How Do You Ride a Horse, a Cloud, and a Throne?

[JamesGlen]

Originally Posted by TK Burk

So, what did the angels mean when they told the disciples they would see Jesus "come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven"?

I believe the question is better stated, “what did the angels mean to bring to the those disciples’ understanding, when they told the disciples they would see Him "come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven?”

What exactly were they to understand?

Option 1) He would futurely literally be seen appear out of the clouds, just as he ascended into them.

2) He would come in judgment just as he ascended in judgment (like manner).

Which of these options were reasonably purposed by the angels words to give them enlightenment/understanding...they who watched him ascend?


Option 2 is not a realistic option, IMO, he did not leave in judgement...nor would the angel have the intentions of giving them apocalyptic judgement enlightenment by saying “in like manner as you have seen him ascend into heaven”...

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by TK Burk

Ahh, so you also use "spiritual" imagery. So why call foul when we do?

Ummm... where did I cry foul of anyone using spiritual imagery?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sean

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.


The disciples were NEVER told that they would see Jesus return here.

This text is a good example of a text that is NOT apocalyptic imagery. The disciples actually beheld the risen Christ physically ascend into the Heavens. And the angel clearly told them that Christ would return in the same manner as he departed. Thus, Christ will one day physically descend from the Heavens to the earth.

There is no need to "spiritualize" this text. It is a conversation about a witnessed event.

Theologically speaking, this text single handedly refutes Full Preterism.

Now, for Futurism, one could ask, "Did Jesus ascend with a white horse?" Obviously he didn't. Therefore, even in Futurism, the reference to Christ returning on a "white horse" could be a part of spiritual imagery depicting the returning Christ being fully prepared to righteously wage war.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 King James Version (KJV)
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

[Sean]

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.


Clearly the future 2nd coming of Christ.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sean

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.


Clearly the future 2nd coming of Christ.

And all Futurists, Historicists, and Partial Preterists said, "Amen".

[Aquila]

Personally, I think if the Parousia took place today, some might be at work while others might be out in their yards or in parks when suddenly... a blinding brilliance will fill the sky... and the elect will instantly find themselves transformed (in the twinkling of an eye) and drawn into the light of His coming.

If the Partial Preterists are right, what will follow is a fire that will consume all creation... and the Great White Throne Judgment will begin.

Regardless of one's view of prophecy... for the elect... the question of a white horse vs. a cloud, or even a throne, on that day will be mute.

[Sean]

It says "in like manner", not "exactly like".


If we take away the white horses of Rev 19, then we commit this...



19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.



The description of the 2nd coming of Christ is the last thing we should be tinkering with.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sean

It says "in like manner", not "exactly like".


If we take away the white horses of Rev 19, then we commit this...



19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.



The description of the 2nd coming of Christ is the last thing we should be tinkering with.

I do see your concern. However, I would only ask that you try to realize that understanding what the white horse means spiritually isn't the same as taking it away.

After all, Christ came into my life, riding a white horse, just when I needed Him the most.

Can you dig it?

[Sean]

Originally Posted by JamesGlen

I believe the question is better stated, “what did the angels mean to bring to the those disciples’ understanding, when they told the disciples they would see Jesus "come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven?”

What exactly were they to understand?

Option 1) He would futurely literally be seen appear out of the clouds, just as he ascended into them.

2) He would come in judgment just as he ascended in judgment (like manner).

Which of these options were reasonably purposed by the angels words to give them enlightenment/understanding...they who watched him ascend?


Option 2 is not a realistic option, IMO, he did not leave in judgement...nor would the angel have the intentions of giving them apocalyptic judgement enlightenment by saying “in like manner as you have seen him ascend into heaven”...

They DID NOT tell the disciples that they would see Jesus return.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I do see your concern. However, I would only ask that you try to realize that understanding what the white horse means spiritually isn't the same as taking it away.

After all, Christ came into my life, riding a white horse, just when I needed Him the most.

Can you dig it?

I totally dig it Bro., but my first introduction to Him was with a white light, not a white horse.

He is saving that introduction for all the world to SEE.