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
