THE aid of terrestrial technology, earthlings have at long last made their initial landings on the lunar surface. Recent achievements of our space program appear to be but the beginning of further fantastic feats in man's conquest of the cosmos. Space scientists consider the moon and Mars as steppingstones in their search into space.
If earth-beings, handicapped by the effects of evil and isolated from the rest of the universe, are able to devise space transports to carry them away from this planet to other celestial bodies, it seems reasonable that extraterrestrial intelligences having equal or superior capabilities could surpass man's feats.
A variety of cosmic carriers are brought to view in the records of revelation. According to the Scriptures, the visitation of cosmic craft is not confined to any particular period of human history. Several craft styles are specified such as the Fiery Chariot, the Cloudy Chariot, the Cloudy Pillar, and the Cherubic Wheelcraft.
The Chariot of Fire
Flaming cosmic carriers are used in and between earth and heaven. Their number, as that of the angels, is myriadfold,1 and their occupants in some cases were pilots,2 while in other instances were passengers including divine, celestial, and terrestrial beings. "In a flaming chariot" both the Father and Son were borne to the most sacred place of the sanctuary.3 "Holy angels have left the royal courts, and have come down to earth to encamp in the valleys in chariots of fire."4 Both Elijah and Enoch were "borne to heaven" in "flaming chariots."5 The celestial chariots were to patrol, protect, transport, gather, and to destroy.6 A vast aerial armada of fiery chariots will accompany the Lord's second advent: "For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire." 7
The Cloudy Chariot
Clouds are frequently associated with intraspace mobility. Intangible in form, undefined in shape, unrestricted in space, a supernatural cloud is the long established covering* and conveyance of the Lord who, "maketh the clouds his chariot," and "rideth upon a swift cloud." 8 Despite its nebulous appearance, the cloudy chariot has a distinguishable size, a variable color, and a well-defined configuration." Its utility as a vehicle for travel is indicated not only by its support of heavier-than-air objects but also because it can be entered into and rid den upon.10 While closely related to celestial beings, this uncommon cloud is not to be confused, at least in every instance, with angels, since they themselves ride in, wait in, and escort the cloudy chariot.11
Cloudy Pillar
A columnar cloud carrier is also described in the Sacred Script. Differing from an ordi nary cloud, this pillar had a distinct shape, size, interior, and base.12 A conveyance is indicated by the Lord descending in it, receiving visitors within it, and leading Israel by it.13 By its vertical motion of up or down, the signal was given to Israel, either to camp or to journey on.14 There was but one pillar with a cloudy cast by day and a fiery feature by night.15 During the day its canopy shielded from the hot sun, and after dark it illuminated the entire encampment.16 On occasion, the rebellious were consumed by a fatal flash of its light rays, similar perhaps to the laser-like "beams of light" of the flaming sword guarding Eden's gates.17 Appearing at the outset of the Exodus, the providential pillar continued in Israel's camp till the forty years of wilderness wandering were over.18
The Fire Cloud
Ezekiel reported a colossal cloud approaching our planet and associated with a whirlwind similar to those accompanying the chariots of Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.19 The surface-gleam of this shining vehicle was likened to "glittering metal."20 Surrounding it from without was an aureole of light and from within there issued a continuous sheet of flame. From the interior of this cloudy conveyance emerged a quartet of what appeared to be human-like beings whose movements were coordinated with four disk-like components which descended to and lifted off from the surface of our planet while the mother craft hovered in space.21
The Wheelcraft
An unusual disk device is described by Ezekiel 22 who defines it as a "wheel" (opharn) whose variant is galgal—interpreted by some as "wheelwork," or "chariot."23 The four units had a uniform con figuration with a blue-green color and a series of portholes or lights (eyes) on their outer edge or rim. To the observer, their size was awe inspiring. Each object also contained a "wheel within a wheel," which, according to our technology, could very well be a gyroscopic stabilizer. Similar to the unified movement of the pillar of cloud and its Occupant,24 these celestial crafts apparently had no independent action; for their performance was closely directed by the spirit "in the wheel." They moved in various directions with the speed of light. The four components seemed to emerge from the mother craft to descend to and take off from the surface of the earth.
Transfiguration Cloud
The luminous covering cloud that appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration is described as a manifestation of "glory"25 and might well have been the cloud carrier in which the Lord descended to Sinai and ascended from Olivet. This coincided with the earth-visit of Moses and Elijah who, after appearing to the three disciples, were observed by the latter as they returned "up into the cloud."26
The Ascension Cloud
The Bible records not only the event but indicates also the means by which Christ's lift-off from earth was accomplished. In an uncommon cloud He was "carried" beyond our planet's atmosphere into the airless void of outer space.27 As in the case of the two witnesses, evidently He "ascended up to heaven in a cloud."28 Daniel describes His arrival before the throne of the universe "upon the cloud of heaven."29 Thus in a cloud He left our planet and in a cloud He arrived in Paradise. Apparently the cloud in which He left here is the same cloud in which He arrived there.
The Re-entry Cloud
Since the return of the Redeemer will be in just the same way He departed, therefore as He ascended to heaven in a cloud, so will He descend from heaven in or on a flaming cloud or "cloudy chariot."30 When asked for a "sign" of His coming, Christ indicated the appearance of the cloud of glory itself to be the ultimate sign.31 In a cloud He was last seen going away and in a cloud He will be first observed returning. The "great" size of this cloud is indicated by its being also the ascension vehicle for those that are saved.32
The Escort Clouds
Since a single cloud transport is used by Christ in both His ascent to and descent from heaven,33 why are multiple clouds mentioned in the Scriptures? Since Christ will not return alone but will have the escort of all the heavenly host,34 apparently the purpose of the plural clouds is to provide a celestial convoy. Christ comes in His cosmic craft and they come in theirs. His conveyance is followed by theirs and their clouds resemble His.35 Since the legions of the Lord, in their advent approach to this planet, are associated with chariots, clouds, and symbolic spacial steeds,36 is it not reasonable to conclude that these are variable descriptions of the same carriers and the same event?
The Lift-off Clouds
At the coming of Christ a mossy cloud cortege will approach our planet from outer space an expedition of the angelic armies of the Almighty conveyed in their separate carriers.37 The Lord and His angels will come to reap the harvest of the world to gather the good and eliminate the evil.38 The ascent or the lift-off of the elect from earth will be in the clouds which, as in Elijah's case, was conceived as a celestial chariot.39 As the Lord Himself was lifted up in a cloud carrier, so likewise clouds will be the conveyances in which the resurrected and living remnant "are borne away from the earth by angels." 40 "Carried up in clouds" they will "meet the Lord in the sky." 41
Heavenly Transport Cloud
Thus the multiple clouds carrying the saved of earth will converge on the hovering cloudy command-craft of Christ. In the spacious staging area in the sky, the mighty multitude of the elect enter "together" into Christ's colossal cloud conveyance in which they will ascend from here to heaven taking seven days to proceed to the portals of Paradise.42
Examples of Intraspace Travel
Interplanetary space travel was a preincarnation activity of Christ as He "passed from star to star, from world to world."43 The spacecraft used by Him is indicated as a "cloudy chariot."44 Planet earth is not the only corner of the cosmos visited by extraterrestrial beings, for angels journey to "every part of the universe."45 Since cosmic carriers are used by them to come here,46 could it be that similar methods may be employed by them to visit elsewhere? Representatives of the planets participate in periodic interstellar voyages to be present at the parliament of Paradise.47 "For six thousand years," Satan and his apostate angels have been "causing grief throughout the universe."48 Apparently at the time of earth's millennium Satan's wicked work in unfallen worlds will be terminated; for then "he will not have the privilege of ranging to other planets." 49 "Limited to the earth, he will not have access to other worlds, to tempt and annoy those who have never fallen. It is in this sense that he is bound."50 Not so for the ransomed of the Lord. Inter planetary travel privileges will be theirs as they wing their way to far-off planets, enjoying "all the treasures of the universe."51
For a comprehensive manuscript on Cosmic Carriers with extensive references from the Ellen G. White and Biblical sources, write to: R. F. Correia, 327 Hanson Avenue, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401, U.S.A.
REFERENCES
1. Ps. 68:17; Heb. 12:22.
2. 2 Kings 2:11, 12; "chariotier," Knox.
3. Early Writings, pp. 55, 251; cf. Hab. 3:8; The Great Controversy, p. 677.
4. Signs of the Times, Jan. 15, 1894; cf. 2 Kings 6:17; Zech. 6:1-5.
5. 2 Kings 2:1, 11, 12; Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5; Review and Herald, Apr. 19, 1870.
6. Zech. 6:1-7, Moffatt; 2 Kings 6:17; 2:11; Isa. 66:15; Matt. 24:31.
7. Isa. 66:15; cf. Rev. 19:11-14.
8. Ps. 104:3; Isa. 19:1; there is an apparent analogy between: "cloudy chariot," "flaming chariot," and "naming cloud." cf. Early Writings, pp. 35, 55, 251, 287; E. G. White, To the Remnant Scattered Abroad, p. 12; A Word to the "Little Flock," p. 12.
9. Early Writings, pp. 15, 35.
10. Luke 9:34; Isa. 19:1; Rev. 14:14; Early Writings, pp. 16, 35, 55.
11. Eze. 1:4, 5; cf. 10:20; The Desire of Ages, pp. 831, 833; Early Writings, pp. 35, 55; "Just such clouds enshrouded the heavenly angels who came to herald the birth of Christ to the watching shepherds." MS 152, 1898.
12. Ex. 13:21, 22; 24:16, 18; Ps. 105:39; Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 343.
13. Ex. 34:5; 25:16, 18; Neh. 9:19.
14. Ex. 40:36, 37.
15. Ex. 13:21, 22; 14:19, 24; The Desire of Ages, p. 464.
16. Ps. 105:39; Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 282.
17. Lev. 10:2; Num. 11:1; Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 379; Gen. 3:24; Review and Herald, Feb. 24, 1874.
18. Ex. 40:38.
19. Eze. 1:4; 2 Kings 2:11; Isa. 66:15; Jer. 4:13.
20. Eze. 1:4, Fairbairn.
21. Eze. 1:4, 5, 19, 20, Lange.
22. Eze. 1:15-21; 3:13; 10:11, 22.
23. Eze. 10:13, Delitzsch, Fairbairn, Gray, Cobern.
24. Ex. 14:19; Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 366, 389; Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 377.
25. John 1:14; 2 Peter 1:17.
26. Luke 9:30-35, Murdock.
27. Acts 1:9-11; Luke 24:51.
28. Rev. 11:12.
29. Dan. 7:13, Lamsa, cf. Matthew Henry
30. Early Writings, pp. 35, 55, 287; cf. #9.
31. Matt. 24:3, 30; Early Writings, pp. 15 35
32. Early Writings, pp. 15, 16, 35.
33. Acts 1:9; Luke 21:27; Rev. 14:14.
34. Matt. 25:31; Rev. 19:14.
35. Rev. 19:11-14.
36. Isa. 66:15; Matt. 24:30; Rev. 1-7- 19-11 14
37. Rev. 19:11-14; The Desire of Ages, p 833
38. Matt. 13:39, 49, 50; 24:30, 31; Isa. 66:15, 16; Rev.
39. 2 Kings 2:11, 12; Early Writings, p. 162.
40. Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 404; Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p, 83.
41. 1 Thess. 4:17, Fenton, Meyer.
42. Rev. 8:1; Early Writings, p. 16.
43. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 69.
44. Early Writings, pp. 35, 55, 287; cf #9
45. cf. Gen. 28:12; Isa. 13:2-5*; Review and Herald, May 22,
46. Hze. 1:4, 5; Rev. 19:14; 2 Kings 6:17; Angels came to earth "with" or "in chariots of fire"; The Great Controversy, p. 512; Signs of the Times, Jan. 15, 1894.
47. Job 1:6, 7; 2:1, 2; The Desires of Ages, p. 834.
48. The Great Controversy, p. 673; Note: After the cross unfallen angels could no longer approach the precincts of Paradise, cf. Rev. 12:10, Knox; John 12:31; Early Writings, p. 151.
49. The Story of Redemption, p. 416.
50. Rev. 20:1-3; The Great Controversy, p. 659.
51. Early Writings, p. 40; The Great Controversy, p. 677; Rev. 14:4; 21:7.
The Bible text in this article credited to Moffatt is from The Bible: A New Translation by James Moffatt. Copyright by James Moffatt 1954. Used by permission of Harper and Row, Publishers, Incorporated.
