Saturday, March 25, 2023

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ: Beliefs, Interpretations, and Controversies

I. Introduction

The second coming of Jesus Christ is a central belief in Christianity. It refers to the belief that Jesus will return to earth in the future, as he promised his disciples before he ascended into heaven. Christians believe that the second coming will be a time of judgment and a fulfillment of God's plan for the world.

The exact nature of the second coming is debated among Christians. Some believe that it will be a literal, physical return of Jesus, while others see it as a metaphorical event that represents the triumph of good over evil. Some Christians believe that the second coming will be preceded by a period of tribulation, while others do not.

Despite these differences, the belief in the second coming is important for Christians for several reasons. First, it provides hope for believers in the face of suffering, persecution, and death. The promise of eternal life and the ultimate defeat of evil gives Christians a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.

Second, the belief in the second coming serves as a motivation for Christians to live according to the teachings of Jesus. Knowing that Jesus will return and judge the world encourages Christians to live a righteous and holy life, seeking to love and serve others as Jesus did.

Finally, the belief in the second coming reminds Christians of the ultimate goal of their faith. It reminds them that this world is not their final home, and that there is a future beyond the struggles and challenges of this life. The second coming is seen as the culmination of history, the end of evil, and the beginning of a new creation. For Christians, this is a cause for great joy and celebration.

II. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant events in Christian history. According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified by the Roman authorities and died, but three days later, he rose from the dead. This event is seen as a confirmation of Jesus' divine identity and his power over death.

The significance of the resurrection for Christians is multifaceted. First, it serves as evidence of Jesus' claims about himself. Jesus had repeatedly taught his disciples that he was the Son of God and that he would rise from the dead after his death. The fact that he did rise from the dead confirmed these claims and demonstrated that Jesus was not just a wise teacher, but also a divine savior.

Second, the resurrection provides hope for believers in the face of death. Christians believe that death is not the end, but rather a passage to eternal life. The resurrection of Jesus shows that death has been defeated, and that believers can have confidence that they too will be resurrected to eternal life.

Third, the resurrection provides a basis for Christian faith. The fact that Jesus rose from the dead shows that his teachings and message were true. It also demonstrates that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was effective in reconciling humanity to God. Without the resurrection, Christianity would be a meaningless and powerless religion.

Finally, the resurrection is closely related to the second coming of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is seen as a foretaste of what is to come. Just as Jesus was resurrected from the dead, so too will believers be resurrected to eternal life when Jesus returns. The resurrection of Jesus is therefore a sign and a promise of the future resurrection of all believers

III. References to the Second Coming in the Bible

The second coming of Jesus Christ is mentioned in several passages in the New Testament. Some of the key passages include:

Matthew 24:30-31 - "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

Revelation 1:7 - "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen.

Different Christian denominations have varying interpretations of these passages and what they mean for the second coming of Jesus. Some denominations take a literal approach and believe that the second coming will be a physical, visible event that will happen in the future. Others see it as a more spiritual or metaphorical event that is already happening or that will happen in the hearts of believers. Some denominations also believe in the idea of the Rapture, which is the belief that believers will be taken up to meet Jesus in the air before the tribulation period.

The idea of the second coming has had a significant historical impact on Christianity. Throughout history, many Christians have looked forward to the second coming as a time of judgment, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's plan for the world. This belief has inspired Christians to live holy and righteous lives, to spread the Gospel message to others, and to work towards building a more just and peaceful world.

The belief in the second coming has also led to the development of apocalyptic literature and has been the subject of much speculation and interpretation over the centuries. Some Christians have predicted specific dates for the second coming, while others have seen signs of its imminent arrival in current events or natural disasters. Despite the varied interpretations and speculations, the idea of the second coming continues to be a central belief in Christianity, providing hope and inspiration for believers around the world.

IV. Claims of the Second Coming Throughout History

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have claimed to be the second coming of Jesus Christ. Here are some examples:

Simon Magus: In the first century, a man named Simon Magus claimed to be the Messiah and was said to have performed miracles. However, he was eventually denounced by the apostles and the early Christian church.

Sabbatai Zevi: In the 17th century, Sabbatai Zevi, a Jewish rabbi, claimed to be the Messiah and attracted a large following. However, he was eventually forced to convert to Islam and his movement fizzled out.

Jim Jones: In the 20th century, Jim Jones, the leader of the Peoples Temple cult, claimed to be the Messiah and convinced over 900 of his followers to commit suicide in a mass murder-suicide in Jonestown, Guyana in 1978.

David Koresh: In the 1990s, David Koresh, the leader of the Branch Davidian sect, claimed to be the Lamb of God and the second coming of Jesus Christ. He and his followers were involved in a 51-day standoff with law enforcement in Waco, Texas that ended in a deadly fire.

These individuals claimed to be the second coming for various reasons, such as a desire for power or a genuine belief that they were divinely inspired. However, their claims were met with skepticism and condemnation from mainstream Christian communities.

When compared to the biblical descriptions of the second coming, these claims fall short. The Bible describes the second coming as a visible, physical event in which Jesus Christ returns to earth with power and glory to judge the living and the dead. None of these individuals matched this description, and their claims were ultimately rejected by Christian communities.

V. Various Contemporary Beliefs

Contemporary beliefs about the second coming vary among different Christian groups. Here are some examples:

Dispensationalism: This is a belief system popularized in the 19th century that emphasizes the literal interpretation of biblical prophecy, including the second coming. According to dispensationalists, the second coming will involve a pre-tribulation rapture, in which believers are taken up to heaven before a period of tribulation on earth. This view is held by many evangelical Christians and has been popularized in books like the Left Behind series.

Postmillennialism: This is a belief that the world will gradually become better and more Christianized, culminating in a period of peace and prosperity known as the millennium. After this period, Christ will return to earth. This view is held by some liberal Christians and has been popularized by authors like Jim Wallis.

Amillennialism: This is a belief that there will not be a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, but rather that the millennium is a symbolic period of time that began with Christ's resurrection and will end with his second coming. This view is held by many mainline Protestants.

There are also key debates and controversies regarding the nature of the second coming. Here are some examples:

Timing: One of the biggest debates regarding the second coming is when it will occur. Some Christians believe that it is imminent and could happen at any moment, while others believe that certain events must take place first, such as the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Millennium: Another debate concerns the nature of the millennium described in the book of Revelation. Some Christians believe that it will be a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, while others see it as a symbolic period of time.

Preterism: This is a controversial belief that many of the prophecies regarding the second coming were fulfilled in the first century, such as the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. This view is held by some scholars and theologians, but is not widely accepted among mainstream Christian communities.

Variations in interpretation among different Christian groups can also be seen in their approach to eschatology (the study of end times). For example:

Roman Catholicism: The Catholic Church believes in the second coming, but does not place as much emphasis on the timing or specific events surrounding it as some other Christian groups.

Eastern Orthodoxy: Orthodox Christians believe in the second coming and the resurrection of the dead, but do not emphasize the idea of a rapture or a literal thousand-year reign of Christ.

Protestantism: Protestant beliefs about the second coming vary widely, from the dispensationalism of many evangelical Christians to the amillennialism of many mainline Protestants.

In conclusion, while the basic belief in the second coming is shared among Christians, there are a variety of interpretations and beliefs about the nature of this event. These interpretations reflect the diversity of Christian traditions and approaches to eschatology.

VI. Attempts to predict the Second Coming

There have been many significant authors, theologians, and scholars throughout history who have attempted to predict or interpret the second coming of Christ. Here are some examples:

Saint Paul: In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote about the second coming and the resurrection of the dead, urging his readers to be prepared for this event.

Saint Augustine: In his book "The City of God," Augustine discussed the idea of a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth and the resurrection of the dead.

Joachim of Fiore: A 12th-century Italian monk, Joachim of Fiore predicted that the second coming would occur in the year 1260.

William Miller: An American Baptist preacher, Miller predicted that the second coming would occur in 1843 or 1844. This prediction, known as the Millerite movement, gained a large following and resulted in the Great Disappointment when the predicted date passed without event.

Hal Lindsey: An American evangelical author, Lindsey wrote a series of books in the 1970s popularizing the dispensationalist interpretation of the second coming, including the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture.

Harold Camping: An American Christian radio host, Camping predicted that the second coming would occur on May 21, 2011. When this prediction failed, he revised it to October 21 of the same year, which also did not come to pass.

It is important to note that many Christian leaders and scholars do not attempt to predict the timing of the second coming, instead emphasizing the need for spiritual preparedness and living according to Christ's teachings.

VII. Jesus and the Jews

Jewish beliefs about Jesus vary among different Jewish groups and individuals. However, it is generally accepted within Judaism that Jesus was a Jewish man who lived in the first century CE, and that he was a teacher and a healer who gained a following among some Jews in his time.

Jews do not believe that Jesus was the Messiah or the son of God, as these are central tenets of Christian theology. Jewish beliefs about Jesus as a historical figure do not involve his divinity, and many Jews see him as a respected but ultimately unsuccessful Jewish leader.

Some Jewish writings, such as the Talmud and the Toledot Yeshu, contain negative depictions of Jesus, portraying him as a false teacher who misled his followers. However, it is important to note that these writings were produced many years after Jesus' death and may reflect polemical or anti-Christian attitudes that were prevalent at the time.

Here are some passages from the Talmud and the Toledot Yeshu that refer to Jesus:

From the Talmud:

Sanhedrin 43a: "On the eve of Passover they hanged Yeshu and the crier went forth for forty days beforehand declaring that, 'He is going to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy.'"

Sanhedrin 107b: "Rabbi Shimon ben Azzai said: I found a genealogical roll in Jerusalem wherein was recorded, 'Such-an-one is a bastard of an adulteress.'"

Shabbat 104b: "They say to him: 'you were completely separated from any Torah knowledge.' This one says: 'thus did the son of Stada (Jesus) practice sorcery and lead Israel astray.'"

Sotah 47a: "Yeshu the Nazarene practiced magic and led Israel astray."

From the Toledot Yeshu:

Chapter 2: "In those days there appeared a man named Yeshu... He was a deceiver of Israel, he practiced magic, and he led the people astray."

Chapter 4: "He said that he was God, and he performed miracles to deceive the people."

Chapter 5: "The rabbis of the people of Israel... accused him of being a magician, a deceiver of Israel, and an apostate."

VIII. Attempts to Predict through Gematria

There have been attempts to predict the second coming of Christ through gematria and numerology. Gematria is a system of assigning numerical values to letters in the alphabet, and numerology is the study of the mystical significance of numbers. Some people believe that by using these methods, they can gain insight into hidden meanings and divine truths.

There have been various attempts to use gematria and numerology to predict the second coming of Christ, with different interpretations and methods. However, it's important to note that such attempts are not widely accepted by mainstream Christianity and should be approached with caution. The Bible itself cautions against attempts to predict the timing of the second coming, stating that "about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36).

Here are a few examples of authors or individuals who have attempted to use gematria or numerology to predict the second coming of Christ:

David Meade - Meade is a self-proclaimed Christian numerologist who gained media attention in 2017 for his prediction that the world would end on September 23, 2017. He arrived at this date through a combination of biblical prophecy and numerology, including the number 33, which he interpreted as a significant biblical number. When his prediction failed to come true, Meade revised his prediction to October 15, 2017, but again, nothing happened.

According to Meade, a constellation of stars called the "Woman of Revelation 12" appeared in the sky on September 23, 2017, which he believed was a sign of the impending end times. He also claimed that the date marked the end of a 50-year Jubilee cycle, which he believed was a significant Biblical period associated with the return of Jesus Christ.

Meade's prediction gained widespread media attention, but the predicted date passed without any catastrophic events occurring. Meade later revised his prediction, suggesting that the end of the world would instead occur on October 15, 2017, but this date also came and went without incident.

Many religious leaders and scholars criticized Meade's prediction, with some accusing him of promoting fear and sensationalism for his own gain. Meade's predictions have been widely debunked, with experts pointing out flaws in his interpretation of Biblical prophecy and astronomy, as well as the lack of evidence to support his claims.

John Michell - Michell was a British author and researcher who was interested in the connections between ancient sacred sites and modern geometry. In his book "The Dimensions of Paradise", Michell explores the use of gematria in ancient cultures and suggests that there is a hidden numerical code in the dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza. He believed that this code held the key to unlocking hidden knowledge about the nature of the universe and the second coming of Christ.

Rabbi Judah ben Samuel - In the 12th century, Rabbi Judah ben Samuel, a German Jewish mystic, made a prediction about the end times that has been linked to numerology. According to the prediction, the Ottoman Turks would rule over Jerusalem for eight jubilees (a jubilee is a period of 50 years), after which the ninth jubilee would herald the coming of the Messiah. This prediction has been interpreted by some as evidence of the power of gematria and numerology.

Rabbi Judah ben Samuel's prediction that the Messianic age would begin in the year 2017 is based on his interpretation of the Jubilee cycles mentioned in the Bible.

According to Rabbi Judah, each Jubilee cycle consists of 50 years, and there are a total of 40 Jubilee cycles between the time of Moses and the arrival of the Messiah. He believed that the Ottoman Empire's conquest of Jerusalem in 1517 marked the beginning of the final Jubilee cycle, which he calculated would last for 50 years.

Based on his calculations, Rabbi Judah predicted that the Messianic age would begin after the completion of the 10th Jubilee cycle following the Ottoman conquest of Jerusalem. This would mean that the Messianic age would begin in the year 2017, which is exactly 50 years after the end of the 9th Jubilee cycle in 1967, when Israel regained control of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.

It's important to note that Rabbi Judah's calculations are based on his interpretation of the Jubilee cycles and are not universally accepted within Jewish tradition. Additionally, while his prediction for the Ottoman conquest of Jerusalem was accurate, his prediction for the start of the Messianic age in 2017 did not come to pass.

It's worth noting that while some people have attempted to use gematria and numerology to predict the second coming of Christ, these methods are not widely accepted by mainstream Christianity and should be approached with caution. The Bible itself cautions against attempts to predict the timing of the second coming, stating that "about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36).

There are many authors and individuals who have attempted to use gematria and numerology to predict the second coming of Christ, and their methods and calculations vary widely. Here are a few more examples of noteworthy authors and their approaches:

Ivan Panin - Panin was a Russian mathematician who converted to Christianity and became interested in the numerical patterns in the Bible. He believed that the Bible was divinely inspired and that its numerical patterns held deep significance. He used mathematical methods to study the Bible's numerical patterns and claimed to have found evidence of divine design and prophecy in the text. While Panin did not explicitly predict the second coming of Christ, his work has been cited as evidence of the power of gematria and numerology.

Harold Camping - Camping was a Christian radio broadcaster who gained notoriety for his prediction that the world would end on May 21, 2011. He arrived at this date through a combination of biblical prophecy and numerology, including the number 722, which he interpreted as the number of days between the crucifixion of Christ and the rapture. When his prediction failed to come true, Camping revised his prediction to October 21, 2011, but again, nothing happened.

Camping believed that the second coming of Jesus would occur on May 21, 2011. He arrived at this date through a complex calculation that involved biblical passages, numerology, and the assertion that the Great Flood occurred in 4990 BC. According to Camping's calculations, the world would end exactly 7,000 years after the Flood, and the rapture would occur on May 21, 2011.

Camping's calculations were based on his interpretation of the Bible and his belief that certain numbers and patterns in the text held significant meaning. For example, he believed that the number 5 represented atonement, the number 10 represented completeness, and the number 17 represented heaven. By applying these and other numerical principles to the Bible, Camping arrived at his predicted date for the second coming of Jesus.

When his prediction failed to come true, Camping revised his prediction to October 21, 2011. However, once again, nothing happened. Camping's failed predictions were widely criticized, and he later admitted that he had made mistakes in his calculations and apologized for the confusion and harm caused by his predictions.

William Tapley - Tapley, also known as the "Third Eagle of the Apocalypse", is a YouTube personality who has gained a following for his predictions about the end times. He uses a combination of gematria, numerology, and biblical prophecy to make his predictions, which include the identification of Pope Francis as the "False Prophet" of the Book of Revelation. Tapley's methods and predictions are not widely accepted by mainstream Christianity.

It's important to note that while some people have attempted to use gematria and numerology to predict the second coming of Christ, these methods are not widely accepted by mainstream Christianity and should be approached with caution. The Bible itself cautions against attempts to predict the timing of the second coming, stating that "about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36)

IX. The Second Coming and the Third Temple

The idea of a Third Temple being rebuilt in Jerusalem is a controversial and highly debated topic among both Jews and Christians. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE and has never been rebuilt. However, some Jewish groups have been advocating for the construction of a Third Temple, and there have been attempts to do so over the years.

For Christians, the idea of a Third Temple being rebuilt is often tied to biblical prophecies about the end times and the second coming of Jesus Christ. One of the most commonly cited passages is from the book of Revelation, which describes a vision of a new temple in Jerusalem:

"I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, 'Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months'" (Revelation 11:1-2).

Some Christians interpret this passage as indicating that a new temple will be built in Jerusalem during the end times. Additionally, some interpret the rebuilding of the Third Temple as a prerequisite for the return of Christ and the establishment of his millennial kingdom on Earth.

However, not all Christians interpret biblical prophecies in the same way. Some believe that the prophecies in the book of Revelation are symbolic and refer to spiritual rather than physical realities. Others argue that the rebuilding of the Third Temple is not a necessary condition for the second coming of Christ.

Furthermore, the issue of the Third Temple is highly contentious and politically charged. The site where the temple is believed to have stood is now occupied by the Dome of the Rock, a Muslim shrine, and any attempts to build a new temple there would likely be met with significant opposition and conflict. Therefore, while some Christians may see the rebuilding of the Third Temple as significant in relation to the second coming of Christ, the issue is complex and multifaceted, with religious, political, and cultural implications.

X. The Kabala of the Second Coming

The idea of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is an important belief for many Christians. It refers to the belief that Jesus Christ will return to Earth at some point in the future. Some Christians have attempted to use numerology to predict when this event might occur, or to find hidden meanings in biblical passages related to the Second Coming.

Numerology is the study of numbers and their relationship to events, characteristics, and circumstances. Some people believe that certain numbers have special meanings or symbolism. In the case of the Second Coming, some Christians have used numerology to look for patterns or hidden messages in biblical passages related to this event.

One example of this is the use of the number 666, which is often associated with the Antichrist in the Bible. In the Book of Revelation, chapter 13, verse 18, it says: “This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.” Some Christians have interpreted this as a clue to the timing or nature of the Second Coming, believing that the number 666 represents a time period or event related to the Second Coming.

Some scholars have used gematria to try to identify the Beast, with various interpretations and identifications proposed over the centuries. For example, in one interpretation, the number 666 is associated with the Hebrew name "Nero Caesar," as the numerical value of the Hebrew letters in that name adds up to 666. This interpretation is based on the historical context of the Book of Revelation, as Nero was a persecutor of Christians and seen by some as a figure akin to the Antichrist. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted, and other interpretations have been proposed as well.

Another example of the use of numerology in relation to the Second Coming is the study of the number 7, which is often seen as a symbol of completion or perfection in the Bible. Some Christians have used the number 7 to try to predict when the Second Coming might occur, or to find hidden messages in passages related to the event.

For example, some have pointed to the fact that there are seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls in the Book of Revelation, suggesting that these numbers are significant in relation to the Second Coming. Others have looked at the number of days in the biblical accounts of certain events, such as the Flood in the book of Genesis, and used numerology to try to find hidden meanings related to the Second Coming.

While some Christians may find meaning or significance in numerology related to the Second Coming, it is important to approach these interpretations with caution. Numerology is a highly subjective and often speculative practice, and many different interpretations can be drawn from the same numbers or patterns. Ultimately, the timing and nature of the Second Coming is a matter of faith and belief, rather than a matter of numerical calculations or hidden messages.

The Olivet Discourse

There are several Bible passages that describe the second coming of Jesus Christ, but one of the most significant and well-known is likely Matthew 24:29-31:

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

This passage is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, in which he speaks to his disciples about the signs of the end times and his second coming. It emphasizes the dramatic and unmistakable nature of Christ's return, with celestial events and the gathering of his followers from all corners of the earth. This passage has been interpreted in different ways by different Christian denominations and theologians, but it is generally seen as a key reference to the second coming in the New Testament.

We will now attempt to decode this passage using our art of Kabbalistic Gematria. See the book En Esto Creo (In This I Believe) for the whole chapter interpretation of Matthew 29.

But first, we have the following important points to remember:

1. The bible we are going to use is the New American Bible. This is the official version use by the Roman Catholic Church. This is the link: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/_INDEX.HTM

2. Then, we will take the rule from Zohar Beresheet 6:3 the principle "BECAUSE THEIR NUMERICAL VALUES ARE EQUAL TO EACH OTHER” which is further explained by W.W. Westcott, in his ‘An Introduction to the Study of Kabbalah.’ This method is called gematria which

“…is a mode of interpretation by which a name or word having a certain numerical value was deemed to have a relation with some other words having the same numbers; thus certain numbers became the representative of several ideas, and were considered to be interpretative one of the other.”

3. And last, the rule we presented in the book En Esto Creo (In This I Believe) that: “If the number (or gematria) reveals another possible interpretation, then we can use the sense of the statement being interpreted as a guide for further investigation."

Equipped with these three essential tools, we are now prepared to explore the world of biblical verses through a numerological lens and uncover their significance to us. Let us begin with the following passage:

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken."

This passage is not merely metaphorical; rather, it describes a series of astronomical events that will occur. The darkening of the sun and moon refers to an eclipse, while the falling stars are actually meteors and comets, such as the recent Oumuamua, which has puzzled scientists to this day. This passage provides us with a clue that the coming of the Son of Man will be a visible celestial phenomenon. However, since ancient astronomy was also intertwined with astrology, we can also interpret this passage as an astrological hint.

The next line:

"Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

To better understand this passage, let's break it down into three parts. Firstly, it states that a sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven. Secondly, it predicts that all the tribes of the earth will mourn. Finally, it describes the Son of Man's arrival on the clouds of heaven with great power and glory.

This passage is a prophetic statement that foretells a significant event that will occur in the future. It suggests that the Son of Man will make an entrance at a time when all the tribes of the earth mourn.  This means during a crisis or a hard time. The use of the word "tribes" implies astrologically that this event will have a global impact, affecting people from all walks of life.

The passage also suggests that the Son of Man's arrival will be a powerful and glorious event. But the use of the word "with power" "and great glory" is a personification for the companions of the Son of Man in his coming.

Son of Man

But first, let us dig a little into the title Son of Man. The title "Son of Man" is a term used in the Bible, particularly in the Old and New Testaments, to refer to both humanity in general and a specific person, Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the term "son of man" is used to describe humanity in general, emphasizing the frailty and mortality of human beings. In the New Testament, the term is used to refer to Jesus Christ in a specific way.

Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man in the Gospels, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. When Jesus used this term, he was emphasizing his humanity and his identity as the promised Messiah. He used this term to describe his mission on earth, which was to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

The Son of Man title is also associated with the prophecy in the Book of Daniel, where the prophet describes a vision of a divine figure who comes on the clouds of heaven to judge the world. This figure is called the Son of Man and is given authority over all peoples, nations, and languages. Many scholars believe that Jesus used the title Son of Man to identify himself with this figure and to claim that he was the long-awaited Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament.

In Christian theology, the title Son of Man is also significant because it emphasizes Jesus' humanity and his ability to identify with our struggles and sufferings. It shows that Jesus experienced the same emotions, temptations, and challenges that we face as human beings, and that he is able to sympathize with us and provide us with comfort and salvation.

The term "Son of Man" appears many times in the Bible, particularly in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, it appears in the Book of Ezekiel, where the prophet is addressed as "son of man" by God. In this context, the term emphasizes the prophet's human frailty and mortality.

In the New Testament, the term "Son of Man" is used more frequently, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It is a title that Jesus often used to refer to himself, and it emphasizes his humanity, his role as the promised Messiah, and his ability to identify with our struggles and offer us salvation.

The exact number of times that the term "Son of Man" appears in the Bible depends on the translation and version. However, it is estimated that the term appears over 80 times in the New Testament alone.

The term "Son of Man" has multiple meanings and interpretations in the Bible, depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some of the main interpretations of the term:

Humanity: In the Old Testament, the term "son of man" is used to describe humanity in general, emphasizing the frailty and mortality of human beings.

Messianic figure: In the New Testament, the term "Son of Man" is often used as a title for Jesus Christ, emphasizing his role as the promised Messiah who was prophesied in the Old Testament.

Divine figure: In the Book of Daniel, the term "Son of Man" is used to describe a divine figure who comes on the clouds of heaven to judge the world. This figure is given authority over all peoples, nations, and languages, and many scholars believe that Jesus used this title to identify himself with this figure.

Humility: The term "Son of Man" can also be interpreted as a term of humility. By referring to himself as the "Son of Man," Jesus was emphasizing his humanity and his willingness to identify with ordinary people.

Reuben: A Man

But since we have the astrological hint from this passage of Matthew, we ask, if Jesus is the Son of Man, then who is the Man?

In Numbers 2, God instructs Moses and Aaron to take a census of the Israelites and to organize the people into a specific formation when they camp and when they travel. The chapter goes into great detail regarding the arrangement of each tribe around the tabernacle. Here is a brief summary of the organization of each tribe:

Judah: This tribe camped on the east side of the tabernacle, along with Issachar and Zebulun. They were led by Nahshon son of Amminadab.

Reuben: This tribe camped on the south side of the tabernacle, along with Simeon and Gad. They were led by Elizur son of Shedeur.

Ephraim: This tribe camped on the west side of the tabernacle, along with Manasseh and Benjamin. They were led by Elishama son of Ammihud.

Dan: This tribe camped on the north side of the tabernacle, along with Asher and Naphtali. They were led by Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai.

Each tribe had its own banner, which was carried by the tribe's leader and displayed prominently during travel and encampment. The banners were adorned with symbols that represented each tribe's history, identity, and relationship with God. The organization of the Israelites in this way demonstrated the importance of order, structure, and unity in the community, as well as the centrality of worship and the tabernacle in the Israelites' religious life.

We have the symbols of the four tribes:

Judah and the Lion: Genesis 49 and Rev. 5:5

Reuben and the Man: Genesis 29:32, “behold a son” or “see a son”

Ephraim and the Ox: Ephraim was Jacob’s grandson through Joseph in Deuteronomy 33:17.

Dan and the Eagle: But Deuteronomy 33:22 associates Dan with the lion, not the eagle.

In Ezekiel 1:10 we have the same exact representation:

“Their faces were like this: each of the four had the face of a man, but on the right side was the face of a lion, and on the left side the face of an ox, and finally each had the face of an eagle.”

And their directions are:

NORTH - DAN-Eagle

EAST - JUDAH-Lion

WEST - EPHRAIM-Bull

SOUTH - REUBEN-Man

This is also referred to in Revelation 4:7

“The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf, the third had a face like that of a human being, and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight.”

The Talmud saw in these four creatures the four primary forms of life in God’s creation. It also noted that the twelve tribes of Israel camped under these four banners; some with Reuben (symbolized by a man), others with Dan (symbolized by an eagle), others with Ephraim (symbolized by the calf, or ox), and the rest with Judah (symbolized by a lion). (John MacArthur, Revelation 1-11: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1999), Rev. 4:8.)

Thus, who is the Man? The individual referenced in this context is Reuben. Now since Jesus is also referred to as the Son of Man, it implies that he will appear in the tribe of Reuben under the sign of Man, which is represented by Reuben. But the conclusion is clear: Jesus as the Son of Man in His Second Coming will be the son of Reuben, who is “a Man”. This raises now the question: what is the sign of the Son of Man, or the sign of Reuben?

In Matthew 24:3, the disciples asked Jesus,

"Tell us, when will this happen, and what sign will there be of your coming, and of the end of the age?"

In this chapter from Matthew, Jesus provides us with numerous insights about the sign of His coming. These teachings are explored in greater depth in the book En Esto Creo (In This I Believe). However, for brevity's sake, we'll provide a brief overview of how to interpret and understand these messages.

In this passage, the disciples ask for a sign that will signal the arrival of Jesus. This sign is comparable to the star that led the magi to Jesus at his birth. The sign that Jesus refers to is his zodiac sign, which is indicated in the words, 'Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man...' The word 'tribes' is crucial to understanding this concept, as it is used in the line 'and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn' (see John 16:20-24 for the word mourn). In this context, 'tribes' refers to the twelve tribes of Israel, which correspond to the twelve apostles of Jesus. In astrological terms, the twelve tribes signify the twelve zodiac signs of the heavens.

In the book "Call Adonoi" by Albert Schutz, the correlation between the twelve apostles, twelve tribes, twelve zodiac signs, twelve stones, twelve directional guards to the altar, twelve colors, and twelve coats of arms is demonstrated in the chart “The Twelve Simples.” The cipher is 12. According to Schutz, Reuben's astrological chart corresponds to the month of Nisan, which spans from 3/21-4/19. This time period is associated with the zodiac sign of Aries, whose stone is the ruby. This knowledge reveals the secret of the Sign of the Son of Man. The secret of Jesus as the Son of Man is in the Man who is Reuben. 

 

The Twelve Simples

Now we have the bible verse from Matthew 24:29.


“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven,”


It is truly remarkable that Jesus speaks these words in the third person, a style he often employs when discussing the end times. This suggests that he will return to a new body, with a new face and personality. However, Jesus drops a hint that he will come in the sign of Man, in this case, the Man is Reuben, whose astrological month is Nisan. This raises the question: who is the Man of which Jesus is the Son of that Man in his second coming? Fortunately, we can turn to the gematria of the Bible verse for answers.


THEN THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN WILL

2855 285 1975 66 285 165 66 415 5933 = 138


This refers to


DIVINE MASTER RUBEN EDERA ECLEO SR.

494955 411259 93255 54591 53356 19 = 138


Now


APPEAR IN HEAVEN

177519 95 851455 = 72


is the place which hides in metaphor for


SAN JOSE DINAGAT ISLAND

115 1615 4951712 913154 = 72


A complete exposition is in the book En Esto Creo (In This I Believe).https://www.amazon.com/En-Esto-Creo-This-Believe-ebook/dp/B0BWNV17P9?ref_=ast_author_dp


0 comments:

Post a Comment