"The Sign Of The Son Of Man"

Matt.24:30

There is much talk in the church these days of a "pre-tribulation rapture." The widespread consensus being, with several internal doctrinal variations, that every true blood bought believer who is alive, will be instantaneously, and some say secretly, snatched off the earth into the perfection of "heaven." Meanwhile, all nonbelievers remaining on earth will enter into either a three and one half or a seven year period of great tribulation & judgmental wrath that is yet to be poured upon the earth.

It is generally believed, that at the end of the tribulation period, all the saints will return with Jesus to earth to begin partaking in what the scriptures indicate to be a new earthly governmental system called "the kingdom of God." However, because these beliefs are popular & acceptable to many in Christendom today, in no way guarantees they are truth. As a matter of fact, to the established religious world in Christ's day, His understanding of truth was not at all popular!

A RIGHTEOUS OVERCOMING REMNANT

Today, as in the past, there has always been alternate although minority views of this segment of eschatology. One at least, is not so pleasing to the flesh & not so widely taught or accepted & contains just as many minor variations as does the "pre-tribulation rapture.'' This view generally sees the entire church going through the final period of great tribulation with a relatively small righteous remnant of the church as a whole, enduring & emerging as "overcomers."

There are not many that have ears to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. These overcomers come through much tribulation as has always been the case in ages past. It is with this understanding that we will begin to look at what the scriptures have to say about the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In periods of past tribulation, there is a pattern of divine protection as well as a pattern of martyrdom shown in the scriptures. Is the majority of the church now so perfected & without spot or wrinkle that they should be exempt from "great tribulation", or from any other form of judgment for that matter? Let's be honest! Are they any more worthy in general, than the seven churches of Rev. chptrs. 2 & 3 which typify the true church even today? Has the church today overcome the world, the flesh & the devil? How many could truly be found as "worthy" overcomers? How many out of the whole church shall have "obtained a good report through faith?" Heb.11:39.

There has always been a remnant of people who have graciously obtained God's approval in the "working out" of their salvation after the Old Testament manner of faith, "that they might obtain A BETTER RESURRECTION.''Heb. 11:35. This of which we speak is a part of the "prize" of salvation and is not a resurrection based merely on the "gift" of salvation which is freely given in grace apart from works. That resurrection is not until the thousand year reign on earth of the first resurrected "overcomers" is finished - Rev.20:4-6.

Most of the early church was not found perfect in works & deeds (Rev.2:5, 6, 23; 3:2, 15, 16), though they had just come out of great revival as per the book of Acts. Only a "first-fruit" remnant of the faithful (Rev.17:4) righteous overcomers are to he delivered OUT OF "Babylon" to be counted worthy of the FIRST RESURRECTION at the coming of Christ, who as a divinely empowered functional part of His body will smite the nations (Rev.19:5), setting up divine godly rule with a rod of iron - Rev.2:26, 27.

In the meantime, those who are walking softly & holy before the Lord have nothing to fear, for they have found peace in God through learning "to glory in tribulations."Ro.5:3. Beloved, in all things such as distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword, yea, in all these things know of a great truth that "we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM that loved us."Ro.8:35-37; Phi1.4:11-13.

Noah, Daniel, & Job are a type of the remnant that God shall preserve & deliver IN THE DAY OF THE LORD - Ezk.14:13-23. Christ desires above all to become to each of His brethren, a true refuge (Psa.27:5; 46:1-3), a hiding place (Isa.32:2; Psa. 32:7), a fortress (Psa.18; 91:2), a defense (Zec.9:14-16; Psa. 31:5) and a shield - Psa.33:18-20; Prv.30:5. But it is up to each one to experientially put on that which Christ has given them (1Cor.15:53, 54; Col.3:12), even the 'WHOLE ARMOUR of God."Eph.6:12.

This armour obviously is given, not to be enabled to flee away or "fly away'' from major troubles but rather to be enabled TO STAND & WITHSTAND) in the evil day (Eph.6:13), "TO STAND IN THE BATTLE IN THE DAY OF THE LORD. " Ezk.13:4. Only those that have "DONE ALL TO STAND" will assuredly be able to say, "Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle."Psa.140:7; 18:39; Col.4:12.

Those that are walking in true holiness, sanctification, and obedience in the earth, have the promises of God's word to stand on in the great & terrible day. They shall be found to be dwelling in the secret place of the presence of the most High's anointing, even under the protective shadow of the Almighty's merciful shield of preservation & protection - Psa.91. Merely going to church & placing oneself under that so called divine covering, is in no way man's assurance of divine protection, from things now, or from things in the future.

A GREAT AND TERRIBLE DAY

That great and that terrible day (Jl.2:31)of "the great and terrible God that keepeth covenant for them that love him and observe His commandments"(Neh.1:5); that has done for them "great & terrible things" (Deut.10:21), shall preserve a remnant in that final "great & terrible wilderness" (Deut.1:19) of the last days of this age.

The combination that unlocks the door into the preservation of which we speak, is found only in the combination of love (Psa.145:2O), mercy (Psa.61:7), truth (Prv.20: 28), lips of the wise (Prv.14:3), faithfulness (Psa.31:23), trust (Psa.16:l), sanctification (Jude 1), integrity and uprightness (Psa.25:21), in reverence & obedience (Deut.6:24), & in the word - Psa. 12:5-7. In all this, whosoever shall have continued to lose the will of his own life, shall preserve it in doing the will of the Lord - Lk.17:33.

Upon finishing this booklet, we would suggest a reading of the 91st Psalm & the study of other related scriptures in Psalms such as Psa.34:7; 57:1; 63:7; 121:5; 138:6, 7. There are many other basic scriptures also which relate to this theme. A sample of such scriptures to contemplate are: Ex. 14:20; 33:21, 22; S.S.2:3; 2Kgs.6:16, l7; Jb.5:17-24; Isa. 4:6; 25:4; 32:2; 43:2; 54:14-17.

Beloved, take time to "search the scriptures" (Jn.5:39) for IN them [not just on the surface of them] you shall find the inspirational rhema word from God which is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, & instruction in righteousness (2Tim.3:16)...all things which are necessary in order to cleanse your ways - Psa.119:9. Necessary in order that ye might be "perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2Cor.1:7. That ye might he purified and made ready (Rev.19:7) to see, understand, & comprehend the appearing of the Lord - 1Jn. 3:2, 3. It is of a great truth, that without holiness, no man shall see the Lord nor become like Him, for they shall not be able to see Him as He is!

Are you seeking for the Lord to change you from glory to glory NOW, or are you content in waiting for your change to come at the "rapture"? Is He becoming Lord of your life NOW or are you still always allowing Self to be occupying the throne of iniquity? Are you believing in man's covering & resting in his traditions, feeling prepared & secure in this in the hope of a secret escape to heaven? Then the Lord would say unto you, "Awake, put on thy strength O Zion...O Jerusalem...shake thyself, arise, and sit down,...loose thyself from the bands of thy neck [self will], O Captive daughter of Zion."Isa.52:2.

The escape "rapture" theory is a dangerous teaching in many ways. What if this teaching is wrong? Would you be fully prepared & ready to stand steadfast in the final conflict if this was so appointed & required of you by God? Is the "prize" (Phil.3:14; 1Cor.9:24) of being found worthy of the first resurrection to be a result of fleshly endeavors, or even of "lukewarm" "works? Rev.3:16. Not likely!

The present "pre-tribulation rapture" theory basically implies that the Lord's people are too weak to be able to withstand & face the "beast", the "false prophet" & survive. In the flesh, this is probably true of many but it should not be so! In that day, many shall totter or waver, & those of whom Jesus said, "I never KNEW you" (Matt.7:23) shall fall in their ignorance & iniquity, but they that follow on to fully "KNOW their God, SHALL BE STRONG & do exploits." Dan.11:33.

In these exploits,"many shall be purified & made white, & tried...& the wise shall understand."Da.12:10. Above all, they shall understand the plan of God & the purpose in their great trials & tribulations. Therein, "wisdom & knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, & strength of salvation." Isa.33:5; Pr.1:29. Yet it shall not be of their might nor of their will power but of His Spirit, saith their Lord - Zec.4:6.

KEPT FROM EVIL IN THE WORLD

It is evident that many shall have to experience this last & greatest time of the earth's trouble to understand it was not the purpose of God to remove the church out of the world but rather to remove the world out of the church, & to deliver it from the present evil that is in the world. Jesus said, "I pray not that Thou shouldest TAKE THEM OUT OF THE WORLD, but that thou shouldest KEEP THEM FROM THE EVIL" (Jn.17: 15; 1Ptr.l:4) that is in the world.

"In the world ye shall have tribulation"(Jn.16:33), but His grace shall always be sufficient for us in any trial that is common to man even as it was with Paul. Great tribulation is not necessarily ordained to destroy God's people, but is often needful to make them wise and strong in the spirit, through discovering Christ's strength in area's of their own weakness -1Cor. chptr.12; 1Cor.13:4.

"Woe unto you [believers] that desire the day of the Lord [the ungodly neither desire it nor believe it!]. Shall not the DAY of the Lord be darkness, & not light? Even very dark & no brightness in it?"Amos 5:18-20; Jer.3:16. Remember Jesus said, "He that followeth me [in the manner of those of Rev. 14:4; Mk.8:34, 35] shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."Jn.8:12. To them that are strong in the Spirit of the Lord, it will not be a day of gross darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds & of thick darkness. To them, it shall be a great but not a terrible day of the Lord!

To the strong & "wise virgins" it shall be the dawning of a new day (2Ptr.1:19), a day of great revival & restoration "as the morning spread upon the mountains."Jl.2:2. Out of great darkness the light of new truth shall dawn upon the nations of the earth. The Sun of righteousness shall have risen with healing for the nations in His wings - Mal.4:2.

"It shall come to pass that at evening time It shall be light. "Zec.2:14, Glorious truth shall be made manifest. The full glory of the Lord shall arise & shine first upon the "over -comer"(Isa.60:1, 2), "the Zion of the Holy One of Israel."Isa. chptr. 60. They that put all their trust under the shadow of His wings in that day, shall be prepared & preserved.

They shall drink fully of the rivers of living waters of the fountain of pure life (Zec.13:1) that shall mightily gush forth from within them, & IN HIS LIGHT SHALL THEY SEE LIGHT-Zec.14:7,8; Psa.36:6-9. "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning & thine health shall spring forth [as of a fountain] speedily...then shall thy light rise in obscurity, & thy [former] darkness be as the noon day, & thou shalt be like a watered garden, & like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.''Isa. 58:8-11.

These passages & others such as Ezk. chptr.44; Isa.66:12; Jn.14:10-14; Rev.22:1; Psa.46:4, refer to the spiritual river of the anointed Christ life which shall freely flow from the temple of man (1Cor.3:17), the corporate body of Christ (Eph.2:21), even that divinely rebuilt "tabernacle of David."Amos 9:11; Ac.15:13, 18.

One of the promises of Jesus to the "overcomers" depicted in the book of Revelation is.."I also will KEEP THEE from the HOUR OF TEMPTATION WHICH SHALL COME UPON ALL THE WORLD, to TRY them that dwell UPON THE EARTH."Rev. 13:10. The notion of a pre-trib. rapture is only a fantasy.

OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION

"For THEN shall be GREAT TRIBULATION such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except THOSE DAYS should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved (Isa.24:6): but FOR THE ELECTS SAKE (Isa.4:2, 3; Zep.2:3) THOSE DAYS [of great tribulation] shall be shortened."Matt.24:21, 22; Ro.9:28.

Why are the great tribulation days to be shortened FOR THE ELECTS SAKE if the "elect" are not to be there in the midst of THOSE DAYS? How could the elect [who under the N.T. covenant are now not only Jews but also Gentile Christians -1Ptr.1:1, 2; 2Ptr.1:10; Ro.11:5-7; 8:33; Col.3:12 etc.] possibly be deceived if they are all not still in the earth at this time? Mrk.13:20-22. "For many false prophets shall arise & deceive many, but HE THAT SHALL ENDURE [as an over -comer through all deception as well as all tribulation predicted to come upon the earth] UNTO THE END (Dan.12:5-13)THE SAME SHALL BE SAVED [delivered and preserved unto the uttermost]."Matt. 24:13.

"A remnant [of the true New Test. church body ] shall be saved [preserved & perfected]" (Ro.9: 27) IN & THROUGH any great tribulation, not OUT OF it. This shall be an overcoming end time remnant of "they which COME OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION [Grk.- the great affliction], & have washed their robes & made them white in the blood of the Lamb."Rev.7:14.

This overcoming elect remnant are blood washed "born again", "made white", "without spot or wrinkle", perfected believers of all nationalities who have been walking in the true light, following the Lamb where ever He has led them. Ask yourself this. How could these people who are of all nations, & kindreds & tongues come OUT OF great tribulation unless they were actually IN IT? Rev.7:9, 13, 14. If they are "tribulation Jews" as is taught, how is it they are of every nation & kindred & tongue?

These are the days of great tribulation shortly coming upon the earth called "the day of the Lord" even "the day of the Lord's vengeance"(Isa.34:8; Jer.58:28), wherein, "the Lord [not the devil] maketh it waste, & turneth it upside down, & scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.''Isa.24:1; Isa.13. "These be the days of the Lord's vengeance, that all things which are written [of them] may be fulfilled."Lk.21:32. "And it shall be as with the people, SO WITH THE PRIEST...the land shall be utterly [emptied of corruption] & utterly spoiled." Isa. 24:2, 3; Zep.1:2, 3.

This time period shall be "a consumption, even determined UPON THE WHOLE EARTH."Isa.28:13; Zep.3:8. "Wherefore, him that thinketh he standeth [strong in the Lord now] take heed lest he [be missing the mark &] fall" (1Cor.10:12) in the trying day. Remember, in all this there will be no temptation [adverse experience, testing] taking you but such as is common to man - 1Cor.10:13. The only sure way of escape is made plain for us in God's word - Prv.15:19; 2Ptr.1:4; Isa. 30: 21. "Pre-tribulation rapture" is not one of these ways!

Christ is not returning to take the overcomers OUT OR AWAY from their present day wilderness tabernacle on this earth but rather to take His chosen firstfuits IN to experience the rapture & ecstasy of His very presence behind the veil [beyond the natural realm of our flesh body] in the most holy place! Christ manifesting His presence from WITHIN this holy place shall manifest the full reality of the church's former hope of glory (Col.1:27) when first "He shall come to be glorified IN HIS SAINTS.." 2Ths.1:10.

THE SINNERS OF MY PEOPLE

Speaking of God's chosen people, the Lord spoke through His prophet Amos of "the great & terrible day of the Lord", which day Joel also saw (Jl.2:11, 31), saying, "All the sinners of MY PEOPLE shall die by the sword, which say, the evil shall not overtake nor prevent us."Am.9:10 'The Lord also reveals through Isaiah, "The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness HATH SURPRISED THE HYPOCRITES" [even those of Matt.7:5; Lk.6:40-42; Matt.24:51]. Who among us shall dwell WITH [by being IN] the devouring fire?"Isa.33:14. It is only those of verse 15.

The Lord also says through Jeremiah, "I will punish all them which are circumcised (Ro.2:28, 29) WITH the uncircumcised. "Jer.9:25,26; 25:29-38. Who of you can hear this? "The destruction of the transgressors & the sinners shall be together, & they that forsake the Lord shall be consumed." Isa.1:28.

IT MAY BE YE SHALL BE HID

Henceforth beloved, 'Take heed to yourselves...watch ye there fore & pray always, that ye BE COUNTED WORTHY (2Ths. 1:5) TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS & to stand before the Son of man" Lk.21:34-36), to"stand" in the protecting cleft of the rock (Ex.33:21, 22; Psa.61:2-4), in your "house of defence" (Psa.31:2), a place of refuge (Isa.4:6), hid in Christ - Col.3:3. The glory of the Lord shall be a covering & a defence once again in that day (lsa.4:5) even "the great day of His wrath "Rev.6:17; Mal.3:2; 4:1. A truly intimate personal relationship with Christ is the church's only sure defence.

"Stand fast, & PREPARE thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.''Jer.45:14. "A thousand shall fall at thy side, & ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee."Psa.91:7. Why? Because the whole church has- been caught away to heaven? No! Rather because, an obedient remnant has prepared themselves & has hearkened unto the voice of God crying in the wilderness of the apostate church saying, "Come my people, enter into thy chambers (Matt. 6:6), & shut the door about thee! HIDE THYSELF as it were for a little moment, until the [day of - Ezk.22:24; Isa.34:2] indignation be overpast."Isa.26:20.

"For, behold, the Lord cometh OUT OF His [most holy] place (Jl.2:16) to punish [judge] the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity."Isa.26:21; Matt. 7:23. "Is not destruction to the wicked & a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?" Jb.31:3. Therefore, "Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteous-ness, seek meekness: it MAY BE YE SHALL BE HID IN THE DAY OF THE LORD'S ANGER."Zep.2:3. Only "a prudent man foreseeth the evil, & HIDETH HIMSELF."Prv.22:3; 1:33. Beloved, are you dead & is your life truly "hid with Christ in God?"Col.3:3.

"Seek good, & not evil...Hate the evil & love the good...it MAY BE THAT the Lord of Hosts will be gracious unto THE REMNANT OF Joseph."Amos 5:15, 16. Don't hesitate thinking that you can leave it until the last moment. "Those that seek me EARLY shall find me" (Prv.8:17; Isa.26:9; Hos. 5:15), saith the Lord. "Thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart & with all thy soul (Jl.2:12) & when thou art in tribulation & all these things are come upon thee, EVEN IN THE LATTER DAYS, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shall he obedient unto His voice...He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee.."(Deut.4:29-31) in that time.

"Behold, the eyes of the lord are upon the sinful kingdom [even the traditional religious kingdom of that whorish woman, mystery Babylon], & I will destroy IT from off the face of the earth, SAVING I WILL NOT UTTERLY DESTROY THE HOUSE OF JACOB, saith the Lord."Am.9:8. Only "whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her" (Eccl.7:26; Psa.79:11; Lk.21:36), but "He shall destroy the sinners [of His people - Am.9:10] thereof out of it."Isa.18:9. "The whole land shall be desolate, yet will I not make a FULL END."Jer.4:27; 5:10-18.

"Alas, for THAT DAY IS GREAT, SO THAT NONE IS LIKE IT [compare Matt.24:21]: it is even THE TIME OF JACOB'S [the spiritual seed, Gen.35:10-12; Gal.3:29; the church's] TROUBLE, but he [the manchild remnant - Rev.12:5] shall be DELIVERED OUT OF IT."Jer.30:7. "For I am with thee saith the Lord, to save thee: though I make A FULL END OF ALL NATIONS (Rev.18) wither I have scattered thee, YET WILL I NOT MAKE A FULL END OF THEE: but I will CORRECT THEE IN MEASURE, & NOT LEAVE THEE ALTOGETHER UN-PUNISHED."Jer.30:11; 46:28. Yet he also saith, "I will pardon THEM WHOM I RESERVE."Jer.50:20.

COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE

In that time, shall come the utter destruction & end of that great spiritual city Babylon, whose carnal & ungodly governments & systems enslave all nations, cities & peoples upon the earth - Rev.17; Jer. chptrs. 50 & 51. Not until the final full destruction of this present Babylonish world system, AFTER the seventh messenger has proclaimed, "Babylon the Great is fallen, is fallen", "shall the voice of the bridegroom & the bride [true church] be heard NO MORE AT ALL IN THEE.'' Rev.18:23.

We see "they that be wise" (Dan.12:3) that shining remnant of the church that have been found & judged worthy, will continue to cry, "Come out of her MY PEOPLE...that ye be not partakers of her sins & that ye receive not of her plagues." Rev.18:4. Here we see that the church will still be in the midst of her until the END OF THAT "ONE HOUR [not literal -but possibly 3 and one half years] with the beast"(Rev.17:2) wherein she, Babylon, shall be judged & made desolate in ONE HOUR - Rev.18:10, 17, 19.

"The HOUR of His judgment" (Rev.14:7) is said to come with the manifestation [clear revealing] of the mark [spiritual imprint, nature] of the beast in Rev. chptr. l3 & the revelation also of the 144,000's [*some Greek manuscripts have this plural] having their Father's name [nature, characteristics & fruits of love] written & SEALED IN their foreheads [minds] - Rev.14:1. The seal of the firstfruit saints is not a literal mark, therefore it is not necessary that the mark of the beast be literal either!

Note that the book of Revelation is not for the purpose of revealing the antichrist and his kingdom but is the progressive revealing of Jesus Christ (Rev.1:1) wherein all that is antichirst or other than Christ in His saints as well as in the world is revealed and then destroyed in the light and brightness of His coming!

All of this coincides with the beginning of 42 mo.'s of the final antichrist reign of power - Rev.13:5. This is the time wherein ten kings "receive power ONE HOUR with the [8th] beast." Rev.17:12. This particular "beast" literally may well be a new governmental system which will try [secretly or openly] to take control of the world. But don't bet on it! If it is a computer as some suggest, then are the other beasts in Dan. & Rev. also computers? How absurd!

During the last 42 months, the beast's forces "make war with the saints." Rev.17:14; 13:7; Dan.7:25; 12:7. These saints are of those 144,00's, the faithful servants of God who are sealed with the mind & will of Christ in their foreheads - Rev.7:3, 4.

OVERCOMERS, THE TRIBULATION SAINTS

A double portion of anointing, even the early & latter rain (J1.2:23; Hos.6:3), shall be given this remnant of the spiritual seed of Israel who then truly shall be "a people PREPARED FOR THE LORD."Lk. 1:17. Great power & authority from the throne (Rev.12:5) shall be their appointed portion to do the "greater works" of Jn.14:12 as they fulfill this latter rain ministry (Jas.5:7), preaching with mighty signs & wonders, the true gospel of the kingdom (Matt.24:14) UNTO THE END & unto every nation - Rev.14:6.

These prepared ones shall be a part of the true & greater fulfillment of Mrk.16:18; Lk.21:18; Prv.3:23 etc. These are they who truly fear the Lord & are divinely protected (Psa.91) from hurt during the judgments of the trumpets & vials (Rev.9:4) wherein, "that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."Da.9:27.

These also, are the "overcomers", found "worthy" to be clothed in white raiment (Rev.3:4, 5) of the canopy of the light in Christ's righteousness (Rev. 9:8), being 'TRANSFIGURED'' in the power of the bright glory cloud that overshadows them, wherein they themselves become a single unified part of its radiant glory. See the type in Matt. 7:1-8 where Christ's most beloved disciples shared in this revelation of His revealed glory.

It is commonly believed that the 144,000 which are sealed on the earth (Rev.9:4), & are said to be of "all the tribes of the children of Israel"(Rev.7:3-8), are all natural Jews or Israelites by birth. It is believed that these are the only so called "tribulation saints" who are on the earth during, the "great tribulation.'' Once again, the Spirit of the Word plainly reveals that this is not the truth!

Note that Rev. chptr. 14 speaks of the same ones standing ON MT. ZION, having the Father's name written IN THEIR fore-heads. If you study it carefully, you will discover that the seal, mark and name are all synonymous in scripture. These only, sung a NEW SONG that came before the throne & before the elders in heaven [even "these that stand by''- Zec.3:7] and no man could learn that song; but the 144,000's redeemed, having been bought & purchased in full from the sinful powers of the earthy - Rev.14:4.

Rev. chptr. 5 reveals these as the same ones of the 24 [a number which signifies the priesthood] elders [possibly 144,000 heavenly as well as 144,000 on earth which have the prayers of the saints & who only sing A NEW SONG having gotten the final victory. Notice that these elders are the purchased & redeemed ones, NOT ONLY OF NATURAL ISRAEL, but "out OF EVERY KINDRED, AND TONGUE, AND PEOPLE [incl. black, yellow, red & white people], & NATION [earthly nationalities]"Rev.5:9; Rev.5:8-10. These for the most part are not Jews of the natural seed, but are the overcoming blood bought saints of the most High of diverse nationalities, who have through much persecution and tribulation, matured sufficiently to "follow the Lamb wither- soever He goeth."Rev.14:4.

These were "redeemed from among men"(Rev.14:4), being the "saviours" of Obed. 21 who shall have obtained and been awarded the "prize of the high calling'' (Phil.3:14) in the worthy apprehending of the power & sharing of Christ's resurrection (Phil.3:l0), whereby they as the governing body with Him as their sovereign head, shall be granted to judge, to rule, and to reign as kings & priests on the earth (Rev.5:10; Isa.61:6; 1Cor.6:2 etc.) for a thousand years - Rev.20:4-6.

These "overcomers" are of the 'WHOLE HOUSE OF ISRAEL (Ezk. 37:11), even the true spiritual "Israel of God."Ro. 28:29; 4:16; 9:6; 10:11; Gal.3:6, 7, 16, 27-29; 6:15, 16. Just as there are natural tribes of Israelites, there are also tribes of spiritual Israel - 1Cor.15:42-49. There is a natural seed & a spiritual seed of Israel. Gentiles are now also of "the tribes of thine inheritance" & are "the people of thy holiness" (Isa.63:17,18), "one stick", one true godly spiritual nation of humanity - Ezk.37:16-28; Hos.1:10; Eph.2:11-22.

The right to rule & reign in the kingdom of God [which includes spiritual Israel], has for the time being, been taken from the natural seed & given to the spiritual [Matt.21:43] until Ro. chptr. 11 is fulfilled. For more scripture study on this, see our booklet entitled "The Israel Of God".

THE TRANSFIGURATION...A SIGN

The TRANSFIGURATION (Matt.17:2; Mrk.9:2) which we have so far only briefly hinted at, may be a beautiful picture of the power & glory of the Christ to be unveiled & revealed FIRST in the soon coming ''manifestation of the sons of God." Ro. 8:18,19; Isa.60:1, 2. This transfiguration may well be the most important as well as the most revealing SIGN (Matt. 24:14) of the progressive coming & revelation of the Lord, who is to be greatly glorified IN His firstfruit saints. He is soon "coming IN A [great] CLOUD [of manifesting witnesses] with power & great glory" (Lk.21:27; Heb.12:1) in which His ministers as demonstrating witnesses of the same spirit & similitude (Lk.1:17) of the Moses & Elijah ministries (Rev.11), shall call down the final judgments of God upon the nations.

This two-fold demonstration and witness of Christ as the head ministering in great power & glory through the corporate body of His beloved sons of whom the Father is well pleased, is known also as "the manchild" who is "caught up" to God & His throne - Rev.12:5. This is no literal pre-tribulation or mid - tribulation departure or ''rapture'' into heaven. Rather, this is a "catching up" to the realm of the very same power & authority which is invested in Christ & hence invested in His church as her hope and glory.

This "catching up" in Rev.12:5, may not be the final incorruptible bodily "resurrection", but according to the pattern, could very well be a "transfiguration", a sign of the soon coming of the Lord in all His fullness, which takes place on earth 42 months prior to the completed firstfruit resurrection of the body.

The "woman" is the remainder of the true church [the bride of Christ, out of whom came the manchild] who were not sufficiently cleansed to be found worthy of a glorious transfiguration, & she for refuge (Heb.6:18), is forced to flee out of the beast system & away from its false prophets & system who contribute in causing the judgments of God to make the earth as a desolate wilderness during the last 42 months of Babylon's reign.

THE WOMAN AND HER DELIVERED REMANANT

There in the wilderness, the woman [the bride who gave birth to the man child] is fed & nourished & ministered to by the 144,000 of the anointed five-fold (Eph.4:11-13) elder or remnant man-child ministry, even the wise virgins (Matt.25; Dan.12:3) who had understood & prepared - Dan .11:32-35; Jl.3:9; Heb.11:7. During all this it is clear to see that the woman [the church, the bride] is still on earth! So is the righteous empowered remnant. All they that choose to Live godly at this time shall surely suffer persecution (2Tim.3:12) & only through much tribulation, shall many enter the spiritual realms of the kingdom of God in the earth - Ac.14:22.

The very fact that the church shall go through "affliction" (Mk.13:19) & through "great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world", is also clearly stated by our Lord in other scriptures. "But in those days "AFTER that final tribulation [begins] (Mk.13:24), even "immediately AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS" (Matt.24:29), meaning "those days" of verse 22 which are coming AFTER, "YE SHALL SEE the abomination of desolation stand in the holy place [begin to openly assert his ungodly power in the midst of the true church - i.e. in many forms of the "New Age Movement, false religion, spiritualism; antichrist doctrines; "spirits of devils working miracles" etc.].

Then also shall appear THE SIGN [Isa.8:18; Zec.3:8; 2Ths. 1:10 - a mark or signal] OF THE SON OF MAN IN HEAVEN [in the righteous spiritual realm, even in the spiritual transfiguration of His overcomers] who are coming in the [spiritual power of the latter day rain (Zec.10:1) to minister Christ to the earth.

Yes, He is coming in the CLOUDS [which heavenly spiritual clouds refer to people & ministries (Psa.68:34, 35; Ezk.38:9; Heb.12:1; Jude 12) OF HEAVEN [not the natural clouds of the earth] with power & great glory."Matt.24:30. This shall be the major SIGN of Christ's soon completed coming and immortal appearing in His fulness at the first resurrection, even the firstfruit resurrection of his corporate body, soul & spirit in the earth.

These clouds of transfigured witnesses, after their protective sealing with "the mark [seal] of the prize of the high calling", along with the angels, shall do the final separating of the wheat from the chaff (Matt.13:41-43, 49; Mal.4:1-3), gathering together [bringing into unity] His elect from the four winds [of the earth-Rev.7:l-4], from one end of heaven to the other.'' Matt. 24:31.

So, at this point immediately after the tribulation, the full coming of the Lord in the actual resurrection of the saints is yet to come, for "When YE SHALL SEE ALL THESE THINGS, KNOW THAT IT" [the manifested kingdom of God - Lk. 21:31 & the full redemption of the flrstfruit bodies - Lk. 21:28] is near even at the doors."Matt.24:33.

THE COMING FIRSTFRUIT RESURRECTION

The Lord & the greatness of His full resurrection power had not yet fully come. For as the lightning [lightening, lighting, enlightenment] of quickened truth cometh in the sudden outward manifest expression of the pure energy, power, & glory of Christ's Spirit, so shall it first be manifest in the life He generates (Lk.9:29; Col.3:4), even the sudden trans- figured countenance (Matt.17:2; 28:3; Dan.10:6; Psa.89:15) that shines forth in His righteous remnant from one part of the earth [even one part of the body] to another; so shall also the Son of man [even the glorified body of Christ on earth] be in His day - Lk.17:24; Matt.24:27.

Yes, these shall be the days (Lk.17:22) when Christ shall "come to be glorified IN HIS SAINTS, & to be admired IN all them that believe...in that day."2Ths.1:10. Not all shall be counted "worthy of this calling."2Ths.1:11. "A few names [speaking comparatively of the numbers of the church] which have not defiled their garments...shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy."Rev.3:4. Worthy to reign in & as that glory of the Lord which shall arise & to cover the entire earth - Isa.60: 1-5; Habk.2:14.

NOT AS MOST MEN THINK

Just as the vast majority of the religious leaders of Israel expected Christ to first come in a way that they had carnally interpreted from the scriptures, & He did not, so shall it be in His next appearing. They were not prepared to accept the true God & Christ then, neither shall they be in these last days. But thanks be to God, He has reserved a few "wise men" & "wise virgins" who shall see & understand & shall take an active part in the next coming of the Lord.

Christ is not literally coming only in a split second rapture theory to rescue all Christians as is commonly taught & believed. Rather, the true revelation of His coming takes place over a period of times & seasons - Ac.1:7; Lk.17:22; 21:27, 28. We are seeing in this, the kingdom of God coming not with observation (Lk.17:20) to the natural eye, until CHRIST IN YOU which is the hope of any & all glory (Col. 1:27), one day outwardly manifests in latter day rain clouds of His full power & glory. Then, shall God begin to pour out in His Spirit the final outpourings of His corrective judgments upon all flesh--as begins with the sounding of the trumpets in Rev. chptr. 8 and the pouring of the vials in Rev. chptr. 16.

THEN SHALL THE END COME

There shall be 42 months of "great tribulation", not Only for the ungodly, but for the saints as well. At the appointed time in the end of this period, then, "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, AT THE LAST TRUMP [not the first] of that great tribulation period...shall be the first bodily resurrection (Rev.20:5) of all overcoming saints, including those trans-figured ones who are yet alive, remaining sealed & protected of the holy Spirit - 1Cor.15:52; 1Ths.4:16. These are they that shall "endure unto THE END'' even unto the end of that last great tribulation period "FOR A WITNESS [A SIGN OF THE POWER AND PRESENCE OF CHRIST in both judgment & glory] unto all nations"; for not even till 'THEN SHALL THE [FINAL] END of man's ungodly kingdom's] COME."Matt.24:14.

As was pointed out it is not until the 7th & LAST TRUMP begins to sound, that in THOSE DAYS "the mystery [that hope of Christ's glory being fully formed in you - Ro.8:18; Eph.1:18; Col.1:27 etc.] should be finished."Rev.10:7. This is the final & ultimate "manifestation of the sons of God" (Ro. 8:29), for which the whole creation inadvertently groans & travails. This is the fullness of Christ' s stature (Eph.4:13) becoming evident in His chosen & faithful body who have "pressed on" unto this stature & nature, ever yielding to that "power which worketh IN US" (Eph.3:20), that they might experience the power & LOVE OF CHRIST and finally be "FILLED WITH ALL THE FULNESS OF GOD."Eph.3:19.

Only AFTER the 7th messenger had sounded (Rev.11:15) & the wrath of the vials fully come, unto the pouring out of the 7th vial, shall it also be the time of the dead, that they should be judged, & that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets & to the saints (Rev.11:18; 2Tim.4:11) for "at that time, thy people shall be delivered.''Dan.12:1, 2. "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, & of His Christ [body]."Rev.11:15; Dan.2:35, 44.

Therefore beloved, say not in thine heart as did the former children of Israel..."these nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?''Deut.7:17. Is not He that is within you greater than he that is in the world?1Jn.4:4. They that have "the faith OF God", shall in His great grace & according to His timely will, be well enabled to move the mountains [nations.. ...spiritual & natural...both within & without] out of their unwanted place! Mk.11:22, 23.

If you will take time to study the many scriptures on "the day of the Lord", it should be evident enough that it is not one literal day, but begins as a short period of time at the end of an age when great tribulation & wrath shall be present on the whole earth. To those who believe such tradition of man, we ask, 'Why would it be necessary for the church to even be warned about the events surrounding the coming "day of the Lord" if there is no possibility they are going to face them & have a part in them?

BE WATCHFUL OF HIS COMING

Did not Paul warn the church of that day, lest it should come upon them & take them at a time when 'they were unaware & unprepared? Read 1Ths.5:1-4. Therefore, "Be watchful.'' "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, & thou shalt not know what HOUR I will come upon thee."Rev. 2, 3. "And this know, that if the goodman of the house [His household of faith] had known what HOUR the thief would come, he would have watched, & not have suffered his house to be broken through."Lk.13:33. He cometh when the hour of His judgment is fulfilled, not before. Note the time frame of Rev.16:15. Oh Lord, He that hath an ear, let him hear!

Revelation shows clearly that the midnight HOUR of Christ's return & the "first resurrection" heralding the fulfillment of the mystery of Christ in you as the hope of your glory, is the beginning of the kingdom of God's manifest governmental power on earth, & is simultaneous with the sounding of the 7th trumpet - Rev.10:7; 11:15; 16:17. Here again, notice in Rev.16:15, Christ still had yet to come, even after 6 vials of wrath had been poured out, & only Armageddon in its finality was left, it being a part of the 7th trumpet & 7th vial.

The 7th vial is simultaneous with the 7th trumpet. Compare Rev.14:19 with Rev.16:16-21. No man was able to enter the temple [even the glorified temple of their newly resurrected bodies, which bodies will make up the perfected spiritual temple of the new kingdom - Rev.21:22] TILL, the 7 plagues of the 7 angels were fulfilled - Rev.15:8; Ezk.44:4.

PROMISES TO THE OVERCOMERS

We would note here also, that "any man" which includes Christians who "hear the words of the prophecy of this book'', are susceptible to any of the plagues of wrath (Rev. 15:6, 7) that are written therein - Rev.22:18; 14:1, 10. God shall take away his [full] part [portion of REWARDS that could have been his] out of the book of life [not eternal life, but the immortal incorruptible resurrection life {THE PRIZE} of ruling & reigning as co-heirs with Christ for 1,000 years. as glorified kings & priests in the newly manifest earthly kingdom of God]. He shall take his part out of the [resurrected] holy city [but not out of the spiritual nation of Israel or the nations of them which are saved - Rev.21:24] and from [of] the things [rewards and promises to the "overcomers" in the first resurrection] which are written in this book [even the book of Revelation] Rev. 22:19.

There are many other places in the Bible which reveal that even the most spiritual Christian is susceptible to various forms of judgment & tribulation. This teaching carries with it a heavy cross for the flesh to bear. Therefore, there are many that reject it & teach flesh pleasing fantasies such as instant health & wealth and pre-tribulation rapture.

TRIBULATION JUDGMENTS

All one has to do is to look throughout the Old Testament at passages concerning such things as "the fire of His wrath (Ezk.22) & they would find that the Israel of God came under much wrath, tribulation, judgment a wroth. There are hundreds of scriptures in the O.T. proclaiming this fact & we today are to take heed, for "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning" (Ro.l5:4) & "for our admonition [learning, warning, discipline], upon whom the ends of the world are come."1Cor.10:11. As it was under the law concerning judgment pertaining to the flesh, so is it in this age of grace pertaining to the soul and spirit.

God's wrath is still "revealed from heaven against ALL UNGODLINESS & UNRIGHTEOUSNESS OF MEN" (Ro.1:18) whoever they are (Ro.2:1), who after a hard & impenitent heart store up to themselves "wrath against the day of wrath & revelation of the righteous judgment of God.''Ro.2:5. God is still well able to render to EVERY MAN (Ro.2:6) "tribulation & anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first & also of the Gentile."Ro.2:9. The religious system & saints of today are just as liable to receive of God's wrath as were the religious Jews both before & in Christ's day - Matt. 3:7; Lk.3:7.

When Jerusalem was compassed with armies in the first century & Titus' soldiers ravished the city, few Jews or Christians escaped this wrath (Lk.21:20-24) in a primary fulfillment of this prophecy. In the last 42 months, the holy city [natural earthly city may well escape---but definitely the spiritual city [new Jerusalem, the bride] made up of the believing host of God's people (Isa.1:26; 48:2; 52:1; 60:14; 62:12; Heb.12:22, 23; Dan.9:19; Rev.3:26 etc.) shall the sons of the nations tread under foot - Rev.11:2; Zec.14:2; Dan.11:13; 7:25; 12:7.

There are many reasons for the WRATH OF God to be displayed toward His children which are disobedient - Col. 3:1-7. Because of these things [see also Eph.5:1-5] cometh the wrath of God upon the [worldly] children of disobedience. "Be ye not therefore partakers [of the world & consequently of their wrath] with them."Eph.1:6

Forgiveness is also an important key in averting wrath. Notice how the Lord was WROTH [wrathful] with servant & delivered him to the tormentors, TILL he should pay all that was due unto him - Matt.18:32-35. The law of reaping & sowing is still in effect & the carnal nature of man is in itself, synonymous with the wrath of God! But that is beyond the scope of our present subject.

At the marriage supper in the day of the Lord & of the resurrection, the Lord was WROTH (Matt.22:7), for they which were bidden were not found "worthy" [of the firstfruit resurrection kingdom rule] as they had not prepared & made themselves ready (Matt.22:1-14; Rev.19:7-9) for all that is to be revealed & involved in Christ's coming earthly kingdom. Our wills must have been brought into union with His will at His coming or we will be found unfit to become a part of God's perfect will which is to be carried out in His new earthly kingdom. So will it be with the foolish virgins & the slothful servants of Matt. chptr. 25.

It is true that God has not appointed his servants unto the spiritual wrath of a total age enduring separation of salvation's love (Ro.5:9; 1Ths.1:10; 5:9) which wrath is the sovereignly appointed portion of "he that hath not [yet] life" Jn.3:36. But it is very evident that the portion of His church which is not to be part of "him that overcometh" (Rev. chptrs. 2 & 3) and is committing spiritual & often natural whoredoms, will be ''cast into GREAT TRIBULATION except they repent of their deeds."Rev.2:19-23. God has given harlots almost 2,000 years to repent of their fornication & yet they have not -Rev.3:21. Therefore the vials of wrath are now full to their soon overflowing - Rev.17:4-6.

POINT OF NO RETURN

The point of no return when the candlesticks be totally removed (Rev.2:5) is almost, if not already upon the luke-warm church of Christ. In this "great tribulation" the church shall witness as in times past, even the death of her dead works children, & all the church shall know of a surety then, that God searches the reigns & hearts of each individual & gives everyone according to their works - Rev.2:23; 3:2, 3, 8, 15, 16; Matt.7:20-27.

Because of the closeness of the hour, we exhort with Paul, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for THAT DAY [of the coming of the fullness of Christ & our gathering together unto Him...[even in total unity of spirit, soul & body - vs.1--that day of Christ - vs.2] shall not come, EXCEPT THERE COME A FALLING AWAY FIRST, & THAT MAN OF SIN BE REVEALED, the son of perdition" (2Ths.2:4)...whom the Lord must FIRST REVEAL & then destroy with the brightness of HIS COMING - 2Ths.2:8.

THE REAL ANTICHRIST

Meanwhile, the worldly & devilish antichirst spirit working in "the mystery of iniquity" which works in/as the soulish powers of all men, will continue to hinder even the sons of God as well as the ungodly, until "Christ suddenly COMES TO HIS TEMPLE" (Mal.3:1) in the fullness of glory, to take all that [iniquity & spiritual death] which hinders [Including the corruptible flesh body] entirely out of the way. If this was the holy Spirit taken out of the world at a pre-tribulation rapture as some suggest, with which Spirit do the tribulation witnesses testify & prophecy while preaching the gospel a thousand two hundred & three score days?Rev. chptr. 11.

UNTIL HE BE TAKEN OUT

Many believe Jesus could come at any moment. But according to the Bible, Jesus Christ cannot come at any minute! Did the Father not say unto the Son "Sit thou at my right hand UNTIL I make thine enemies thy footstool." Psa. 11O:1; Heb,9:12, 13; 1:13; Ac.2:35; Lk.20:43; Mk.12:36; 1Cor.15:25. "He must tarry "UNTIL He receive the early & the latter rain" (Jas.5:7),"TILL, we [the angels, the messengers] have sealed the servants of God in their foreheads"(Rev.7:3) "UNTIL the times of restitution of all things.."(Ac.3:21), "UNTIL the day dawn, & the daystar arise in your hearts."2Ptr. 1:19.

"Only he [the antichrist spirit within] who now letteth [hinders] will let [continue to hinder] UNTIL he [son of perdition, antichrist man of sin.. even the corruptible flesh body with its carnal mind working the mystery of iniquity] be taken out of the way." "And now ye know what witholdeth [hinders the full unveiling of Christ] that he [not only antichrist, but the fullness of Christ within His temple] might be REVEALED IN HIS [divinely appointed]TIME."2Ths.2:7, 8.

Paul proclaims, "And the very God of peace SANCTIFY YOU WHOLLY; AND I pray God your WHOLE SPIRIT & SOUL & BODY, BE PRESERVED BLAMELESS UNTO...[the rapture 7 years before the actual coming?] No! Rather, simply UNTIL "THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST."1Ths.5:23. "To THE END He may stablish your hearts UNBLAMEABLE IN HOLINESS BEFORE GOD, even our Father... [Where? At the rapture 7 years before He supposedly physically returns WITH the saints? Maybe in heaven after the rapture? Or is it not more likely going to be]... AT THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WITH (& IN) ALL HIS SAINTS.'' 1Ths.3:13.

CAUGHT UP TO RULE AND REIGN ON THE EARTH

'THEN we which are ALIVE & REMAIN [Grk. "left over''...at the other side of the great tribulation to remain apart from death & also to remain on the earth to rule & reign...IN His manifest kingdom..AS His kingdom] shall be CAUGHT UP [& enveloped in a cloud of glory with those that were dead in Christ & now rising in glorified bodies] to meet the Lord IN THE AIR [which is right here on the earth] & so shall we ever be with the Lord [to inherit & reign on earth - Rev.2:26, 27; 5:10]." 1Ths.4:17.

The Lord's sanctified & obedient ones shall not be caught up and away or prematurely raptured out of the world. Rather, they shall be gloriously SEALED, PRESERVED & KEPT in the midst of great trouble & tribulation according to the biblical pattern of mercy & deliverance which has been extended in type to faithful individuals throughout the ages.

KEPT THROUGH TRIBULATION

Noah rode out the flood, wherein he & his family were protected safely in the ark. Lot was instructed how to escape the judgments of Sodom & Gomorrah as was Noah instructed to prepare for the great flood. Joseph went through terrible tribulation & was delivered out of all his afflictions for specific purposes ordained of God. The children of Israel were kept safe in Egypt as the plagues were poured out, & then kept safely in the desert wilderness as long as they were being led according to the instructions of the Lord.

Elijah was first kept in the wilderness & even fed by the ravens, & later was fed & kept in the widows house safe from Ahaz & Jezabel. Baby Moses, though helpless, was kept safely on the river in Egypt. Job was preserved & kept safe through all his great tribulations & afflictions. Daniel was preserved from certain destruction while trapped in the lion's den, & Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego were miraculously kept safe in the midst of the hottest furnace.

"As it was in the days of Lot [& not in the lesser judgmental days of Enoch & Elijah] the SAME DAY that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire & brimstone [compare great hail out of heaven coming at the end of all lesser vials of wrath - Rev. 16:21; 11:19] from heaven and destroyed them all."Lk.17:29, 30. "And as it was in the days of Noah [even in the days when he remained on the earth in the very midst of catastrophic judgment], so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man."Lk.17:26.

THE WICKED TAKEN..THE RIGHTEOUS LEFT

Also, "as in the days that were before the flood", people were carrying an in their usual unconcerned manner of sin & unbelief, "until the day that Noah entered into the ark [even the fulfillment of the promise of divine protection given to the obedient that walked in God's will], & they [the disobedient] knew not [to prepare] until the flood came & TOOK THEM all away."Matt.24:39. Lukes account says, "the flood came & DESTROYED THEM all."

It was not the righteous who were raptured away as many believe but rather it was the wicked who were taken away in destruction. Whether the destruction be natural or spiritual is best left to the Lord. According to the pattern, an obedient righteous remnant was left to ride out the storm in safety.

"Then shall two be in the field [world]; the one [rebellious & sinful] shall be TAKEN [& destroyed], & the other [righteous & obedient remnant] left."Matt.24:20. There is no rapture out of the world typified here! But there is the truth of divine protection for a remnant. This corresponds perfectly with the parables in Matt. l3 where the tares are [cut down] & gathered first ready to be burned, but the wheat is gathered under the protection of the Lord's barn - Matt.13:30; Lk.3:17.

Jesus said, "I am the vine, & my Father is the husbandman [vinedresser].''Jn.15:1. "Every branch IN Me that beareth not fruit [of the Spirit] He TAKETH AWAY."Jn.15:2. "Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?"Jer.2:21; Ezk.15:6-8.

"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh often upon it, & bringeth forth herbs [even fruit] meet for them by whom it is dressed [tilled, cultivated], receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns & briars [the earthy of the old human nature which brings forth fleshly works & fruits of death] is rejected [not acceptable in God's coming kingdom], & is nigh unto cursing; whose [final] end is to he burned [judged, cleansed, & purified in the first of God's righteous dealings]."Heb.6:8.

Jesus said of his disciples, "Ye are they which have CONTINUED WITH ME 'IN MY TEMPTATION."Lk.22:28. "Because thou hast kept THE WORD OF MY PATIENCE [in perseverance; Lk.8:15; 2Tim.2:12.; Heb.6:12; Rev.2:2; 14:12 etc.], I WILL ALSO KEEP THEE [Grk. word means to he kept while in the midst of it] FROM THE [truly harmful effects of the final] HOUR OF TEMPTATION [testing, great tribulation], which shall come upon ALL THE WORLD, to try [test or tempt] them that dwell upon the earth."Rev.3:10; Jer.17:12; Prv. 18:10. Brethren, we are in that last hour even now.

SUFFER WITH HIM...REIGN WITH HIM

"Behold, I come quickly: HOLD FAST THAT WHICH THOU HAST, THAT NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN."Rev.3:11. Let nothing come between you and your Lord to take away your right to rule and reign with Him at His coming in the first resurrection - Rev.2:25-28; 3:21; 12:5; 14:1-5; 20:4; Dan. chapter 7; 1Ths. chapter 4; 2Ths. chapter 2. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us" (2Tim.2:12) these glorious rights.

"Who among you wil give ear to this? Who will hearken and hear for the time to come? Who gave Jacob a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? Did not the Lord, He against who we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, neither were obedient unto His law." Isa.42:24-25.

"The Lord is good, A STRONGHOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE; and HE KNOWETH THEM THAT TRUST IN HIM." Nahum1:7

K. Ross McKay