But how are we to understand Revelation 1:7, which indicates that even unbelievers would “see him”? That scripture states: “Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him.” Is that to be taken literally? If Christ rides with the literal clouds, how can every eye see him? If he is visible in Australia, then he certainly will not be visible simultaneously in Europe and most other parts of the earth, regardless of his altitude. The fact that Christ’s presence is associated with the figurative use of clouds in various texts helps us to understand that his presence has to be invisible, since clouds do not aid visibility, as any airplane pilot or air-traffic controller well knows.

Now, who are those who have pierced him? Literally, Roman soldiers did this, but they have long been dead. (John 19:23, 32-34) So these words must have some other significance. Jesus himself supplies the clue in his parable of the ‘sheep and the goats’ when he says: “To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matt. 25:31-46) Therefore, those nations and individuals that mistreat or ‘pierce’ Christ’s disciples on earth in this 20th century are counted as ‘piercing’ Christ during this time of his invisible presence. And they will be made to know the seriousness of what they have done and who is judging them. Yes, “all the tribes of the earth” will “see,” or mentally perceive, Christ’s presence and revelation by reason of the sudden change of circumstances that will come upon them. They will come to realize that Christ is ruling in judgment, but not in their favor. They will have good reason to beat themselves in grief.

When the time comes for Christ’s manifestation or judicial action toward this world, there will be no room for pleas of ignorance or indifference due to circumstances. Jesus himself spelled it out clearly, saying: “Then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” That obligatory recognition of Christ’s presence will come too late for their good. This will mean destruction for those who have not paid heed.​—Matt. 24:30; Rev. 1:7; 11:18.