Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Let's go back to Revelation 14 for confirmation of the rapture taking place before Jehovah's wrath is poured out:
Revelation 14:14-20 (KJV) 14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.15And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.16And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.17And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.18And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.19And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.20And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. These seven verses in Revelation 14 are talking about the two harvests at the end of the age. The first harvest shows us one like unto the Son of man on a white cloud. This is the Son of God who is pictured with a golden crown as He is the King of Israel. He has a sickle in His hand as His reaping tool. The reference to the earth being ripe is regarding the saints both dead and alive being completed in number and ready to be resurrected and translated to glory. Verse 16 is a reference to the resurrection and rapture of the Church as they are reaped from the earth as the first fruits of God and the Lamb. Where do these resurrected and raptured saints go to, earthly Jerusalem or New Jerusalem? The following verses give us a clue. In verses 17 and 18 we see another angel having a reaping sickle and being told by the angel who has the power over the fire from the altar, to thrust his sharp sickle into the earth. The purpose of this reaping is to gather the clusters of the vine of the earth meaning the unbelieving wicked. Where will they be gathered? Verse 19 says into the great winepress of Jehovah God's wrath. Where is this winepress? The earth. The wicked do not have the privilege of being raptured to heaven so the judgment they will face will be right here on the earth just as it was in the days of Noah and the worldwide flood. The wicked are the vine of the earth as they remain there after the righteous are reaped to New Jerusalem. Instead of a worldwide flood the unbelieving world will suffer a worldwide fire: 2 Peter 3:10 (KJV) 10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. The day of Jehovah will be similar to when Sodom and Ghomorah suffered eternal fire and burned to ashes. This time however it will be the whole world that suffers the vengeance of eternal fire. The earth and everything in it will be burned that day executing the wrath of God hence the reaping of the wicked as they will be fully ripe. What follows the worldwide judgment of fire? Peter continues in verse 13 of 2 Peter ch. 3 "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." Rather than some restoration of earthly Jerusalem the apostle Peter says that we are to set our hope on a new heaven and new earth. This mirrors the sentiment of the author of Hebrews: Hebrews 13:14-14 (KJV) 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. The author Hebrews says that we as Messianic's have no continuing city here on earth which in context is specifically about earthly Jerusalem. The author states that we seek one to come an obvious reference to New Jerusalem which comes down out of heaven in conjunction with the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21). Hebrews 11 identifies the heroes of old having the same hope i.e. a heavenly city not an earthly one: Hebrews 11:8-10 (KJV) 8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a pklace which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. The realization of the promised inheritance was not earthly Canaan but an eternal city. Abraham testified to this reality. Hebrews 11:13-16 (KJV) 13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. The mark of a true believer in the promises of God is to consider oneself a stranger and pilgrim on this earth including earthly Jerusalem. True believers seek a heavenly country. It is this heavenly hope that causes true believers to abstain from the affairs of this life such as politics, military, love of the world. Those who are mindful of earthly things and don't look for the heavenly country as their home, return in spirit back to the things of the world including fighting for earthly nations and earthly inheritance. Because true Messianic believers consider themselves as foreigners on this earth, they desire a better country which verse 16 of Hebrews 11 says is a heavenly one. Today, many believers unfortunately have been deceived that earthly Jerusalem is their hope in some future millennium. The bible is clear that even the patriarchs and women of old desired and looked for a heavenly one that God prepared for them. Verse 16 of Hebrews 11 says that because they desired a heavenly country that God was not ashamed to be called their God for He hath prepared for them a city. See what the author of Hebrews is saying? God wants us to desire and look for New Jerusalem as our hope and not look to earthly Jerusalem and return in spirt back to that place. This goes for any earthly city or country, we must consider ourselves strangers, foreigners and pilgrims here and citizens of heaven with New Jerusalem as our hope. It is when we have the heavenly hope of New Jerusalem that God is not ashamed to be called our God. Why look back to a city in bondage for our hope when we have the free one as our Mother? Galatians 4:26 (KJV) 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. The trajectory of the new testament points believers to New Jerusalem as our home and hope not the earthly one. Let's get back to the book of Revelation, we see that Revelation 14:14-20 shows first the resurrection and rapture of the Church and then the judgment of the grapes of wrath i.e. unbelievers. Verse 20 clearly shows us that the winepress (place where the unbelieving will be judged) where the grapes (unbelievers) are will be trodden without the city i.e. the Church. The Church on earth is symbolic of New Jerusalem in heaven and is thereby spoken of as a city. This means that Jehovah's covenant people will not be here on earth (the winepress) when the grapes (unbelievers) will be trodden (trampled) as the wrath of God will be poured outside the city i.e. the Church. The Church will have already been reaped from the earth per verses 15 and 16 of Revelation chapter 14. Let's now go to Revelation chapter 15 again for further insight: 5And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:6And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.7And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.8And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. Notice that the seven last plagues have still not fallen on the earth even after the redeemed saints are seen in heaven in the prior 4 verses. This shows that without a doubt that the saints escape the wrath of God by way of being taken up to heaven. They are seen in verses 1-4 on the sea of glass singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. As noted earlier the sea of glass is part of New Jerusalem not earthly Jerusalem as proven in Revelation 21 and 22. Also noteworthy, is that the saints in the first four verses of Revelation 15 have already gotten victory over the beast and his image, mark and name. This is prior to the seven last plagues coming into view in verses 5-8. So if the saints have already gotten victory over the beast by the time the seven last plagues are poured out on the earth, then this further proves that the saints are not on earth when the plagues fall. What need would there be, if the saints have already gotten victory over the beast, to be on earth when the plagues fall? It would serve no purpose because have already been tried and proven faithful to God and His Son. The saints are seen in heaven as victorious over the beast before the plagues are poured out on the earth as described in detail in Revelation chapter 16. They are seen in heaven singing the song of Moses and the Lamb even before the plagues are brought out of the temple of Jehovah so they can be poured out on the earth. Seven vials which contain the seven plagues are given to the seven angels by the four beasts. This happens after the saints are seen singing in New Jerusalem. This further proves that the rapture to heaven of the saints precedes the wrath of God. One thing to note in chapter 15 is the reference to the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven. It is seen in verse 5 as being opened. In verse 8 the temple is filled with smoke from the glory of God. The temple visions here and in Revelation 11 are connected with judgment and also the wrath of God (verses 5-8 of Rev 15). The seven angels bring the seven last plagues out of the temple by way of the altar of incense i.e prayers of the saints. The temple contains the seven last plagues which are given to the angels in golden vials. No man can enter the temple until the plagues are fulfilled. This shows us that even in heaven there will be a solemn mood as the earth and it's inhabitants get devastated. This highlights the holiness of Jehovah's judgment on the unbelievers. The final wrath of God originates from the heavenly sanctuary and is in the altar of incense which contains the prayers of the saints. These prayers of the saints don't ask for mercy for the wicked but rather their destruction. Revelation 6:9-12 (KJV) 9And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:10And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?11And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.12And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthqauke; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; The altar mentioned above is the altar of incense in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. Revelation 5:8 (KJV) 8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. The golden vials, containing the seven last plagues mentioned in Revelation 15, are seen here in Revelation 5 as full of odours which are the prayers of the saints. The nature of these prayers are spelled out in the opening of the 5th seal which calls for vengeance against the persecutors of the Church. The saints pray for judgment to be executed on the unbelieving world. They ask blood for blood. Revelation 8:1-5 (KJV) 1And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.2And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.3And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.4And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.5And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake Revelation 15 verses 5-8 echo Revelation 11 verses 15-19. Let's look at Revelation 11 for further proof that the rapture of the saints to heaven precedes the wrath of God (seven last plagues) being poured out on the earth. Revelation 11:15-19 (KJV) 15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.16And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,17Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.18And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.19And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. Verse 15, the seventh angel sounds the seventh trumpet which is the third woe and ushers in the two great harvests. This is when the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdoms of Jehovah God and His Messiah. The trumpet will usher in the eternal Kingdom of Jehovah God on this earth. However before this is realized, Jehovah is going to pour His wrath on the wicked unbelieving. Verse 16 and 17, the divine council of Angelic elders worships God the Father making reference to His eternality "which art, and wast, and art to come." Jehovah God throughout the book of Revelation is praised as the eternal one (Rev 1:4, 8; Rev 4:8). Verse 18, a reference to Psalm 2 is made "And the nations were angry". Psalm 2 is referenced throughout the new testament showing that it is an important passage concerning the theme of the gospel. The time of the dead being judged is a reference to both the resurrection of the just and unjust (Daniel 12:1-2; Matthew 13:39-43). The judgment of both the just and unjust is never said in scripture to be seperated by a thousand years but rather is said to be within the same time frame. The righteous will be given rewards whereas the wicked will be destroyed for destroying the earth. Sin destroys the earth. Verse 19 of Revelation 11, the Temple of Jehovah God is opened and the ark of the testament is seen. The mention of the Temple which contains the ark of the covenant is lost on many Christians. It is very important to understand that the vision of the Temple and it's ark is in connection with the final plagues containing God's wrath being executed upon those who live on the earth. Lightnings, voices, thunderings and great hail and an earthqauke are mentioned following the opening of the heavenly sanctuary and the ark being seen. Verse 19 of Revelation 11 mirrors verses 5- 8 of Revelation 15. In both cases the Temple of God is opened and the testimony (ark of the covenant) is seen. Following the opening of the heavenly sanctuary is the appearing of the seven last plagues which are to be poured out on the earth. The consistent view of both accounts (Rev 11 and Rev 15) is that the saints are taken up to heaven prior to the temple being opened, the ark seen and the plagues falling on earth's inhabitants. I have already shown this in Revelation 15, now I will show this from Revelation 11. Let's go a few verses prior to verses 15-19 of Revelation 11: 7And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.8And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.9And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.10And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.11And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.13And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.14The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. In another study, I show that the two witnesses are the Church. The Church is identified as kings and priests, as those two offices are the two olive trees (Zechariah). When the Church has finished her testimony (gospel preaching) enduring a final intensity in persecution by the anti-Messiah, the Spirit of God will be breathed into them and cause them to be raised to their feet. This is a clear reference to the last day resurrection of the dead saints which precedes the rapture of the living saints. For a brief period the world will rejoice at the killing of Christian's/Messianic's but then horror will strike their hearts when they see the sign of the Son of man in the clouds. In verse 12, the voice of the Son of God calls to the dead and living saints and the voice calls them to come up hither to heaven in a cloud. The enemies of God actually witness this. John 5:25 (KJV) 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. Jehoshua will be the one calling those dead in the grave and the living saints to come up to heaven. Revelation 11:12 is an obvious resurrection/rapture reference and they are said to be called up to heaven not come back to earthly Jerusalem. They are called to go upward in direction not upward then downward. The resurrection of the dead saints and rapture of the living saints follows the pattern of the resurrection and ascension of Jehoshua into heaven. Like Jehoshua, the saints get resurrected and then ascend up to heaven in a cloud. They ascend to the heavenly New Jerusalem just as Jehoshua did (Hebrews 1; 8:2). After being taken up to heaven in a cloud Jehoshua went to the heavenly Jerusalem not the earthly one. The same goes for the saints, we will taken up in a cloud to the heavenly Jerusalem not the earthly one. Verses 1-3 of Revelation 15 prove this as do verses 9-15 of Revelation 7 and verses 1-5 of Revelation 14. All these verses show that the destination of the saints right after the resurrection and rapture is New Jerusalem in heaven. Most of these passages also prove that the resurrection and rapture of the Church precedes the wrath of God being poured out on the earth. Right after the rapture of the Church to heaven (Revelation 11:12) there is a great earthquake which leads into the third woe. The bible teaches that the saints are exempt from the wrath of God.
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