The Powers of Heaven and the Return of Christ: Understanding Mark 13:24–27, Isaiah 14, and the Cosmic War
For several blog posts we have been building to the return and second coming of Jesus and at last we finally get to see it! After the tribulation is complete there will be heavenly signs, the heavens themselves will be shaken. This may indicate a judgement on them. Then Jesus will return and send out his angels to gather those who serve him and are faithful.
Discussion:
I want to start this discussion by examining a prophecy in Isaiah.
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.”
Isaiah 14:12–15 (ESV)
This is an oracle against the nation of Babylon, yet it seems here that it also speaks about either a prideful king or about a spiritual being, perhaps even Satan. Later it does mention a man (verse 16), yet these verses seem to speak about more than just a man. Is this prophecy about a king, a nation, or about a spiritual being. I would suggest the answer is “yes.” I believe it was an oracle to the nation of Babylon, and specifically to the king of Babylon who ruled her. Yet it was also, perhaps, an oracle to the spirit that ruled over that king and nation. If this is true, it is possible for a prophecy to be about a person, a nation, and it’s spiritual ruler all at once. I want us to keep that in mind as we read the following verses.
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”
Mark 13:24 - 26 (ESV)
These verses could most definitely be about an astrological event, an eclipse of the sun and moon. They could also be about a climatic event, such as ash or clouds that cover the earth in such a way as to block the sun and moon. Following this we could see a meteor storm. There is some evidence for this kind of astrological activity, think of the darkness during the cross, or the sign of Revelation 12, there are times of great spiritual significance that are connected with signs in heaven. However, there is a possible problem with this view. Jesus specifically mentions the powers in heaven being shaken. Is this a reference to the previous verses? Is it a reference to the rebellious elohim that are the rulers of this world? Is it a reference to something we don’t even know about? It is possible that the prophecy is both physical and spiritual. Just as the prophecy of Isaiah seems to be layered, perhaps this one is too.
Indeed, the ancient world they often viewed the signs of the heavens as connected to important events. I believe that it is highly likely that Jesus is giving us physical, astrological signs, but that there is also a spiritual element. We know that Jesus disarmed those in rebellion against him when he resurrected (Colossians 2:12–15), but we know that they still rule, in a sense. Their presence has not been removed. Is the shaking of the powers of heaven, and the falling of the stars a reference to a cosmic war?
There is another question in these verses. Who is the “they” who will see the Son of Man returning? Is it a reference to humans, spiritual beings, or even a reference to the previously mentioned sun, moon, and stars (Marcus, 2009 903–904)? My guess is that it is a reference to the sun, moon, and stars, which is itself a reference to the spiritual host. In other words, there will be a cosmic war and afterwards the defeated hosts will see the King coming in power. This should bring us great hope. Not only are we not subject to these spiritual beings but they will be removed and see Jesus when he returns. While his enemies view this return in great fear, we look to it in hope.
“And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.”
Mark 13:27 (ESV)
There has been much discussion on the gathering and those who are gathered. Mark says that the angels will gather the chosen, the elect, but what is really interesting is that Matthew says that it is the wicked that will be gathered.
“The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 13:41–42 (ESV)
This is not a contradiction, for there are two gatherings here. The angels do gather the righteous, and they also gather the wicked! This is reenforced by the parable that Jesus is explaining in the verse in Matthew. For he says that the angels will gather both the weeds and the wheat (Matthew 13:24–30). Each one has it’s own destiny. Those who are wicked are destined for destruction, but those who are righteous are destined for the kingdom. Mark is focusing only on the gathering of the righteous. This gives us hope! For we know that Christ is returning for us (Edwards 2002, 404)!
Life Application and Questions to Consider:
How can we apply this to our life? The first thing to see is that we are not to fear the enemy. Yes, the demonic world exists, it is all around us. Yet we are not to fear them, for Christ is coming to judge them! They are subject to him. He is coming for us to rescue us, he is coming for them to judge and destroy them.
There is another lesson in the gathering of the righteous and wicked. It is tempting to try to remove ourselves from the wicked, yet Christ says that this is done in the end, not during the time of the church. The angels remove the wicked at the guidance of Yahweh. Thus, it is not the call of man to separate ourselves from the world. The world will be among us, but we are to remain faithful even though we are surrounded by weeds. Just as weeds can choke the life out of a plant, so too the unbelievers will try to choke the life from us. Yet we are to remain faithful and look to Christ as our source of life.
Connections
Matthew 24:29–31
Luke 17:34–37
Outline
After the tribulation there will be heavenly signs and the powers of heaven will be shaken (and judged?).
Jesus will return and send out angels to gather the righteous.
FAQ for the article
What does Mark 13:24–27 mean?
Mark 13:24–27 describes events that occur after a period of tribulation, including the darkening of the sun and moon, the falling of the stars, the shaking of the powers in heaven, the visible coming of the Son of Man, and the gathering of God’s elect. The passage can be understood as describing both cosmic signs in the physical creation and spiritual events involving the heavenly powers.
What are the “powers in heaven” in Mark 13:25?
The phrase “powers in heaven” may refer to spiritual powers associated with the heavenly realm. In the context of Jesus’ description of cosmic signs, the language may indicate that the events surrounding Christ’s return involve more than astronomical phenomena and include the defeat and judgment of spiritual powers opposed to God.
Are the falling stars in Mark 13 literal stars?
The falling stars in Mark 13 could describe an actual astronomical or atmospheric phenomenon, but biblical prophetic language can also use the sun, moon, and stars symbolically to describe rulers, nations, or spiritual powers. Therefore, the passage may intentionally contain both physical and spiritual dimensions rather than requiring an exclusively literal or symbolic interpretation.
Is Mark 13:24–27 describing a cosmic war?
Mark 13:24–27 may contain imagery consistent with a cosmic conflict between Christ and rebellious spiritual powers. Jesus connects the darkening of the heavenly bodies and the shaking of the powers in heaven with the appearance of the Son of Man in glory, suggesting that his return represents the public victory and authority of Christ over his enemies.
How does Isaiah 14 help explain Mark 13?
Isaiah 14 provides an example of biblical prophecy that can operate on multiple levels. Isaiah’s oracle is directed against Babylon and its king, yet the language concerning the one who seeks to ascend to heaven and make himself like the Most High has also been understood as describing a spiritual reality behind the earthly ruler. This provides a possible framework for understanding Mark 13 as involving both earthly events and spiritual powers.
Is Isaiah 14 about Satan?
Isaiah 14 is explicitly an oracle concerning Babylon, and the immediate context identifies the subject with the king of Babylon. However, the imagery of ascending to heaven, exalting a throne, and attempting to become like the Most High has traditionally been connected with Satan and spiritual rebellion. A layered interpretation therefore sees the passage as referring primarily to Babylon and its king while potentially reflecting the spiritual power operating behind that earthly kingdom.
What does “Day Star” mean in Isaiah 14:12?
“Day Star” is a translation of the Hebrew imagery used in Isaiah 14:12. The passage describes someone who sought to exalt himself but was brought down to Sheol. The Latin translation of this passage eventually contributed to the traditional association of the term with “Lucifer,” although Isaiah’s immediate subject is the downfall of Babylon’s ruler.
Does the Bible teach that spiritual beings rule over nations?
Several biblical passages portray spiritual beings as having authority or influence within the nations. Passages concerning the “sons of God,” heavenly beings, spiritual rulers, and the “rulers and authorities” can be understood as presenting a worldview in which earthly political powers and spiritual powers can be interconnected.
What does Colossians 2:12–15 say about spiritual powers?
Colossians 2:12–15 presents Christ’s death and resurrection as a victory over hostile spiritual powers. Paul describes Christ as disarming rulers and authorities and triumphing over them, demonstrating that the resurrection fundamentally defeated the powers opposed to God even though their influence has not yet completely disappeared.
If Christ defeated spiritual powers, why do they still appear to have influence?
The New Testament presents Christ’s victory over spiritual powers as already accomplished while also pointing toward their final judgment. In this understanding, the powers have been defeated but await the complete manifestation of Christ’s kingdom and final judgment. Mark 13 can therefore be read as describing the ultimate public triumph of Christ over every opposing power.
Who sees the Son of Man coming in Mark 13:26?
Mark 13:26 says that they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. The identity of “they” has been interpreted in different ways, including humanity and the heavenly or spiritual powers associated with the preceding cosmic imagery. One possible interpretation is that the heavenly powers themselves witness the arrival of the victorious Son of Man.
What does “the Son of Man coming in clouds” mean?
The coming of the Son of Man in clouds is an important biblical image of divine authority and judgment. Jesus’ language is closely connected with the imagery of Daniel 7, where the Son of Man receives authority and an everlasting kingdom. In Mark 13, this imagery points toward Christ’s victorious appearing and the establishment of his rule.
Who are the elect in Mark 13:27?
The elect are those chosen by God who belong to Christ. Mark 13:27 describes angels gathering God’s elect from the four winds and from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven, emphasizing the completeness of God’s rescue and the gathering of his people.
Does the Bible teach that the righteous and wicked are both gathered?
Yes. Jesus describes multiple acts of gathering associated with the final judgment. Mark 13:27 emphasizes the gathering of the elect, while Matthew 13:41–42 describes angels gathering causes of sin and law-breakers for judgment. These passages are complementary because they describe different destinations for the righteous and wicked.
Is Mark 13:27 a contradiction of Matthew 13:41–42?
No. Mark 13:27 focuses on the gathering of the elect, while Matthew 13:41–42 focuses on the removal of the wicked from Christ’s kingdom. Jesus’ parable of the wheat and weeds in Matthew 13:24–30 provides the broader picture: both groups remain together until the appointed time of judgment, when they are separated and receive different destinies.
What is the meaning of the wheat and weeds in Matthew 13?
The parable of the wheat and weeds teaches that God’s people and the wicked exist together in the world until the time of final judgment. Jesus explains that the angels will ultimately separate the two, with the righteous entering the kingdom and the wicked facing judgment.
Does Jesus teach Christians to separate themselves from unbelievers?
Jesus’ teaching about the wheat and weeds indicates that Christians should not attempt to accomplish the final separation themselves. The separation belongs to God and occurs at the appointed time of judgment. Christians are therefore called to remain faithful to Christ while living among a world that contains both righteousness and wickedness.
Should Christians fear demonic powers?
Christians should not live in fear of demonic powers because Christ has authority over them. The New Testament presents Jesus as victorious over spiritual rulers and authorities and points toward their ultimate defeat and judgment.
What is the main message of Mark 13:24–27 for Christians?
The central message is hope. The cosmic signs and shaking of the heavenly powers are not presented merely as reasons for fear; they accompany the arrival of the Son of Man and the gathering of God’s people. Christ’s return means deliverance for his followers and judgment for those who oppose him.
What does the gathering of the elect teach Christians today?
The gathering of the elect demonstrates that God’s people will not ultimately be abandoned or lost. Regardless of the turmoil surrounding them, Christians are called to remain faithful to Christ and trust that he will gather and preserve his people when he comes.
Why should Christians remain faithful while surrounded by evil?
Jesus’ teaching suggests that God’s people may live alongside evil for a period of time rather than being immediately removed from it. The presence of evil does not mean that Christ has lost control; instead, believers are called to remain faithful until God brings about the final separation and judgment.
What is the hope of Christ’s return?
The return of Christ means that evil and rebellious spiritual powers will ultimately be judged, God’s people will be gathered, and Christ’s authority will be fully revealed. For Christians, the return of Jesus is therefore a message of hope, rescue, justice, and the final establishment of God’s kingdom.
References-
Joel Marcus, Mark 8–16: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, vol. 27A, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2009), 903–904.
James R. Edwards, The Gospel according to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos, 2002), 404.
