When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Col. 3.4)
The appearing of Jesus Christ is the same as the revelation of Jesus Christ. On the day Jesus appears all of the dead and living saints in Christ will be resurrected and receive glorified bodies. But that’s not all that happens on that day. His appearing also marks the beginning of His millennial reign, also called his kingdom. Consider the following verse carefully.
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom (2 Tim. 4.1 KJV)
I do fully testify, then, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is about to judge living and dead at his manifestation and his reign (2 Tim. 4.1 YNG)
There are three events mentioned in this verse and they all come about simultaneously; the judgment seat of Christ, his appearing, and his kingdom. Needless to say, if you knew when one of them will occur, you would know when the others occur as well.
Traditionally it’s been taught that Christ’s kingdom begins at the Second Coming, at the end of the last seven years. It doesn’t. It begins the moment He’s given authority over the kingdoms of this world (see Timing of the Seventh Trumpet.) In Revelation chapter 12.9, Satan, who now holds that authority, is cast down to the earth along with his angels. As a result, he loses his authority over the kingdoms of this world. In the very next verse there is an announcement made.
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power (authority) of his Christ: for (because) the accuser of our brethren is cast down . . . (Rev. 12.10)
Herein lies the exact moment Jesus begins His reign. But when does it happen in relation to the last seven years? When Satan realizes he’s been cast down, he goes forth to persecute the woman (Israel), but it says she is protected for a period of three and a half years (Rev. 12.13-14,) which is the second half of the last seven years. On this account, it’s at mid-point of the last seven years that Jesus’ kingdom and reign begins. Consequently, it’s also the time of His appearing, the resurrection of the just, and the judgment seat of Christ.
Since the timing of the resurrection of the just (the rapture) is the most debated issue of end-time prophecy, here’s where the fun begins (and I lose some friends . . . or maybe gain some.) Either way, throughout this year I’m going to hit this issue head on. Sorry all of you die-hard pre-tribers, pre-wrathers, and post-tribers, hang on to your views (or let go . . . preferably let them go,) this article is just a small taste of what’s ahead.
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