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Miscellaneous References to the Return of Christ
General Information: (for a more complete list of references, see note)#Rr
A time of Great Tribulation: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (mat 24:14) [Jesus continues that this will be a time of "great tribulation". False Christs WILL arise and lead astray "even the elect" of Christianity (js)] see
Many Christians will "Fall-Away": Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come] , except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2th 2:3) see
Ye must be "born again": That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (joh 3:6-7) [Jesus was not referring to literal sleep and awakening, or to physical birth and death. He speaks of waking up from spiritual lethargy, of arising from spiritual deadness, to opening peoples eyes to spiritual realities, and encourage people to start viewing these things spiritually (js)] see
Parable of the 10 virgins: (see mat 25:1-11) [This is a Warning from Jesus to the Christians of our time. Now that the time for the wedding has come, the wise ones (who have enough oil of insight to light their search) will be taken into the marriage, but the foolish ones who do not will be left blind and in the dark. The Bridegroom (Christ) will say He "knew them not" (js)] see
Depart from me, I never knew you: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (mat 7:22-23) [Isn't this a sobering thought? (js)] see
In chapter 9, verses 11-13, of the Gospel of Mark, it is said: "And they asked Him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? And He answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that He must suffer many things, and be set at nought. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him." (saq 132:3) see
They asked John the Baptist, "Are you Elias?" He answered, "No, I am not," although it is said in the Gospel that john was the promised Elias, and Christ also said so clearly. Then if John was Elias, why did he say, "I am not"? And if he was not Elias, why did Christ say that he was? (saq 133:1) see
The explanation is this: not the personality, but the reality of the perfections, is meant-- that is to say, the same perfections that were in Elias existed in John the Baptist and were exactly realized in him. Therefore, John the Baptist was the promised Elias. In this case not the essence, but the qualities, are regarded. For example, there was a flower last year, and this year there is also a flower; I say the flower of last year has returned. Now, I do not mean that same flower in its exact individuality has come back; but as this flower has the same qualities as that of last year-- as it has the same perfume, delicacy, color and form-- I say the flower of last year has returned, and this flower is the former flower. When spring comes, we say last year's spring has come back because all that was found in last year's spring exists in this spring. That is why Christ said, "You will see all that happened in the days of the former Prophets." (saq 133:2) see
We will give another illustration. The seed of last year is sown, branches and leaves grow forth, blossoms and fruits appear, and all has again returned to seed. When this second seed is planted, a tree will grow from it, and once more those branches, leaves, blossoms and fruits will return, and that tree will appear in perfection. As the beginning was a seed and the end is a seed, we say that the seed has returned. When we look at the substance of the tree, it is another substance, but when we look at the blossoms, leaves and fruits, the same fragrance, delicacy and taste are produced. Therefore, the perfection of the tree has returned a second time. (saq 133:3) see
In the same way, if we regard the return of the individual, it is another individual; but if we regard the qualities and perfections, the same have returned. Therefore, when Christ said, "This is Elias," He meant: this person is a manifestation of the bounty, the perfections, the character, the qualities and the virtues of Elias. John the Baptist said, "I am not Elias." Christ considered the qualities, the perfections, the character and the virtues of both, and John regarded his substance and individuality. It is like this lamp: it was here last night, and tonight it is also lighted, and tomorrow night it will also shine. We say that the lamp of this night is the same light as that of last night, and that it has returned. It refers to the light, and not to the oil, the wick or the holder. (saq 134:1)
No one know when Son of Man comes: But of that day and hour knoweth no [man] , no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (mat 24:36) see
At an hour when you do not expect: Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (mat 24:44) see
Like a Thief in the Night: See the Parable of the fig tree (Matt 24:32-43) [In the past, all prophets came as a "Thief in the Night" (js)] see
This subject is fully and clearly explained in the Kitab-i-Iqan. see
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