It seems the issue here is almost the same as it was 2000 years ago.

People want Christ to set up His kingdom and start ruling the present world and straighten out the people and nations to live in subjection to that rule.

They've neatly tucked the verses we understand happening at the second coming -- those about meeting Christ in the air (etc) and Jesus taking His people to His Father's house, as a short duration of a "rapture" taking place a short time (seven years) before the second coming, so the real Christians don't have to be here during the tribulation, but they will come back with Christ at the second coming and Christ and His armies will fight against the antichrist and the false prophet and their armies, and He will set up His kingdom, resolving all the issues in the "tribulation" etc.


Why is this a problem, since both (Adventists and Rapturist) groups believe Christ is coming again?

Could it be because it opens wide the door for Satan to personate Christ, and deceive the world into worshipping him?

Does it make a difference which one believes:
1. Christ's second coming is a climatic event, when righteous dead are raised, the redeemed go with Jesus to heaven, the earth is left desolate for 1000 years.
or
2. Christ's second coming is preceded by a rapture a few years earlier, when the living righteous are caught up into "heaven" to wait out the tribulation which the rest of the world will experience here on earth, then comes the second coming when Christ returns and sets up His kingdom here on earth, defeating His enemies, converting the nations and reigning here on earth for 1000 years during which time Satan is bound.
or
3. Even an offshoot from Adventism say Christ's second coming is preceded with a earthly Davidic kingdom in Palestine to which all believers must go, a kingdom of righteousness and safety where the 144,000, those who follow the Lamb "withersoever He goeth" (Rev. 14:4), shall stand with Him on Mt. Zion (Rev. 14:1), and there "receive the forces of the GentiIes. " Isa. 60:5, 11. As they gather them in from all nations. It's only after all are "gathered in" this literal kingdom in the land of Palestine that probation for the world ends and Christ second coming takes place.
or
4. Another group believe Christ has already come in the sense of an ongoing transformation of the world through the influence of the gospel. Through His Spirit, the world will eventually get it together, thus reaching and culminating in God's kingdom on earth. This was quite a prevalent belief some years ago though the world's descent into immorality has shaken some, yet the belief is still alive, coupled with a thorough chastisement there will be cleansing and it will yet be acheived.

5. Some have a combination of #2 and #4 -- teaching the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing the church for the Second Coming and bringing transformation of the world through the influence of the gospel, ushering in the Kingdom of God. Christ will then come to earth to be king of the Kingdom of God.

6. There's the liberation/Justice mentality. Not focused on a literal physical return, but more on the realization of the Kingdom of God in the here and now through acts of justice, peace, and love. They tend to interpret the Bible metaphorically as depicting the struggles of good and evil in a person's life.

7. Moslem's also believe Christ is coming again, but according to what I've read about their understanding of the second coming, they do not believe Jesus is Deity, He is merely an esteemed prophet of God, He didn't actually die on the cross for God rescued Him and took Him to heaven. He still has a task to do in the future when He comes back to prove the Christians were wrong to think of Him as One Who is with God and is God (John 1:1) in all the fullness of the Godhead. They believe He will teach people the truth about Allah (God) and live a human life.

And there are more interpretations. Each one has fragments of truth. All use the "second coming" terminology, yet depict a completely different order of events. But what is THE truth -- is that important to know.


Matt. 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.
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.
24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
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.
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.
24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
2 Thess 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:
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.
Rev. 19:21 And the rest were slain with the sword which proceeded out of his mouth of him that sat upon the horse, and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Every view that believes Christ will set up a temporal earthly kingdom (be it for 1000 years or less) over present day nations are open to the strongest delusion (deception) that will ever be witnessed on earth.

When reading Matthews words about false Christs, we often think of it as some mentally unbalanced human claiming to be Christ that will fulfil the Matthew 24 and it cautions us not to go out in the wilderness or see him., and of course there are some of those as well.
But when the biggest deception comes it will be magnificent supernatural beings that will mesmerize the people.
The demons aren't even secretive about it. They have outlined the soon coming of "the masters" through several of their human agents. Promising to come and transform the world to higher levels of existence.
They can transform themselves into "angels of light" and pronounce lots of good words to sound convincing. But laced in their deceptive speeches is defiance of the real Christ and His will.
These magnificent creatures won't be Jesus and His saints coming back, as most will believe.

Satan is waiting for his chance to put himself before the world as what theyve been waiting for, a saviour and redeemer, and receive worship and praise that only belongs to God, so we shall see how he presents himself to this end.

Comparing websites outlining "facts" concerning the second coming", with the "Three Angels Message" with it's URGENT facts people need to know about the second coming.
Both sides are from the view point of a pre-millennial second coming of Christ.

"Outline" from various Websites	Three Angels Message
A Key Text used THE SECOND COMING Daniel 7:13-14, is given as the prophecy of Christ's Second coming, when He comes to set up His kingdom. "The Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.	The verse doesn't say "The Son of man" came to earth in those clouds. The verse says Jesus is brought before God the Father -- the Ancient of days. This is not the second coming. This is the pre-advent judgment. Dan. 7:9 the Ancient of days did sit... thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 7:13 The Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days... 7:26 the judgment shall sit... Daniel 7:9-10 ,13-14 is a scene in heaven when Jesus as Son of Man, representing humanity, is given the title to the dominion that Adam lost. (Gen 1:26) Through Jesus, that lost inheritance is restored to mankind. He won it back, not by political warfare, but on the cross of Calvary. In heaven He is declared as worthy! Before that heavenly court (before the second coming) Jesus presents the names of those whose names will stand forever in the book of life. (Rev. 3:5) At the second coming the reward is already determined. Rev. 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me
Jesus will return physically. "This same Jesus will come again as He went into heaven". Acts 1:11	Yes, Jesus will return physically. "This same Jesus will come again as He went into heaven". Yet He is not coming to set up a kingdom over the nations, He is coming to take His followers to His Father's house in heaven, where He is preparing homes for them and they can be with Him. (John 14:2-3)
A BASIC OUTLINE IS GIVEN The Gospel preached in all the world. (Matt. 24:14) Persecution of Christians (Matt. 24:9) Widespread rejection of Christian values, nominal religion, and godlessness (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:3-5) The rise of the Antichrist (Rev. 13:1-10) The appearance of false Christs and false prophets working signs and wonders (Matt. 24:24) Wars and rumors of wars (Matt. 24:6-7) Famines and earthquakes (Matt. 24:7-8) Cosmic changes (Matt. 24:29)	The website's outline lists important points! Many of them are in agreement. However it misses the meaning in Revelation 13, concerning the persecuting power at the time of the end. While Revelation 13:1-10 does warn of the rise of anti-christ, it also shows that anti-christ rose into prominence and reigned already for 1260 years, (it's that horn that sits on the Roman beast in Daniel 7) it was fatally wounded at the end of the 1260 years, but Revelation 13 shows that it is revived (healed) and rises to world wide influence, admiration and is worshipped in the time of the end. This is not some new and unknown anti-christ, he's been around for centuries, with great religious influence. Revelation 13:11-18, also tells us a new power, that also gains world wide influence rises about the time the first beast is wounded. This "new" nation or beast with Lamb-like horns will facilitate the healing of the first beast and sets up a copy system (image) of it's persecuting/religious character to implement the first beast's mandates for worship. This is where the biggest deceptions come in. The antichrist isn't some evil looking power hungry man, in fact the antichrist will act very (at least visibly) like the representative of the real Christ. Worship will be enforced, but though appearing to restore Christian values, it will be setting itself up above God's law, thinking it can change God's time and laws and impose that change upon the people of the world. (Dan. 7:26)
RAPTURE: In premillennialism, the theory of the rapture is when Christ comes for His church. It is not the second coming. The second advent is Christ returning with His saints, descending from heaven to establish His earthly kingdom. The theory of the rapture involves the gathering and transformation of believers and taking them to heaven sometime before the second coming. Some say the resurrection of believing saints also takes place at the rapture, when the spirits of those who have died and are supposedly already with the Lord, will receive physical bodies. Others say they won't receive physical bodies until the second coming itself. The popular version says God's saints will escape the seven year tribulation, while those not ready will have to endure it, though they can still become tribulation saints and be saved. There is more than one view of the rapture, some saying it will occur either (a) before, (b) during, or (c) after the seven year tribulation (Matt. 24:40-41, 1 Cor. 15:51-58; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; cf. Job 19:25-27; 14:1-3; Rev. 20:4).	In the three angel's message we see only one coming-- We see 1 Thess. 4:13-18 taking place at the second coming, when Jesus comes to take all the redeemed from all ages to heaven with Him. Those texts of people being caught up in the air with Jesus are all describing the second coming, not a pre-second coming event. Mathew 24:30-31 Puts the two events together as one. And then shall appear the sign of the...Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. The texts of "one shall be taken the other left behind", do not say anything about people left behind continuing to live life and possibly even converting. No, Matt. 24:38-39 says its like Noah's flood, those left outside the ark were swept away, Luke 17:29 those left were destroyed. The whole concept of "resurrection" is very different. The righteous dead are not in some living, spirit form already in heaven to be given physical bodies sometime in the near future, but rather they are in dead sleep awaiting to be resurrected back to life (spirit, soul, and body) at the second coming. When the Second coming happens, there is no "second chance" for those who neglect their salvation. The Bible says, now is the day of salvation, be ready NOW. When the event of Christ's coming is here, it will be too late. (Rev. 22:11-12, Rev. 14:15-20)
TRIBULATION: Futurist Premillennialism believes the tribulation is seven years of intense suffering preceding Jesus? coming to earth for His millennial reign. The first half being a "false peace" and betrayal as antichrist is established, And the last half is terrible chaos and the unleashing of the seven trumpets, seven seals and seven plagues of Revelation, all within the last three and half years.	Daniel 12:1 says there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: (when the king of the north, the antichrist pictured all through Daniel who with great fury moved to utterly destroy, shall come to his end) at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. So, yes there will be a terrible time of trouble just before Jesus second coming. But what are the catalysts that drive this time of trouble and the eternal issues of that conflict? The whole seven year idea has problems. It's taking the last week of years (70th week)of Daniel 9 and putting it at the end of the world. But the 70th week of years focuses on Christ's FIRST coming. He was baptized in 27 AD and began His ministry which lasted three and a half years. He was "cut off" crucified in the midst of that seven year period, ending the animal sacrifices system, when the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom symbolic that the earthly temple services had met their fulfillment and ended. The disciples were commissioned to preach to the Jews first. This they did for the remaining three and a half years. After 34 AD the gospel spread out to the Gentiles.

Continuing from above,
Comparing websites outlining "facts" concerning the second coming", with the "Three Angels Message" with it's URGENT facts people need to know about the second coming.
Both sides are from the view point of a pre-millennial second coming of Christ.

"Outline" of Events Surrounding the Second Coming from various Websites	Three Angels Message
ANTICHRIST IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD From 2Thess. 2:4 comes the belief that the anti-christ will seat himself in a literal, rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and pretend to "god". This will take place in the midst of the last week of years of Daniel nine's 70 weeks. (Dan. 9:27) And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. In their understanding it is the anti-christ that confirms a covenant for one week (offering false peace, especially for the Jewish nation) and in the midst of the week (after 3 1/2 years) he betrays them and enters the temple and causes the sacrifices and other activities therein to cease. Whereupon the seals, the trumpets and the plagues in Revelation are unleashed, and the world descends into chaos. There are actually two groups pushing for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Orthodox Jews want a third temple built since they believe it has an essential role in the salvation of the world, and also a number of Christians want to HELP them build their third temple because they believe it will play an integral part in ushering in the return of Jesus.	In the three Angel's messages we are pointed to the heavenly sanctuary, that Christ entered with His own blood to minister for His people. The old system made nothing perfect, it was only to point us to the better once and for all Sacrifice, the better Priest, the better sanctuary, the heavenly Sanctuary! (Hebrews 7:22 to Hebrews 10:22) Revelation also points us to the temple in heaven (not to a rebuilt one on earth) (Rev. 11:29, 14:15,17, 15:5-8, 16:1,17, Psalms 11:4, Habakkuk 2:20) To rebuild a temple with all it's sacrifices and services and say this is the temple of God, is a direct denial of Christ, His sacrifice, His High Priestly ministry in the temple in heaven, and His fulfilled covenant promises. An earthly temple that reinstates these services is not of God, nor would stopping those services be an insult to God. The final issue is NOT about someone violating a rebuilt earthly building called the temple. No -- the issue is violating God's covenant and God's moral law. It's about a human system sitting on an supposedly infallible throne making laws in opposition to God's law, thus claiming to be above God and His law of righteousness, and enforcing their version either by strong persuasion or by legal enforcement upon people.
THE BATTLE OF ARMAGGON One can find on several websites a belief is presented that just before Jesus appears, the nations, led by the "antichrist" are all gathered to fight against Jerusalem. The following verses (and others) are presented: Rev. 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Zech. 14:2-3 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. Everyone will be focused on that battle and when Christ appears, *Rev, 19:11,14)every eye will see Him, as He descends with thunder and lightening and trumpet sound to engage the enemy and put an end to the battle and deliver Jerusalem. Jesus, the Messiah and King of the Jews, will miraculously engage and destroy the Antichrist?s forces. Interpretations of Armageddon range from a purely literal interpretation of a future event when all the nations' armies gathering in the literal valley of Meggido to destroy Jerusalem, to more broader concepts of deadly battles and terrible confrontations and/or metaphoric interpretations of evil societies setting out to destroy righteousness. They conclude with Christ coming to subdue and destroy the evil and set all things right in the world and begin the 1000 year reign here on earth.	The Three Angels Message also warns of an Armageddon. But what is the focus of this battle? The demons rage is against "those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus" Rev. 12:17 . That is what the war is all about. It will take great patience and perseverance of the saints of God who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus (Rev. 14:12) Yet they can find peace even when facing death, for " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:" they will receive the reward of eternal life! (Rev. 14:13) But those setting themselves above God's law will have no peace (Rev. 14:11) "They have no rest day or night" The battle is over the commandments of God. There will be those worshipping the One who made heaven and earth and everything therein (Rev. 14:7) remembering the Sabbath, God's memorial that He is our Creator, it was He which sanctified this day in Eden as the memorial of Creation (Gen. 2:2, Exodus 10:8,11) But the majority will accept the mandates, bowing to a counterfeit "day of rest" set up by human traditions by the one who seated himself over God's people and claims to have authority over the law of God. The enforcement of a counterfeit day in opposition to the command bearing the seal of God in the heart of God's ten WORDS, will result in national ruin fpr the world. Especially in the last 160 or so years, since the Sabbath has been more fully proclaimed, there has arisen a fierce resistance to it's call to remember this day that God blessed and sanctified. (Gen. 2:2) Often the whole ten commandments of the covenant are thrown out, supposedly nailed to the cross, declared as no longer binding, all in an attempt to be freed from the seventh day Sabbath! Yet it is the Sabbath commandment in which God reveals Himself as the rightful lawgiver for He created all things, He owns all things. Remember the Sabbath day for in six days God created all things and rested, blessed and sanctified the seventh day. When the Christian world imposes a counterfeit sabbath as binding upon the world, a day that has received no divine sanction or command, but rests on the traditions of men, in the place of God's sanctified day, it is an act of defiance against the true Lawgiver, and rendering homage and worship to the "antichrist" who thought to change times and laws. (Dan. 7:26). Yet the powers of darkness will lead the nations to decree "as many as would not worship the image of the beast and receive his mark of authority, should be killed." (Rev. 13:15) Yes, Christ will deliver His people but not in military battle and force.

To be continued

Continuing from above,
Comparing websites outlining "facts" concerning the second coming", with the "Three Angels Message" with it's URGENT facts people need to know about the second coming.
Both sides are from the view point of a pre-millennial second coming of Christ.

"Outline" of Events Surrounding the Second Coming from various Websites	Three Angel's Message
THE COMING TROUBLE, (for those left behind?) HOPE OF DELIVERANCE In many interpretation of the Second coming, the focus for much of Revelation is mainly on the Jewish nation. The antichrist will deceived and betrayed them, and then the battle of Armageddon rages and it appears that Jerusalem will be utterly destroyed, but Jesus with His army of angels and raptured saints enter the battle and fight and destroy the enemy army. They quote (Revelation 19 and Revelation 17:14)	The three angels message warn of terrible times to be experienced world wide, just prior to Christ's second coming. It is only God's protecting power, signified as four angel's holding back the winds of strife in (Rev. 7:1) that there is still a measure of peace in the world. Jesus is still in the heavenly sanctuary interceding. (Rev. 8:2-3). When Jesus leaves the sanctuary, that restraining power will be removed. The Holy Spirit that was persistently resisted, is at last withdrawn. "Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble". The angels of God will cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, letting loose all the elements of strife.
THE MATTER OF IDENTIFICATION. What is the seal of God and the mark of the beast. Opinions differ. Many believe the seal of God is the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) But is He the seal, or just the ONE who does the sealing in our characters and minds. As to the mark of the beast, opinions vary widely. From a physical chip or some other electronic devise being implanted, to names of various people from the time of Nero to present day. But others agree that the mark and the seal are of the same character just opposite to each other, and somehow reveal our relationship with God. There are numerous differences in interpretations, especially with so much going on in the world today, many recognize these issues involve the whole world with it's attempts at global governance structures, digital surveillance systems, and calls for unified economic systems, the anger of nations, and persecutions; yet there is a large measure of agreement that Jesus and his army come to earth and engage in a literal warfare to defeat "the enemy" and judge and rule the nations.	SIGN OF IDENTIFICATION At that time all will be bearing one of two different distinguishing signs of identification. It will not be a chip, or any technological thing, it will be a sign of allegiance as to who is the king and ruler of one's life. It's true the sign itself does not save anyone, it's a living faith in and of Jesus that saves, but the sign shows a person has chosen as their Savior and King. Do we follow the Creator and true law Giver, or do we follow traditions of men that have made void the law of God. (Matthew 15:9, Psalms 119:126-128, James 2:10,17, John 15:4,10, 1John 3:6-8, 23,24, Ezekiel 20:12,20). The Anti-christ coalition of Revelation 13 will impose it's mark of supposed spiritual authority upon the nations, and that mark is a sign they think they can change God's times and law, thus claiming to be above God's direct command. (Daniel 7:27, Revelation 13:13-17). Sunday observance will be legislated. It will be done under the umbrella of returning to God and save the planet.
PERFECT TIMING FOR SATAN TO PERSONATE CHRIST It really doesn't matter if the supposed rapture is delayed, or just how the details of chaos will manifest themselves. All seem to be expecting a time of trouble and that part is clearly Bible based! But how will people be reacting? Preachers preaching a "come back to God" and advocating enforcement of religious principles. Sunday laws are already being discussed "to save the planet". So the "Come back to God" messages aren't just personal, but are looking for legislative laws to enforce religious behavior. And sadly their message is upholding the changed ten commandments, not the commandments written by God's own finger in stone. The time of trouble with very scary wars will have people's hearts "failing them for fear" -- people will be desperately looking for the second coming when Jesus supposedly "fixes" society, but those who believe Christ will come to earth to straighten everything out, will be wide open to the biggest deception yet to come upon the world.	Satan will appear personating Christ, coming with his "masters" (demons personating ancient people who have long been dead, claiming to elevated to higher levels of existence). The restraints released he says " I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (Isaiah 14:13-14) I will be the visible "god" of this world. Satan came as an angel of light in the wilderness of temptation to deceive Christ; and he won't appear the hideous form, as he is sometimes represented. (2 Cor. 11:14) He will come personating Jesus Christ, with awesome, majestic splendor, working mighty miracles; and people will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ. We shall be commanded to worship and obey this being, whom the world will glorify as Christ. (Rev. 13:4,8) He will tell people he changed God's law and people now should honor Sunday as the special day of worship. This will heighten Sunday laws to be stringently enforced. But the plagues will be falling, and people will be desperate.
THE DELIVERANCE The various interpretations do not see the second coming as secret (the rapture maybe, but not the second coming). They know the text that every eye will see Him, they know about lightning from east to west. They know the texts. But how do we interpret those texts? The main difference in "the appearing" itself, is the belief that Jesus comes to earth, physically standing on the earth and leading his armies against the enemy. Their main text is Zechariah 14:3-4 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. This text however, points to Christ's third coming after the 1000 years in heaven. A coming one doesn't encounter very often on these websites I've been reading to find out what people believe. There is no way this text can apply to Christ coming to save present earthly Jerusalem from the battle of Armageddon. The mount Olives doesn't just split in half to form two mountains, it is flattened. The end result is not a narrow canyon, but a huge flat area. The old city will be gone, the ground is prepared for a much larger New Jerusalem to come down from heaven and settle in the area. The city covers about 1500 square miles of territory. (Rev. 21:9-17)	The deliverance actually takes place a few days before the second coming. As the command of Rev. 13:15 goes forth that all who refuse the "beasts" sign of authority over God's law, should be killed. And it seems there is no escape. God steps in to deliver His people. Rev. 6:14 And the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Psalms 50:4-7 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. Hear, O my people, and I will speak; .. and I will testify against thee: The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, but for the saved it is evidence that Jesus is coming soon. The voice of God like the sound of many waters, is heard, saying: "It is done." Revelation 16:17. In the sky appears a hand holding two tables of stone folded together. Says the prophet: "The heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge Himself." Psalm 50:6. That holy law, God's righteousness, that amid thunder and flame was proclaimed from Sinai as the guide of life, is now revealed to men as the rule of judgment. The hand opens the tables, and there are seen the precepts of the Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all can read them. The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus' coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to His people. Like peals of loudest thunder His words roll through the earth. The blessing in Revelation 14:12 is pronounced on God's saints. For them it's an awesome day!!! But how terrible will be the regret and despair of those who have trampled upon God's holy requirements. The Lord gave them His law; they might have compared their characters with it and recognized their defects while there was still opportunity for repentance and reform; but in order to be viewed favorably by the world, they set aside its precepts and taught others to transgress.