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Study 14 of 16

The Deliverance and the Second Coming

The dramatic liberation of God’s people from the final crisis and the glorious return of Jesus.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The climax of the final crisis is the deliverance of the faithful. As the wicked seem poised to destroy the saints, God intervenes. At midnight, cataclysmic events begin: the earth shakes, the seas boil, cities collapse, and the voice of God is heard, announcing the coming of Jesus. This liberation does not occur at the Second Coming itself, but is the chain of events that leads to it. A star of hope appears through a rift in the clouds, and the righteous, who have been faithful, raise their voices in praise. The heavens reveal a small dark cloud that grows brighter, more glorious, and larger as it draws nearer—the sign of the Son of Man. This cloud transforms into a white cloud, topped by a rainbow, as Jesus rides forth to reclaim His own. The scene shifts from the time of trouble to the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of Christ's return, restoring the faithful to their rightful place with Him.

Key points

  • The deliverance occurs at midnight, just before the Second Coming.
  • The voice of God announces the return of Jesus and delivers His people.
  • Cataclysmic events signify the end of the wicked system and the salvation of the saints.
  • The sign of the Son of Man is a small dark cloud that grows in brightness and glory.

Key texts

  • Isaiah 26:20-21
  • Revelation 1:7
  • Matthew 24:30

From the book

Outline 14 · Chapter 11 — The End of the Seventh Plague · Read this chapter

  • “God’s voice announces coming of Jesus.” (book p. 153)
  • “Small dark cloud in the east—sign of coming of Jesus.” (book p. 157)
  • “Liberation follows these events: When defiance becomes universal.” (book p. 152)

Put it into practice

  • Fix my eyes on the coming of Jesus as my ultimate hope.
  • Trust that God is working behind the scenes to deliver His people in His perfect timing.
  • Live today with the awareness that we are standing at the threshold of the return of the King.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What event marks the beginning of the deliverance?

  2. Comprehension

    2. What are the physical signs on earth during the deliverance?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. Is the deliverance the same as the Second Coming?

  4. Scripture

    4. What does the 'small dark cloud' represent?

  5. Contrast

    5. How do the wicked respond to these cataclysmic events?

  6. Application

    6. What is the source of hope for the saints?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What happens to the wicked powers at this time?

  8. Doctrinal Clarity

    8. What does the rainbow on the white cloud signify?