Another Evidence that Points to Creation Over Evolution
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Will Christ Come Twice or Only Once? Part 5 - The Marriage Supper
The Great Tribulation and Wrath of God Division Found in Revelation 14 - Part 5 of 8
One more passage in Revelation I want to look at before ending this section on the Great Tribulation period as different from the wrath of God is Revelation 14:13-16.
Revelation 14: 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
In verse 13 we see that the saints are still being killed by the Antichrist when the vision goes to one like the Son of man coming to reap his harvest. Jesus, when responding to the questioning of the high priest, called himself the Son of man. In Mark 14:61-62 we read,
Mark 14: 61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Let us look back to Daniel 7:13-14 to see who the Son of man was considered by the Old Testament Jews.
Daniel 7: 13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Traditionally, the Jews believed these verses to be speaking of the coming Jewish Messiah. The Ancient of Days, God the Father, would give to the Son of man, or in other words, to the Messiah, the kingdom to rule. The reference in Revelation 14:14 seems to be referring to Jesus coming to receive his harvest.
In Mathew 9:35-38 we see that Jesus considered that the lost sheep were the harvest that needed to be harvested.
Matthew 9: 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
We can conclude then that Revelation 14:14-16 is again another image of the rapture/resurrection event at the end of the great tribulation period and yet before the wrath of God that is to follow. Revelation 14:17-20 confirms such a view and the imagery is of the wrath of God.
Revelation 14: 17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
We see section 14:17-20 is qualified as the wrath of God. In section 14:14-16 the Son of man was harvesting, which we have concluded was imagery of the rapture/resurrection event like in Matthew 24: 29-31 and Mark 13.
One more passage in Revelation I want to look at before ending this section on the Great Tribulation period as different from the wrath of God is Revelation 14:13-16.
Revelation 14: 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
In verse 13 we see that the saints are still being killed by the Antichrist when the vision goes to one like the Son of man coming to reap his harvest. Jesus, when responding to the questioning of the high priest, called himself the Son of man. In Mark 14:61-62 we read,
Mark 14: 61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Let us look back to Daniel 7:13-14 to see who the Son of man was considered by the Old Testament Jews.
Daniel 7: 13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Traditionally, the Jews believed these verses to be speaking of the coming Jewish Messiah. The Ancient of Days, God the Father, would give to the Son of man, or in other words, to the Messiah, the kingdom to rule. The reference in Revelation 14:14 seems to be referring to Jesus coming to receive his harvest.
In Mathew 9:35-38 we see that Jesus considered that the lost sheep were the harvest that needed to be harvested.
Matthew 9: 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
We can conclude then that Revelation 14:14-16 is again another image of the rapture/resurrection event at the end of the great tribulation period and yet before the wrath of God that is to follow. Revelation 14:17-20 confirms such a view and the imagery is of the wrath of God.
Revelation 14: 17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
We see section 14:17-20 is qualified as the wrath of God. In section 14:14-16 the Son of man was harvesting, which we have concluded was imagery of the rapture/resurrection event like in Matthew 24: 29-31 and Mark 13.
Mark 13: 26-27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of the heaven.
Do We Find a Rapture/Resurrection Event in Daniel Prophecies?
Now I would like to look at one other passage in Daniel alluding to the rapture/resurrection event. It’s Daniel 12:1-3.
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
First, we see similar wording in Daniel 12 to Jesus’s comments on the Great Tribulation period in Matthew 24. “There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time,” sounds very similar to “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, nor ever shall be.” They are obviously talking of the same event.
Daniel also sees the rapture/resurrection event in the words, “Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” So again we have the time of trouble followed by the rapture/resurrection event afterwards. Later on in Daniel 12:7 we see the angels are talking about the same 3 and ½ year period.
Daniel 12: 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half (3 and ½ years); and when he (the Antichrist) shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
We see in the above verse that the Antichrist will tribulate God’s people for that 3 and ½ year period just as is mentioned in the other chapters in Daniel and in Revelation. Jesus will come back to rescue His children immediately after the tribulation period as we have seen in Matthew 24:29-31.
Do We Find a Rapture/Resurrection Event in Daniel Prophecies?
Now I would like to look at one other passage in Daniel alluding to the rapture/resurrection event. It’s Daniel 12:1-3.
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
First, we see similar wording in Daniel 12 to Jesus’s comments on the Great Tribulation period in Matthew 24. “There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time,” sounds very similar to “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, nor ever shall be.” They are obviously talking of the same event.
Daniel also sees the rapture/resurrection event in the words, “Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” So again we have the time of trouble followed by the rapture/resurrection event afterwards. Later on in Daniel 12:7 we see the angels are talking about the same 3 and ½ year period.
Daniel 12: 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half (3 and ½ years); and when he (the Antichrist) shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
We see in the above verse that the Antichrist will tribulate God’s people for that 3 and ½ year period just as is mentioned in the other chapters in Daniel and in Revelation. Jesus will come back to rescue His children immediately after the tribulation period as we have seen in Matthew 24:29-31.
In Revelation 8-10 we have seen that the destruction occurring during the Great Tribulation will bring a 1/3 or partial destruction to the earth. We have seen that the seven trumpets of tribulation are sounded out before the wrath of God occurs. The trumpets of tribulation are chronologically before the vials of the wrath of God.
What Happens to the Saints That Are Raptured/Resurrected?
The vials are found in Revelation 16 and Revelation 19:11-21 and include the famous Battle of Armageddon. The wrath of God is also mentioned in Revelation 11:18 as occurring after the seventh trump which we have shown to be the rapture/resurrection event. Jesus rescues the true believers and they are caught up to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb is alluded to in the first verses in Revelation 19. While the wrath of God has begun on earth, we are given a picture of what is happening in the spiritual plane in Heaven.
Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
We see the resurrected saints are rejoicing with Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus alluded to this heavenly marriage supper in some of his parables. In Matthew 25: 1-13 we read,
Matthew 25 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
What Happens to the Saints That Are Raptured/Resurrected?
The vials are found in Revelation 16 and Revelation 19:11-21 and include the famous Battle of Armageddon. The wrath of God is also mentioned in Revelation 11:18 as occurring after the seventh trump which we have shown to be the rapture/resurrection event. Jesus rescues the true believers and they are caught up to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb is alluded to in the first verses in Revelation 19. While the wrath of God has begun on earth, we are given a picture of what is happening in the spiritual plane in Heaven.
Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
We see the resurrected saints are rejoicing with Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus alluded to this heavenly marriage supper in some of his parables. In Matthew 25: 1-13 we read,
Matthew 25 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Matthew 25: 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The first coincidence is that following the Matthew 24 endtime raptute/resurrection event we find Matthew 25 is where Jesus talks about the Marriage Supper and the brides waiting to get in. The various brides could be alluding to different groups of believers. In Jesus’s parable only some of the brides got in to the marriage feast. They were those who had prepared themselves and had truly loved their Lord and husband.
Jesus, also, alluded to Himself as being the bidegroom.
Mark 2: 18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? 19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
John the Baptist also bore witness that Jesus was the bridegroom.
John 3: 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John the Baptist calls Jesus the bridegroom and himself the friend of the bridegroom.
Jesus gave another parable of having on the right wedding garment.
Matthew 22 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
The first coincidence is that following the Matthew 24 endtime raptute/resurrection event we find Matthew 25 is where Jesus talks about the Marriage Supper and the brides waiting to get in. The various brides could be alluding to different groups of believers. In Jesus’s parable only some of the brides got in to the marriage feast. They were those who had prepared themselves and had truly loved their Lord and husband.
Jesus, also, alluded to Himself as being the bidegroom.
Mark 2: 18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? 19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
John the Baptist also bore witness that Jesus was the bridegroom.
John 3: 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John the Baptist calls Jesus the bridegroom and himself the friend of the bridegroom.
Jesus gave another parable of having on the right wedding garment.
Matthew 22 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
Matthew 22: 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
The garment represents our righteousness. We cannot get into the marriage supper on our own righteousness. We must take on the righteousness of Christ. We put on Christ’s righteousness when we come to Him in humble submission and obedience seeking forgiveness for our sins. We then walk with Him in newness of life by loving and living for Him and others. The fine linen that the saints are wearing is symbolic of their having taken Jesus as their Lord and King and Saviour, and committed to living and serving Him. Thus, they are covered with His righteouness. They are no longer relying on their own righteousness to get into the Marriage Supper.
Cannot Our Own Righteousness Save Us?
Our own righteousness is stinking menstrual rags, says Isaiah 64:6.
Isaiah 64: 6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Apostle Paul tells us our faith in Christ is counted for righteosness.
Romans 4: 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Paul writes that we obtain rigtheousness through faith in Christ.
Romans 9: 30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
In Jesus’s parable, a person without a marraige garment had tried to get into the marriage supper. He was relying on his own righteousness to save him. But our own righteousness is not good enough, no matter how hard we try or convince ourselves that it is. Like Jesus said,
John 14: 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If we believe upon Jesus we will not be ashamed. We will not be put out of the marriage feast. In Apostle Peter’s discourse to the scribes and pharisees we find the same statement of fact.
Acts 4: 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
A person who has not received and loved Christ will not be allowed into the marriage supper of the Lamb. Many are still trying to get into heaven through their own righteousness. But, as the Psalmist David sung, “there are none righteousness, no not one.”
Psalm 14:2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
If we are honest with ourselves, we know that our own righteousness falls short each and every day, many times a day. If we relied on our own righteousness to save us, none would be saved
In Malachi we read,
Malachi 4: 2a But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.
Jesus is that Sun or righteousness and unto Him must we come.
Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Jesus is the righteous branch that God has raised up and in whom we can trust.
Apostle John tells us,
John 1: 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
It is in the believing, and the receiving, the drinking in of the essence of Christ into our very being by loving and obeying Him that we are transformed into sons of God. Then we are robed with the righteousness that is in Christ. “Nothing in my hands I bring. Simply to Thy cross I cling.” “I am washed in the blood of the Lamb.”
Are There Any Other References to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?
Apostle Paul tells us about the judgment seat of Christ, which may be simultaneous with the marriage supper.
2 Corinthians 5: 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Daniel 12:2-3 sounds similar to Paul’s vision.
Daniel 12: 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Some may receive greater rewards than others as Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15.
1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
We, therefore, speculate that the Marriage Supper of the Lamb may be where we receive our rewards for our obedience to the Lord or our lack of obedience and therefore lack of rewards. However, some will shine like the stars for ever.
In Malachi we read,
Malachi 4: 2a But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.
Jesus is that Sun or righteousness and unto Him must we come.
Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Jesus is the righteous branch that God has raised up and in whom we can trust.
Apostle John tells us,
John 1: 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
It is in the believing, and the receiving, the drinking in of the essence of Christ into our very being by loving and obeying Him that we are transformed into sons of God. Then we are robed with the righteousness that is in Christ. “Nothing in my hands I bring. Simply to Thy cross I cling.” “I am washed in the blood of the Lamb.”
Are There Any Other References to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?
Apostle Paul tells us about the judgment seat of Christ, which may be simultaneous with the marriage supper.
2 Corinthians 5: 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Daniel 12:2-3 sounds similar to Paul’s vision.
Daniel 12: 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Some may receive greater rewards than others as Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15.
1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
We, therefore, speculate that the Marriage Supper of the Lamb may be where we receive our rewards for our obedience to the Lord or our lack of obedience and therefore lack of rewards. However, some will shine like the stars for ever.
To go to the next part click here.
Originally published April 12, 2021
A Grande Tribulação e a Ira de Deus: Divisão Encontrada em Apocalipse 14 - Parte 5 de 8
Dennis Edwards
Para voltar à Parte 1, Parte 2, Parte 3, Parte 4
A Grande Tribulação e a Ira de Deus: Divisão Encontrada em Apocalipse 14 - Parte 5 de 8
Mais uma passagem do Apocalipse que quero analisar antes de terminar esta secção sobre o período da Grande Tribulação, em contraste com a ira de Deus, é Apocalipse 14:13-16.
Apocalipse 14:13-16
E ouvi uma voz vinda do céu, que me dizia: Escreve: Bem-aventurados os mortos que desde agora morrem no Senhor. Sim, diz o Espírito, para que descansem dos seus trabalhos, e as suas obras os sigam. 14 Olhei, e eis uma nuvem branca, e assentado sobre a nuvem um semelhante ao Filho do homem, tendo na cabeça uma coroa de ouro, e na mão uma foice afiada. 15 E saiu outro anjo do templo, clamando com grande voz ao que estava assentado sobre a nuvem: Lança a tua foice e ceifa, porque já é chegada a hora de ceifar, pois a seara da terra está madura. 16 E aquele que estava sentado sobre a nuvem lançou a sua foice sobre a terra, e a terra foi ceifada.
No versículo 13, vemos que os santos ainda estão a ser mortos pelo Anticristo quando a visão se volta para alguém semelhante ao Filho do Homem vindo colher a sua seara. Jesus, ao responder à pergunta do sumo sacerdote, chamou-se Filho do Homem. Em Marcos 14:61-62, lê-se:
Marcos 14:61 Mas ele calou-se e nada respondeu. De novo o sumo sacerdote lhe perguntou: És tu o Cristo, o Filho do Bendito? 62 E Jesus disse: Eu sou; e vereis o Filho do Homem sentado à direita do Poderoso e vindo sobre as nuvens do céu.
Voltemos a Daniel 7:13-14 para ver quem era considerado o Filho do Homem pelos judeus do Antigo Testamento.
Daniel 7:13 Eu estava olhando nas minhas visões da noite, e eis que vinha com as nuvens do céu um como o Filho do Homem, e dirigiu-se ao Ancião de Dias, e o fizeram chegar até ele. 14 E foi-lhe dado domínio, e glória, e um reino, para que todos os povos, nações e línguas o servissem; o seu domínio é um domínio eterno, que não passará, e o seu reino, o que não será destruído.
Tradicionalmente, os judeus acreditavam que estes versículos se referiam à vinda do Messias judaico. O Ancião de Dias, Deus Pai, daria ao Filho do Homem, isto é, ao Messias, o reino para governar. A referência em Apocalipse 14:14 parece referir-se a Jesus ter vindo para receber a sua colheita.
Em Mateus 9:35-38, vemos que Jesus considerou que as ovelhas perdidas eram a colheita que era necessário fazer.
Mateus 9:35 E percorria Jesus todas as cidades e aldeias, ensinando nas sinagogas, pregando o evangelho do reino e curando todas as enfermidades e doenças entre o povo. 36 E, vendo as multidões, teve compaixão delas, porque estavam aflitas e desamparadas, como ovelhas sem pastor. 37 Então disse aos seus discípulos: A seara é realmente grande, mas os trabalhadores são poucos. 38 Rogai, pois, ao Senhor da seara que mande trabalhadores para a sua seara.
Podemos concluir, então, que Apocalipse 14:14-16 é mais uma imagem do arrebatamento/ressurreição no final do período da grande tribulação, antes da ira de Deus que se seguirá. Apocalipse 14:17-20 confirma esta visão, e a imagem é da ira de Deus.
Apocalipse 14:17 E saiu outro anjo do templo que está no céu, tendo ele também uma foice afiada. 18 E saiu outro anjo do altar, que tinha poder sobre o fogo, e clamou com grande brado ao que tinha a foice afiada, dizendo: Lança a tua foice afiada e colhe os cachos da vinha da terra, porque já estão as suas uvas maduras. 19 E lançou o anjo a sua foice na terra, e colheu a vinha da terra, e lançou-a no grande lagar da ira de Deus.
Vemos que a secção 14:17-20 é qualificada como a ira de Deus. Na secção 14:14-16, o Filho do Homem estava a colher, o que concluímos ser uma imagem do evento do arrebatamento/ressurreição, como em Mateus 24:29-31 e Marcos 13.
Marcos 13:26-27: "Então verão o Filho do Homem vir nas nuvens com grande poder e glória. E ele enviará os seus anjos e reunirá os seus escolhidos dos quatro ventos, desde a extremidade da terra até à extremidade do céu."
Encontramos um evento de arrebatamento/ressurreição nas profecias de Daniel?
Agora, gostaria de analisar outra passagem em Daniel que alude ao evento do arrebatamento/ressurreição: Daniel 12:1-3.
Daniel 12 Naquele tempo se levantará Miguel, o grande príncipe, que se levanta a favor dos filhos do teu povo; e haverá um tempo de angústia, qual nunca houve, desde que houve nação até àquele tempo; e nesse tempo se livrará o teu povo, todo aquele que for achado escrito no livro. 2 E muitos dos que dormem no pó da terra ressuscitarão, uns para a vida eterna, e outros para vergonha e desprezo eterno. 3 Os sábios resplandecerão como o fulgor do firmamento, e os que a muitos conduzirem à justiça, como as estrelas, sempre e eternamente.
Em primeiro lugar, vemos uma linguagem semelhante em Daniel 12 aos comentários de Jesus sobre o período da Grande Tribulação em Mateus 24. “Haverá um tempo de angústia, qual nunca houve, desde que houve nação até àquele tempo”, soa muito semelhante a “Porque haverá então grande tribulação, como nunca houve desde o princípio do mundo até agora, nem jamais haverá”. Obviamente, estão a falar do mesmo evento.
Daniel também menciona o arrebatamento/ressurreição nas palavras: “Muitos dos que dormem no pó da terra ressuscitarão, uns para a vida eterna, e outros para vergonha e desprezo eterno”. Assim, novamente, temos o tempo de angústia seguido do arrebatamento/ressurreição. Mais adiante, em Daniel 12:7, vemos que os anjos estão a falar sobre o mesmo período de três anos e meio.
Daniel 12:7 E ouvi o homem vestido de linho, que estava sobre as águas do rio, quando levantou a sua mão direita e a sua mão esquerda para o céu, e jurou por aquele que vive para sempre que isso duraria um tempo, tempos e metade de um tempo (3 anos e meio); e, quando ele (o Anticristo) tiver acabado de dispersar o poder do povo santo, todas estas coisas se cumprirão.
Vemos no versículo acima que o Anticristo tribulará o povo de Deus durante este período de 3 anos e meio, tal como é referido nos outros capítulos de Daniel e no Apocalipse. Jesus voltará para resgatar os Seus filhos imediatamente após o período da tribulação, como vimos em Mateus 24:29-31. Em Apocalipse 8-10, vimos que a destruição que ocorrerá durante a Grande Tribulação trará uma destruição parcial ou de um terço da Terra. Vimos que as sete trombetas da tribulação soam antes de a ira de Deus se manifestar. As trombetas da tribulação precedem cronologicamente as taças da ira de Deus.
O que acontece aos santos que são arrebatados/ressuscitados?
As taças encontram-se em Apocalipse 16 e Apocalipse 19:11-21 e incluem a famosa Batalha do Armagedão. A ira de Deus é também mencionada em Apocalipse 11:18 como ocorrendo após a sétima trombeta, que já demonstrámos ser o evento do arrebatamento/ressurreição. Jesus resgata os verdadeiros crentes e estes são arrebatados para as Bodas do Cordeiro. As Bodas do Cordeiro são mencionadas nos primeiros versículos de Apocalipse 19. Embora a ira de Deus tenha começado na Terra, temos uma ideia do que está a acontecer no plano espiritual no Céu.
Apocalipse 19:7 Alegremo-nos, exultemos e demos-Lhe glória, porque são chegadas as bodas do Cordeiro, e já a sua esposa se aprontou. 8 Foi-lhe dado vestir-se de linho fino, puro e resplandecente; porque o linho fino são os atos de justiça dos santos. 9 Disse-me então: Escreve: Bem-aventurados os que são chamados à ceia das bodas do Cordeiro. E acrescentou: Estas são as verdadeiras palavras de Deus.
Vemos os santos ressuscitados a regozijarem-se com Cristo na ceia das bodas do Cordeiro. Jesus aludiu a esta ceia celestial em algumas das suas parábolas. Em Mateus 25:1-13, lê-se:
Mateus 25:1 Então o reino dos céus será semelhante a dez virgens que, tomando as suas lâmpadas, saíram ao encontro do noivo. 2 Cinco delas eram prudentes, e cinco, insensatas. 3 As insensatas levaram as suas lâmpadas, mas não levaram azeite consigo; 4 mas as prudentes levaram azeite nas suas vasilhas, juntamente com as lâmpadas. 5 E, demorando o noivo, todas dormitaram e dormiram. 6 À meia-noite, ouviu-se um grito: Eis o noivo! Saiam ao seu encontro! 7 Então todas as virgens se levantaram e prepararam as suas lâmpadas. 8 As insensatas disseram às prudentes: Dai-nos do vosso azeite, porque as nossas lâmpadas estão a apagar-se. 9 Mas as prudentes responderam: Não, para que não falte para nós e para vós; ide, antes, aos vendedores e comprai-o para vós.
Mateus 25:10 Enquanto elas foram comprar azeite, chegou o noivo; e as que estavam preparadas entraram com ele para as bodas, e fechou-se a porta. 11 Depois chegaram também as outras virgens, dizendo: Senhor, Senhor, abre-nos a porta! 12 Mas ele respondeu: Em verdade vos digo que não vos conheço. 13 Vigiai, pois, porque não sabeis o dia nem a hora em que o Filho do homem há-de vir.
A primeira coincidência é que, após o arrebatamento/ressurreição do fim dos tempos em Mateus 24, encontramos em Mateus 25 a menção de Jesus à Ceia das Bodas e às noivas que aguardavam para entrar. As diferentes noivas podem estar a referir-se a diferentes grupos de crentes. Na parábola de Jesus, apenas algumas noivas entraram na festa de casamento. Eram aquelas que se preparavam e que amavam verdadeiramente o seu Senhor e esposo.
Jesus também se referiu a si mesmo como o noivo.
Marcos 2:18 Os discípulos de João e dos fariseus costumavam jejuar; e, aproximando-se, disseram-lhe: Porque jejuam os discípulos de João e os fariseus, mas os teus discípulos não jejuam? 19 Jesus respondeu: Podem os noivos jejuar enquanto o noivo está com eles? Enquanto o noivo estiver com eles, não podem jejuar. 20 Mas virão dias em que o noivo lhes será tirado, e então jejuarão naqueles dias.
João Batista também testemunhou que Jesus era o noivo.
João 3:26 E, aproximando-se de João, disseram-lhe: Rabi, aquele que estava contigo além do Jordão, de quem tu deste testemunho, eis que está batizando, e todos vêm a ele. 27 Respondeu João: Ninguém pode receber coisa alguma, se não lhe for dada do céu. 28 Vós mesmos me dais testemunho de que eu disse: Eu não sou o Cristo, mas que fui enviado à sua frente. 29 Aquele que tem a noiva é o noivo; mas o amigo do noivo, que está presente e o ouve, alegra-se muito com a voz do noivo. Assim, a minha alegria está completa. 30 É necessário que ele cresça e que eu diminua.
João Batista chama a Jesus noivo e a si próprio amigo do noivo.
Jesus contou outra parábola sobre estar vestido com a roupa nupcial adequada.
Mateus 22:2-32: Jesus respondeu e voltou a falar-lhes por parábolas, dizendo: 2 O reino dos céus é semelhante a um certo rei que preparou um banquete de núpcias para o seu filho. 3 Enviou os seus servos a chamar os convidados para o banquete, mas eles não quiseram vir. 4 Então, enviou outros servos, dizendo: Dizei aos convidados: Eis que preparei o meu jantar; os meus bois e os meus novilhos gordos já foram abatidos, e tudo está pronto; vinde para o banquete. 5 Mas eles não deram importância e foram-se embora, um para a sua quinta, outro para o seu negócio. 6 Os outros, porém, agarraram os servos do rei, importunaram-nos e mataram-nos. 7 Quando o rei soube disto, ficou furioso e enviou os seus exércitos, destruiu aqueles assassinos e incendiou a sua cidade.
Mateus 22:8 Então disse aos seus servos: «As bodas estão preparadas, mas os convidados não eram dignos. 9 Ide, pois, às encruzilhadas e convidai para as bodas todos os que encontrardes». 10 Saindo, pois, aqueles servos, reuniram todos os que encontraram, bons e maus, e a sala das bodas ficou repleta de convidados. 11 Quando o rei entrou para ver os convidados, viu ali um homem que não estava trajado com roupa de noiva. 12 E disse-lhe: “Amigo, como entraste aqui sem roupa de noiva?” E ficou sem palavras. 13 Então o rei disse aos servos: Amarrai-o de pés e mãos, e lançai-o para fora, para as trevas; ali haverá choro e ranger de dentes. 14 Porque muitos são os chamados, mas poucos os escolhidos.
A veste representa a nossa justiça. Não podemos entrar na ceia das bodas com a nossa própria justiça. Devemos assumir a justiça de Cristo. Revestimo-nos da justiça de Cristo quando nos aproximamos d’Ele em humilde submissão e obediência, procurando o perdão dos nossos pecados. Então caminhamos com Ele em novidade de vida, amando-O e vivendo para Ele e para os outros. O linho fino que os santos vestem simboliza o facto de terem aceite Jesus como seu Senhor, Rei e Salvador, e de se comprometerem a viver e a servi-Lo. Assim, são cobertos com a Sua justiça. Já não dependem da sua própria justiça para entrar na ceia das bodas.
A nossa própria justiça não nos pode salvar?
A nossa própria justiça é como trapos menstruais fétidos, diz Isaías 64:6.
Isaías 64:6 Mas todos nós somos como o imundo, e todas as nossas justiças como trapo da imundícia; e todos nós murchamos como a folha, e as nossas iniquidades, como um vento, nos arrebatam.
O apóstolo Paulo diz-nos que a nossa fé em Cristo é imputada como justiça.
Romanos 4:3 Pois, que diz a Escritura? Abraão creu em Deus, e isso foi-lhe imputado como justiça. 4 Ora, ao que trabalha, o salário não é considerado como um favor, mas como uma dívida. 5 Mas ao que não trabalha, porém crê naquele que justifica o ímpio, a sua fé lhe é imputada como justiça.
Paulo escreve que obtemos a justiça pela fé em Cristo.
Romanos 9:30 Que diremos, pois? Que os gentios, que não procuravam a justiça, alcançaram a justiça, isto é, a justiça que vem da fé. 31 Mas Israel, que seguia a lei da justiça, não alcançou a lei da justiça. 32 Porquê? Porque não a procuraram pela fé, mas como que pelas obras da lei. Pois tropeçaram na pedra de tropeço, 33 como está escrito: Eis que ponho em Sião uma pedra de tropeço e rocha de escândalo; e todo aquele que nela crer não será envergonhado.
Na parábola de Jesus, uma pessoa sem a veste nupcial tentou entrar na ceia das bodas. Ela confiava na sua própria justiça para ser salva. Mas a nossa própria justiça não é suficiente, por mais que nos esforcemos ou nos convençamos do contrário. Como disse Jesus:
João 14:6 Disse-lhe Jesus: Eu sou o caminho, a verdade e a vida; ninguém vem ao Pai senão por Mim.
Se crermos em Jesus, não seremos envergonhados. Não seremos excluídos da festa de casamento. No discurso do apóstolo Pedro aos escribas e fariseus, encontramos a mesma afirmação.
Atos 4:12 E em nenhum outro há salvação, porque também debaixo do céu nenhum outro nome há, dado entre os homens, pelo qual devamos ser salvos.
Uma pessoa que não recebeu e amou Cristo não será admitida na ceia das bodas do Cordeiro. Muitos ainda tentam entrar no céu através da sua própria justiça. Mas, como cantava o salmista David, “não há justiça, nem sequer uma”.
Salmo 14:2 O Senhor olhou lá do céu para os filhos dos homens, para ver se havia algum que tivesse entendimento e buscasse a Deus. 3 Todos se desviaram, todos se tornaram juntamente impuros; não há ninguém que faça o bem, não há sequer uma.
Se formos honestos connosco próprios, sabemos que a nossa própria justiça falha todos os dias, muitas vezes ao dia. Se confiássemos na nossa própria justiça para nos salvar, ninguém seria salvo.
Em Malaquias, lê-se:
Malaquias 4:2a Mas para vós, os que temeis o meu nome, nascerá o Sol da justiça, trazendo a cura nas suas asas.
Jesus é esse Sol da justiça e a Ele devemos vir.
Jeremias 23:5 Eis que vêm dias, diz o Senhor, em que levantarei a David um Renovo justo; e reinará um Rei, e prosperará, e executará o juízo e a justiça na terra.
Jesus é o ramo justo que Deus levantou e em quem podemos confiar.
O apóstolo João diz-nos:
João 1:12 Mas, a todos quantos o receberam, deu-lhes o poder de se tornarem filhos de Deus, a saber, aos que crêem no seu nome.
É crendo, recebendo, absorvendo a essência de Cristo no nosso próprio ser, amando-O e obedecendo-Lhe, que somos transformados em filhos de Deus. Então, somos revestidos da justiça que há em Cristo. “Nada trago nas minhas mãos. Simplesmente à Tua cruz me apego.” “Fui lavado no sangue do Cordeiro.”
Há outras referências à Ceia das Bodas do Cordeiro?
O apóstolo Paulo fala-nos do tribunal de Cristo, que pode ser simultâneo à Ceia das Bodas.
2 Coríntios 5:10 Porque todos devemos comparecer perante o tribunal de Cristo, para que cada um receba segundo o que tiver feito por meio do corpo, ou bem, ou mal.
Daniel 12:2-3 parece semelhante à visão de Paulo.
Daniel 12:2 Muitos dos que dormem no pó da terra ressuscitarão, uns para a vida eterna, e outros para vergonha e desprezo eterno. Os sábios resplandecerão como o fulgor do firmamento, e os que a muitos conduzirem à justiça, como as estrelas, sempre e eternamente.
Alguns podem receber recompensas maiores do que outros, como Paulo explicou em 1 Coríntios 3:14-15.
1 Coríntios 3:14 Se a obra que alguém edificou sobre o fundamento permanecer, esse receberá recompensa. Se a obra de alguém se queimar, sofrerá prejuízo; contudo, ele próprio será salvo, mas como que através do fogo.
Assim sendo, especulamos que as Bodas do Cordeiro possam ser o local onde receberemos as nossas recompensas pela nossa obediência ao Senhor ou pela nossa inobediência e, consequentemente, pela falta de recompensas. Contudo, alguns brilharão como as estrelas para sempre.
Para passar para a parte seguinte, clique aqui amanhã
La Gran Tribulación y la Ira de Dios: La Distinción en Apocalipsis 14 - Parte 5 de 8
La Gran Tribulación y la Ira de Dios: La Distinción en Apocalipsis 14 - Parte 5 de 8
Dennis Edwards
Antes de concluir esta sección sobre la Gran Tribulación y su diferencia con la ira de Dios, quiero analizar otro pasaje del Apocalipsis que se encuentra en Apocalipsis 14:13-16.
Apocalipsis 14:13 Oí una voz del cielo que me decía: «Escribe: Bienaventurados los muertos que de aquí en adelante mueren en el Señor. Sí, dice el Espíritu, para que descansen de sus trabajos, pues sus obras los siguen». 14 Miré, y vi una nube blanca; y sobre la nube estaba sentado uno semejante al Hijo del Hombre, que tenía sobre su cabeza una corona de oro, y en su mano una hoz aguda. 15 Y salió otro ángel del templo, clamando a gran voz al que estaba sentado sobre la nube: «Mete tu hoz y siega, porque es tiempo de segar». Porque la cosecha de la tierra está madura. 16 Y el que estaba sentado en la nube metió su hoz en la tierra, y la tierra fue segada.
En el versículo 13 vemos que los santos siguen siendo asesinados por el Anticristo cuando la visión se dirige a alguien semejante al Hijo del Hombre que viene a segar. Jesús, al responder al interrogatorio del sumo sacerdote, se autodenominó Hijo del Hombre. En Marcos 14:61-62 leemos:
Marcos 14:61 Pero él calló y no respondió nada. De nuevo el sumo sacerdote le preguntó: ¿Eres tú el Cristo, el Hijo del Bendito? 62 Jesús respondió: Yo soy; y veréis al Hijo del Hombre sentado a la diestra del Poder, y viniendo en las nubes del cielo.
Revisemos Daniel 7:13-14 para ver a quién consideraban los judíos del Antiguo Testamento como el Hijo del Hombre.
Daniel 7:13 Vi en las visiones de la noche, y he aquí, uno semejante al Hijo del Hombre venía con las nubes del cielo, y llegó hasta el Anciano de Días, y lo presentaron ante él. 14 Y le fue dado dominio, gloria y reino, para que todos los pueblos, naciones y lenguas le sirvieran; su dominio es un dominio eterno, que no pasará, y su reino, uno que no será destruido.
Tradicionalmente, los judíos creían que estos versículos hablaban del Mesías judío venidero. El Anciano de Días, Dios Padre, daría al Hijo del Hombre, o en otras palabras, al Mesías, el reino para gobernar. La referencia en Apocalipsis 14:14 parece referirse a la venida de Jesús para recoger su cosecha.
En Mateo 9:35-38 vemos que Jesús consideró que las ovejas perdidas eran la cosecha que debía ser recogida.
Mateo 9:35 Jesús recorría todas las ciudades y aldeas, enseñando en sus sinagogas, predicando el evangelio del reino y sanando toda enfermedad y dolencia entre el pueblo. 36 Al ver a las multitudes, se compadeció de ellas, porque estaban desfallecidas y dispersas como ovejas sin pastor. 37 Entonces dijo a sus discípulos: «La mies a la verdad es mucha, pero los obreros pocos. 38 Rogad, pues, al Señor de la mies que envíe obreros a su mies».
Podemos concluir, entonces, que Apocalipsis 14:14-16 es otra imagen del rapto/resurrección al final del período de la gran tribulación, antes de la ira de Dios que le seguirá. Apocalipsis 14:17-20 confirma esta interpretación, y la imagen que se utiliza es la de la ira de Dios.
Apocalipsis 14:17 Y salió otro ángel del templo que está en el cielo, teniendo también una hoz afilada. 18 Y salió otro ángel del altar, el cual tenía poder sobre el fuego, y clamó a gran voz al que tenía la hoz afilada, diciendo: «Mete tu hoz afilada y recoge los racimos de la vid de la tierra, porque sus uvas están maduras». 19 Entonces el ángel metió su hoz en la tierra, y recogió la vid de la tierra, y la echó en el gran lagar de la ira de Dios.
Vemos que el capítulo 14:17-20 se refiere a la ira de Dios. En la sección 14:14-16, el Hijo del Hombre estaba cosechando, lo cual, según hemos concluido, es una imagen del rapto/resurrección, como en Mateo 24:29-31 y Marcos 13.
Marcos 13:26-27: «Entonces verán al Hijo del Hombre viniendo en las nubes con gran poder y gloria. Y entonces enviará a sus ángeles, y reunirá a sus escogidos de los cuatro vientos, desde el extremo de la tierra hasta el extremo del cielo».
¿Encontramos un rapto/resurrección en las profecías de Daniel?
Ahora quisiera examinar otro pasaje de Daniel que alude al rapto/resurrección: Daniel 12:1-3.
Daniel 12 En aquel tiempo se levantará Miguel, el gran príncipe que defiende a los hijos de tu pueblo; y habrá un tiempo de angustia, cual nunca lo hubo desde que existen naciones hasta aquel tiempo; pero en aquel tiempo tu pueblo será librado, todos los que se hallen inscritos en el libro. 2 Y muchos de los que duermen en el polvo de la tierra despertarán, unos para vida eterna, y otros para vergüenza y desprecio eterno. 3 Y los sabios resplandecerán como el resplandor del firmamento; y los que guían a muchos a la justicia, como las estrellas por siempre jamás.
Primero, vemos en Daniel 12 una redacción similar a los comentarios de Jesús sobre el período de la Gran Tribulación en Mateo 24. «Habrá tiempo de angustia, cual nunca lo hubo desde que existen las naciones hasta aquel tiempo», suena muy parecido a «Porque entonces habrá gran tribulación, cual no la ha habido desde el principio del mundo hasta ahora, ni la habrá jamás». Obviamente, se refieren al mismo evento.
Daniel también ve el rapto/resurrección en las palabras: «Muchos de los que duermen en el polvo de la tierra despertarán, unos para vida eterna, y otros para vergüenza y desprecio eterno». Así pues, de nuevo tenemos el tiempo de angustia seguido del rapto/resurrección. Más adelante, en Daniel 12:7, vemos que los ángeles hablan del mismo período de tres años y medio.
Daniel 12:7 Y oí al hombre vestido de lino, que estaba sobre las aguas del río, cuando alzó su mano derecha y su mano izquierda al cielo, y juró por el que vive para siempre que esto sería por un tiempo, tiempos y medio (tres años y medio); y cuando él (el Anticristo) haya terminado de dispersar el poder del pueblo santo, todo esto se cumplirá.
Vemos en el versículo anterior que el Anticristo someterá al pueblo de Dios a tribulación durante ese período de tres años y medio, tal como se menciona en otros capítulos de Daniel y en Apocalipsis. Jesús regresará para rescatar a sus hijos inmediatamente después del período de tribulación, como hemos visto en Mateo 24:29-31.
En Apocalipsis 8-10 hemos visto que la destrucción que ocurrirá durante la Gran Tribulación traerá una destrucción parcial o total de la tierra. Hemos visto que las siete trompetas de la tribulación suenan antes de que se manifieste la ira de Dios. Las trompetas de la tribulación preceden cronológicamente a las copas de la ira de Dios.
¿Qué sucede con los santos que son arrebatados/resucitados?
Las copas se mencionan en Apocalipsis 16 y Apocalipsis 19:11-21 e incluyen la famosa Batalla de Armagedón. La ira de Dios también se menciona en Apocalipsis 11:18, ocurriendo después de la séptima trompeta, que, como hemos demostrado, representa el arrebatamiento/resurrección. Jesús rescata a los verdaderos creyentes, quienes son llevados al Último Aliento del Cordero.
El Último Aliento del Cordero se alude en los primeros versículos de Apocalipsis 19. Mientras la ira de Dios comienza en la tierra, se nos da una imagen de lo que sucede en el plano espiritual en el Cielo.
Apocalipsis 19:7 Alegrémonos y regocijémonos, y démosle gloria, porque han llegado las bodas del Cordero, y su esposa se ha preparado. 8 Y se le concedió vestirse de lino fino, limpio y resplandeciente, porque el lino fino son las justicias de los santos. 9 Y me dijo: Escribe: Bienaventurados los que son llamados a la cena de las bodas del Cordero. Y me dijo: Estas son palabras verdaderas de Dios.
Vemos que los santos resucitados se regocijan con Cristo en la cena de las bodas del Cordero. Jesús aludió a esta cena de bodas celestial en algunas de sus parábolas. En Mateo 25:1-13 leemos:
Mateo 25 Entonces el reino de los cielos será semejante a diez vírgenes que, tomando sus lámparas, salieron a recibir al novio. 2 Cinco de ellas eran prudentes, y cinco insensatas. 3 Las insensatas tomaron sus lámparas, pero no llevaron aceite consigo. 4 Pero las prudentes llevaron aceite en sus vasijas junto con sus lámparas. 5 Mientras el novio tardaba, todas cabecearon y se durmieron. 6 A medianoche se oyó un clamor: «¡Aquí viene el novio! ¡Salid a recibirlo!». 7 Entonces todas aquellas vírgenes se levantaron y prepararon sus lámparas. 8 Las insensatas dijeron a las prudentes: «Dadnos de vuestro aceite, porque nuestras lámparas se apagan». 9 Pero las prudentes respondieron: «No, no sea que no haya suficiente para nosotras y para vosotras; id más bien a los que venden y comprad para vosotras mismas».
Mateo 25:10 Mientras ellas iban a comprar, llegó el novio; y las que estaban preparadas entraron con él a la boda, y se cerró la puerta. 11 Después llegaron también las otras vírgenes, diciendo: «Señor, Señor, ábrenos». 12 Pero él respondió: «De cierto os digo que no os conozco. 13 Velad, pues, porque no sabéis ni el día ni la hora en que el Hijo del Hombre vendrá».
La primera coincidencia es que, tras el rapto y la resurrección descritos en Mateo 24, encontramos en Mateo 25 que Jesús habla de la Cena de las Bodas y de las novias que esperaban para entrar. Las distintas novias podrían aludir a diferentes grupos de creyentes. En la parábola de Jesús, solo algunas de las novias entraron al banquete nupcial. Eran aquellas que se habían preparado y que habían amado verdaderamente a su Señor y esposo.
Jesús también se refirió a sí mismo como el esposo.
Marcos 2:18 Los discípulos de Juan y de los fariseos solían ayunar. Vinieron a Jesús y le preguntaron: «¿Por qué ayunan los discípulos de Juan y de los fariseos, y tus discípulos no?». 19 Jesús les respondió: «¿Acaso pueden ayunar los invitados a la boda mientras el novio está con ellos? Mientras el novio esté con ellos, no pueden ayunar. 20 Pero vendrán días en que el novio les será quitado; entonces sí ayunarán en aquellos días».
Juan el Bautista también dio testimonio de que Jesús era el novio.
Juan 3:26 Entonces llegaron a Juan y le dijeron: «Rabí, aquel que estaba contigo al otro lado del Jordán, de quien diste testimonio, he aquí que él bautiza, y todos acuden a él». 27 Juan respondió: «Nadie puede recibir nada si no le es dado del cielo». 28 Vosotros mismos me dais testimonio de que dije: Yo no soy el Cristo, sino que he sido enviado delante de él. 29 El que tiene la novia es el novio; pero el amigo del novio, que está presente y lo oye, se alegra mucho al oír la voz del novio. Este es, pues, mi gozo. 30 Es necesario que él crezca, y que yo disminuya.
Juan el Bautista llama a Jesús el novio y a sí mismo el amigo del novio.
Jesús dio otra parábola sobre llevar el traje de bodas adecuado.
Mateo 22 Y respondiendo Jesús, les habló de nuevo por parábolas, diciendo: 2 El reino de los cielos es semejante a un rey que hizo una boda para su hijo, 3 y envió a sus siervos a llamar a los invitados a la boda; pero no quisieron venir. 4 Volvió a enviar a otros siervos, diciéndoles: Decid a los invitados: He aquí, he preparado mi banquete; mis bueyes y mis animales engordados han sido sacrificados, y todo está listo. Venid a la boda. 5 Pero ellos no hicieron caso y se fueron, cada uno a su campo y otro a sus negocios. 6 Entonces los demás tomaron a sus siervos, los maltrataron y los mataron. 7 Al oír esto, el rey se enfureció y envió a sus ejércitos, destruyó a aquellos asesinos y quemó su ciudad.
Mateo 22:8 Entonces dijo a sus siervos: La boda está lista, pero los invitados no eran dignos. 9 Id, pues, por los caminos y a todos los que encontréis, invitadlos a la boda. 10 Así que aquellos siervos salieron a los caminos y reunieron a todos los que encontraron, buenos y malos; y la boda se llenó de invitados. 11 Cuando el rey entró a ver a los invitados, vio allí a un hombre que no llevaba el traje de bodas. 12 Y le dijo: «Amigo, ¿cómo entraste aquí sin traje de bodas?». Él se quedó sin palabras. 13 Entonces el rey dijo a los sirvientes: «Átenlo de pies y manos, sáquenlo y échenlo a las tinieblas de afuera; allí será el lloro y el crujir de dientes. 14 Porque muchos son llamados, pero pocos escogidos».
El traje representa nuestra justicia. No podemos entrar en la cena de bodas por nuestra propia justicia. Debemos asumir la justicia de Cristo. Nos revestimos de la justicia de Cristo cuando nos acercamos a Él con humilde sumisión y obediencia, buscando el perdón de nuestros pecados. Entonces caminamos con Él en novedad de vida, amándolo y viviendo para Él y para los demás. El lino fino que visten los santos simboliza que han aceptado a Jesús como su Señor, Rey y Salvador, y que se han comprometido a vivir y servirle. Así, están cubiertos por Su justicia. Ya no dependen de su propia justicia para entrar en la Cena de las Bodas.
¿Acaso nuestra propia justicia no puede salvarnos?
Nuestra propia justicia es como trapos sucios y apestosos, dice Isaías 64:6.
Isaías 64:6 Todos nosotros somos como cosa inmunda, y todas nuestras justicias como trapos de inmundicia; todos nos marchitamos como la hoja, y nuestras iniquidades, como el viento, nos llevan.
El apóstol Pablo nos dice que nuestra fe en Cristo se nos cuenta por justicia.
Romanos 4:3 Porque ¿qué dice la Escritura? Abraham creyó a Dios, y le fue contado por justicia. 4 Al que trabaja, el premio no se le cuenta por gracia, sino por deuda. 5 Pero al que no trabaja, sino que cree en aquel que justifica al impío, su fe le es contada por justicia.
Pablo escribe que obtenemos justicia mediante la fe en Cristo.
Romanos 9:30 ¿Qué diremos, pues? Que los gentiles, que no buscaban la justicia, alcanzaron la justicia, la justicia que es por la fe. 31 Pero Israel, que buscaba la ley de la justicia, no la alcanzó. 32 ¿Por qué? Porque no la buscaban por fe, sino como por las obras de la ley. Pues tropezaron en aquella piedra de tropiezo; 33 como está escrito: «He aquí, yo pongo en Sion piedra de tropiezo y roca de escándalo; y todo aquel que en él cree, no será avergonzado».
En la parábola de Jesús, una persona sin el traje de bodas intentó entrar en la cena nupcial. Confiaba en su propia justicia para salvarse. Pero nuestra propia justicia no es suficiente, por mucho que nos esforcemos o nos convenzamos de que lo es. Como dijo Jesús:
Juan 14:6 Jesús le dijo: Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida; nadie viene al Padre sino por mí.
Si creemos en Jesús, no seremos avergonzados. No seremos excluidos de la cena nupcial. En el discurso del apóstol Pedro a los escribas y fariseos encontramos la misma afirmación:
Hechos 4:12 Y en ningún otro hay salvación; porque no hay otro nombre bajo el cielo, dado a los hombres, en que podamos ser salvos.
Quien no ha recibido ni amado a Cristo no podrá entrar en la cena nupcial del Cordero. Muchos aún intentan entrar al cielo mediante su propia justicia. Pero, como cantó el salmista David: «No hay justicia, ni siquiera una».
Salmo 14:2 El Señor miró desde el cielo a los hijos de los hombres, para ver si había alguno que entendiera y buscara a Dios. 3 Todos se desviaron, todos se corrompieron; no hay quien haga lo bueno, ni siquiera uno.
Si somos honestos con nosotros mismos, sabemos que nuestra propia justicia se queda corta cada día, muchas veces al día. Si confiáramos en nuestra propia justicia para salvarnos, nadie se salvaría.
En Malaquías leemos:
Malaquías 4:2a Pero a vosotros que teméis mi nombre, nacerá el Sol de justicia, y en sus alas traerá sanidad.
Jesús es ese Sol de justicia, y a Él debemos acudir.
Jeremías 23:5 «He aquí, vienen días —dice Jehová— en que levantaré a David un retoño justo, y reinará un rey que prosperará, y hará justicia y derecho en la tierra».
Jesús es el retoño justo que Dios ha levantado y en quien podemos confiar.
El apóstol Juan nos dice:
Juan 1:12 «Mas a todos los que le recibieron, a los que creen en su nombre, les dio potestad de ser hechos hijos de Dios».
Es al creer, al recibir, al absorber la esencia de Cristo en nuestro ser, al amarlo y obedecerle, que somos transformados en hijos de Dios. Entonces somos revestidos de la justicia que está en Cristo. «Nada traigo en mis manos; solamente a tu cruz me aferro». «He sido lavado en la sangre del Cordero».
¿Hay otras referencias a las bodas del Cordero?
El apóstol Pablo nos habla del tribunal de Cristo, que podría coincidir con la cena de bodas.
2 Corintios 5:10 Porque es necesario que todos comparezcamos ante el tribunal de Cristo, para que cada uno reciba lo que le corresponda según lo que haya hecho mientras estaba en el cuerpo, sea bueno o malo.
Daniel 12:2-3 se asemeja a la visión de Pablo.
Daniel 12:2 Muchos de los que duermen en el polvo de la tierra despertarán, unos para vida eterna, y otros para vergüenza y eterna condenación. 3 Los sabios resplandecerán como el resplandor del firmamento; y los que guían a muchos a la justicia, como las estrellas por siempre jamás.
Algunos recibirán mayores recompensas que otros, como explica Pablo en 1 Corintios 3:14-15.
1 Corintios 3:14 Si la obra que alguno ha edificado sobre el suelo permanece, recibirá recompensa. 15 Si la obra de alguno se quema, sufrirá pérdida; pero él mismo será salvo, aunque como por fuego.
Por lo tanto, especulamos que la Cena de las Bodas del Cordero puede ser donde recibimos nuestra recompensa por nuestra obediencia al Señor o por nuestra desobediencia y, por consiguiente, la falta de recompensa. Sin embargo, algunos brillarán como las estrellas para siempre.
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