STAGES OF HIS FIRST AND
SECOND COMING

THE STAGES OF HIS FIRST COMING

At the time of Christ's first advent the people of Israel were eagerly watching for the appearance of the Messiah to deliver them from the oppression they were under from the Roman Empire. This Messianic hope burned especially bright among the sect of the Pharisees, the self-appointed guardians of the faith and expanders of the Old Testament prophecies. Their doctrinal position on the coming of the Messiah was very specific. They believed that when the Anointed One came he would not only restore the glory Israel experienced during the reign of David but would greatly add to it. Although David had been powerful, wielding great influence in the world the Messiah would transcend all former rulers and kingdoms of the past

"David had been wise and good, but Messiah would be righteousness personified, and although they did not conceive of him as God, they believed that He would be clothed with supernatural power." 5BC 52.

"While the Jews desired the advent of the Messiah, they had no true conception of His mission. They did not seek redemption from sin, but deliverance from the Romans. They looked for the Messiah to come as a conqueror, to break the oppressor's power, and exalt Israel to universal dominion. Thus the way was prepared for them to reject the Saviour." Desire of Ages, Pg. 30. Although we might enlarge further upon Rome's oppression of Israel, as well as the corruption that existed among the leaders of the nation, this won't be necessary, for we have a sufficiently clear picture in our minds from history and the SOP regarding these conditions. What we want to study is their beliefs regarding their hopes and expectations of the Messiah when He arrived.

They taught that he would come suddenly to the temple as a full grown adult. With his majestic bearing and magnetic personality he would charm the leaders and dazzle the people with his great words of wisdom and commanding personality. With these amazing talents he would organize Israel into an invincible army and lead them to victory against the hated Romans. He would then enthrone himself as the king of the world at Jerusalem. And the nations would come and bow to him acknowledging his superior wisdom and military might as in the days of David and Solomon. The wealth of the nations would flow into Jerusalem as the masses of humanity brought gifts and offerings and made sacrifice in their magnificent temple. They had developed a specific and what they considered a convincing and persuasive theology to support this view. Mary, the mother of Jesus, as well as His disciples all subscribed to this popular doctrine. All through His ministry of three and half years they kept waiting for Him to fulfill these hopes and dreams, especially upon the two occasions when He cleansed the temple. It was not until after His death and resurrection that they began to understand His real mission and the true meaning of the prophecies that foretold His first coming.. It never happened as they expected because it took place in stages.

Let's take a look now at each of these well known events or stages and analyze them one by one.

STAGE # 1 GABRIEL APPEARS to the priest Zacharias in the temple itself in Jerusalem to announce the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner, who was to wake up the people by calling them to repentance so they would be ready when the Messiah appeared. Luke is the only gospel writer who refers to this first event or stage of Christ's first coming. It was the first epiphany and most wonderful news to come to Israel for centuries. Yet, Zacharias was "troubled, and fear fell upon him." Luke 1:12. This is only phase one and already there is the opposition of unbelief from a godly priest himself. He is severely rebuked by Gabriel, the second highest created being in the universe (next to Lucifer, who has fallen and become Satan). Gabriel is shocked and astounded by this unbelief which obviously took him by surprise. I believe Gabriel was instantly told by the Creator Himself to close the mouth of this unbelieving priest until the baby Jesus was born in order to stop the spread of this unbelieving spirt.

Beloved, when we don't believe we remove the glorious privilege and honor to speak the truth. Just think of the marvelous testimony Zacharias might have given if he had only accepted the wonderful news that Gabriel spoke to him.. Elizabeth believed and was blessed and able to share with others, while Zacharias could only communicate with pen, paper and hand signals. His role was diminished by his own unbelief. If a basketball coach heard a player he had planned to start in an important game express doubts such as, I just don't know how we have a chance to win tonight, do you think the coach would go ahead and let that young man be on his starting five? I don't think so. Why? Because he had a negative attitude of doubt about his team and himself which could affect his own performance as well as his teammates. Perhaps later on in the game the coach might let him play a few minutes to see if his attitude had changed or not. But that young man took himself out of the game by his own unbelief. The Bible is very clear about the importance of having faith in God. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is (that He exists), and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him."

STAGE # 2 THE SAME ANGEL APPEARS TO MARY and announces that she is to give birth to the "Son of the highest," or "the Son of God," Luke 1:32, 35. She accepts this honor and shortly after leaves to visit her cousin Elizabeth whom Gabriel told her was already six months pregnant in her old age. "Six months ago your Aunt (KJV reads "cousin." Literally relative or kinswoman)-Elizabeth the barren one,' they called her-became pregnant in her old age! For every promise from God shall surely come true." v 36 LB. Elizabeth no doubt told Mary everything that had happened to them. In fact, Luke records that as soon as Mary entered their house the baby not only moved but leaped for joy. Elizabeth was then filled with the Holy Ghost telling how blessed Mary was because she had faith to believe. "You believed that God would do what He said; that is why He has given you this wonderful blessing." v 45. LB.

STAGE # 3 JOHN THE BAPTIST IS BORN. Zacharias' tongue is loosed and he praises God and prophesies. "And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, 'What manner of child shall this be?'" Luke 1:65. So, here we are still only in phase or stage #3 and already the news of the coming Messiah is beginning to be spread around. But, remember that this is contrary to the accepted doctrine of how the Messiah would come into this world, so no importance or significance was attached to it.

STAGE # 4 JESUS HIMSELF IS BORN in Bethlehem according to the prophecy of Micah 5:2. The angels appear to the shepherds and announce the birth of Jesus with praises to God. The shepherds go into Bethlehem and find that it is true and begin telling every one they meet that the angel had told them that the Messiah, Christ the Lord, had been born in Bethlehem. Yet, not one single priest or rabbi went to check it out. Here is the greatest story of all time and no one cares. The question we must ask is this: ARE THERE ANY PARALLELS TO THIS IN OUR Day?

STAGE # 5 SIMEON AND ANNA ADD THEIR TESTIMONY. Luke 2:21-40. Luke gathered these important facts from many sources. He based his book, actually a long letter, on what had already been written. "Several biographies of Christ have already been written, using as their source material the reports circulating among us from the early disciples and other eyewitnesses." Luke 1:1, 2.

STAGE # 6 VISIT OF THE MAGI OR WISE MEN. Only Matthew reports this event. Perhaps Dr. Luke felt it was not as important as other events or that Matthew had already covered it. At any rate, this event was widely known throughout Jerusalem because of the three things the wise men mentioned that had led them to begin their search in the first place. 1. This new born baby is "King of the Jews" . 2. We have seen His star in the east and 3. We have come to worship him. Matt. 2:1-3. "When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." The "Good News" was disturbing to them.. Amazing!

STAGE # 7 THE FLIGHT TO EGYPT AND THE MURDER OF THE INNOCENT CHILDREN OF BETHLEHEM. Matt. 2:16-18. The gifts of the Magi were just in time to finance the family's escape to Egypt. "Dios perfecto tiempo." (God's perfect timing). Also, Num. 24:7-9 was one prophecy of His return from Egypt and His activities and greatness. Hosea 11:1 was reinterpreted by Matt. 2:15 to apply to Jesus. "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my Son out of Egypt." This is an important text as it shows how an entire nation is referred to as one person or unit, setting a precedent for the final elect or chosen ones, (Barley or Little Company) to be referred to in the end-time prophecies of the Harvest Time as the "Christos" Rev. 11:15, 12:10 and His Son, etc. and even the "Manifestation of the Sons of God." Rom. 8:19.

STAGE # 8 WITH HIS PARENTS THE CHILD JESUS RETURNS TO NAZARETH.

STAGE # 9 AT THE AGE OF TWELVE Jesus goes to the temple for the very first time. While there He begins to understand His true mission in life. He realizes that all this terrible animal slaughter is pointing to His own death. After the feast Mary and Joseph begin their return trip to Nazareth. As soon as they realized He was not with them they return to Jerusalem. "Three days later they finally discovered Him. He was in the Temple, sitting among the teachers of Law, discussing deep questions with them and amazing everyone with His understanding and answers." Luke 2:46, 47 LB.

Mary and Joseph didn't have the insight to figure out that they were the ones who were lost, not Him. Son, his mother said to Him, Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere. But why did you need to search? He asked. Didn't you realize that I would be here at the Temple, in my Father's house? But they didn't under- stand what He meant. The amazing thing about each one of these stages, is that any one of them is sufficient proof that He was the promised Messiah, especially this one, #9. Yet, they rejected Him at every stage just like they are doing today. Surely someone must have asked, "Who is this child wonder?" And don't you think they must have asked Him His name and birth place, etc.? The older priests surely knew who He was but they did not want to accept Him, especially when His answers were not in accord with their beliefs. Later on in His ministry He spoke directly to them regarding his birth and origin. "So, Jesus, in a sermon in the Temple, called out, 'Yes, you know Me and where I was born and raised, but I am the representative of One you don't know, and He is Truth. I know Him because I was with him, and He sent me to you." John 7:28.

STAGE # 10 THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.

STAGE # 11 THE BAPTISM OF JESUS AT THE JORDAN and the voice of the Father from heaven and the Dove descending upon Him.

STAGE # 12 THE THREE AND HALF YEARS OF MINISTRY.

STAGE # 13 HIS AGONY IN GETHSAMANE, TRIAL AND CRUCIFIXION.

STAGE # 14 HIS RESURRECTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.

STAGE # 15 HIS ASCENSION TO HEAVEN THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK AND HIS RETURN THE SAME DAY TO APPEAR TO THE TWO DISCIPLES ON THE WAY TO EMMAUS AND THEN HIS APPEARANCE TO HIS DISCIPLES LATER ON THE SAME DAY.

STAGE # 16 HIS FORTY DAYS OF TEACHING AND MINISTRY TO HIS DISCIPLES.

STAGE # 17 HIS ASCENSION TO HEAVEN AGAIN AFTER THE 40 DAYS OF TEACHING AND MINISTERING.

STAGE # 18 THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY GHOST, TEN DAYS LATER, ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST, FIFTY DAYS AFTER HIS RESURRECTION.

STAGE # 19 THE CONVERSION AND BAPTISM OF 3000 NEW BELIEVERS AS A RESULT OF THE PREACHING, TEACHING AND TESTIMONIES OF THE 120.

STAGE # 20 THE UNBELIEF, RESISTANCE AND PERSECUTION OF THE MOTHER CHURCH AGAINST THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS.

STAGE # 21 THE SCATTERING OF THE BELIEVERS.

STAGE # 22 THE CONVERSION OF SAUL TO PAUL THE APOSTLE and the beginning of the gospel message to the gentile world.

The purpose of listing the above 22 stages of Jesus' first coming is to demonstrate and show, in as great of detail as we have time here, how Jesus manifested Himself first to the nation of Israel through His disciples and later to the Gentile world through the Apostle Paul and his associates.

We know that the servant of the Lord has told us that there would be more light for His people in the end time, but that we would have to pray and study diligently to receive it. What we are going to study now bears directly on the character of God and its manifestation to those who are looking for the coming of Jesus in this age. A few weeks ago the Lord led me to a web site on the internet in which was listed a free packet of materials which I requested and received a few days later. Little by little I have been reading the articles . Here's a quote I believe bears on our present topic.

Many believe that the appearing again of our Lord Jesus Christ will be a sudden, dramatic and single glorious event. Few expect that the coming of our Lord, just as His revelation to the world at His first coming, will be a gradual process involving a period of time and a precise order of events which will include many small but important and significant details. What if some of these events have already happened?

We know that the theologians of Christ's day misinterpreted the Scriptures regarding the character and nature of the Messiah, as we have already noted. They were looking for a superman Messiah who would destroy all of their enemies and set them up as the rulers of the world. They were not interested in a Saviour who could help them overcome their sins because they believed they were already doing that by keeping the laws of Moses and sacrificing animals in the temple. They believed that their salvation depended upon their faithful adherence to these rituals and ceremonies. Can you see a parallel to our day in this false idea? Catholicism and her daughters, the churches of Protestantism, as well as the Jewish and Muslim religions all have one thing in common. They all have forms of worship the people go through daily or weekly and various creeds or readings they say privately and/or publicly. And each denomination, to one degree or another, teach the people that their salvation depends upon how faithfully they adhere to these forms and creeds. Is it any wonder that 50% or more of the population do not even belong to any church at all? Only a small portion of humanity worship God in "spirit and truth."

The Bible speaks of these people as being a Remnant or the little flock. A careful study of the Scriptures reveals that it is this small group that God uses as His army to conquer the world in this final age. Rev. 11:15 and 12:10 refer to them as God's anointed or Christos to which He transfers all power and authority to govern the earth. Even the synagogue of Satan will eventually bow down and worship them., Rev. 3:9. But this doesn't happen overnight. They start out as a little hill. "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion." Psalm 2:6. Then this little hill or stone cut out of the mountain without (human) hands begins to grow and develop and finally becomes a mighty mountain which strikes the image on the feet and toes and then fills the whole earth. Remember how Joseph's brothers, who had sold him into Egypt, later fulfilled his dreams by bowing down before him? Yet, they didn't even know who he was until he chose to reveal himself to them. The same was true of Christ after the resurrection.

Within the Christian community today there are various ideas about how and when Christ will return and how the world will come to an end. Isolated Scriptures are used to support different versions of this same event. Some quote Paul's description of Jesus coming with a shout and a loud trumpet sound to wake up the dead, along with Rev. 1:9, which says, "Every eye shall see Him." But others, just as sincerely, quote texts that they believe indicate His coming will be like a thief, at which time there will be a "Secret Rapture." Still others believe and teach that He will come to set up His kingdom on this earth and establish peace among the nations who will all bow down and worship and obey Him.

One author commenting on these seeming contradictions states: Clearly the solution lies in the realization that all these comings cannot refer to the same moment of time, but to phases or developments in connection with the second coming and that those that speak of his coming unobservedly 'like a thief in the night' must of course apply to a phase or phases which precede that final coming when 'every eye shall see Him. As we have already noted, the nation of Israel, 2000 years ago, failed to understand that His coming was in phases or stages covering at least a thirty year time period. In 2 Thess. 2:8 both parousia and epiphaneia are used together in reference to the final overthrow or annihilation of the great Anti-Christian Confederation (NWO or Synagogue of Satan), which is said to be by the epiphaneia of his parousia; that is By the appearing of His PRESENCE which implies that the presence is not manifested or discernible until that time. In other words, God is always present but not visible to the human eye, because He dwells in another dimension and is invisible to us just like the holy and evil angels are invisible to us. So, the "epiphaneia" (appearing or manifestation) of His "parousia" presence simply means that at a certain point in history the Creator chooses to make His presence known, as He did when Jesus came to planet earth as a little baby and grew up just like we do. The point here is that the Second Advent, like the first, is in reality a succession of events with a variety of scenes in which God is revealing Himself not only to mankind but to the angelic realm, good and bad, as well as (all) the unfallen worlds. But each appearance or ephiphany or manifestation God makes is part of the "COMING OF CHRIST" or the Advent. The first Coming of Jesus is a model for His Second Coming. It is very important to understand this because Satan plans on counterfeiting the "Coming of Christ" in the near future. Therefore, it is critical that we understand the difference between the character of Jesus and Satan and how and why the Jewish nation failed to recognize Christ when He came the first time.

Is it possible the Christian world today is repeating the same mistake as ancient Israel? Look at how many opportunities the Jewish people had to realize Jesus had already been born and was living among them.. Gabriel appeared to a priest in the temple who was told that his barren wife would give birth to the forerunner of the Messiah . His response was total shock, fear and unbelief. In spite of that, God carried out His plan step by step until Jesus appeared at the temple when He was twelve and blew their minds away with the beauty of His wisdom. But even His mother did not recognize Him at that time as fulfilling His destiny as the Messiah. And she was the first to hear it from Gabriel Himself! She was thoroughly brainwashed with the theology of the day. Even John the Baptist believed in this false theology right up to the time he was put in prison. He even sent a message to Jesus via his own disciples asking Him, "Are you really the One who should come or do we look for another?" The message Jesus sent back helped him to finally see the light just before he was beheaded. But most of the leaders and people rejected Him.. Nevertheless, God continued on with His plan, even permitting Him to be crucified. Still His very own disciples did not begin to understand or believe He was truly the Messiah until He rose from the dead, went to heaven, and returned the same day and then taught them for 40 days. By that time He had 120 disciples. Ten days later that same 120 grew into 3,000 and kept on growing until persecution scattered them. Acts 1-9.

All of these stages or events are going to be repeated to one degree or another. Let's just consider one parallel. What or who would be the counterpart of John the Baptist? Shortly after the time of the end began in 1798 what important event took place? It was the great Advent movement with the preaching of William Miller. This historical event is detailed in the book "THE GREAT CONTROVERSY."

After the great disappointment of 1844 God raised up a special messenger whose life work and writings have done more than any other one person, group, church or movement to prepare a Remnant from God's professed people, many of whom, like the Jewish nation in Christ's day, have already rejected both the messages and the messengers, beginning with EGW and Jones and Waggoner in 1888. EGW's 70 year ministry is a parallel to the work of John the Baptist, who was a type of Elijah. Just as John the Baptist rebuked the leaders in His day and was in turn rejected, put in prison and killed, so God's special Messenger to the Remnant has been treated in a similar fashion. And just as John the Baptist's power and influence diminished and faded away to the glorious life and work of Jesus Himself, so EGW's influence has been fading away to the glory of the character of God message that Jesus' "Holy, harmless" character (Heb. 9:26) can be formed in human beings. So, arising in place of EGW and her message is a Remnant who are being formed in the image and likeness of the Creator Himself...the "Christos" or elect, the Sons of God.

This is exactly what happened with the ministry of John the Baptist. Even he predicted, "I must decrease and He must increase." EGW predicted this would happen in "Early Writings" 270 and on, referring to the Little Company who would finally be perfected and translated at the time of the special resurrection predicted by Daniel, Dan. 12:1, 2. My friend, how could you have a special resurrection, which "Great Controversy" and "Early Writings" clearly teach, without a special translation? This would be a parallel to Jesus taking the resurrected saints to heaven after He rose, as His wave sheaf. Remember that the harvest has three stages or phases.

The first stage is the BARLEY HARVEST. 2. WHEAT AND 3. IS THE GRAPE HARVEST. These follow in sequence. They do not happen simultaneously. Jesus represented the barley or the first of the first fruits with His wave sheaf, the resurrected saints of past centuries. The original twelve disciples (minus Judas) represented the wheat harvest which grows from 12 to 120 in 40 days and then on the day of Pentecost to 3000 and keeps on growing till persecution scatters them outside of Jerusalem where they continue the harvest. Then Saul of Tarsus is converted and becomes God's threshing instrument to harvest the gentile world which is the third and final phase, the grape harvest.

Lets go back to the time of Jesus' baptism. He was standing among them in the crowd at the Jordan river but the people did not realize it. They did not recognize Him. There was an excitement (electricity) in the air. "The prophecies are about to be fulfilled. Our deliverance from Rome is at hand," was the thought uppermost in every mind and spoken from friend to friend. Daniel's great Messianic prophecy of "70 weeks" was thought to be nearly completed. Those "who loved the thought of His appearing" were watching intently for the signs of His appearing. That's why large crowds flocked to the Jordan river to see and hear what John the baptizer had to say because they wanted to know the truth. Others came out of curiosity to watch the show and ask questions. But the main question everyone wanted to know the answer to was: "IS THIS MAN 'THE CHRIST?" Many of the priests were even coming to be baptized of him. In case he was the Messiah they didn't want to miss out on this great event. But John rebuked many of them for their lack of heart felt sincerity, repentance and desire to serve God with all their mind, soul and body.

So, basically, no one was ready for the coming of the Messiah, priests or people, yet, like today they all were hoping to get into the kingdom one way or another. They thought that if they believed all the "right stuff" (correct doctrines) and obeyed all His rules to the letter that God would take them in when He came "Suddenly...to his temple." Mal. 3:1. They were convinced that the 'Coming of the SON OF DAVID' would mean the end of Rome and the immediate establishment of his Kingdom on earth. They could not grasp the truth that the coming of the ANOINTED ONE-THE CHRIST was to be a gradual process involving a period of time of at least 33 years, during which time a Divine teacher would appear and teach the people the principles of the kingdom.. Nor could they grasp that He would reject their temple service where they sacrificed animals according to the strict letter of the law of Moses every morning between 8 and 9 A.M and every evening between 2 and 3 PM and even enter the "sacred precincts" of the temple itself and cast out the money changers?

How could He possibly be the Messiah if He didn't accept the established forms and ceremonies? How could He be the Messiah when He was asking them to love their most hated enemies, the Romans? How could He possibly be the Messiah when He went around associating with fishermen, prostitutes and tax collectors? So, all the time Jesus was in their midst, doing the true work of the Messiah that His heavenly Father had commissioned Him to do, they continued their arguments and debates about who and what the Messiah would do when He came. All the time Jesus was trying to help them see where they were headed and the destruction that would come upon them because of their rejection of Him. Only a few people had enough of the Holy Spirit to recognize Him for who He really was. Like Peter, and indeed every other true believer, it requires a revelation from the Father Himself to enable the sinner to recognize and say, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.!" Matt. 16. Isn't it amazing that in spite of all His wonderful teachings, healing of the sick, casting out of demons and raising the dead, which fulfilled to the letter all that the prophets had foretold He would do, that as His earthly ministry came to a close the leaders of the nation were still asking Him, "show us a sign so we may believe that you truly are the Christ." And even as He hung on the cross they mocked Him by saying, "If you be the Christ, save yourself by coming down off of the cross, and then we will believe you." But His only response to them was that which was in keeping with His true character of love, "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing."

It was not until after the resurrection that Jesus' disciples realized that He truly was the Messiah and had indeed fulfilled all of the prophecies. He explained this to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, who no doubt repeated this study verbatim to the twelve and all others who would listen for their hearts were on fire with the truth about their risen Lord. Now, let us notice something very important that will help us to understand how the Second Coming of Christ is going to take place. First of all, the only people Jesus appeared to after His resurrection were those who loved Him and believed in Him. He did not appear to those who had crucified Him. They will not see Him until the final day of judgment which He explained at His trial when the high priest demanded of Him to say whether or not He was the Messiah (Christ), the Son of God. To remain silent at this point would be to deny the truth. He knew they were only trying to get Him to declare that He was the Messiah so they could use it to condemn and convict Him of blasphemy. Jesus knew that a clear declaration of His real identity would bring enlightenment and salvation to millions in the future, but He also knew that it would seal His own fate.

Yes, Jesus said, "I am. And in the future you will see me, the Messiah, sitting at the right hand of God and returning on the clouds of heaven." Matt. 26:64. LB.

The very next verse says that the high priest tore his own clothes and declared that Jesus had just spoken "Blasphemy." He called for a verdict saying no further witnesses were needed and they all agreed that He was guilty of death. The author of the book, "Desire of Ages," has many comments on this scene. She tells how Jesus' divinity flashed through humanity and that Caiaphas never forgot that searching glance of the persecuted Son of God.

In a matter of seconds this wicked high priest, himself a criminal, felt like he was the one on trial before the bar of God where he saw a future resurrection , which, as a Sadducee, he denied would ever take place. Mysteries and secrets buried with the dead he hoped would never come to light were revealed as he seemed to be standing before the eternal Judge of the ages. As the scene faded away Caiaphas regained his composure and was angry with himself for entertaining, even for a moment, the idea that there would ever be a future judgment when he would stand naked before the Creator of the universe. In a fit of anger he tore his robe pretending to be shocked and horrified at Jesus' statements of truth that He truly was the Messiah.

This rending of his garment was also symbolic of the nation of Israel tearing itself out of the protective custody of a long suffering and loving Jehovah. They were denying their true heritage and making themselves orphans. They sealed their own fate when they cried out before Pilate, "We have no king but Caesar." They were a nation and people doomed to centuries of death and destruction which follows them still as a people. Yet, to this day, there has never been an official admission of guilt for the terrible crime of crucifying the son of God. In spite of all the proof and evidence that Jesus was indeed the Christ, they are still waiting for the Messiah to come. Now, let us note carefully that Jesus never appeared to Caiaphas after He rose from the dead. He only appeared to those who believed in Him. This is highly significant and prophetic, as Paul points out in Hebrews.

We are living in the time of the judgment. That is the name of our church age...Laodicea, "A people adjudged," or you might say, "A people or church living during the time or hour of the judgment." Rev. 3:14.

Theologically speaking the pioneers of the SDA church divided the subject of the judgment into at least three time segments or periods. The first is called the investigative judgment which has been going on since 1844 and will continue until probation closes at the time the plagues are poured out. The second period of judgment will take place during the 1,000 years which has been called the "judiciary" time of judgment when the saints go over the books to not only see why certain people were not saved but decide their fate in the lake of fire...i.e. how long they will burn until their sins are paid for and they are totally destroyed. The third part of the judgment is called the "executive" at which time all the wicked are executed or destroyed when God sends fire down upon them.. Somehow they didn't realize that God's fire is never destructive because "God destroys no man." COL 84. His fire is also symbolic of His presence. Examples of this are the burning bush in Moses' day and the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.

Although this has been the traditional belief of SDAs since about 1863, many no longer believe this way for one reason or another. My concern here is not to settle any arguments pro or con on the subject of the judgment per se, but simply to point out something the Lord just brought to my mind which I had never thought of before. And that is simply that the judgment is divided up into stages or phases. It does not take place or happen all at the same time. I think we all can agree with that conclusion. As to what exactly happens during these various times of judgment is a subject for further investigation. But if the word judgment has various stages to it, is it not also possible that the Second Coming of Christ also will have more than one stage or phase to it just as it did at the time of His first coming?

In Rom. 8:19-21 Paul tells us that all creation is groaning for the "Manifestation of the sons of God." Just who are these "Sons of God?" In past articles I have tried to show that they are the same as the "Christos" of Rev. 11:15 and 12:10 to whom God will give authority in the last days of this age...that a transfer of power will take place. John said that he heard "loud voices in heaven" announcing and shouting about this transfer of power or authority. "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christos (anointed)." Rev. 11:15. One writer has made the astute observation that the manifestation of the Sons of God cannot take place until there is a manifestation of the Son of God Himself. This would involve a coming, i.e., a first stage or phase, if you please , of His Second Coming . So, who is Jesus coming for? Paul has already told us. He will appear to those who are LOOKING FOR HIM...WHO LOVE HIS APPEARANCE. Most people do not even like to think about Jesus' coming again because it scares them or at least makes them nervous. It means the end of the world for their present life, their next promotion at work or their daily soap opera they live for each day or the coming super bowl or the NBA finals. They are living for this world and have no love or desire for Jesus to come. So, He will not come for them.

Did the Jewish leaders go out and watch Jesus go back to heaven and wish Him a good trip up there? Hardly! They didn't even believe He was alive and paid good money to the soldiers to lie about His resurrection and say that His disciples stole away His body while they slept.

John the beloved teaches that the hope of His appearing purifies the believer, making him ready for His coming. "Beloved, now are we sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He (Jesus) is pure." I John 3:2.

The very reason so many so-called Christian denominations have given up their belief in the literal coming of Christ is because they have given up their belief that they can become pure or perfect like Jesus. The concept of a spiritual kingdom, gradualism as some call it, has taken the place of His coming suddenly as a thief to transform His "little flock" into His Likeness and image. This of course, brings up the question as to whether the believer becomes perfect before Christ returns or is made perfect at the time of His appearing. The Bible and SOP both clearly teach that moral perfection is not only possible but necessary in order to receive translation. The perfection I believe John is talking about and Paul talks about is the transformation of our earthly bodies to heavenly bodies. The debate in the past about perfection, per se, has been mainly about keeping the law to obtain perfection. But perfection through the keeping of the law is an impossibility. So, the only way perfection is gained is by looking at Him through prayer, reading of Scripture and mediation upon His perfect character. That is the beauty of the character of God message. The emphasis is not upon the keeping of the law but about beholding Him and learning to truly know Him as He really is "Holy, harmless and undefiled." Heb. 7:26. I have seen this transformation take place over and over again in the lives of those who study His character and learn to truly KNOW Him, whom to know is "ETERNAL LIFE." John 17:3. For it is "By beholding that we are changed into His likeness."

This is precisely what the Bible tells us happens as we behold the matchless charms of the Saviour. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. 3:18. The TEV says that we are "Transformed...into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory." Remember that the words "likeness" and "glory" both are speaking of Christ's true character of love which was revealed in all He did and said, especially on the cross when He said, "FATHER FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO."

What kind of man was Jesus of Nazareth? What did He look like? Although the New Testament has recorded for us what He said and did, they say little or nothing about His character, per se, His personal traits, attitudes and disposition. Different writers have drawn different conclusions based on their interpretation of the Bible record. There are some SOP references to the loveliness of Jesus' disposition as a child and His kind, loving and winning ways as an adult.

The same author goes on to say that His mother Mary "beheld the impress of perfection upon His character" and "sought to encourage that bright, receptive mind."

We are also told that everything He was we may become through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the years I have prayed earnestly to be like Jesus in everything that I do and say. When I was young I was impatient and judgmental and had a quick temper at times even though I controlled it quite well in public. But, like my father I sometimes raised my voice to my wife and children. This grieved me a great deal and I prayed for victory. But it was not until I began my in-depth study and research on the character of God that I began to have peace and receive the victory in my life. I also learned how to praise God for all things and to not judge or condemn others on their outward acts or appearance. But it was a daily beholding of His non-violent character of love that really was transforming my mind and continues to this day, praise His holy Name. I would like to share with you now a brief description of what Jesus looked like when He was upon earth. The following description of Christ is from a book called "THE ARCHKO VOLUME AND ADAM RUTHERFORD'S PYRAMIDOLOGY BOOK 2," neither of which I have for sale or to copy. If you want the address for the entire manuscript from which I am quoting just write to me and I will send it to you. This volume contains Pilate's report to Tiberius Caesar of the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus along with the following description:

Here is another word picture of Jesus physical appearance: "At His baptism they had seen His countenance transfigured in the light of heaven; now, pale, worn, and emaciated, he had been recognized only by the prophet John. But as the people looked upon Him, they saw a face where divine compassion was blended with conscious power. Every glance of the eye, every feature of the countenance, was marked with humility, and expressive of unutterable love. He seemed to be surrounded by an atmosphere of spiritual influence. While His manners were gentle and unassuming, he impressed men with a sense of power that was hidden, yet could not be wholly concealed. Was this the One for whom Israel had so long waited?" Desire of Ages, pg. 138. In order to be our example Jesus came as an ordinary person with no wealth or station in life. He lived in obscurity, poverty and humiliation so even the lowliest human being could know there is hope and that He understands their heartache and sorrows as their great high priest and can come to Him as they are.

Let us return again now to the time when John the Baptist had been preaching for about six months. The crowds were growing larger and more and more people were coming to be baptized so they would be ready for the coming of the Messiah. Notice this quote from Desire of Ages, 108. "In the time of John the Baptist, Christ was about to appear as the revealer of the character of God. His very presence would make manifest to men their sin. Only as they were willing to be purged from sin could they enter into fellowship with Him. Only the pure in heart could abide in His presence."

Please notice the key words...APPEAR and CHARACTER and PRESENCE. Up to this time Jesus had never made Himself known to men except as a twelve year child prodigy in the temple. He was obviously not taken very seriously as there was no attempt on the part of the leaders of Israel to guide or control His life. He was just a really "smart and talented kid with an unusually high IQ."

But now He is 30 years of age and the Spirit leads Him down to the Jordan river to be baptized by John.. "The Lord had revealed to John that the Messiah would seek baptism at his hands, and that a sign of his divine character should be given. Thus he (John) would be enabled to present Him to the people." DA 110. When Jesus finally came and requested baptism John "recognized in Him a purity of character that he had never before perceived in any man. The very atmosphere of His presence was holy and awe-inspiring." Ibid. After Jesus was baptized He came up out of the water and knelt down on the river bank and prayed for "power to overcome their unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan has enthralled them, and in their behalf to conquer the destroyer." DA 112. Notice how EGW clearly identifies the "Destroyer" not as God, but Satan.. Even though the Holy Ghost (John 3:22) descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove and a voice spoke from heaven declaring Jesus to be His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased, "Few except John discerned the heavenly vision." DA 112. This was the confirmation John had been waiting for that the Messiah had come and was ready to begin His mission . With an outstretched hand pointing to Jesus he declared Him to be "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

Next let's notice what EGW tells us regarding our ability to overcome sin as Jesus did. The word that God spoke to His Son Jesus "'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,' embraces humanity...the light which fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation." DA 113.

Now, let us talk about the PRESENCE of Christ. "Often the presence of Christ and the ministering angels is manifest in the assemblies of the people, and yet there are many who know it not. They discern nothing unusual. But to some the Saviour's presence is revealed. Peace and joy animate their hearts. They are comforted, encouraged, and blessed." DA 136. When the leaders of the nation sent deputies to demand who John the Baptist really was John told them plainly that He was not the Christ. But he boldly declared, "I baptize in water: In the midst of you stands One whom you know not, even he that comes after me...the same is He that baptizes with the Holy Ghost." John 1:27, 33. See Matt. 3:11 where the word "fire" is added as a synonym to the word "Spirit" showing that the Holy Spirit or God's presence is called a "fire" in the Bible and is not harmful or destructive but life giving. Now there was no doubt.

Later in His ministry the Pharisees demanded to know when the kingdom of God was going to come. "He answered them and said, 'The kingdom of God comes not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or there! For, behold, the kingdom of God is within (among) you." When Jesus returned to heaven about 500 people were present watching. One wonders if any of them went and reported what they saw to the rulers. If so, there is no mention of it in the Bible.

In the parable of the Ten Virgins there are five who are wise and five who are foolish or as our generation would bluntly say, "Not with it, dull, dim-witted, stupid" or worse. So, a person could be a computer or math whiz, even a brain surgeon or rocket scientist and not have a clue as to the coming of the bridegroom. If they don't have the extra oil and their lamps are "going out" then they will soon be in the dark.. When you are in the dark can you see anything to know what is going on? No. That terrible day of spiritual darkness is already creeping upon us, but this time it will be the real thing, not another Y2K false alarm. To have the extra oil in one's lamp (Bible) does not require a high I.Q., per se. But it does require that you ask Jesus for the Holy Spirit (His presence) which is how you get "wisdom" which is different than pure intellectual knowledge, per se (in and of itself). The parable of the Ten Virgins is a parallel to Dan. 12 where he speaks about those who are wise and know what is going on and those who not only don't know what is happening, but don't understand what it means. They are referred to as "the wicked." Joseph and Daniel are two Bible characters who both knew what was going on at all times and what it meant. Would you like to have this kind of wisdom? You can have it.

Our precious Lord Jesus Christ warned us all, "for as the lightning emerges from the east and shines to the west; so will be the presence of the son of Man." The Greek word translated lightning is "astrape" and according to Liddell and Scotts Greek and English Lexicon can mean "ANY BRIGHT LIGHT." Thus the words of our Lord can read, "for as the sunlight cometh from the east and shines to the west so will the presence of the Son of Man." One writer has put it like this: "Only those who are awake and watching see the first gleams of light and watch the increasing light and dawn, whilst later when the sun rises in the sky and moves over to the west, it is observed by all. So likewise, only those awake to the signs of the times and watching, discern the Lord's presence in the early days of the second advent, whilst later, when he manifests Himself, every eye shall see Him." Rev. 1:7. 'So, watch and pray and be ready' for at any moment the bridegroom will come and then the wise virgins 'will go in with Him to the wedding: and the door will be shut.!' See Matt. 25:10 and Luke 21:34-36.

If it be true that the first coming of Christ took place in phases, steps, events and stages as we have already noted 22 such events which were associated with the first coming of the Christ, which was Jesus of Nazareth, then we can safely conclude that there will also be stages and events associated with His second coming . We have already noted some of these such as the Millerite movement and the call and ministry of Ellen G. White, who like John the Baptist has already begun to fade into the background just as John the Baptist did when Jesus began His ministry after his baptism. A third phase was the organization of the SDA Church and then the health message and then the 1888 message. I only mention these as examples. You can probably think of others as you go on a time line up to our day. The final and greatest manifestation of the Christos (Jesus coming in human flesh again in our day or His second coming in bodies of flesh, as it were) is the character of God message, that "GOD DOES NOT DESTROY." COL 84.

This message began in 1888 with A..T. Jones as I have documented several times in GLC newspaper through the years. EGW clearly tells us in COL 414-416 that the "Revelation of his character of love" is the final message to go to the world in this age. And within the message itself are steps, levels of understanding and stages of progression to a full knowledge of God's ultimate plan for the human race. I have never known or heard of nor experienced a message that has such power to change people's lives as I have noted in my report on my Fourth Trip to Central America. EGW clearly tells us that the reason the foolish virgins don't have any extra oil in their lamps is is because they have not studied the character of God. Please get a copy of the book "CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS" and study it for yourself.

Let us quickly touch on the idea of the resurrection. If there are various stages or phases of Christ's second coming is it not logical that this would also apply to the resurrection due to the fact that a resurrection is associated with each phase of His coming? Now, we already know that there will be a "special resurrection," for all those who have died believing in the Third Angels' Messages.

This is documented in "Great Controversy," page 637 in the chapter titled, "GOD'S PEOPLE DELIVERED." Just as the prophets of the Old Testament did not distinguish between the first, second and third coming of Christ, the third one being after the 1,000 years, so EGW does not differentiate between the special resurrection and the general resurrection at the end of the 1335 days of Dan. 12. She does not even refer to this resurrection as being a "special" resurrection. This is a name that somehow got attached to describe this event that she mentions in GC 637. But, it just so happens that in "Early Writings" page 273 she alludes to this same resurrection but in conjunction with the deliverance or translation of what she calls "THE LITTLE COMPANY." In GC 637 she gives Dan. 12:2 as a reference as well as Rev. 1:7. So, when you tie all these quotes and verses together and begin to analyze them a very interesting picture and time line begins to emerge. First of all, this "Little Company" she describes as going up this narrow pathway could not possibly be all of the saints that will be saved when Jesus comes. Nor are they the 144,000 because they are mentioned in other places in EW, GC and the Bible as well.

This "Little Company" is the first of the first fruits or the Barley. They are not the wise virgins either because the five wise virgins were sleeping (not aware) along with the five foolish virgins. They all wake up at the same time. The Barley group are those who are in the bridal procession with Jesus who is on His way to the bride's house to get His bride. They are the faithful watchmen on the walls of Zion who are not asleep. They are the ones, like Gideon, who call to the other tribes to wake up and join the army to go to battle against the Synagogue of Satan.. Rev. 3:9. They are also the church of Philadelphia as well as the "King" of Ps. 2 whom God places on His holy hill of Zion. This same Barley group are the ones who cry out, "BEHOLD THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING." There are many other names that apply which I have listed in past issues. Let me mention one important point regarding the "House of the bride." I didn't understand this before and I am still praying and studying on it. But note this quote from COL 405.

It is this delay that causes all of the virgins to "fall asleep," which simply means that they are not aware of what is going on. It is a spiritual unawareness, not a literal sleep like we go to bed at night and fall to sleep. Spiritual things must be spiritually discerned. Sleep is also referred to in John 11 as death, as in the case of Lazarus when Jesus said, "Lazarus is sleeping.. I go to wake him out of sleep." So, you could say in a spiritual sense the virgins are "dead to the world" in that they don't know what is going on. But they wake up with a start at midnight which is the same time that Michael stands up to deliver His people, the barley group, who are with Him going to the Bride's house. This is also the time of the death decree which will be associated with the World Wide Sunday Law that Satan will inaugurate when he appears as the Messiah, pretending to be Jesus Christ.

Exactly when he will appear is not certain but this much is clear from Dan. 12. There are two periods of 1260 which are two time periods of three and half years each. Rev. 12 covers this same time period in regard to the woman fleeing into the wilderness for three and a half years. Dan. 12 speaks of three time periods from Dan. 12:7 to Dan. 12:13. As the scroll has been unrolling we have been able to understand this better. I believe these time periods apply to the temple that they plan to build over in Jerusalem . The day that they finish that beautiful temple will be announced world wide on all the networks. It will be a world wide event. One of the main reasons for building this temple is so they can initiate or begin again the ceremonial services, especially the animal sacrifices. They have made all the preparations to do this including the necessary utensils and the animals, even the red heifer. They are very serious about this. I know there are some problems such as the Muslim temple called the Mosque of Omar which is setting on the site of the old temple where they would like to re-build the temple. There are various ideas as to how they will resolve these problems.

TBN recently made a movie entitled, "THE OMEGA CODE," in which they did come up with an interesting solution to this problem and re-built the temple, etc. I explained all of that in order to say that until they do re-build the temple over there in Jerusalem there will be no "daily sacrifice" to be taken away. I know there have been other theories on this but this is the only one that I believe really fits in with everything else, especially the timing of it all and the appearance of Satan as the Messiah to fulfill the false doctrine of the coming of Christ Satan used to deceive the Jews in Christ's day and now again in our day to again deceive the whole world into believing that he is indeed the Christ or Messiah.. Also, I believe you are going to see the Pope move his headquarters and seat over there to Jerusalem at some point, possibly in this decade.

So, when Paul says that the anti-Christ will go into the temple and declare himself to be "God" what temple is he talking about? You say, "the human temple." Yes, that is possibly the spiritual application but I believe that in order to deceive the masses Satan, in his assumed role as the Messiah, must do something very dramatic like going into this beautiful temple. And when he does that he will be able to unite all the religions of the world together against the true Jesus and His "Christos" as we read in Psalm 2. And then in his assumed character as Jesus Christ he will make a World Wide Sunday Law Death Decree, probably the first law he will pass from this temple, and he will also stop the animal sacrifice system.

His reason and motive is to show his authority and do an instant replay of Jesus going into the temple and casting out the money changers. I don't think most religious people in the world will really like the idea of animal sacrifices. The Jews probably will because that is their tradition. But I don't think Christians in general like it and they would be in favor of having it stopped. So, in doing this Satan is pleasing the majority of the religious elements of the world and at the same time betraying or double crossing the Jews whom he wants to destroy anyway, as He always has tried to do because of their close association with the Scriptures but especially because of their belief in the true 7th day Sabbath. So, this may be the event that will trigger a revolt among the Jews because the Sunday law will be against them more than anyone because they are the largest group of Sabbath keepers in the world.

So, there are many things to consider here but I believe the animal sacrifice system will last for three and half years and during that time the weather around the world will continue to get worse and worse and the Catholics and Protestants will unite to push a Sunday law, especially if there is an economic depression in the USA and around the world. We know that Sunday legislation will be passed for the purpose of trying to regain God's favor and restoring "temporal prosperity" which indicates there will be an economic downturn of very serious proportions. G.C. 590. And that will be the main reason for the Sunday Law...to get back in God's favor so they can return to the "good old days" of prosperity in which we are now living. At least everyone thinks that's what we have but in reality it is a false economy. But from the time they re-build that temple over in Jerusalem and start up the animal sacrifice system there will be a seven year period. The first half of that seven year period, or three and half years, God's servants, the Barley group, will be preaching the truth about God's character, proving from the Bible that God does not destroy. Satan hates this message as it exposes him as the destroyer and it also opens the door of people's hearts to receive the Holy Spirit which will teach them God's true character.

The Barley group are also the two witnesses who are prophesying in sack cloth and ashes for 1260 days, Rev. 11:3. In the midst of the week Satan goes into the temple and passes this World Wide Sunday Law Death Decree for the specific purpose of getting rid of them. That is when they go through a character assassination death like experience and figuratively they lie in the streets of Jerusalem (where our Lord was crucified) Rev. 11:8 but after only three and half days they are resurrected or vindicated and translated by Jesus (Michael) who stands up for His people and this is the first phase of the Second Coming of Christ and the first reaping of the Barley. They go up to heaven for six hours like Jesus did on the day of his resurrection, on the first day of the week, and like Him they come back down and go for 40 days discerning between the wise and foolish virgins. Mal.3:16-18. At the end of the 40 days the 144,000 (wise virgins or wheat) have been selected and they go to heaven also and then come back down. Jesus' army continues to swell and grow as the Wheat harvest is completed and the grape harvest of the Gentiles begins and when it is finished the 1335 days will have been completed, including the time of Jacob's trouble which is the extra time from 1290 to 1335 which is 45 days of terrible mental agony as those people who were not taken up or translated during the barley or wheat harvests have to go through the terrible time of tribulation, including the Time of Jacob's trouble. In Luke 21:34-36 Jesus tells us that we can escape this time of tribulation if we watch and pray. Those who do that will "arrive in His Presence" and "Stand before the Son of Man" which I believe means that they will be translated out before the tribulation begins. It is similar to the Christians escaping from the city of Jerusalem before Titus came and destroyed it in AD 70. Those who obeyed Jesus' words were spared and so it will be again in our day. I believe that is when the following verses will be fulfilled. "I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left." Luke 17:34.

This is the translation of the Barley and Wheat harvests, the first stages of the Second Coming of Christ. And with that I end this article. Thank you for taking time to read and think about this. May the Lord richly bless you and yours. Remember that Jesus is wonderful and Loves you so much as I do. Your friend always in Him, Pastor Mike Clute.