One Torah For All

One Torah shall be to him that is home-born, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
Exodus 12:49

"Behold,
I have told you in advance."

Chapter 14:
The Second Coming

Messiah returns

Just how will the second coming of Yeshua affect mankind? This event will bring to a conclusion this present age. In addition, it will be the beginning of ATID LAVO (Hebrew meaning: the Age to Come).

The popular teaching of today, says that Yeshua comes again in two stages. However, the Scripture does not make this distinction. While the previous chapter dealt with one specific aspect (the rapture) of the return of Messiah, this chapter will discuss the broader, more encompassing affairs of the second coming.

The sureness of death in this life cannot be argued. It comes to all Adam’s race. Even Yeshua suffered this fate which all of all mankind share. This was the first time He came. The second time He comes, will not be in reference to sin (death is a result of sin).

Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Messiah was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

The first time Yeshua came, was to bear the sins of many. The second time will not be in reference to sin and death, but in reference to salvation and life to those who believe, and judgment to those who do not believe. Notice that neither here, nor in any other place is there any mention of a third appearance.

The Day of His Return

There are 15 different phrases used in the New Testament to describe this day. Each of these will be looked at briefly to acquaint the reader with the wording of each. Other references will be given to the reader, so that if he wishes, he may study them as well.

The Day

Luke 17:29, 30
But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Also see, 1 Corinthians 3:13; & Hebrews 10:25

The context of “the day” that Yeshua is revealing is dealing with the APOKALUPSIS, the “revealing” that was discussed in an earlier chapter.

That Day

2 Timothy 4:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which YHWH, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Also see, Luke 10:12

Here the context of “that day” is speaking of the EPIPHANEIA, the “appearing” or “shining forth.” It can be seen here that the judgment and rewards of the righteous are being written about.

His Day

Luke 17:24
For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

This verse is speaking about the universality of the coming of the Son of Man, as spoken of here in this context of “His day.”

The Day of Mashiach

Philippians 1:10
That you may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Mashiach;

Also see, Philippians 2:16

Here, the need to live a holy and righteous life is being expounded upon, so that one can escape the coming judgment (be blameless) the day Yeshua returns.

The Day of Yeshua Mashiach

Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Yeshua Mashiach.

Yeshua will continue to minister in the lives of those who believe in Him, via the Holy Spirit, until He returns. This is the same context as the previous one (Philippians 1:10), showing it is the same day.

The Day of YHWH

1 Thessalonians 5:2
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of YHWH so cometh as a thief in the night.

Also see, 2 Thessalonians 2:2

The context here is that the disciple will not be caught unaware as the unbeliever will be, for the unbeliever does not know YHWH. It is speaking of Yeshua’s coming, and the effect it will have upon each group.

The Day of our Master Yeshua

2 Corinthians 1:14
As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of Master Yeshua.

This is speaking once again, of the judgment and rewards at the return of Yeshua.

The Day of our Master Yeshua Mashiach

1 Corinthians 1:8
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Master Yeshua Mashiach.

See comment on the “day of Mashiach.” This is speaking of the exact same truth, therefore it must mean the same exact day.

The Day of Judgment

1 John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Again, this is speaking of the “Day of Judgment.” So far, two different phrases have been dealing with the judgment, tying them together as meaning the same day.

The Great Day

Jude 1:6
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Again, the judgment is being taught about, and again with a different phrase referring to that particular day.

The Great Day of Their Wrath

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Revelation 6:17

The reader is probably beginning to get the picture that all these different phrases do not mean different days. In fact, they are all dealing with the exact same day, just different aspects of that day. This one is dealing with the wrath of YHWH.

The Great Day of YHWH Almighty

Revelation 16:14
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earthand of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of YHWH Almighty.

Here again, this one is dealing with the return of Yeshua, and the ensuing battle with the kings of the earth.

The Day of Wrath and Revelation

Romans 2:5
But after your hardness and impenitent heart stores up unto yourself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of YHWH;

Once again, we see the wrath with a different phrase.

The Last Day

John 6:39, 40
“And this is the Father's will which has sent Me, that of all which He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and trusts on Him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 6:44
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise himup at the last day.”

John 6:54
“Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My Blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 11:24
Martha saith unto him, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

John 12:48
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”

Now look at these phrases all together. Beginning with the phrase, “the last day,” one learns from these passages, that on the last day, the resurrection occurs, as does the judgment. Since the resurrection occurs on the last day, there cannot be another day that follows it, let alone seven more years’ worth of days, or one thousand years’ worth of days. When does the resurrection occur? It has been shown that the resurrection was before the “catching up,” which was at the end of the millennium. Therefore, here is one more piece of the puzzle to help further one’s understanding as to when Yeshua will return, and when those who have believed upon His name will be gathered to Him.

In looking at the verse that contains the phrase, “the day of wrath and revelation,” one finds that, along with the revelation of the judgment of YHWH, comes His wrath. Upon examining the passage that contains the phrase, “the great day,” we find the judgment of angels. On “that day,” the righteous Judge also will reward His servants. Therefore, what we see on the last day is the resurrection, judgment, and wrath all occurring on that same day.

In the verse that contains the phrase, “the great day of their wrath,” one finds the unrighteous crying out to the mountains and the rocks to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. The unrighteous and the wicked are caught unawares on that day, as it comes upon them as “a thief in the night” (the Day of YHWH).

The work that was begun in His disciples will be perfected until “the day of Yeshua Messiah,” that they might be sincere and blameless in “the day of Messiah,” confirmed to “the day of Master Yeshua Messiah,” having confidence in the “day of judgment.” They will not need to be ashamed on the “day of Master Yeshua.”

If the reader has been counting the phrases, then he will know that only 14 phrases have been discussed so far. The next phrase, “the day of Elohim” is found in only one passage: 2 Peter 3:12. But one of the other phrases is also found in this same context, “the Day of YHWH,” which is also found in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, and in 2 Thessalonians 2:2. It is important in this particular passage, to look at the entire paragraph.

2 Pet 3:8-13
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with YHWH as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 YHWH is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of YHWH will come as a thief in the night; in 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.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and righteousness,
12 looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of Elohim, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.

In verse 10, the phrase in English reads, “the day of the Lord.” In verse 12, the phrase in English reads, “the day of God.” In both verses 10 and 12, these individual phrases are dealing with the “burning of the elements,” thus teaching us that both phrases are dealing with the same day. Furthermore, in verse eight, a very important truth is brought to light in relation to the millennium. That is, that YHWH sees the millennium as “one day.” Therefore, from the beginning of the thousand years to the end of the thousand years, there will be many events occurring. However, as far as prophecy goes, it is all but one day. Therefore, it is important for the student of prophecy to look carefully at any given passage, in order to be able to determine (if possible) whether it should be placed at the beginning of the millennium or at the end of it, or somewhere in the midst of the Millennium. Moreover, some events may not be able to be placed with any more specificity than being in that one day. For instance, the return of Yeshua is during this day, the third day. However, once certain events take place and all things are restored according to Scripture, according to prophecy and YHWH’s timetable, then Yeshua could return at any time during that day, whether it is at the end, towards the beginning, or somewhere in between. Perhaps this is the meaning of the phrase in this passage, “Looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of Elohim.”

As these passages are examined in their respective contexts, one begins to understand that all of these different phrases are referring to the same “day,” the millennium. There are not 15 different days referred to simply because there are 15 different phrases! One cannot arbitrarily insert a division in these phrases and say that there are two different days being spoken of when the context of these verses will not support such a supposition.

Other Truths about the Day of His Return

This section will examine some of the specific words in the Greek text in order to further one’s understanding of the return of Messiah. One might say, that this section deals with dotting the “i’s,” and crossing the “t’s.” The deeper one digs into the Scripture, the more important it is not to forget that the Scripture is to be kept whole, and that one must “reassemble what has been taken apart,” in order to have an accurate picture of what has been studied. Keeping these things in mind, one is ready to proceed on into the next section.

The PAROUSIA: This Greek word is translated into the English as “coming.” Its meaning is “the coming or arrival of a ruling dignitary” as he came to a city on an official visit, and was welcomed with much pomp and pageantry by the local citizens. It denotes the arrival, and consequent presence with, those he is coming to see. This is a picture of Yeshua at His coming, which is after the tribulation.

In Matthew 24:3, the disciples ask Yeshua what would be the sign of His “coming.” The following discourse by Yeshua as recorded in Matthew 24 & 25 is His response to that question. In verse 27, He gives the analogy of the lightning, showing that His “coming” will be visible to all. In verse 37, He tells them that His “coming” will be just like the days of Noah, in which the wicked were all swept away. He says that the wicked will not understand this until it is too late, and they (the wicked) are being swept away.

In 1 Corinthians 15:23, one finds that it is at the PAROUSIA that the resurrection takes place. Also, in the following verse, one finds that the end follows His “coming,” and at that time He delivers the kingdom over to YHWH the Father,[31] after He has abolished all other power and authority except His own.

There are two verses in the book of 1 Thessalonians that at first glance, may seem to say opposing views. These are 3:13 and 4:15.

1 Thessalonians 3:13
To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before YHWH, even our Father, at the coming of our Master Yeshua Messiah with all his saints.

1 Thessalonians 4:15
For this we say unto you by the word of YHWH, that we which are alive and remain unto the
coming of YHWH shall not prevent them which are asleep.

The passage of 3:13, says that at the PAROUSIA of Yeshua, He comes with all His saints. Probably the best possible view of this verse is in light of the next reference. Here one learns that the resurrection takes place before the saints who are living are caught up to be with Yeshua. Therefore, the previous verse is probably stating that it is with all the saints who have died in Messiah; not only this, but also that Yeshua has met (vs. 17 meet) those who are alive “in the air,” and they are continuing on to earth with Yeshua as He returns. It can be clearly seen here that the “catching up” of the saints Paul is referring to is at the PAROUSIA of Yeshua as is referred to in Matthew 24.

Paul’s second letter to the assembly of disciples at Thessalonica gives additional information on the PAROUSIA. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he teaches that the (i.e., the body’s) gathering together to Messiah is at His coming, the PAROUSIA (2:1). In addition, in verse 8, he teaches that it is at the PAROUSIA that Yeshua will slay the Anti-Messiah.

Finally, the apostle John in his first epistle teaches that disciples may have confidence at His PAROUSIA, if they abide in Him. What coincides with the “coming” of Messiah, as shown in the preceding passages is that 1) His coming will be visible; 2) the wicked will be swept away in judgment; 3) the resurrection takes place; 4) Yeshua returns to earth with all His saints; 5) it is at His “coming” that He gathers disciples together; 6) Yeshua slays the Anti-Messiah; and 7) a person can have confidence on that day, if he abides in Messiah. It would be impossible for Yeshua to return for His body of disciples before the tribulation, and destroy the Anti-Messiah after the tribulation at His “coming,” unless the gathering of the saints is at the end of the tribulation. Can a person arbitrarily pull out one aspect of the PAROUSIA and rightfully say that this happens at another time? No!

The APOKALUPSIS: The English word “apocalypse” finds its origins in this Greek word. It means “revelation; literally a disclosure; an appearing or coming, to lighten, a manifestation, to be revealed.” This is what the saints (all saints) at Corinth were waiting for, not for the rapture (or secret coming) (1 Corinthians 1:7).

Paul gives a graphic account of this “revelation” of Yeshua, in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to all those who do not obey Him (verse 7-8). This is a picture of the coming judgment. Notice the correlation of the fire and judgment of the APOKALUPSIS with that of the PAROUSIA. These two words are describing the same event, only looking at different truths concerning that same event. The hope of grace that will be for all disciples, will be brought to them at His “revelation,” tying the APOKALUPSIS and the PAROUSIA together.

The EPIPHANEIA: This word means “splendor, the advent of Messiah, a manifestation, appearing, brightness, or shining (forth).” Here is a picture of the breaking forth of the glory of Yeshua in all His majesty. In 2 Thessalonians 2:8, this word is found modifying PAROUSIA. His “coming” will be bright and glorious; again signifying that His coming will not be in secret or only to a few, but rather to all of mankind.

His followers are to keep the commandment of Yeshua until He “appears.” It will be by the “appearing” of Yeshua, that the living and the dead are judged (2 Timothy 4:1). In addition, it will be at the “appearing” of Messiah, that the righteous will be rewarded (2 Timothy 4:8). The body of Messiah is further admonished in Titus 2:13, to look for their hope and His “appearing.”

Considering the different events that are to occur at the PAROUSIA, the APOKALUPSIS, and the EPIPHANEIA, it becomes evident that these words all refer to the same event.

The APANTESIS: This word was discussed earlier. It means a friendly encounter, a meeting. Here is the picture of Yeshua, the Bridegroom, coming for His bride, as shown in Matthew 25:1,6. Also, see 1 Thessalonians 4:17, in which the disciples “meet” Messiah in the air. As shown in the discussion of the PAROUSIA, this meeting takes place at the “coming” of Yeshua.

The ANASTASIS: This word means “a standing up again,” literally, “a resurrection from the dead, raised to life again.” As was discussed under PAROUSIA, in 1 Corinthians 15:23 (see vs. 21 for “resurrection”), the ANASTASIS occurs at the “coming” of Yeshua. This could be a reference to Ezekiel 37 of the valley of dry bones, in which the bones came together and then stood up.

The apostle John records that the “resurrection” will be on the last day (John 11:24-25). This “resurrection” will include both the righteous and the unrighteous (John 5:28, 29).

The KRISIS: This word means “justice, specifically, divine law; accusation, condemnation, damnation or judgment.” This is what will happen to the unrepentant wicked on the day that Yeshua returns. In addition, the angels that fell from grace are being reserved for that day (Jude 6). As shown in the discussion of the APOKALUPSIS, Yeshua will deal out this retribution (judgment; 2 Thessalonians 1:5) at the time He is revealed. It is also at this time, that He will give relief to the afflicted in Messiah.

What has been shown, is that the coming of Messiah coincides with His revelation, His appearing, the meeting of disciples with Him, His gathering up of the saints, the resurrection (which comes before the gathering of the saints), the giving of relief and rest to the saints, the rewarding of the saints, and the judgment of the wicked and the angels who fell. This is the picture of the second coming of Yeshua according to YHWH’s Word.

[31] Reader take note of this, as this may be a very strong indication that His “Parousia” (coming) will be at the end of the day (end of the millennium). Again, it is important that one stays open to what YHWH will do.