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The appearing, (epiphaniea, manifestation) , is also the time of the judgment of the living and the dead. Their eternal destiny is sealed once and for all eternity. Those who are in Christ, both the deceased and the living will be caught up to be with Him. As with the declaration made by the Lord Jesus in Mathew 16:27 His coming, His appearing will be the time of the division of the saved and unsaved. 2 Tim. 4:1 In both instances His presence is His kingdom. Jesus spoke of a number of signs which would precede His return. He also indicated that they would evolve over a period of time, (when these things begin to come to pass), your redemption draws near. Luke 21:28 He likewise related them to the coming kingdom of the Lord. Luke 21:31 Those who look forward to and love His appearing will receive a crown of righteousness on that day. 2 Tim. 4:8 His second appearing (in the end of the age), will be the consummation of our salvation, the resurrection of those who sleep in Him and the catching up of the living. Heb. 9:28 Which ever terminology is used, His coming (rapture), revelation, and appearing are all one and the same event.
There are events which accompany His second coming which, regardless of where it is placed in relationship to the great tribulation period, will be manifest at the time of His appearing. He will come to be glorified in His saints. Thus we see the glorious moment which is directed toward those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 Thess. 1:10 This is the moment when He descends from heaven. 1 Thess. 4:16 He will come as the Son of man in the fullness of the glory of the Father. True and eternal rewards, good and bad, eternal life or eternal death, will be given to all at this time, according to their works. Mt. 16:27.
The moment of His glorification in His saints is directly and strongly related to the revelation of His coming, for He will return in great flaming fire visiting judgment upon the ungodly. 2 Thess. 1:8 Mind you, this is at the same moment of time when He is glorified in His saints. 2 Thess. 1:10 The two events are one and the same. It is the fire of the vengeance of the Lord. The very essence of the Lord is that of a blazing, burning fire. Ezekiel saw the throne and the glorious Presence which occupied that blessed throne. He described it as the figure of a man, who, from the waist upward glowed like polished metal; From the waist downward, like flaming fire with a brilliant aura of bright light shining around and about Him. Most definitely a fitting and proper description of the throne and of the Lord. Eze. 1:26-27 He is a consuming fire. Therefore He comes in flaming fire. Heb. 12:9.