Every scripture that communicates about the second coming of Christ always speaks of Him coming either in or with the clouds of heaven. Let’s explore the scriptures to search out and understand these clouds of heavens always mentioned in relation to the second coming of the Christ.
The first mention of the clouds of heaven is in the book of Daniel, where he recorded visions he had of the end times. In Daniel 7:13, Daniel, in a night vision, saw one like the Son of Man (resurrected Christ) come with the clouds of heaven before the Ancient of Days (God the Father), and dominion, glory, and an eternal kingdom were given to Him. (Daniel 7:13-14)
Daniel was perplexed by what he saw and sought the truth (interpretation) of what he saw. In verse 18, he was told that the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever and ever. (Daniel 7:18)
How does this correlate with the Son of Man who came with the clouds to receive a kingdom? It’s quite simple—the clouds of heaven are the saints of the kingdom who came with the Son of Man and received the kingdom as one body, being the Body of Christ. (Daniel 7:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12)
We, the saints, are the clouds of heaven in which the Lord is coming. This is why 2 Thessalonians 1:10 talks about Christ coming to be glorified in His saints (clouds) and to be admired in all them that believe. The tribes and nations of the earth will see and admire Christ when He appears in us (the clouds of heaven). These saints who are the clouds of heaven include both saints in heaven and those on earth as we come into the tangible reality of the Body of Christ, which transcends time, coming into the reality of our true fellowship, which is eternal. (2 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:27)
We come to the reality of Hebrews 12:1, where we are not just compassed about with the great cloud of witnesses, but we lay aside every weight (the nature of death and sin) and are being caught up to that cloud to become one with the clouds of heaven, who are the faithful witnesses of Christ. (Hebrews 12:1; Revelation 1:5)
How does one attain this cloud state of being? Simply by becoming Christ. And by what means do we become Christ? By beholding Him with an unveiled face, which is a pure heart. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in His holy place? He that has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. (2 Corinthians 3:18; Psalm 24:3-4)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” We see clearly in these scriptures that purity of heart and forsaking vanities, both physical and spiritual, are necessities to ascend and stand in God’s holy place. And God’s holy place is Christ, for it has pleased the Father that in Him should dwell all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Matthew 5:8; Colossians 2:9)
How is the heart made pure and purged of vanities (spots and wrinkles)? Through the washing of the water by the Word, but not just any kind of water, but the water that flows from the throne of the Father and the Lamb. This water is crystal clear, for it is only this quality of water (Word) that can purify and purge a man’s heart. (Ephesians 5:26; Revelation 22:1)
Paul refers to this crystal-clear water in another way as complete and perfect truth when he said, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” What is this crystal-clear water and perfection Paul refers to? It is the message of love, which is the message of perfection, which is what Christ is appearing and descending in us, His saints (the clouds of heaven), to sound first in us and then through us. Then all tribes and nations of the earth shall see Him who is the Desire of Nations, first in us, as He fills every member of our being with His glory. Then the Gentiles shall come to our light (love manifest) and to the brightness of our rising. (1 Corinthians 13:9-10; Isaiah 60:3)
Hallelujah
