moses that “His Presence” will be with him. (Ex 33:14) It was "His Presence" dwelling with his people in the Tabernacle that was central in the OT covenant and became the all sufficiency of God to his people. The Hebrew word Presence is the exact same word for Face (Strongs 6440 paneh). When Moses entered the Cloud he saw the Lord “Face to Face”. The Cloud held the Presence of the Lord and He was visible. In the New Testament this took a further development when for believers "his presence" becomes a living reality experienced by the indwelling of the Lord through his Spirit. Every individual believer becomes the Tabernacle for God. However, when Jesus returns at his "parousia" his Presence will be in his corporate body of people in a new way. It is in his Presence that we will see him “Face to Face”.
In a very real way Christ’s Presence has been with the church for the last 2000 years. Just because he has not been visible does not diminish his Presence. His Presence with and in His people is at times so powerful and real that it is unmistakable and overpowering. However, to fulfil the real meaning of this word there must come the time when this Presence becomes visible and tangible. The parousia is the return of the Lord Jesus to be with his people. It is not just an invisible manifestation of Christ when there is his spiritual "presence", or even an outpouring of his Spirit, but it is his VISIBLE appearance to his people. The apostle John made this clear when he wrote that believers should abide in him so as not to be ashamed when he "appears" at his parousia. (1 John 2:28) This word "Appear" is defined in Strongs Concordance 5319 (phaneroo); "to render apparent, to manifestly declare and show oneself". Vines Expository Dictionary says that the word means more than to appear; it is to be revealed in one's true character. It was used of Christ's appearances immediately after his resurrection, and I will show that those "appearances" are significant in understanding his return. (Mk 16:12,14, John 21:1,14). After his resurrection God granted that he was made visible to believers. (Acts 10:40,41 NAS) This was a preview of what will happen at his return when he will APPEAR to his people who will then enter his PRESENCE and see him Face to Face.
Another word used for Christ's appearance at his parousia is "epiphaneia" (2015) and it carries with it the idea of brightness and splendour. (2 Thes 2:8, Titus 2:13,14) The people of that time used to refer to the visit of an emperor or dignitary as his “coming (parousia) in splendour", for this was how they used the word. So it has been defined as "a visible manifestation in splendour of a hidden deity by personal appearance and deed of power".
Yet another word used is "apokalupsis" (Strongs 601) which means revealing or unveiling. It assures us that a day is coming when the veil will be lifted from our eyes and we will see God's glory in Christ unveiled. (2 Thes 1:7, 1 Pet 1:13, 4:13) We will consider deeper aspects of these words later for they describe the day when Christ will be present with his people, unveiled in visible appearance and splendour.
He will then usher in the Day of his Reign as King and will rule with his people and through them subdue the whole world to the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Bible the emphasis is on the Kingdom of God ON EARTH. Through the centuries the focus has been on "going to heaven" but that does not change the promise that Christ will return to earth.
If we examine the prophecies, and especially the shadows and types of both the Old and New Testaments, we will find that there is a great weight of support for this; and that it is far more Biblical than what is often taught. We need to see the whole pattern and strategy of God as he reveals his plan through progressive events which bring his Kingdom ever closer. We need to consider the manner in which previous events took place so as to understand how future events will come to pass.
COMING IN THE CLOUDS - Luke 21:27
What does it mean, "He is coming on clouds"? What would you think if I said to you “My head is in the clouds” or “I am walking on clouds”? Would you think that I am suddenly flying up in the sky? No, I am using common English idioms. So too when Jesus said he was coming “in the clouds” he was using a term that every Jew was familiar with.
When Jesus spoke to the high priest he confirmed that he would “come on the clouds of heaven in power and glory”. (Matt 26:64, Dan 7:13) He taught in parables and figures of speech. He was the master of metaphor. Many things that he taught were not openly revealed but had to be received and understood by the Spirit of God and the Biblical definition of the terms he used. When we consider his teaching about his return we must not try to understand it in a natural way, but must interpret it from a Biblical perspective. He was NOT referring to the clouds of vapour that bring the weather, but to clouds of "power and glory". In this way he gives us the clue. We therefore need to look at Biblical clouds of God's power and glory to understand what He meant.
THE OLD TESTAMENT CLOUD
Throughout the Old Testament God revealed his power and glory in a CLOUD. The cloud represented the supernatural "Presence" of God with His people; in crossing the Red Sea, in the wilderness, indwelling the Tabernacle, filling the temple, and so on. The cloud was the VISIBLE PRESENCE of God dwelling with his people. The cloud was visible but could not be approached by everyone. In fact God warned the people not to come too close; but Moses approached it and even entered it. When he went into the cloud he met with God, FACE TO FACE. The cloud was the visible manifestation of the "Presence" of God and those who were able to enter the cloud saw God! The Cloud is a portal into the Lord’s Presence. It is not up in the sky, it is the Cloud of His Presence when He comes to his people.
The prophet Ezekiel saw God in a cloud and described His majesty and power. When Isaiah went into the temple he saw the Lord high and lifted up and the glory of God filling the temple like smoke. This was the cloud of God's glory. The CLOUD displayed the visible PRESENCE of God, the place where God functioned, where God's Glory was revealed and where God met with his people. Please take time to read and think on these scriptures.
Ex 13:21,22, 14:19-24, 16:10, 19:9,16-21, 24:15-18, 33:9-11, 34:5, 40:34; Lev 9:23,24, 16:2; Num 9:15-22, 12:5-8,14:10, 16:19, 42; 20:6; Deut 31:15; 1 Kings 8:10-12; 2 Chr 5:13, 14, 7:2; Ezk 1:4-28, 10:3,4, 43:1-5. Isa 6:4.
The Tabernacle, or Tent of Meeting, became closely identified with the Presence of God. The cloud came to rest in the Holy of Holies and there God dwelt with His people. (Ex 25:8,30, 33:9-14)

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Parousia

The Greek word "parousia", translated as "coming", is listed in Strong’s Concordance 3952 as "a being near". It conveys the meaning of not just an arrival but the subsequent "being present with" or "being alongside". In Vines Expository Dictionary it is defined as "PRESENCE", para, with, and ousia, being - and denotes both an arrival and a consequent PRESENCE WITH. Wherever the word "coming" (parousia) is found in scripture it must be understood as "presence". It is significant that it is used of a bodily as well as a spiritual presence. The word was applied to Paul in 2 Cor 10:10 to denote his personal presence with the Corinthian church and of Christ on the mount of transfiguration. (2 Pet 1:16-18) If we use this definition the scriptures reflect a better concept of what the "coming" of Jesus Christ really means. Instead of him coming to rapture his people away from the world it has the meaning of him coming to be present with and alongside his people in a period during which his PRESENCE will be felt in a new and powerful way. To say he is coming and going away again violates the very meaning of the word. He is coming and remaining, abiding alongside us. Throughout these notes when the word "parousia" is referred to it will be considered as Christ's "presence" and subsequent "being alongside" and remaining with his people. The word “coming” should be understood as his abiding “Presence”.