Ronald Nolette
Well-Known Member
OK, I think I understand!
I see the differences, one before and one after Jesus sits on His throne, one of a single group, one of a mixed group, the names for each matching the cultural references of the time. I see one being a known group - the elect. The other is an unknown mixture - Jesus separates them. They don't know why they are separated so.
Joel 3
1 For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Of course, "plead with them" should be understood as a judge entering a judgment.
Here in Joel is the same thing, a restoration of Israel to their land, and the gathering of the nations for judgment.
Much love!
Hi MArks! YOu are 99.9% of the way there!
Remember that the tribulation period (all seven years) is a time where God prepares Israel to receive Jesus as SAvior!
The major focus of the tribulation period is Israel! They are the elect in Matt. 24 and teh brethren in Matthew. 25. Remember to keep this in context and the context is God dealing with Israel. The church is never mentioned.
So the gathering of the elect is the gathering of saved Israel (the 1/3)of Zechariah13:
8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.
As a matter of fact, it is these 1/3 Jews who get saved and call upon the Lord saying "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord"
Matthew 23:36-39
King James Version
36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
that brings about the return of Jesus to earth!