July 09, 2003 (28)THE WOMAN DELIVERED FROM THE GREAT TRIBULATION. The Second Coming of Christ cannot be until the close of the tribulation period. Therefore the so called rapture cannot take place until the close of that great tribulation. How could it be more plainly spoken, in words that are easily understood, than the words the Lord Jesus used in Mt. 24:29-31 All of these happenings are associated with the return of the Christ of God.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS. The time element. Immediately after, Instantaneously following, not before nor during, but after, at the conclusion of the time of the greatest trouble of earth. While there are many scriptures that may be considered in relationship to the timing, there is one that is of great strength and light. That is the destruction of the antichrist, which is definitely at the conclusion of his reign on earth. The Wicked one has his own revelation or moment of his exposure, when he will be destroyed. How? By the coming (parousia, rapture) of Christ. Reason tells us that the antichrist must first appear, run his course and then be consumed at the moment of the Second Coming of Christ. 2 Thes. 2:8 Involved also is the brightness (epiphaneia, shining forth) of the coming of the Christ. Jesus is coming in flaming fire bringing destruction on all the ungodly. 2 Thes. 1:8 This will happen when He comes to be glorified in His saints. 2 Thes. 1:10 In order to escape the tribulation it is necessary to be a real integral part of the body, the bride of Christ.
THEN SHALL APPEAR THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN IN HEAVEN. There is no secret, invisible Second Coming of Christ. The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the heavens. And that sign is declared to be the clouds which will accompany Him. When He comes every eye shall see Him. The visibility of His Coming, proclaimed to those of His days on earth as well as those who are alive at His Coming. Ye shall see. Mt. 26:64 when His angels gather together the redeemed, Mk. 13:27, then they shall see. Mk. 14:62 He will be seen, coming in power and great glory. Lk. 21:27 Peter, scheduled Him to return in the very identical manner in which the disciples had SEEN Him go. Acts 1:11 He is to be revealed, (have an apokalupsis, an appearing, a manifestation), at the time of His return. The church has not increased its spirituality under the teaching of the immanent return of Christ, but has slipped farther into apostasy. We do not increase our spirituality because of threats or fears. Love, a deep love and full appreciation of the Lord is always the motivating factor of a deep and complete spiritual life. The Bride of Christ will focus her love on Him and Him alone. She will be what she is, because she desires to be dedicated to Him. It is imperative that the church of the last days catch a true vision of the mighty work which the Lord will perform in perfecting His people and blending them together into His very own Bride.