He will return in the manner in which he went

Question received:
Please explain Acts 1:11.

My reply:
Acts 1:11 reads; "‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’ "

Can you see that a comparison is being made, between how Jesus left, to how Jesus returns?

If we can gain understanding about how Jesus returns, we can understand more about how he left.

The Bible tells us about his return. It says, "He is coming on the clouds (of heaven)" 
(Dan.7:13; Matt.24:30; 26:64; 16:27,28; 25:31; Mark 13:26; 14:62; Luke 21:27)...

"with power and great glory" (LINK)

"at the right hand of God" (LINK)

"and all the angels with him" 

(1Thess.3:13; Rev.17:14; Heb.9:28; 1:6; Acts 3:21) (LINK)

At Acts 1:11, we read that the disciples were "looking into the sky". Jesus was taken up into the clouds.

Acts 1:9 reads; "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."

The Bible tells us that his return, is similar:

Rev.1:7 reads; ""Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen."(Zech.12:10,11; John 19:37)

 Heb.12:1 

That description is comparable to what happens to Jesus' two witnesses (Rev.11:3), at Rev.11:12 >>"Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ And they went up to heaven in the cloud, while their enemies looked on.".
(Heb.12:1)

There at Rev.11:12, we see the enemies of the two witnesses, observing their inclusion and symbolic ascension, to join the faithful of heaven, and all that this embodiment, entails 

(Heb.12:1;  1Thess.4:17; Eph.2:6; Col.3:1,2; 2:12; Heb.12:23; Luke 10:16,17,18,19,20,23,24)

2Thess.1:5,6,7,8,9,10; John 3:18;  1Cor.3:12,13,14,15; Heb.12:11; Rev.20:9; 11:3,4,5; Jer.23:29; Mal.3:18;  1Cor.11:19;  2Pet.3:10,11,12,13.

I don't know what you think Christ's return will look like (Luke 17:20-21)...

but the scriptures tell us that "he is coming on the clouds of heaven" and "all the angels with him".

The "clouds of heaven" who have been given the spirit of Christ's mouth are in part, his "two witnesses" 
(Rev.11:3; Heb.12:1; Luke 21:27; John 20:21,22;  2Thess.2:3,8). 

The "angels"(Greek:"messengers") and "holy ones" upon whom Jesus arrives, are those to inherit the kingdom. 
(Dan.7:22; Jude 1:14,15;  1Thess.3:13; Matt.16:27)
(LINK)  
Those who battle with Christ against Satanic deception, will share in his power and glory... that of grace and Truth 
(John 1:14; Rom.8:17;  1Pet.4:13). 
     

Only those who have kept alert, discerning, and diligent in caring for the Master's interests, will be found faithful 
(Mark 13:36,37; Matt.24:43,44; 25:13; Luke 12:35,36,37; Rev.3:20; 2:7,17; Luke 21:36) 
and equipped to join him in the battle for truth, when he arrives 
(2Thess.1:7,8,9,10; Rev.19:11,14; 17:14;  2Cor.10:3,4,5)
(LINK)

(LINK)

For additional and deeper information on this topic, here are 4 other links:

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-sign-of-son-of-man.html

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-return-of-christ.html

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/04/christs-return-when.html

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/12/it-is-marvelous-in-our-eyes.html

LINK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES

LINK TO MAIN HOME-PAGE
LINK TO FORUM

Crowns

A question I received:
"The rider of the white horse in Rev.6:2, wears one crown. Whereas most certainly Jesus, "the faithful and true" rider, wears many crowns (Rev.19:12). "A wife of noble character, is her husband's crown" (Prov.12:4). Rev.19:14, "And the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen white and clean, followed him on white horses", His bride (Rev.19:8). So I am wondering why the rider in Rev.6:2 wears only one crown.

My reply:
At Rev.1:19 we are told by Jesus, that what is depicted in the scroll of Revelation covers more than one era. It depicts what exists, current to John... as well as depictions of what would be the future to John. From this, the discrepancy in the number of crowns may be explained by the timing of the scenes.

In the first century, Jesus alone was a conqueror (John 16:33; 15:18; 16:1-2,4). As a result, he received authority and power from God (John 3:35; Matt.28:18), and sat on God's throne as God's right-hand man (Mark 16:19; Luke 22:69; Ps.110:1;  1Cor.15:25; Rev.3:21; 2:26-27). 
As it states at Rev.6:2; "and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer." (1Cor.15:25) - Rev.6:2 sounds like it is describing when Jesus is initially receiving kingship, at the start of his spiritual battles. It appears to be the arrival of Jesus when starting his ministry. He certainly did battle with the religious leaders, and spoke of himself as a king, before his death (John 18:36-37) 
(Matt.2:2; Zech.9:9; Mark 11:7; John 1:49). 

In addition to authority and power, crowns can also symbolize spirit life (James 1:12; Rev.2:10). Jesus was put to death in the flesh, was raised in spirit, and is alive forever and ever (1Pet.3:18;  1Cor.15:45; Rev.1:18). One crown (John 16:33; Rev.14:14). At Revelation 14:14, we see Jesus in only one crown (and a sharp sickle for harvesting). We may have believed that this scene only takes place in the time of the end, when Jesus should have many crowns... But Jesus started harvesting, in the first century (John 4:35-36; Matt.9:37-38; 3:12). God gave Jesus authority to lay down his life, and to take it up again (John 10:18). Afterward, Christ becomes the source of life to others... and others join him as conquering victors (Rev.3:21; 2:10; 17:14; 5:9-10; 20:4,6;  2Tim.2:12; 4:8).
(https://pearl-kingsofearth.blogspot.com)

 Rev.1:5-6; 5:9-10; Dan.2:44 
(https://pearl-kingsofearth.blogspot.com)

In Rev.5:6-7, at the point when Jesus receives the scroll, we see Jesus symbolized as a Lamb with seven horns that have seven eyes, which contain the seven spirits of God. 

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=seven+spirits+of+god)

We know from Rev.17:12 that horns are kings. 

Yet at Rev.5:6 when Jesus is receiving the knowledge of Revelation, the 7 horns/kings/stars/'angels'-Greek:"messenger")/prophets of Jesus (Rev.1:20; Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3), have not yet been given their full insight/spirit/eternal life/crown, or received their kingdom which results 
(1Pet.1:10-11,12; Matt.13:17; James 1:23;  1Cor.13:12,9-10; Dan.12:9).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/07/who-are-fallen-stars-of-rev124.html)

Full and complete insight is given as the scroll is unsealed, in the time of the End 
(Matt.10:41; Dan.12:4,9-10,3; Rev.22:10,6-7,16; John 13:20; 15:26; 16:7-8,12-13; Rev.1:1; Mal.3:1-2,3). 

The full reward to inherit the Kingdom of God, must await the demise of the last harlot/false prophet, and her Beast 
(Rev.11:15-16,17-18)(Rev.6:9-10,11; 19:2,20; 20:9-10) (Dan.7:21-22,25-26,27; Matt.24:46-47).

The horns on Satan and his beast, contain their worldly crowns (1John 5:19; Luke 4:5-6; Rev.12:3; 13:1-2;  1Cor.4:8; Rev.3:17-18). It is of interest however, that at Rev.17:3,7; the beasts horns do not have their crowns. That is consistent with Rev.17:12, as kings who have not yet received their kingdom. 

The 7 heads (harlots/false prophets) of the beast however, are ruling the beast (Deut.28:13; Rev.17:9-10,9 NIV) You will see that those 7 heads, are also symbolized as seven hills/mountains. This indicates to us, that they are a prominent leader (on a hill), and viewed as a source of spiritual light (burning/blazing as a lamp) (Rev.17:9 NIV; Matt.5:14-15; Rev.8:10-11 KJV) such as was the prophet, John the baptist (John 5:35).

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2020/04/anxiety-spiritual-meaning-of-7.html)

Then Rev.19 opens with a depiction of the period of time, which contains the victorious great crowd... the condemning of the harlot... and the 24 elders (who each have their victory crown -Rev.4:4,10). 

Rev.19:7 times this with the wedding of the Lamb. It is at this point, that Jesus is seen with many crowns, and is called, king of kings (Rev.19:12,16). 

Verse 14 tells us that the armies of heaven are with Jesus in this final battle 
(Rev.17:14; 2:26-27; Luke 10:17-18,19-20;  2Cor.10:3-4,5; Eph.6:12; 5:11; 2:6; Col.3:1). 
At that point, Jesus is certainly credited with the victories and sovereignty of all those who have conquered, gained life, and have received their crowns.

To summarize, perhaps the amount of crowns, represent not only being a conqueror, yourself, but also, 

*how many conquerors are to your own credit (Jesus can be credited with our own victory, even more than we 
(1Cor.15:57; Rom.8:37; Rev.4:10-11), 

*how much authority and power one has received (the more kings you rule over, the more crowns -Rev.19:16), and 

*how many lives you can be credited with as saving. 

While anointed kings and priests may be thought of as saving other lives (Rev.5:9-10; Mal.2:7)... I don't see that credit, as completely true. 

It is the gospel of Christ that does the saving (Rom.1:16), and God that causes spiritual growth (1Cor.3:6). All goodness and life, trace back to God (Ps.36:9; John 12:49-50).

It is enough for an anointed king, through their righteousness (Rev.19:8,14; John 7:16-17,18), to choose life for themselves through righteousness, faith, and obedience (Eze.14:12,14; Heb.10:38;  1John 5:4). 

During Armageddon especially, that becomes an individual decision (Mark 8:35; Rom.14:12; 2:6; Rev.22:12) 
(Joel 3:14; Jer.21:8; Matt.7:13-14; Deut.30:19; Isa.1:19-20; Rev.2:16; John 12:48).

 Joel 3:14

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/01/armageddon.html

As far as Prov.12:4 goes... At the point that Jesus had one crown (first century)... he had established the New Covenant by virtue of his blood (Luke 22:20; Heb.10:19; 9:22; Rev.5:9-10; Eph.5:25,23; John1 5:13-14,9-10). The first candidates for his bride, had begun... the foundation stones (Rev.21:9-10,11-12,13-14). The provision for "her" faithful members to be credited with life, was then guaranteed. In that, Jesus could certainly be credited with giving up himself for "her" (Eph.5:25-26,27), and even qualifying her for life, through his oversight in her sanctification, so that she could finally be presented to him without a spot or wrinkle from the world 

(Eph.5:27;  2Pet.3:14; James 1:27;  1Thess.5:23;  2Cor.7:1; Phil.2:15;  1Tim.6:11-12,13-14;  1Pet.1:7).  

   

At the point in time that Jesus gives his life to secure the life of his bride;

Jesus is worthy of presiding over her members (Eph.1:22; 4:15; 5:22-23; Col.1:18; 2:9-10). He could receive a crown, signifying the sure-to-be reality of "an excellent wife" (Prov.12:4). 
Whether the single crown on the head of Jesus was his own reward for faithfulness, or was a sign of achieving an excellent wife;

Both were achieved at once (Rev.5:9-10), and are a blessing from our Father in heaven 

(Prov.18:22; 19:14; Heb.2:9-10; 1:2-4,5-7,8-9).

LINK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES

LINK TO MAIN HOME-PAGE
LINK TO FORUM

Alpha - Omega

A question I received:

"Is the God of the Hebrew scriptures, the same as Jesus Christ? The reason I ask, is because they both refer to themselves as "the Alpha and the Omega". Does this mean that their nature is the same?

My reply:

I will put the definitions of the words in each referenced verse, in parenthesis. The scriptures you refer to, are Rev.1:11 KJV ("Alpha&Omega", "most before and last"), 

Rev.1:17-18 ("most before and last")-(Jesus died- Heb.2:14) (God never dies- Hab.1:12) 

Rev.1:8 ("Alpha&Omega", "original and finish/consummation"); 
-------("Lord God: Greek: "Master" -John13:13 KJV) ("Almighty": Greek: "all-holding" -John3:35; Matt.11:27)

Rev.21:6; ("Alpha&Omega", "original and finish/consummation")(John4:10; Rev.22:1; Ps.36:9; John12:49-50) 

Rev.22:13 ("Alpha&Omega", "original and finish/consummation", and, "most before and last")... (all references of which, could be Jesus). Both Alpha and Omega, are Greek letters. They are not found in the Hebrew scriptures. 

  Rev.1:17-18

When it comes to God having the traits of being First and Last; we can however, consider Isa.41:1-2,3-4; 44:6; 48:3-5,6-8,9-11,12-13; Rev.4:8,11; 11:15-17

Nothing about Alpha or Omega, means 'the same nature'. That is not to say that God and Christ are not the same nature [they are both divine spirit, just as all sons of God become (2Pet.1:4; John10:34-35; Ps.82:6)], but that similarity of nature, is not expressed in either "Alpha' or 'Omega'. (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/01/who-are-gods.html)

Neither do each of those words mean "uncreated, eternal, atemporal, or timeless".

At John 1:1, it reads; "In the beginning".

That of itself is speaking of a moment in time, a start... not eternity. That verse continues... "In the beginning, the Word/Logos, was."

We are told that the Word exists, "In the beginning" of God's creation

(John1:1; 8:58; 1John1:1; Prov.8:22-24,25-27,28-31; Micah 5:2; Col.1:15-17; Heb.1:2; Rev.3:14; John17:5).

Alpha and Omega simply mean, First and Last.

Can two different identities be first and last, and remain two different identities?

Of course. As a simple example, an only son is the first and last son. If he marries and has an only son, that son is also, first and last. Yet they remain, two different people.

But how does this compare to the identity difference between God and Christ, while both of them are Alpha and Omega... First and Last?

The Bible tells us.

The Logos, was the first of all creation. Jesus Christ is the FIRSTborn of the New Creation (Rom.8:29; 2Cor.5:17; Rev.1:5).

But that NEW creation, finally allows God to enter His Sabbath Rest permanently, and able to declare with finality, all things Good. He made that declaration at the end of the physical creation (Gen.1:31; 2:2), but it did not last (Gen.6:5-6; Rom.8:20-22; John5:17; Heb.4:9-11).

The start/FIRSTborn of that NEW, incorruptible creation, is the resurrection of Christ... the LAST Adam (1Cor.15:45) because from him (the "eternal father" -Isa.9:6) all others receive life. He is the Alpha (FIRSTborn born of the New Creation) and Omega (LAST Adam/man, needing to be created) of the New Creation, because all those after him, come from him.

"So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the *last Adam, a life-giving spirit."* Does this mean that when God declares Himself Alpha and Omega, that he is saying that He is Jesus Christ? No, because God tells us what He means, by being the first and the last...

Isa.43: "10 “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord,

“And My servant whom I have chosen,

That you may know and believe Me,

And understand that I am He.

Before Me there was no God formed,

Nor shall there be after Me."

So, Is God the *first Almighty God? Is He the *last Almighty God to ever be?

Can any other god be compared to him, or be equal to him ", including His eternal sovereignty?

How then, would He come to be "in the likeness of men"? 

He did not. The Logos/Jesus, did. No creation, compares to the eternally unchanging Father of Jesus Christ. (Phil.2:7; Isa.40:18,25,28; 43:13; Ps.93:2).

So, two different persons can share being first and last, but that does not mean that they are first and last in the same regard, or to the same degree, or must be the same person.

Both Jesus and God can be described as an Alpha and Omega; but that does not mean that they are the same person, or first and last in the same way.

Yes, the Logos emptied himself, became a human, and even died.

Major changes.

Yet God never changes...

(Ps.90:2; 102:24,27; Mal.3:6; James1:17; Gen.21:33; Job.36:26; Jer.10:10; Hab.1:12) 

If He is indeed the peerless God, from everlasting, to everlasting (Ps.90:2)... then He has never died (Hab.1:12).

LINK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES

LINK TO MAIN HOME-PAGE
LINK TO FORUM