Why do we Meet the Lord in the Air?

The Return of Jesus

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a SHOUT, with the voice of the archangel, and with the TRUMP of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord IN THE AIR: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Question:

Jesus comes from the Third Heaven [the abode of God] to the First Heaven [the Earth’s atmosphere, its clouds in the visible sky. This physical, created realm is the space we see above us, where the birds fly.]

Why does Jesus not come and set His feet upon Earth?

Answer:

CHRIST took HUMAN NATURE upon Him and BORE IT, pure and spotless, INTO THE HEAVENLY COURTS. HE WILL BEAR THIS NATURE THROUGH THE AGES OF ETERNITY.

Christ, as a divine Being, at the time of His ascension, took INTO THE HEAVENLY COURTS A GLORIFIED HUMANITY.

Our Earth has changed. It was created by Jesus through the power of God [described by God as being “very good”] but since then has become polluted by sin and destroyed by the Great Flood. Prior to the Flood, the axis of the Earth was not tilted – and as such it did not have 4 seasons, it had even day and night time durations and there was no rain.

Since the Flood, the axis of the Earth has been tilted [at about 23.5 degrees], which gives rise to the seasons, day and night time lengths, etc..

Our Earth is contaminated. Should Jesus set foot upon our Earth, then His GLORIFIED HUMANITY would also become contaminated and unfit for THE HEAVENLY COURTS.

So His people are raised up with Glorified bodies to unite with Him “in the air”.

Question:

But what about the angels? They have visited Earth and returned to Heaven.

Answer:

Angels are spiritual entities created by Jesus through the power of God and are not made of the same substance as humans; they lack physical bodies.

ANGELS DO NOT HAVE PHYSICAL BODIES in their natural state; they are considered spiritual or immaterial beings. However, they can assume physical forms to interact with the physical world or communicate with humans.

While angels are incorporeal [meaning = not composed of matter; having no material existence], they can interact with the physical world by temporarily creating or assuming a physical body to accomplish their missions.

When an angel assumes a human body, it uses the body as an instrument while retaining its full angelic power and strength.

Descriptions of angels in religious texts that mention wings, arms, or other physical features are often considered anthropomorphic [meaning that they convey their spiritual abilities and tasks rather than adopt a literal physical form.

Angels can appear as anything from a human to a glowing light, but these are assumed forms they control, not their inherent nature.

In conclusion, we can summarise the views of trichotomic [an adjective meaning something is divided into three parts, categories, or classes. A common example is the theological view of humans as consisting of three parts: body, spirit, and soul.] theologians as follows:
Angels are, or have, spirits.
ANGELS DO NOT HAVE BODIES LIKE MEN; if they do have bodies, they are in some sense spiritual bodies.
Angels do not have souls.

The Activities of False Christs and False Prophets

Matthew 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. [Mark 13:22]

Matthew 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.

Matthew 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, [he is] in the secret chambers; believe [it] not.

Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here [is] Christ; or, lo, [he is] there; believe [him] not:

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect. [Matthew 24:24]

Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

When Jesus Returns

…. Then JESUS’ silver trumpet sounded, as he descended on the cloud [of angels], wrapped in flames of fire [2 Thessalonians 1:7-8] He gazed on the graves of the SLEEPING SAINTS, then raised his eyes and hands to HEAVEN and cried out, [John 5:25.] Awake! Awake! Awake! ye that sleep in the dust, and arise. Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 [in number] shouted, Hallelujah! as they recognised their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. [1 Thessalonians 4:17.] ….. {1847 WLF 14.3b} [Formerly in the 1846 The Day Star]

JESUS is coming, but not as at HIS FIRST ADVENT, a babe in Bethlehem, not as he rode into Jerusalem, when the disciples praised GOD with a loud voice and cried, Hosannah; but in the glory of the FATHER, and with all the retinue of HOLY ANGELS with him, to escort him on his way to earth. All HEAVEN will be emptied of the angels. While the waiting SAINTS will be looking for him, and gazing into HEAVEN, as were the “men of Galilee” When he ascended from the Mount of Olivet. – Then, those only who are HOLY, those who have followed fully the meek Pattern will, with rapturous joy, exclaim as they behold him, “Lo, this is our GOD, we have waited for him, and he will save us.” And they will be changed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump,” that wakes the SLEEPING SAINTS, and calls them forth from their dusty beds, clothed with glorious immortality, shouting, Victory! Victory! over death and the grave. The changed SAINTS are caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, never more to be separated from the object of their love. {RH, June 10, 1852 par. 9}

But the PEOPLE of GOD will not be misled. The teachings of this FALSE CHRIST are not in accordance with the SCRIPTURES. His blessing is pronounced upon the worshippers of the BEAST and his image, – the very class upon whom the BIBLE declares that GOD’S unmingled wrath shall be poured out. And, furthermore, SATAN IS NOT PERMITTED TO COUNTERFEIT THE MANNER OF CHRIST’S ADVENT. The SCRIPTURES teach that “as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the COMING of the SON of MAN be;” [Matthew 24:27.] that he “cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him;” [Revelation 1:7.] that he will “descend from HEAVEN with a shout, with the VOICE of the ARCHANGEL, and with the trump of God;” [1 Thessalonians 4:16.] that he will “come in his glory, and all the HOLY ANGELS with him,” [Matthew 25:31.] and will “send his ANGELS with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect.” [Matthew 24:31.] Those who have received the love of the TRUTH will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the TESTIMONY of the SCRIPTURES they will detect the deceiver in his disguise. {1884 4SP 443.1}

And, furthermore, Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of CHRIST’S ADVENT. The SAVIOUR has warned HIS PEOPLE against deception upon this point, and has clearly foretold the manner of HIS SECOND COMING. “There shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. . . . Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the COMING of the SON of MAN be.” [Matthew 24:24-27, 31; 25:31; Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.] This coming, there is no possibility of counterfeiting. It will be universally known — witnessed by the whole world. {1888 GC88 625.1}

Evil Angels Appear as Human Beings

Satan will use every opportunity to seduce men from their allegiance to God. He and the angels who fell with him will appear on the earth as men, seeking to deceive. God’s angels also will appear as men, and will use every means in their power to defeat the purposes of the enemy. – 8MR 399 (1903). {1992 LDE 160.2}

Evil angels in the form of men will talk with those who know the TRUTH. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements of the messengers of God. . . . Have Seventh-day Adventists forgotten the warning given in the sixth chapter of Ephesians? We are engaged in a warfare against the hosts of darkness. UNLESS WE FOLLOW OUR LEADER CLOSELY, SATAN WILL OBTAIN THE VICTORY OVER US. – 3SM 411 (1903). {1992 LDE 160.3}

EVIL ANGELS IN THE FORM OF BELIEVERS WILL WORK IN OUR RANKS TO BRING IN A STRONG SPIRIT OF UNBELIEF. Let not even this discourage you, but bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic agencies. These powers of evil will assemble in our meetings, not to receive a blessing, but to counterwork the influences of the Spirit of God. – 2MCP 504, 505 (1909). {1992 LDE 161.1}

Personation of the Dead

IT IS NOT DIFFICULT FOR THE EVIL ANGELS TO REPRESENT BOTH SAINTS AND SINNERS WHO HAVE DIED, AND MAKE THESE REPRESENTATIONS VISIBLE TO HUMAN EYES. These manifestations will be more frequent, and developments of a more startling character will appear as we near the close of time. – Ev 604 (1875). {1992 LDE 161.2}

It is Satan’s most successful and fascinating delusion – one calculated to take hold of the sympathies of those who have laid their loved ones in the grave. EVIL ANGELS COME IN THE FORM OF THOSE LOVED ONES AND RELATE INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH THEIR LIVES, AND PERFORM ACTS WHICH THEY PERFORMED WHILE LIVING. In this way they lead persons to believe that their dead friends are angels, hovering over them and communicating with them. These evil angels, who assume to be the deceased friends, are regarded with a certain idolatry, and with many their word has greater weight than the Word of God. – ST Aug. 26, 1889. {1992 LDE 161.3}

He [Satan] has power to bring before men the appearance of their departed friends. The counterfeit is perfect; the familiar look, the words, the tone, are reproduced with marvelous distinctness. . . . Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating beloved relatives or friends and declaring the most dangerous heresies. These visitants will appeal to our tenderest sympathies and will work miracles to sustain their pretensions. – GC 552, 560 (1911). {1992 LDE 161.4}

Satan Personates Christ

If men are so easily misled now, how will they stand when SATAN SHALL PERSONATE CHRIST, AND WORK MIRACLES? Who will be unmoved by his misrepresentations then – professing to be Christ when it is only Satan assuming the person of Christ, and apparently working the works of Christ? – 2SM 394 (1897). {1992 LDE 162.2}

SATAN will take the field and personate Christ. He WILL MISREPRESENT, MISAPPLY, AND PERVERT EVERYTHING HE POSSIBLY CAN. – TM 411 (1898). {1992 LDE 162.3}

A power from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama – Satan coming as Christ, and working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in those who are binding themselves together in secret societies. – 8T 28 (1904). {1992 LDE 162.4}

Satan Resembles Christ in Every Particular

There is a limit beyond which Satan cannot go, and here he calls deception to his aid and counterfeits the work which he has not power actually to perform. In the last days he will appear in such a manner as to make men believe him to be Christ come the second time into the world. He will indeed transform himself into an angel of light. But while he will bear the appearance of Christ in every particular, so far as mere appearance goes, it will deceive none but those who, like Pharaoh, are seeking to resist the TRUTH. – 5T 698 (1889). {1992 LDE 163.1}

The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, HE CLAIMS TO HAVE CHANGED THE SABBATH TO SUNDAY, AND COMMANDS ALL TO HALLOW THE DAY WHICH HE HAS BLESSED. – GC 624 (1911). {1992 LDE 163.3}

Satan Pretends to Answer the Saints’ Prayers

SATAN sees that he is about to lose his case. He cannot sweep in the whole world. He makes one last desperate effort to overcome the faithful by deception. He does this in personating Christ. He CLOTHES HIMSELF WITH THE GARMENTS OF ROYALTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCURATELY DESCRIBED IN THE VISION OF JOHN. He has power to do this. He will appear to his deluded followers, the Christian world who received not the love of the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (transgression of the law), as Christ coming the second time. {1992 LDE 164.1}

He proclaims himself Christ, and he is believed to be Christ, a beautiful, majestic being clothed with majesty and, with SOFT VOICE AND PLEASANT WORDS, with glory unsurpassed by anything their mortal eyes had yet beheld. Then his deceived, deluded followers set up a shout of victory, “Christ has come the second time! Christ has come! He has lifted up His hands just as He did when He was upon the earth, and blessed us.”. . . {1992 LDE 164.2}

The saints look on with amazement. Will they also be deceived? Will they worship Satan? Angels of God are about them. A clear, firm, musical voice is heard, “Look up.” {1992 LDE 164.3}

There was one object before the praying ones – the final and eternal salvation of their souls. This object was before them constantly – that immortal life was promised to those who endure unto the end. Oh, how earnest and fervent had been their desires. The judgment and eternity were in view. Their eyes by faith were fixed on the blazing throne, before which the white-robed ones were to stand. This restrained them from the indulgence of sin. . . . {1992 LDE 164.4}

One effort more, and then Satan’s last device is employed. He hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them. This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their prayers are answered. – Ms 16, 1884. {1992 LDE 165.1}

How the Counterfeit Differs From the Genuine

SATAN IS NOT PERMITTED TO COUNTERFEIT THE MANNER OF CHRIST’S ADVENT. – GC 625 (1911). {1992 LDE 165.2}

Satan . . . will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty miracles; and men will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ. WE SHALL BE COMMANDED TO WORSHIP THIS BEING, whom the world will glorify as Christ. What shall we do? Tell them that Christ has warned us against just such a foe, who is man’s worst enemy, yet who claims to be God, and that when Christ shall make His appearance it will be with power and great glory, accompanied by ten thousand times ten thousand angels and thousands of thousands, and that when He shall come we shall know His voice. – 6BC 1106 (1888). {1992 LDE 165.3}

SATAN IS striving to gain every advantage. . . . DISGUISED AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT, HE WILL WALK THE EARTH AS A WONDER-WORKER. IN BEAUTIFUL LANGUAGE HE WILL PRESENT LOFTY SENTIMENTS; GOOD WORDS WILL BE SPOKEN BY HIM AND GOOD DEEDS PERFORMED. Christ will be personified. But on one point there will be a marked distinction – SATAN WILL TURN THE PEOPLE FROM THE LAW OF GOD. Notwithstanding this, SO WELL WILL HE COUNTERFEIT RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, HE WOULD DECEIVE THE VERY ELECT. Crowned heads, presidents, rulers in high places, will bow to his false theories. – FE 471, 472 (1897). {1992 LDE 166.1}

Miracles Will Be Performed

THE SICK WILL BE HEALED before us. MIRACLES WILL BE PERFORMED IN OUR SIGHT. Are we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the lying wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited? – 1T 302 (1862). {1992 LDE 166.2}

MEN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL SPIRITS WILL WORK MIRACLES. THEY WILL MAKE PEOPLE SICK BY CASTING THEIR SPELL UPON THEM, AND WILL THEN REMOVE THE SPELL, leading others to say that those who were sick have been miraculously healed. This Satan has done again and again. – 2SM 53 (1903). {1992 LDE 166.3}

Wonderful scenes, with which Satan will be closely connected, will soon take place. God’s Word declares that Satan will work miracles. He will make people sick, and then will suddenly remove from them his satanic power. They will then be regarded as healed. These works of apparent healing will bring Seventh-day Adventists to the test. – 2SM 53 (1904). {1992 LDE 166.4}

Satan can, through a species of deceptions, perform wonders that will appear to be genuine miracles. It was this he hoped to make a test question with the Israelites at the time of their deliverance from Egypt. – 2SM 52 (1907). {1992 LDE 167.1}

Fire From Heaven

We must not trust the claims of men. They may, as Christ represents, profess to work miracles in healing the sick. Is this marvelous, when just behind them stands THE GREAT DECEIVER, THE MIRACLE WORKER WHO WILL YET BRING DOWN FIRE FROM HEAVEN IN THE SIGHT OF MEN? – 2SM 49 (1887). {1992 LDE 167.2}

It is stated in the Word that THE ENEMY WILL WORK THROUGH HIS AGENTS WHO HAVE DEPARTED FROM THE FAITH, AND THEY WILL SEEMINGLY WORK MIRACLES, EVEN TO THE BRINGING DOWN OF FIRE OUT OF HEAVEN IN THE SIGHT OF MEN. – 2SM 54 (1907). {1992 LDE 167.5}

“He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do” (Revelation 13:13-14). No mere impostures are here foretold. Men are deceived by the miracles which Satan’s agents have power to do, not which they pretend to do. – GC 553 (1911). {1992 LDE 168.1}

Satan Will Be Deified

In this age ANTICHRIST will appear as the true Christ, and THEN THE LAW OF GOD WILL BE FULLY MADE VOID IN THE NATIONS OF OUR WORLD. Rebellion against God’s holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is SATAN CLOTHED AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, “Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her” [Revelation 18:8]. – TM 62 (1893). {1992 LDE 168.2}

Miracles Prove Nothing

Go to God for yourselves, pray for divine enlightenment, that you may know that you do know what is truth, that when the wonderful miracle-working power shall be displayed, and the enemy shall come as an angel of light, you may distinguish between the genuine work of God and the imitative work of the powers of darkness. – 3SM 389 (1888). {1992 LDE 169.1}

The way in which Christ worked was to preach the Word, and to relieve suffering by miraculous works of healing. But I am instructed that we cannot now work in this way, [MIRACLES WILL ACCOMPANY THE MINISTRY OF GOD’S PEOPLE UNDER THE LOUD CRY (SEE CHAPTER 14), BUT THEY WILL NOT HAVE THE SIGNIFICANCE THEY DID IN CHRIST’S DAY. THE PERFORMING OF MIRACLES WILL NO LONGER BE A PROOF OF DIVINE ENDORSEMENT.] for Satan will exercise his power by working miracles. GOD’S SERVANTS today could not work by means of miracles, because spurious works of healing, claiming to be divine, will be wrought. – 2SM 54 (1904). {1992 LDE 169.2}

Miracles Cannot Supersede the Bible

The Bible will never be superseded by miraculous manifestations. THE TRUTH MUST BE STUDIED, IT MUST BE SEARCHED FOR AS HIDDEN TREASURE. Wonderful illuminations will not be given aside from the Word or to take the place of it. Cling to the Word, receive the engrafted Word which will make men wise unto salvation. – 2SM 48 (1894). {1992 LDE 170.1}

The last great delusion is soon to open before us. ANTICHRIST is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. SO CLOSELY WILL THE COUNTERFEIT RESEMBLE THE TRUE THAT IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THEM EXCEPT BY THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested. – GC 593 (1911). {1992 LDE 170.2}

Was the human nature of the Son of Mary changed into the divine nature of the Son of God? No; the two natures were mysteriously blended in one person—the MAN Christ Jesus. In Him dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. When Christ was crucified, it was His human nature that died. Deity did not sink and die; that would have been impossible. Christ, the sinless One, will save every son and daughter of Adam who accepts the salvation proffered them, consenting to become the children of God. The Saviour has purchased the fallen race with His own blood. {Lt280a-1904}

This is a great mystery, a mystery that will not be fully, completely understood in its greatness until the translation of the redeemed shall take place. Then the power and greatness and efficacy of the gift of God to man will be understood. But the enemy is determined that this gift shall be so mystified that it will become a nothingness. If believers only knew what this means, the work would be done in our churches that must be done if the members ever enter the kingdom of heaven. But when men in responsible positions pervert their reason and give themselves up to Satan’s way of thinking, they will surely stand before the world on Satan’s side, however great their influence may have been and still is, doing the work that Satan did, led and inspired by his spirit. {Lt280a-1904}

We need to come together as men who are amenable to God. We have been bought with a price. We have only one Judge, the MAN Christ Jesus. We have not been given the work of measuring one another’s characters. It is our own characters that we are to measure, by the truth contained in the Scriptures. God can enable us to do this and can impress on our minds what we must do in order to inherit eternal life. {Ms56-1904}

What an exaltation is brought to view for those who will receive Christ. “To them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” It is through the MAN Christ Jesus that human nature is so exalted. Through His power men become partakers of the divine nature; and as He is honored, they through conformity to His character, and through the power of His grace, become one with Him as He is one with the Father. {Lt293-1905}

The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. WHEN WE HAVE ENTIRE, WHOLEHEARTED CONSECRATION TO THE SERVICE OF CHRIST, GOD WILL RECOGNIZE THE FACT BY AN OUTPOURING OF HIS SPIRIT WITHOUT MEASURE; BUT THIS WILL NOT BE WHILE THE LARGEST PORTION OF THE CHURCH ARE NOT LABORERS TOGETHER WITH GOD. – ChS 253 (1896). {1992 LDE 193.3}

Every truly converted soul will be intensely desirous to bring others from the darkness of error into the marvelous light of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. THE GREAT OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD, WHICH LIGHTENS THE WHOLE EARTH WITH HIS GLORY, WILL NOT COME UNTIL WE HAVE AN ENLIGHTENED PEOPLE, THAT KNOW BY EXPERIENCE WHAT IT MEANS TO BE LABORERS TOGETHER WITH GOD. WHEN WE HAVE ENTIRE, WHOLE-HEARTED CONSECRATION TO THE SERVICE OF CHRIST, GOD WILL RECOGNIZE THE FACT BY AN OUTPOURING OF HIS SPIRIT WITHOUT MEASURE; BUT THIS WILL NOT BE WHILE THE LARGEST PORTION OF THE CHURCH ARE NOT LABORERS TOGETHER WITH GOD. God cannot pour out his Spirit when selfishness and self-indulgence are so manifest; when a spirit prevails that, if put into words, would express that answer of Cain,–“Am I my brother’s keeper?” If the truth for this time, if the signs that are thickening on every hand, that testify that the end of all things is at hand, are not-sufficient to arouse the sleeping energy of those who profess to know the truth, then darkness proportionate to the light which has been shining will overtake these souls. There is not the semblance of an excuse for their indifference that they will be able to present to God in the great day of final reckoning. There will be no reason to offer as to why they did not live and walk and work in the light of the sacred truth of the word of God, and thus reveal to a sin-darkened world, through their conduct, their sympathy, and their zeal, that the power and reality of the gospel could not be controverted. {RH, July 21, 1896 par. 2}

Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in LIKE MANNER as ye have seen him go into heaven. [Jesus was taken to heaven as a man; He will return in LIKE MANNER as a man.]

1 Timothy 2:05 FOR [THERE IS] ONE GOD, AND ONE MEDIATOR between God and men, THE MAN CHRIST JESUS; [Deuteronomy 6:04; Isaiah 42:08; Malachi 2:10; Mark 12:29-30, 32; John 17:03; Romans 3:30; 1 Corinthians 8:04 & 06; Ephesians 4:06; James 2:19] [Note: A mediator is an impartial person. Note also the only reference to THE MAN CHRIST JESUS. Paul is writing to Timothy AFTER Christ’s ascension to heaven. Jesus’ work as the perfect mediator between God and man is not only dependent on His death but also in His continuing humanity. In His humanness, we are united to Him by FAITH, and only in Him are we united to God.]

On the Isle of Patmos, Christ revealed Himself to John, enabling His servant to endure the seeing of things of eternal interest. No mortal being can endure the revelation of God. His presence has always been shrouded by a guard of angels. But to John was given the privilege of seeing Christ, not in the burning bush, but amidst the indescribable glory of the holy sanctuary. Never was there a grander meeting than the meeting between John and Christ on the Isle of Patmos. The wonderful vision was accompanied by the words, “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” It was no sophistry, but the presence of the divine Being who at the time of His ascension has TAKEN INTO THE HEAVENLY COURTS A GLORIFIED HUMANITY. He announced Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, and He came to give John a message for the churches. {Ms168-1907}

CHRIST took HUMAN NATURE upon Him and BORE IT, pure and spotless, INTO THE HEAVENLY COURTS. HE WILL BEAR THIS NATURE THROUGH THE AGES OF ETERNITY. In ascending to heaven with a GLORIFIED HUMANITY, Christ has declared what man can become if he will do the will of God, but it is only through the mediation of Christ that any human being can overcome. Of the redeemed we read, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” God will honor those who accept Christ, making them witnesses of Him to the world. {Lt257-1903}

CHRIST TOOK with Him to the heavenly courts HIS GLORIFIED HUMANITY. To those who receive Him, He gives power to become the sons of God, that at last God may receive them as His, to dwell with Him throughout all eternity. If during this life they are loyal to God, they will at last “see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.” And what is the happiness of heaven but to SEE GOD? What greater joy could come to the sinner, saved by the grace of Christ, than TO LOOK UPON THE FACE OF GOD and know Him as Father? “Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12). {Ms124-1903} Also {9MR 124.1 1990}

Sin-burdened, struggling souls, Jesus in his GLORIFIED HUMANITY has ascended into the heavens to make intercession for us. “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” We should be continually looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; for by beholding him we shall be changed into his image, our character will be made like his. We should rejoice that all judgment is given to the Son, because in his humanity he has become acquainted with all the difficulties that beset humanity. {RH, April 28, 1891 par. 1} Also {RH, December 5, 1912 par. 1} {RH, January 2, 1913 par. 1} {RC 20.2 1985}

Revelation 1:07 Behold, HE COMETH WITH CLOUDS; and EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM, and they [also] which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. [CLOUDS=Clouds of Angels] [Jesus returns as a man – EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM.] [The Northern or Polar Star is not visible in the southern hemisphere and those in the northern hemisphere do not see the Southern Cross. The return of Jesus has to be from a direction that ALL may see. If we take the Equator and extend it out as a straight line into space as the Celestial Equator, it goes through the very heart of the Orion Nebula.]

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” [Revelation 21:1.] The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin. One reminder alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of his crucifixion. Upon his wounded head, his hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought. {4SP 489.2 1884}

One reminder alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of his crucifixion. Upon his wounded head, upon his side, his hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought. Says the prophet, beholding Christ in his glory, “He had bright beams coming out of his side; and there was the hiding of his power.” [Habakkuk 3:4 (MARGIN)] That pierced side whence flowed the crimson stream that reconciled man to God,—THERE IS THE SAVIOUR’S GLORY, there “the hiding of his power.” “Mighty to save,” through the sacrifice of redemption, he was therefore strong to execute justice upon them that despised God’s mercy. And the tokens of his humiliation are HIS HIGHEST HONOR; through the eternal ages the wounds of Calvary will SHOW FORTH HIS PRAISE, AND DECLARE HIS POWER. {GC88 674.1 1888}

By being the Only Begotten Son of God and by His Omniscience, Jesus at Creation, would have known when He created man, that one day He, not only would have to die for us but would also have to forfeit His Omnipresence for eternity. Yet He still went through with both – because of His love to restore fallen man back to His heavenly Father.

Also, in heaven for all eternity, His crucifixion wounds are His SAVIOUR’S GLORY, HIS HIGHEST HONOR, and will SHOW FORTH HIS PRAISE, AND DECLARE HIS POWER.
What indescribable Love Jesus gives to each one of us who fully accepts Him.

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Why do we Meet the Lord in the Air?