This is understanding is fundamental with regard to the Second Coming.
Foremost in this discussion is the fact that Jesus Himself said that the world would not see Him again after He ascended to Heaven, John 14:19.
Joh 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
(KJV)
In contradiction to this most Christians believe everyone in the world will see Him after His ascension.
So who is right?
Jesus is right – of course.
Why then do most Christians think that “every eye” (including Believers and unbelievers) will see Him after His ascension, as the Bible appears to say in Revelation 1:7.
Re 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
There is no contradiction here, although it may appear that way.
Revelation 1:7 says every eye will see Jesus coming in the clouds.
So is there an example of this in the Bible which will give us further insight into what “Coming in the Clouds” means.
Yes there is, Isaiah 19:1 illustrates the Lord riding on a cloud.
Isa 19:1 ¶ The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.
This refers to Judgment.
So placing that understanding in Revelation 1:7 we see the following.
Re 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him (experience His Judgment) , and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Again – Interpreting a parable as being literal causes confusion.
Every person will experience God’s judgment or evaluation whether they accept Jesus Christ or not.
This judgment is typically referred to as “The Day of the Lord”.
Joe 1:15 Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.
Revelation 1:7 is referring to “every eye” seeing God’s revealed judgment based upon whether they accept Jesus Christ or not.
Similar to this concept is Romans 14:10-12.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Ro 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 ¶So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
In this section of scripture verse 12 summarizes the previous statements and tells us that they refer to everyone being accountable to God.