Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Daniel:29-45. Daniel 12:1-3. Matthew 24:9-44. Revelation 7:9-17. Revelation 15:1-8.
Revelation 11:19
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Zephaniah 2:2-3.
Revelation 16
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
Satan has not yet been confined in the bottomless pit, so Revelation 20:3 has not occurred. This will happen after Jesus returns, the first resurrection, the Battle of Armageddon, and the beast and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire. You can read Revelation 17, 18, 19, and Revelation 20:1-6.
The short season you said was in Revelation 20:6 may be referring to Revelation 12:7-12. In Revelation 12:7-9, Satan and his angels are cast down to earth with no more access to heaven. Revelation 12:12 states he knows he has only a short time.
My understanding is that this short time lasts three and a half years, also 42 months or 1260 days, often referenced in Revelation as the period of great tribulation involving Satan, the beast, and the false prophet. We also see reference to it in Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24, and Revelation 7:14. I hope this helps.
Revelation and the prophecies about the end days require study and prayer; many different interpretations exist.
The implications for us as believers should be a no brainer. We are commanded to continue to "occupy until He comes" ( Luke 19:13 also the concept of Ephesians 5:16).
One thing that is interesting is that it appears from Daniel that the crucifixion was AD 32 if we go 69 years of 7 year periods; that would bring the second coming to 2032 if it is exactly 2000 years until He comes making the Rapture by the end of this year; 2025. In any case we should be paying attention to the signs and not falling asleep.
I therefore look at the Parable of the 10 virgins if indeed it is referring to those at the Rapture and realize that merely alerting people that His coming is near isn't something I need to concern myself as it isn't knowledge of the event but readiness that is the crucial factor. The big question is if the end means I never knew you or I know you not (as a present tense); if intimate fellowship over time due to lukewarmness has faltered. Whether some are not raptured or not is probably a hot topic or if that is indeed what the Parable discusses.
Luke 21:36 states Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. If we agree every born again saint is raptured then we have to agree it seems that every believer is praying like this unless I somehow am misreading the text; hence my conundrum on thinking all saved people are raptured and leading to a reward issue here. I am NOT saying anyone is lost or you can lose salvation; but again since white garments are mentioned. Revelation 7:14 says
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Having to wash a garment to me indicates the Tribulation necessitated due to soiled garments of believers beforehand rather than indicating new ones.
Brother Jesse, thank you. Wow, your reply is already off the discussion page. When I responded and said no, I will not walk away, I should have included that if I continue to abide in Christ as in John 15:6-7, then I am secure. You say a true believer will not fall away, and I agree, but to me, one who continues to abide in Christ is a true believer, and the Holy Spirit will strengthen them to endure until the end if we walk in the Spirit.
Should we ask what salvation truly is? Is it a one-time event, as it is often strongly preached today, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, or is it a lifelong journey? I see salvation as encompassing the past, present, and future. When we accept Jesus through faith, our past sins are forgiven, we are justified by faith, declared innocent of sin, and covered with a white garment, clean and pure.
We then begin a lifetime of sanctification, becoming more like Christ, and we must continually repent of our sins, walking in the Spirit to keep our garments spotless, as 1 John 1:9 states. I believe this is why there are so many warnings that we must endure, to overcome, and keep our garments spotless. We must maintain our garments, which signify a lifelong relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit on the way to our glorification when we are resurrected.
Our robes are made white not by us but, Revelation 7:14, unrepentant sin defiles, Revelation 3:4-5, staying steadfast in our faith, Revelation 16:15. This is lifelong; we are to be faithful until our death, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 12:11. There is a reason for these many warnings; we should at least ask why.
More on Matthew 25 in regard to the Millennial reign of Christ
verses 31-36
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
The arrival of Christ signals the beginning of the Millenium. Verses 34-36 show the conditions that determine entering the Kingdom for the righteous and following verses not included here for those not entering in who are going straight to eternal fire.
We notice conditions here that surely would NOT occur during the Millennial rule of Christ when at the end heaven and earth flee away after a final worldwide rebellion against Christ and those already in the Holy City as we read at the end of Revelation 21 and continuing into eternity in chapter 22. Those in the passages above are no doubt those 144,000 or people captured and eventually martyred who all suffer deprivation. We read in Revelation 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. God then leads them to water and wipes every tear from their eyes.
Again as my other posts indicate once the sixth seal comes about
And they said to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. ( Rev. 6:16). Therefore actions prove faith or lack of it.
When we consider that sin is the sting of death as it leads inevitably to that fate then we are able to understand what our fear of death truly is. Of course I have not considered the matter of physical suffering here before death; especially with this concept of sudden death. That is to be human; not that it isn't an important matter but the enemy puts fear of what happens after death in the mind of the saints. He is the accuser of the brethren as we know from scripture.
Now if we look at the Tribulation saints in light of this concept we see how their martyrdom indeed is a quickened process of sanctification; bearing fruit and a final divorce as it were from the love of the world. It would be nice to see more young people come to faith today but clearly the innumerable souls mentioned in Revelation 7:9 show that God designs this time of trouble for the final great world revival in His wisdom. For a generation that seems without purpose will suddenly be given a mission; a charge in taking a stand for God. What's going down in a large part hasn't been warned about as of late from their parents and earlier generations; in many cases. What is valued now as to endless distractions of entertainment; materialism; status symbols (music and movie icons) sadly has been something largely supported by their parents. Many are without fathers and homeless; abusing drugs; etc. God of course is our father; Psalm 27:10 says Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
Too many today have to be "spoon fed" things who aren't saved or very immature in their walk. WIthout a vision the people perish. The Lord will gather His people and full harvest of souls according to His plans and purpose. Some will harden their hearts further once the Tribulation starts Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand
They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable. ( Psalm 82:5).
For the believer; the opposite is the case as 1 John 1:5 states in "Him there is no darkness at all." These two verses along with similar cross references summarizes the state of the world vs those who know the Lord and hence are in the world but not of it ( John 17:16). In a broader sense it also defines those who are trapped in this world system and can't see beyond it and those who are "rapture ready" and will be delivered soon; that are currently "seated in heavenly places" according to Ephesians 2:6.
Isaiah 8:22 shows the condition of those left behind in the Tribulation: And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness. At that time some will cry out to God and be heard; others not. We can look to God's chosen people in Exodus 2:23; many passages in Psalms; etc. but we are warned ( Micah 3:4).
Jeremiah 7:16 even shows a passage where the Prophet was not to pray for His own people as judgment was set forth; and the Tribulation will also be with judgments already predetermined according to the seal; trumpet and vial judgments decided in the Divine council. Nonetheless, it will bring forth a "countless multitude" according to Revelation 7:9 and the complete fulfillment of Joel 2 started at Pentecost with many "signs and wonders" on the earth as well as dreams and visions coming to men and women everywhere.
Again; Daniel reminds us in the 12th chapter that only the wise will understand; not the wicked ( Daniel 12:10). We can only work now to fulfill the Great Commission and "occupy until He comes" ( Luke 19:13) but once the Rapture occurs the "gig" is up as it were; and men will have to be given strong delusion by God because of their love for evil ( 2 Thess. 2:11). Let us preach the truth and love God with our whole heart; mind and soul dutifly.
Revelation 7:4 - And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and it was 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. There are several groups that claim to be part of the 144,000. But these are God's sealed servants which means that they are protected. It says right in the text that the 144,000 are from out of the tribes of the children, or sons of Israel. These are Jews, all 144,000 of them.
Revelation 7:12 - Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Saying, Amen, which means of a truth, of a certainty: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever, and notice that the word be is in italics in your bible.
It's actually a factual statement in the Greek text, (is) unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 8:11 - And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
And the name of the star is called Wormwood (APSINTHOS), which means bitter: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
There is something powerful in knowing that "Keeping the works of the Lord" means more than obeying. It means preserving, guarding, as one guards a treasure hidden in the heart. At a time when so much is forgotten or distorted, this guarding is endurance.
seems to me to be a call not just to outward obedience, but to an inner zeal ( Rev 2:26) - something that requires vigilance against distractions, false teachings and the illusory comforts of this world. It's a faithfulness that stands the test of time, like a candle lit on long nights.
The Lord doesn't just ask us to do good, but to keep it pure - until the end. And the promise of reigning with Christ (see Rev 20:4) is given to those who persevere not by their own strength, but by continuous, silent and steadfast faithfulness.
When I read that the names of the redeemed will never be blotted out of the Book of the Lamb ( Rev 21:27), my heart calmed down. It's not the fear of losing, but the certainty of being written - not in ink, but in blood. The Book of Life records our creation ( Psalm 139:16; Dan 12:1).
And then, when I heard the doxology ( Matthew 6:9-13) of ( Revelation 7:12), I saw in it not just words, but a perfect symphony. Seven praises - praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might - all belonging to God, for now and also for the end of time.
The "Amen" there is not the end of a prayer, but the eternal confirmation that everything already belongs to Him. Like a song in heaven.
Revelation 7:4 - And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and it was 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. There are several groups that claim to be part of the 144,000. But these are God's sealed servants which means that they are protected. It says right in the text that the 144,000 are from out of the tribes of the children, or sons of Israel. These are Jews, all 144,000 of them.
Revelation 7:12 - Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Saying, Amen, which means of a truth, of a certainty: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever, and notice that the word be is in italics in your bible.
It's actually a factual statement in the Greek text, (is) unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 8:11 - And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
And the name of the star is called Wormwood (APSINTHOS), which means bitter: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
Today's scripture verse is John 15:18 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you."
Yesterday I met someone extraordinary who is working in one area of crime in our area and is a Christian. I won't even get into the specifics for reasons of confidentiality; as the enemy no doubt would want to dismantle what has been done for the Kingdom of God. Only occasionally have I met someone who I would consider "sold out" for the Lord as to attempts to evangelize and fight spiritual warfare in the process and rejoices in being in the worst neighborhoods all hours of the day and night. The efforts of God's army must utilize the same tactics as the enemy; branching out to those of every tongue; nation and language as Revelation 7:9 indicates along with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20.
Evil follows the same sort of tactic; it has many tentacles and branches out in complex hierarchical structures. One of the most dangerous things we can do is try to stay away from everything and follow our everyday routine; pretending nothing is wrong.
There are certain situations; nonetheless that in His perfect wisdom will be averted and should be avoided; and whenever we plan to reach out and share of His amazing grace it behooves us not to go unprepared with prayers covering our backs and have prayer and scripture as meditation in our minds.
No one is perfect of course; but we need to pay attention to Godly men and women who are clearly outstanding in their faith as proved by their actions.
As a further note of warning based on what I learned the other day; there is much in churches that is often swept under the rug so to speak. And I am not referring to the Catholic church only. There has in general been too little accountability overall; and this also relates to those who are not given wise counsel in regard to the sacredness of the marriage covenant who ditch their first wives to marry another even in leadership. Let's keep praying.
Rapture 'seizing and carrying off' Just by this definition there is more then one rapture in the Bible.
Today is the day of salvation.
1) Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
2) 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
3) Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (The 'rapture) (Start of Tribulation) ( rev 5:9-10 singing in Heaven before 1st seal is open, Made Chiefs Priests to reign with Christ)
4) Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (out of, meaning they were in it. Raptured saved and repented saints from 4:1 to to the sixth seal, subjects and not like those in Rev 5:9)
Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." (servants in heaven day and night)
5) Revelation 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." (two witnesses raptured after BEING KILLED AND 3 DAYS LATER RESURRECTED BY GOD rev 13:7)
6) Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. (144,000, the manchild raptured
As we look at what is going on in the world and in the churches and congregations today, what do we see?
We see a world where sin, i.e. disobedience to God's law, is and has been multiplying as never before.
We see churches and congregations exhibiting a love for the world as the worship service has become a place for entertainment. And an abandonment of the Bible, the Word of God, as being the ultimate authority; where the church itself is the authority and not the Bible. We see a gospel being proclaimed where man is in control of their salvation and not God alonea do-it-yourself gospel where Christ has done His part and now it's up to us.
So where are we in God's time table of His plan for the churches and the world?
We are, I believe, living in the period describe in Matthew 24 and Mark 13, the Great Tribulation. A period where God's judgment has fallen upon the churches as we read in 1 Peter 4:17 and 2Thessalonians 2:1-12. And where God is preparing the world for His return on the clouds of glory at the Last Day.
It is also a time where God is reveling truth from His Word, the Bible, that has been hidden in times past as we read in Daniel 9 and Daniel 12.
Daniel 12:9 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
But God, in this time, is saving a "great multitude" as we read in Revelation 7:9. Ezekiel 36:24-38, Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah 30 and many other passages which are pictures of God's salvation during this time.
If there were ever a time where we should be searching the scriptures and praying that God in His mercy might lead us into truth, this is that time.
But we must search the scriptures using the principles that God lays down in His Word. A key principle is that Christ is the author of the entire Bible and that He "spoke in parables, and without a parable spake He not" Matthew 13:34 and Mark 4:34.
May God in His mercy open our spiritual ears as we search the scriptures.
Hello Bennymkje. Just to clarify, I am not a KJB Online Moderator nor representing a denomination. I am, as you, S. Spencer and most others here, simply believers & lovers of the Word of God who want to help others with their questions or provide input for consideration and discussion. What we have done (as any other who wishes to do here) is to provide an answer to Tdianne's question, which we have done as from God's Word. Now, whether our answer is incorrect, according to your own belief & you then provide your own answer, is for Tdianne to discern, study & digest. So, that is one side of this thread: to answer Tdianne. The other side is whether there should be a further discussion between us on the issues that arise resulting from our often very different biblical hermeneutics.
I could use any of your submissions as examples, but just taking a quick one from this comment: "Did he (St. John) hear with his physical ears or with the ear of faith?" My answer would be a clear, "with his physical ears". Why? Because the Scriptures tell us so ( Revelation 7:1 "I SAW four angels"; Revelation 7:4 "I HEARD the number"). John believed the vision he saw & the words he heard were real, & not just in a dream, a trance or wishful thinking. Now, if you believe that this understanding is incorrect & yours is correct (i.e. 'God isn't giving news of the physical earth and gossip about who shall make the list', etc.), then the burden of proof rests with you as to how you arrive at your conclusion, for clearly that is not what the Word gives us. If John heard "with the ear of faith", how was this faith exercised, when he stated that his vision & hearing were actually real? I realize that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen", but did John express such faith here when the vision & the words given to him did not require faith to believe that they were real, but only to receive & record it for us?
The group you have here in Revelation 7:2-8 is 12000 Jews out of each of the 12 tribes of Israel as mentioned in vs 4 "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
And the tribes are listed and divided in the following verses.
This group is sealed by God in will be on earth serving during the tribulation period. The Church would have already been raptured.
Tdianne you won't find in the Bible where it says "only 144,000 people are going to heaven" because it's not in the Bible!
This is the Jehovah Witness beliefs.
The Jehovah's Witnesses started in 1870 by Charles Taze Russell.
In the beginning it was just a few of them and they claimed that only a 144,000 go to heaven and the rest would inherit the Earth.
The problem is they have outgrown the number, now it's millions of them.
They believe they are the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation and they were sealed to preach the Kingdom has come.
I hope that helps.
If you have anymore questions on this group let us know.
Hello Tdianne. The 144,000 you read about, is found in Revelation 7:2-8 (the sealing of God's servants & their origin) and Revelation 14:1-5 (these who were "the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb" (v4)).
When we come to this Book of the Revelation, there will always be many opinions about the people, events, & timing of their appearance, since much of Revelation is still future. But if we go by what we have been given in these passages, we note that this great number of people are from the twelve tribes of Israel, they are God's servants, undefiled, and they stand with Jesus on Mt. Zion (alluding to Jesus' Second Coming to rule upon the Earth).
These were redeemed as first fruits among men, and yet in Revelation 7:9, John the Revelator sees 'a great multitude without number from all nations also standing before God's Throne & before the Lamb, worshipping God'. So it seems clear that the 144,000 are distinct as those from the tribes of Israel, and there are also those of the Gentile nations, all whom will stand with Jesus in Jerusalem in that coming day. Whether any part of these passages indicate that there is also worship by these in Heaven (& then on Earth), or the specific timing of when these Jews are sealed by God or do His bidding on Earth, are all open to conjecture as what John sees, he brings to us. What John hasn't been told (or shown), would leave both him & us in ignorance to all the specifics. And so we read what we've been given & we should allow the Holy Spirit to guide & comfort our hearts in both the known & unknown.
15...The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
18 And the nations were(WILL BE) angry, and GOD's WRATH is come ... and should destroy them which destroy the earth.
The message above was written around 95AD to be LITERALLY fulfilled in the future( Revelation 1:1) , and now, even now, from now on, the prophecy will LITERALLY be executed, for GOD is wrathed against all nations and they will be destroyed, include the current Israel, and only and only will be saved a remnant of Israel- Micah 7:18-20, in fact only 144K will be saved- Revelation 7:1-8. And the others?
The others? Matthew 23:33-35
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers (why serpents? why generation of vipers? The answer is in John 8:44.Take a look), how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
The Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing, understand?
"The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up." ( Revelation 8:7).
This and the next 3 trumpets seems to be what the 144,000 were sealed to protect them against. Revelation 7:3 says: Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Trumpets 2 and 3 discuss the destruction of 1/3 of the sea in regard to life and commerce; as well as a third of the waters of the earth made bitter. The fourth trumpet gets into one third of the day AND night having no light. This certainly will trump any so called eclipse sign of God as it will be truly frightening. Clearly something will be blocking light from above the earth's atmosphere maybe related to what crashes into the sea in the earlier trumpet.
The 1/3 mentioned here and later on in the sixth trumpet judgment is almost certainly related to the judgment to come on the 1/3 of the angels that fell with Lucifer that are to be cast down on the earth. Isaiah 24:21 says And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.
In the fifth trumpet; we see the first judgment of demons that are directly affecting mankind. In this case torment only was allowed; and death withheld somehow. Immediately following this we have the event of the two prophets being killed; put on display and resurrected as proven by this verse: One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. ( Revelation 9:12). I STRONGLY suspect that these individuals will be convinced once the Antichrist beast is "resurrected" that he both causes their suffering to cease and also that their inability to die will be proof that they are IMMORTAL because of the power OVER Apollyon ( Rev. 9:11) WITH THE MARK.
Matthew 24:13-14 state: But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
On face value; this verse has two interpretations; first it shows that someone enduring to the end of their natural life on earth and passes away BEFORE the Rapture will be saved (spiritually); OR that he who endures to the end of the TRIBULATION will be saved
PHYSICALLY if they survive until the Second Coming. This also could have a third meaning; of course the spiritual salvation of those who hold out during the Tribulation proclaiming faith and are martyred. The SECOND verse (14) makes these interpretations stand because it could refer to all nations hearing the Gospel THIS SIDE of the Rapture; or all hearing when the two prophets speak to the ENTIRE WORLD along with the 144,000 witnesses and the countless multitude of martyred saints results. I am under the assumption that both of these statements are equally true; because we are closer every day to every nation hearing the Gospel; but it isn't being broadcast simultaneously to all as no doubt it will be when the two prophets are seen worldwide (See Revelation 11:10-11)
The concept of being preserved FROM and preserved THROUGH trials and tribulations is a common theme throughout the Bible.
The fact that we see people from every language tribe and nation ( Revelation 7:9 and following verses in that chapter) shows that God will not allow mankind to use anywhere near its entire arsenal of nuclear or other weapons as it already is enough to kill everyone in the world many times over.
The main point in that regard is that in the conflagration of nations over and over again GOD is mentioned as destroying enemies; and those who survive are well aware that the true Lord of heaven and earth is rendering this retribution as we see clearly from the statements made by the world hiding from Him during the sixth Seal.
15We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the COMING of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.
(Comment:Daniel prophesied:Dan.12:1
- At that time(END of Time) shall Michael stand up to fight against the red Dragon,whose satanic religious body has 7 heads,10 horns and a TAIL- Revelation 12:9-12;
- then there shall be a time of trouble (great tribulation), such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time( Matthew 24:21);
- and at that time(current time)thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book ( Revelation 7:1-14).
Furthermore,in this current time or now,even now,from now on,the Devil shall be cast down into the bottomless pit(Re.20:1-3).
Daniel 12:2-THERE WILL BE RESURRECTION SIMULTANEOUSLY
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake(according to the prophecy of Isaiah 26:19-21.Take a look), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Comment: So, there also shall be resurrection in fulfillment of prophecy of Isaiah combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16, as follow:
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout (shall descend from the 3rd heaven,we believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Ephesians1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21),with the voice of the archangel-MICHAEL- , and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thes. 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above of the current second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Matthew 25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(Where?- Revelation 11:15-18 and Re. 5:10, and Matthew 5:5, and John 17:24. Take a look).
Good question. We are face to a deep and terrible puzzle/enigma. The most important is the Truth. GOD is Truth. The Word is GOD. The Word is from everlasting to everlasting. The GOD's people needs to investigate and seek Truth.
Replying to your question, I must say that NAME does not exist in the original Hebrew Scripture, it was simply added.
Remember, JESUS said: Re.22:18 -> I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, GOD shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.
What matters and prevails is the pure Word of GOD. Isaiah 12:3KJV says: Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Jo.7:38-> He that believes on me, as the Scripture has said,out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Compare with John 5:37-47)
4 And in that Day (in this current Day, the seventh and last Day) shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.(This will LITERALLY be fulfilled: Revelation 7:1-8. 144K)
5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. -> ( Revelation 11:15-18, among other biblical references.Take a look)
6 Cry out and shout, you inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. -> (Re.1:7-8-> 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, sais the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. ->7 Behold,He comes 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.
Thank you for your reply of yesterday.I highlighted six points of your post to comment them,as follow:
1st point:
What will happen from now on in the middle east and around the world as a whole, it is written and prophesied by the Word of GOD.Remember: 1The.5:2-3:->2 For yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them,as travail upon a woman with child ( Revelation 12:1-5 will LITERALLY be fulfilled);and they(Israel-the Jews) shall not escape.(EXCEPT the sealed 144k-12K of each tribe- Revelation 7:1-8 and 14:1-5). And also the LITERAL fulfillment of 2The.2:1-13, mainly verses 11-12:-->11 And for this cause GOD shall send them STRONG DELUSION,that they should believe a lie:(These are lost).12 That they all might be damned who believed not the Truth,but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2nd point:
Yes,Israel will loose support, remember that GOD is in control of History,nothing random happens.In the first moment Israel have received all backing of their allies,but they will loose a lot of support,as you said.And when this becomes apparent ARE NOT the enemies of Israel that will try to take them over, as you think, no, it is not,when Israel loose the support,then will manifest their false messiah as was prophesied by my Lord JESUS( John 5:43-47),and then begins the LITERAL fullfilment of 2Thessalonians 2:8-12 combined with Revelation 13:11-18, and 13:2 combined with Luke 21:24 and Revelation 11:2,and Daniel 2:40-45 and 12:8-12. GET READY
3rd point:
GOD will not intervene to save the physical nation of Israel, quite the opposite, GOD will work according His Word described in the 2nd point above, among many other prophecies against the rebel Israel.
Only the 144K sealed of Israel will be saved.The others are lost, for ever. Revelation 14:18-20 combined with Isaiah 5:1-7.Take a look.
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living GOD: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our GOD in their foreheads.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (These sealed 144K of each tribe of Israel are the remnant saved of the condemnation and eternal perdition- Luke 3:7 combined with 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, among countless other biblical references).
On the other hand:
-verses 9-12 combined with Revelation 19:6-10
9 I beheld, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our GOD which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped GOD,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and Glory, and Wisdom, and Thanksgiving, and Honour, and Power, and Might, be unto our GOD for ever and ever. Amen.
Momsage, the question is:
Who are the great multitude, which no man can number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stand before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands? And they cry with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our GOD which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Re.12:10-17KJV 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven (heaven?Eph.1:3.Take a look), Now is come salvation, and strength,and the Kingdom of our GOD,and the power of His Christ:for the accuser of our brethren is cast down,which accused them before our GOD day and night.
11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,and by the word of their TESTIMONY;and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12Therefore rejoice,ye heavens(heavenly places in Christ JESUS-i.e. the celestial environments of the Old and New Testaments),and ye that dwell in them-the believers-.Woe to the inhabiters of the earth(Israel)and of the sea!(sea/waters=peoples,and NATIONS,and multitudes of all tongues-Gentile peoples-which were deceived by that old serpent that deceives the whole world)for the Devil is come down unto you,having great wrath,because he knows that he has but a short time.13And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth(from the heaven- Isaiah 14:12-15),he persecuted the woman...
14And to the woman were given TWO WINGS of a great eagle(the Old Testament and New Testament-two witnesses of GOD- Revelation 11:3-4.Take a kook),that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place,where she is nourished(by the Old and New Testaments-the Word of GOD,the Scriptures)for a time,and times, and half a time,from the face of the serpent.
15And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman(be careful,don't drink of that water),that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
16And the earth(144K of Israel- Revelation 7:1-10 and 14:1-5.Take a look)helped the woman(the Lord's Church- John 10:15-16),and the earth opened her mouth,and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman,and went to make war with the remnant of her seed,which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. -The testimony of Christ is the Spirit of prophecy-Re.19:10 combined with Ro.8:9-11.GET READY
"I hope the Lord waits until my kids grow up; get married; etc."
"I hope the Lord lets me stay until (so and so) becomes a Christian"
"I'll show 'em; let me be one of the 144,000; or hang out afterwards it can't be that bad at the start..."
The facetious dialogues suggested above are more are less a compilation of several arguments BELIEVERS have given in my presence in the past when this subject came up. Let us examine them in light of the scriptures...
First point; in heaven there will be no regret as far as "missing out" on anything this earth had to offer. That is; unless we have squandered the opportunity NOW to witness and do those things which forfeited rewards in light of the admonitions of Revelation 3:11. Our children will be where their angels are already "beholding the Father in heaven continually." ( Matt. 18:10).
The second argument assumes that God is somehow derelict in His duty to bring the "fullness of the Gentiles in" ( Romans 11:25) which in truth may not occur completely at the Rapture but before the Second Coming. Nonetheless; the multitudes that come to Christ that can't be counted may never have come at least as quickly without the fiery trials the Lord designed to purge out the dross during the Tribulation. ( Revelation 7:9). We should also appreciate the fact in verses such as Psalm 40 which states "many will see and fear" (verse 3). This seems to indicate with the surrounding verses we will be raptured/resurrected from the ground; SURELY the Resurrection of the saints cannot be explained away and will be common knowledge (even if they say the UFO's abducted those raptured it's harder to explain those already deceased).
The third point is that even in the seal judgments there is a direct opening of these seals by Christ Himself with a fourth of the earth dying (at least) at that time. No one can outplan or outwit God in saving provisions for that time (see James 5:3).
If we compare Revelation 7:3 with the mark of the Beast in Revelation 13:16-17 we see a mark of ownership; in reality representing either God in the first instance; and Satan in the second. The exact appearance of God's mark is not given while that of the Beast is identified in the original language as "chargma" if I have the spelling right. That is something on or just beneath the skin; whether it is a sort of tattoo or computer chip it allows the world to visibly give allegiance to Antichrist.
God knows the hearts of men; and all those He foreknew to be called and chosen; as well as those who are reprobate or unbelievers. Satan is well aware of who we are as believers; as it is the only threat to his kingdom on earth at present.
Tne mark of Cain gave him the ability to avenge sevenfold anything done against him. ( Gen. 4:15). This was something identifiable which avoided his immediate demise; perhaps showing the future fulfillment of the mark of the Beast for temporary protection from the executioners and the wrath of men under Satan's pogrom. Following the god of this world always leads to death and destruction of self as well as others. Dying to self to follow Christ brings eternal life.
Of course it is no fun having a target on our back; even now that the enemy is constantly attempting to fling fiery darts at us ( Ephesians 6:16). We should take heart; as he has no time to waste attacking those who are already in his camp and under his control whose unregenerate hearts are blinded to the glorious gospel of truth ( 2 Cor. 4:4). Absent from the body we are present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:8). God is in charge of the day of our death; the enemy can only be permitted to do anything against us. The final conflagration in Revelation 19 when we return in the armies of heaven with Christ who destroys the Beast and his armies is inevitable; the war is won we just fight battles and skirmishes leading up to His victory.
Zech 14:16 Those that are left that (still death and sin 1st 1000yrs) go to Heaven. They remain in Heaven for 1000 years. ( Revelation 20:5), Satan locked away for 1000 years ( Revelation 20: 1-4) After 1000 years the ones on earth will be tested when satan is let loose. So who is alive after 1000 years will be tested. They are descendants from Zech 14:16
Also those that came out of the Great Tribulation ( Revelation 7:14) never hunger nor thirst again. Remain in Heaven with God until it's all said and done.
So Saints before Jesus who died were in a paradise in the earth. Until Jesus took the keys of death, captives set free
John 6:36-40 (Jesus the Only way)
36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:43-47 (Again, Jesus is the Only way)
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him (who believes in Him): and I will raise him up at the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (Atonement of sins, veil torn, Jesus the only way)
Those who do believed and died, they will rise first. Those who are alive next. Rapture.
Let's step back and think for a moment. What is heaven exactly? Surely a large factor there is that we will SERVE God forever.
John 12:26 says in KJV: If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Let us examine the same verse in the amplified version:
If anyone serves Me, he must [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]; and wherever I am [in heaven's glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
I am not an expert on translations but it would seem eternally serving God is a theme here! Revelation 7:13-15 and Revelation 22:3 make this abundantly clear as to the serving of God eternally of His saints. Worship is also inextricably tied to being a servant; and the ruling and reigning with Christ is part and parcel with the destiny of the church as Kings and Priests before the throne as well ( Revelation 5:10; etal).
Now as we assess this life; surely we see this attitude of service begins here; and Christ of course laid out the perfect example with His life. Mark 10:45 shows how Christ came not to be served but to serve; if God incarnate followed that principal surely His disciples must do the same.
As to work in heaven; surely it won't be a drudgery. The curse with the thorns and sweat on the brow will be gone that we inherited in the garden. We won't have unreasonable taskmasters; stressful deadlines; and other difficulties. Work no doubt will be a cooperative effort since we will all be together in performing tasks. No doubt individual things will be suitable for us as well.
The world at large cannot serve without some benefit for themselves; just like we can't love unconditionally (see Matthew 5:34).
In this and (let's be honest further sequels) I am setting forth through numerous scripture references the pattern in Revelation. In short we have the first and second halves. In my last posting; I discussed what appears to be the event after the 5th Trumpet and the five months demons torment men. That allows Apollyon to be released; and Revelation 11:14 mentiones the second woe or the sixth trumpet as occuring immediately before the events in Revelation 12 and 13.
The timing is tricky; but it is interesting to see how if we put a period of months to each series of 7 plagues we end up with 84 months which just happens to be exactly 7 years of 12 months each.
Going back to my original thought; there is a period where the 144,000 preach and there is a great harvest following them (likely about the time when the 2 witnesses are resurrected they also are raptured: see Revelation 7:9. We see parallels between the time of ministry of 3.5 years and that of Christ's ministry as well as parallels to Elijah when it didn't rain for 3 years. It appears obvious that Elijah is one of the two witnesses.
What is also interesting is at this darkest moment (at the end of Revelation 11) we see discussion of Christ starting to reign.
The focus would be on all those in heaven; or the completion of the "firstfruits" and all the saints beginning to rule and reign with Christ. After that statement we see Antichrist given his reign of 3.5 years to mock in a large part what the prophets did when on earth (see Rev. 13:13 and compare with Revelation 11:5).
Romans 11:25 makes it evident the blindness to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. That could refer to the Rapture (see Psalm 40) or as some say when the rule of the Gentiles comes to a close. In any event; many do wake up; and the third that make it going through the fire are those who of national Israel end up worshipping the true Messiah ( Zech 13:9).
Hi Natasha St John! If you read in Revelation 7:4-8 It explains that the 144,000 are out of the 12 tribes of Israel. As we read on starting with verse 9 we see that the nations that make up the rest of the world, that have their garments washed white in the blood of the Lamb, are a multitude that no man could number. So the 144,000 are only those that God has sealed, out of the 12 tribes of Israel. Now we know because God's Word is truth and there is a thread in the bible. Isaiah 64:6 says that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. In Matthew 7:21-23 says that God will say depart from me ye workers of iniquity. Also in
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 it says, Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. And in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. So by fallowing the thread of the Bible we can clearly see that the 144,000 are only out of the 12 tribes of Israel, they are washed in the blood of the Lamb and sealed by God. The rest of the world is the multitude that no man can number and is also washed in the blood of Christ Jesus.
I hope this answers your question.
I always try to remember these verses; 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Daniel:29-45. Daniel 12:1-3. Matthew 24:9-44. Revelation 7:9-17. Revelation 15:1-8.
Revelation 11:19
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Zephaniah 2:2-3.
Revelation 16
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
Satan has not yet been confined in the bottomless pit, so Revelation 20:3 has not occurred. This will happen after Jesus returns, the first resurrection, the Battle of Armageddon, and the beast and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire. You can read Revelation 17, 18, 19, and Revelation 20:1-6.
The short season you said was in Revelation 20:6 may be referring to Revelation 12:7-12. In Revelation 12:7-9, Satan and his angels are cast down to earth with no more access to heaven. Revelation 12:12 states he knows he has only a short time.
My understanding is that this short time lasts three and a half years, also 42 months or 1260 days, often referenced in Revelation as the period of great tribulation involving Satan, the beast, and the false prophet. We also see reference to it in Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24, and Revelation 7:14. I hope this helps.
Revelation and the prophecies about the end days require study and prayer; many different interpretations exist.
God bless,
RLW
The implications for us as believers should be a no brainer. We are commanded to continue to "occupy until He comes" ( Luke 19:13 also the concept of Ephesians 5:16).
One thing that is interesting is that it appears from Daniel that the crucifixion was AD 32 if we go 69 years of 7 year periods; that would bring the second coming to 2032 if it is exactly 2000 years until He comes making the Rapture by the end of this year; 2025. In any case we should be paying attention to the signs and not falling asleep.
I therefore look at the Parable of the 10 virgins if indeed it is referring to those at the Rapture and realize that merely alerting people that His coming is near isn't something I need to concern myself as it isn't knowledge of the event but readiness that is the crucial factor. The big question is if the end means I never knew you or I know you not (as a present tense); if intimate fellowship over time due to lukewarmness has faltered. Whether some are not raptured or not is probably a hot topic or if that is indeed what the Parable discusses.
Luke 21:36 states Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. If we agree every born again saint is raptured then we have to agree it seems that every believer is praying like this unless I somehow am misreading the text; hence my conundrum on thinking all saved people are raptured and leading to a reward issue here. I am NOT saying anyone is lost or you can lose salvation; but again since white garments are mentioned. Revelation 7:14 says
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Having to wash a garment to me indicates the Tribulation necessitated due to soiled garments of believers beforehand rather than indicating new ones.
Should we ask what salvation truly is? Is it a one-time event, as it is often strongly preached today, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, or is it a lifelong journey? I see salvation as encompassing the past, present, and future. When we accept Jesus through faith, our past sins are forgiven, we are justified by faith, declared innocent of sin, and covered with a white garment, clean and pure.
We then begin a lifetime of sanctification, becoming more like Christ, and we must continually repent of our sins, walking in the Spirit to keep our garments spotless, as 1 John 1:9 states. I believe this is why there are so many warnings that we must endure, to overcome, and keep our garments spotless. We must maintain our garments, which signify a lifelong relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit on the way to our glorification when we are resurrected.
Our robes are made white not by us but, Revelation 7:14, unrepentant sin defiles, Revelation 3:4-5, staying steadfast in our faith, Revelation 16:15. This is lifelong; we are to be faithful until our death, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 12:11. There is a reason for these many warnings; we should at least ask why.
Thank you, brother.
God bless,
RLW
verses 31-36
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
The arrival of Christ signals the beginning of the Millenium. Verses 34-36 show the conditions that determine entering the Kingdom for the righteous and following verses not included here for those not entering in who are going straight to eternal fire.
We notice conditions here that surely would NOT occur during the Millennial rule of Christ when at the end heaven and earth flee away after a final worldwide rebellion against Christ and those already in the Holy City as we read at the end of Revelation 21 and continuing into eternity in chapter 22. Those in the passages above are no doubt those 144,000 or people captured and eventually martyred who all suffer deprivation. We read in Revelation 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. God then leads them to water and wipes every tear from their eyes.
Again as my other posts indicate once the sixth seal comes about
And they said to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. ( Rev. 6:16). Therefore actions prove faith or lack of it.
When we consider that sin is the sting of death as it leads inevitably to that fate then we are able to understand what our fear of death truly is. Of course I have not considered the matter of physical suffering here before death; especially with this concept of sudden death. That is to be human; not that it isn't an important matter but the enemy puts fear of what happens after death in the mind of the saints. He is the accuser of the brethren as we know from scripture.
Now if we look at the Tribulation saints in light of this concept we see how their martyrdom indeed is a quickened process of sanctification; bearing fruit and a final divorce as it were from the love of the world. It would be nice to see more young people come to faith today but clearly the innumerable souls mentioned in Revelation 7:9 show that God designs this time of trouble for the final great world revival in His wisdom. For a generation that seems without purpose will suddenly be given a mission; a charge in taking a stand for God. What's going down in a large part hasn't been warned about as of late from their parents and earlier generations; in many cases. What is valued now as to endless distractions of entertainment; materialism; status symbols (music and movie icons) sadly has been something largely supported by their parents. Many are without fathers and homeless; abusing drugs; etc. God of course is our father; Psalm 27:10 says Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
Too many today have to be "spoon fed" things who aren't saved or very immature in their walk. WIthout a vision the people perish. The Lord will gather His people and full harvest of souls according to His plans and purpose. Some will harden their hearts further once the Tribulation starts Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand
For the believer; the opposite is the case as 1 John 1:5 states in "Him there is no darkness at all." These two verses along with similar cross references summarizes the state of the world vs those who know the Lord and hence are in the world but not of it ( John 17:16). In a broader sense it also defines those who are trapped in this world system and can't see beyond it and those who are "rapture ready" and will be delivered soon; that are currently "seated in heavenly places" according to Ephesians 2:6.
Isaiah 8:22 shows the condition of those left behind in the Tribulation: And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness. At that time some will cry out to God and be heard; others not. We can look to God's chosen people in Exodus 2:23; many passages in Psalms; etc. but we are warned ( Micah 3:4).
Jeremiah 7:16 even shows a passage where the Prophet was not to pray for His own people as judgment was set forth; and the Tribulation will also be with judgments already predetermined according to the seal; trumpet and vial judgments decided in the Divine council. Nonetheless, it will bring forth a "countless multitude" according to Revelation 7:9 and the complete fulfillment of Joel 2 started at Pentecost with many "signs and wonders" on the earth as well as dreams and visions coming to men and women everywhere.
Again; Daniel reminds us in the 12th chapter that only the wise will understand; not the wicked ( Daniel 12:10). We can only work now to fulfill the Great Commission and "occupy until He comes" ( Luke 19:13) but once the Rapture occurs the "gig" is up as it were; and men will have to be given strong delusion by God because of their love for evil ( 2 Thess. 2:11). Let us preach the truth and love God with our whole heart; mind and soul dutifly.
Revelation 7:4 - And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and it was 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. There are several groups that claim to be part of the 144,000. But these are God's sealed servants which means that they are protected. It says right in the text that the 144,000 are from out of the tribes of the children, or sons of Israel. These are Jews, all 144,000 of them.
Revelation 7:12 - Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Saying, Amen, which means of a truth, of a certainty: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever, and notice that the word be is in italics in your bible.
It's actually a factual statement in the Greek text, (is) unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 8:11 - And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
And the name of the star is called Wormwood (APSINTHOS), which means bitter: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
seems to me to be a call not just to outward obedience, but to an inner zeal ( Rev 2:26) - something that requires vigilance against distractions, false teachings and the illusory comforts of this world. It's a faithfulness that stands the test of time, like a candle lit on long nights.
The Lord doesn't just ask us to do good, but to keep it pure - until the end. And the promise of reigning with Christ (see Rev 20:4) is given to those who persevere not by their own strength, but by continuous, silent and steadfast faithfulness.
When I read that the names of the redeemed will never be blotted out of the Book of the Lamb ( Rev 21:27), my heart calmed down. It's not the fear of losing, but the certainty of being written - not in ink, but in blood. The Book of Life records our creation ( Psalm 139:16; Dan 12:1).
And then, when I heard the doxology ( Matthew 6:9-13) of ( Revelation 7:12), I saw in it not just words, but a perfect symphony. Seven praises - praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might - all belonging to God, for now and also for the end of time.
The "Amen" there is not the end of a prayer, but the eternal confirmation that everything already belongs to Him. Like a song in heaven.
Revelation 7:4 - And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and it was 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. There are several groups that claim to be part of the 144,000. But these are God's sealed servants which means that they are protected. It says right in the text that the 144,000 are from out of the tribes of the children, or sons of Israel. These are Jews, all 144,000 of them.
Revelation 7:12 - Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Saying, Amen, which means of a truth, of a certainty: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever, and notice that the word be is in italics in your bible.
It's actually a factual statement in the Greek text, (is) unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 8:11 - And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
And the name of the star is called Wormwood (APSINTHOS), which means bitter: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
Yesterday I met someone extraordinary who is working in one area of crime in our area and is a Christian. I won't even get into the specifics for reasons of confidentiality; as the enemy no doubt would want to dismantle what has been done for the Kingdom of God. Only occasionally have I met someone who I would consider "sold out" for the Lord as to attempts to evangelize and fight spiritual warfare in the process and rejoices in being in the worst neighborhoods all hours of the day and night. The efforts of God's army must utilize the same tactics as the enemy; branching out to those of every tongue; nation and language as Revelation 7:9 indicates along with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20.
Evil follows the same sort of tactic; it has many tentacles and branches out in complex hierarchical structures. One of the most dangerous things we can do is try to stay away from everything and follow our everyday routine; pretending nothing is wrong.
There are certain situations; nonetheless that in His perfect wisdom will be averted and should be avoided; and whenever we plan to reach out and share of His amazing grace it behooves us not to go unprepared with prayers covering our backs and have prayer and scripture as meditation in our minds.
No one is perfect of course; but we need to pay attention to Godly men and women who are clearly outstanding in their faith as proved by their actions.
As a further note of warning based on what I learned the other day; there is much in churches that is often swept under the rug so to speak. And I am not referring to the Catholic church only. There has in general been too little accountability overall; and this also relates to those who are not given wise counsel in regard to the sacredness of the marriage covenant who ditch their first wives to marry another even in leadership. Let's keep praying.
Today is the day of salvation.
1) Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
2) 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
3) Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (The 'rapture) (Start of Tribulation) ( rev 5:9-10 singing in Heaven before 1st seal is open, Made Chiefs Priests to reign with Christ)
4) Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (out of, meaning they were in it. Raptured saved and repented saints from 4:1 to to the sixth seal, subjects and not like those in Rev 5:9)
Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." (servants in heaven day and night)
5) Revelation 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." (two witnesses raptured after BEING KILLED AND 3 DAYS LATER RESURRECTED BY GOD rev 13:7)
6) Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. (144,000, the manchild raptured
As we look at what is going on in the world and in the churches and congregations today, what do we see?
We see a world where sin, i.e. disobedience to God's law, is and has been multiplying as never before.
We see churches and congregations exhibiting a love for the world as the worship service has become a place for entertainment. And an abandonment of the Bible, the Word of God, as being the ultimate authority; where the church itself is the authority and not the Bible. We see a gospel being proclaimed where man is in control of their salvation and not God alonea do-it-yourself gospel where Christ has done His part and now it's up to us.
So where are we in God's time table of His plan for the churches and the world?
We are, I believe, living in the period describe in Matthew 24 and Mark 13, the Great Tribulation. A period where God's judgment has fallen upon the churches as we read in 1 Peter 4:17 and 2Thessalonians 2:1-12. And where God is preparing the world for His return on the clouds of glory at the Last Day.
It is also a time where God is reveling truth from His Word, the Bible, that has been hidden in times past as we read in Daniel 9 and Daniel 12.
Daniel 12:9 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
But God, in this time, is saving a "great multitude" as we read in Revelation 7:9. Ezekiel 36:24-38, Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah 30 and many other passages which are pictures of God's salvation during this time.
If there were ever a time where we should be searching the scriptures and praying that God in His mercy might lead us into truth, this is that time.
But we must search the scriptures using the principles that God lays down in His Word. A key principle is that Christ is the author of the entire Bible and that He "spoke in parables, and without a parable spake He not" Matthew 13:34 and Mark 4:34.
May God in His mercy open our spiritual ears as we search the scriptures.
I could use any of your submissions as examples, but just taking a quick one from this comment: "Did he (St. John) hear with his physical ears or with the ear of faith?" My answer would be a clear, "with his physical ears". Why? Because the Scriptures tell us so ( Revelation 7:1 "I SAW four angels"; Revelation 7:4 "I HEARD the number"). John believed the vision he saw & the words he heard were real, & not just in a dream, a trance or wishful thinking. Now, if you believe that this understanding is incorrect & yours is correct (i.e. 'God isn't giving news of the physical earth and gossip about who shall make the list', etc.), then the burden of proof rests with you as to how you arrive at your conclusion, for clearly that is not what the Word gives us. If John heard "with the ear of faith", how was this faith exercised, when he stated that his vision & hearing were actually real? I realize that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen", but did John express such faith here when the vision & the words given to him did not require faith to believe that they were real, but only to receive & record it for us?
I agree with Brother Chris.
The group you have here in Revelation 7:2-8 is 12000 Jews out of each of the 12 tribes of Israel as mentioned in vs 4 "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
And the tribes are listed and divided in the following verses.
This group is sealed by God in will be on earth serving during the tribulation period. The Church would have already been raptured.
Tdianne you won't find in the Bible where it says "only 144,000 people are going to heaven" because it's not in the Bible!
This is the Jehovah Witness beliefs.
The Jehovah's Witnesses started in 1870 by Charles Taze Russell.
In the beginning it was just a few of them and they claimed that only a 144,000 go to heaven and the rest would inherit the Earth.
The problem is they have outgrown the number, now it's millions of them.
They believe they are the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation and they were sealed to preach the Kingdom has come.
I hope that helps.
If you have anymore questions on this group let us know.
God bless.
When we come to this Book of the Revelation, there will always be many opinions about the people, events, & timing of their appearance, since much of Revelation is still future. But if we go by what we have been given in these passages, we note that this great number of people are from the twelve tribes of Israel, they are God's servants, undefiled, and they stand with Jesus on Mt. Zion (alluding to Jesus' Second Coming to rule upon the Earth).
These were redeemed as first fruits among men, and yet in Revelation 7:9, John the Revelator sees 'a great multitude without number from all nations also standing before God's Throne & before the Lamb, worshipping God'. So it seems clear that the 144,000 are distinct as those from the tribes of Israel, and there are also those of the Gentile nations, all whom will stand with Jesus in Jerusalem in that coming day. Whether any part of these passages indicate that there is also worship by these in Heaven (& then on Earth), or the specific timing of when these Jews are sealed by God or do His bidding on Earth, are all open to conjecture as what John sees, he brings to us. What John hasn't been told (or shown), would leave both him & us in ignorance to all the specifics. And so we read what we've been given & we should allow the Holy Spirit to guide & comfort our hearts in both the known & unknown.
15...The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.
18 And the nations were(WILL BE) angry, and GOD's WRATH is come ... and should destroy them which destroy the earth.
The message above was written around 95AD to be LITERALLY fulfilled in the future( Revelation 1:1) , and now, even now, from now on, the prophecy will LITERALLY be executed, for GOD is wrathed against all nations and they will be destroyed, include the current Israel, and only and only will be saved a remnant of Israel- Micah 7:18-20, in fact only 144K will be saved- Revelation 7:1-8. And the others?
The others? Matthew 23:33-35
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers (why serpents? why generation of vipers? The answer is in John 8:44.Take a look), how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
The Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing, understand?
Get ready
"The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up." ( Revelation 8:7).
This and the next 3 trumpets seems to be what the 144,000 were sealed to protect them against. Revelation 7:3 says: Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Trumpets 2 and 3 discuss the destruction of 1/3 of the sea in regard to life and commerce; as well as a third of the waters of the earth made bitter. The fourth trumpet gets into one third of the day AND night having no light. This certainly will trump any so called eclipse sign of God as it will be truly frightening. Clearly something will be blocking light from above the earth's atmosphere maybe related to what crashes into the sea in the earlier trumpet.
The 1/3 mentioned here and later on in the sixth trumpet judgment is almost certainly related to the judgment to come on the 1/3 of the angels that fell with Lucifer that are to be cast down on the earth. Isaiah 24:21 says And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.
In the fifth trumpet; we see the first judgment of demons that are directly affecting mankind. In this case torment only was allowed; and death withheld somehow. Immediately following this we have the event of the two prophets being killed; put on display and resurrected as proven by this verse: One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. ( Revelation 9:12). I STRONGLY suspect that these individuals will be convinced once the Antichrist beast is "resurrected" that he both causes their suffering to cease and also that their inability to die will be proof that they are IMMORTAL because of the power OVER Apollyon ( Rev. 9:11) WITH THE MARK.
On face value; this verse has two interpretations; first it shows that someone enduring to the end of their natural life on earth and passes away BEFORE the Rapture will be saved (spiritually); OR that he who endures to the end of the TRIBULATION will be saved
PHYSICALLY if they survive until the Second Coming. This also could have a third meaning; of course the spiritual salvation of those who hold out during the Tribulation proclaiming faith and are martyred. The SECOND verse (14) makes these interpretations stand because it could refer to all nations hearing the Gospel THIS SIDE of the Rapture; or all hearing when the two prophets speak to the ENTIRE WORLD along with the 144,000 witnesses and the countless multitude of martyred saints results. I am under the assumption that both of these statements are equally true; because we are closer every day to every nation hearing the Gospel; but it isn't being broadcast simultaneously to all as no doubt it will be when the two prophets are seen worldwide (See Revelation 11:10-11)
The concept of being preserved FROM and preserved THROUGH trials and tribulations is a common theme throughout the Bible.
The fact that we see people from every language tribe and nation ( Revelation 7:9 and following verses in that chapter) shows that God will not allow mankind to use anywhere near its entire arsenal of nuclear or other weapons as it already is enough to kill everyone in the world many times over.
The main point in that regard is that in the conflagration of nations over and over again GOD is mentioned as destroying enemies; and those who survive are well aware that the true Lord of heaven and earth is rendering this retribution as we see clearly from the statements made by the world hiding from Him during the sixth Seal.
Paul prophesied:1Tessalonians 4:15
15We say unto you by the Word of the Lord,that we which are alive and remain unto the COMING of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.
(Comment:Daniel prophesied:Dan.12:1
- At that time(END of Time) shall Michael stand up to fight against the red Dragon,whose satanic religious body has 7 heads,10 horns and a TAIL- Revelation 12:9-12;
- then there shall be a time of trouble (great tribulation), such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time( Matthew 24:21);
- and at that time(current time)thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book ( Revelation 7:1-14).
Furthermore,in this current time or now,even now,from now on,the Devil shall be cast down into the bottomless pit(Re.20:1-3).
Daniel 12:2-THERE WILL BE RESURRECTION SIMULTANEOUSLY
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake(according to the prophecy of Isaiah 26:19-21.Take a look), some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Comment: So, there also shall be resurrection in fulfillment of prophecy of Isaiah combined with 1Thessalonians 4:16, as follow:
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout (shall descend from the 3rd heaven,we believers are still in the 2nd heaven-Ephesians1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21),with the voice of the archangel-MICHAEL- , and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Thes. 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds( Isaiah 60:8, and 1Corinthians 15:51 combined with Philippians 3:20-21 and Revelation 5:8-14), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heavenly environment-3rd heaven-far above of the current second heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with Matthew 25:6): and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(Where?- Revelation 11:15-18 and Re. 5:10, and Matthew 5:5, and John 17:24. Take a look).
That's for your meditation
Good question. We are face to a deep and terrible puzzle/enigma. The most important is the Truth. GOD is Truth. The Word is GOD. The Word is from everlasting to everlasting. The GOD's people needs to investigate and seek Truth.
Replying to your question, I must say that NAME does not exist in the original Hebrew Scripture, it was simply added.
Remember, JESUS said: Re.22:18 -> I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, GOD shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.
What matters and prevails is the pure Word of GOD. Isaiah 12:3KJV says: Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Jo.7:38-> He that believes on me, as the Scripture has said,out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Compare with John 5:37-47)
4 And in that Day (in this current Day, the seventh and last Day) shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.(This will LITERALLY be fulfilled: Revelation 7:1-8. 144K)
5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. -> ( Revelation 11:15-18, among other biblical references.Take a look)
6 Cry out and shout, you inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. -> (Re.1:7-8-> 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, sais the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. ->7 Behold,He comes 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.
GOD BLESS
Greetings in Christ JESUS
Thank you for your reply of yesterday.I highlighted six points of your post to comment them,as follow:
1st point:
What will happen from now on in the middle east and around the world as a whole, it is written and prophesied by the Word of GOD.Remember: 1The.5:2-3:->2 For yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them,as travail upon a woman with child ( Revelation 12:1-5 will LITERALLY be fulfilled);and they(Israel-the Jews) shall not escape.(EXCEPT the sealed 144k-12K of each tribe- Revelation 7:1-8 and 14:1-5). And also the LITERAL fulfillment of 2The.2:1-13, mainly verses 11-12:-->11 And for this cause GOD shall send them STRONG DELUSION,that they should believe a lie:(These are lost).12 That they all might be damned who believed not the Truth,but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2nd point:
Yes,Israel will loose support, remember that GOD is in control of History,nothing random happens.In the first moment Israel have received all backing of their allies,but they will loose a lot of support,as you said.And when this becomes apparent ARE NOT the enemies of Israel that will try to take them over, as you think, no, it is not,when Israel loose the support,then will manifest their false messiah as was prophesied by my Lord JESUS( John 5:43-47),and then begins the LITERAL fullfilment of 2Thessalonians 2:8-12 combined with Revelation 13:11-18, and 13:2 combined with Luke 21:24 and Revelation 11:2,and Daniel 2:40-45 and 12:8-12. GET READY
3rd point:
GOD will not intervene to save the physical nation of Israel, quite the opposite, GOD will work according His Word described in the 2nd point above, among many other prophecies against the rebel Israel.
Only the 144K sealed of Israel will be saved.The others are lost, for ever. Revelation 14:18-20 combined with Isaiah 5:1-7.Take a look.
continues in the next post
Revelation 7:1-4 AND 9-12, says:
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living GOD: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our GOD in their foreheads.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (These sealed 144K of each tribe of Israel are the remnant saved of the condemnation and eternal perdition- Luke 3:7 combined with 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, among countless other biblical references).
On the other hand:
-verses 9-12 combined with Revelation 19:6-10
9 I beheld, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our GOD which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped GOD,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and Glory, and Wisdom, and Thanksgiving, and Honour, and Power, and Might, be unto our GOD for ever and ever. Amen.
Momsage, the question is:
Who are the great multitude, which no man can number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stand before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands? And they cry with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our GOD which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Yes, who are them, Momsage?
11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,and by the word of their TESTIMONY;and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12Therefore rejoice,ye heavens(heavenly places in Christ JESUS-i.e. the celestial environments of the Old and New Testaments),and ye that dwell in them-the believers-.Woe to the inhabiters of the earth(Israel)and of the sea!(sea/waters=peoples,and NATIONS,and multitudes of all tongues-Gentile peoples-which were deceived by that old serpent that deceives the whole world)for the Devil is come down unto you,having great wrath,because he knows that he has but a short time.13And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth(from the heaven- Isaiah 14:12-15),he persecuted the woman...
14And to the woman were given TWO WINGS of a great eagle(the Old Testament and New Testament-two witnesses of GOD- Revelation 11:3-4.Take a kook),that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place,where she is nourished(by the Old and New Testaments-the Word of GOD,the Scriptures)for a time,and times, and half a time,from the face of the serpent.
15And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman(be careful,don't drink of that water),that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
16And the earth(144K of Israel- Revelation 7:1-10 and 14:1-5.Take a look)helped the woman(the Lord's Church- John 10:15-16),and the earth opened her mouth,and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman,and went to make war with the remnant of her seed,which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. -The testimony of Christ is the Spirit of prophecy-Re.19:10 combined with Ro.8:9-11.GET READY
"I hope the Lord waits until my kids grow up; get married; etc."
"I hope the Lord lets me stay until (so and so) becomes a Christian"
"I'll show 'em; let me be one of the 144,000; or hang out afterwards it can't be that bad at the start..."
The facetious dialogues suggested above are more are less a compilation of several arguments BELIEVERS have given in my presence in the past when this subject came up. Let us examine them in light of the scriptures...
First point; in heaven there will be no regret as far as "missing out" on anything this earth had to offer. That is; unless we have squandered the opportunity NOW to witness and do those things which forfeited rewards in light of the admonitions of Revelation 3:11. Our children will be where their angels are already "beholding the Father in heaven continually." ( Matt. 18:10).
The second argument assumes that God is somehow derelict in His duty to bring the "fullness of the Gentiles in" ( Romans 11:25) which in truth may not occur completely at the Rapture but before the Second Coming. Nonetheless; the multitudes that come to Christ that can't be counted may never have come at least as quickly without the fiery trials the Lord designed to purge out the dross during the Tribulation. ( Revelation 7:9). We should also appreciate the fact in verses such as Psalm 40 which states "many will see and fear" (verse 3). This seems to indicate with the surrounding verses we will be raptured/resurrected from the ground; SURELY the Resurrection of the saints cannot be explained away and will be common knowledge (even if they say the UFO's abducted those raptured it's harder to explain those already deceased).
The third point is that even in the seal judgments there is a direct opening of these seals by Christ Himself with a fourth of the earth dying (at least) at that time. No one can outplan or outwit God in saving provisions for that time (see James 5:3).
If we compare Revelation 7:3 with the mark of the Beast in Revelation 13:16-17 we see a mark of ownership; in reality representing either God in the first instance; and Satan in the second. The exact appearance of God's mark is not given while that of the Beast is identified in the original language as "chargma" if I have the spelling right. That is something on or just beneath the skin; whether it is a sort of tattoo or computer chip it allows the world to visibly give allegiance to Antichrist.
God knows the hearts of men; and all those He foreknew to be called and chosen; as well as those who are reprobate or unbelievers. Satan is well aware of who we are as believers; as it is the only threat to his kingdom on earth at present.
Tne mark of Cain gave him the ability to avenge sevenfold anything done against him. ( Gen. 4:15). This was something identifiable which avoided his immediate demise; perhaps showing the future fulfillment of the mark of the Beast for temporary protection from the executioners and the wrath of men under Satan's pogrom. Following the god of this world always leads to death and destruction of self as well as others. Dying to self to follow Christ brings eternal life.
Of course it is no fun having a target on our back; even now that the enemy is constantly attempting to fling fiery darts at us ( Ephesians 6:16). We should take heart; as he has no time to waste attacking those who are already in his camp and under his control whose unregenerate hearts are blinded to the glorious gospel of truth ( 2 Cor. 4:4). Absent from the body we are present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:8). God is in charge of the day of our death; the enemy can only be permitted to do anything against us. The final conflagration in Revelation 19 when we return in the armies of heaven with Christ who destroys the Beast and his armies is inevitable; the war is won we just fight battles and skirmishes leading up to His victory.
Also those that came out of the Great Tribulation ( Revelation 7:14) never hunger nor thirst again. Remain in Heaven with God until it's all said and done.
So Saints before Jesus who died were in a paradise in the earth. Until Jesus took the keys of death, captives set free
John 6:36-40 (Jesus the Only way)
36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:43-47 (Again, Jesus is the Only way)
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him (who believes in Him): and I will raise him up at the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (Atonement of sins, veil torn, Jesus the only way)
Those who do believed and died, they will rise first. Those who are alive next. Rapture.
Let's step back and think for a moment. What is heaven exactly? Surely a large factor there is that we will SERVE God forever.
John 12:26 says in KJV: If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Let us examine the same verse in the amplified version:
If anyone serves Me, he must [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]; and wherever I am [in heaven's glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
I am not an expert on translations but it would seem eternally serving God is a theme here! Revelation 7:13-15 and Revelation 22:3 make this abundantly clear as to the serving of God eternally of His saints. Worship is also inextricably tied to being a servant; and the ruling and reigning with Christ is part and parcel with the destiny of the church as Kings and Priests before the throne as well ( Revelation 5:10; etal).
Now as we assess this life; surely we see this attitude of service begins here; and Christ of course laid out the perfect example with His life. Mark 10:45 shows how Christ came not to be served but to serve; if God incarnate followed that principal surely His disciples must do the same.
As to work in heaven; surely it won't be a drudgery. The curse with the thorns and sweat on the brow will be gone that we inherited in the garden. We won't have unreasonable taskmasters; stressful deadlines; and other difficulties. Work no doubt will be a cooperative effort since we will all be together in performing tasks. No doubt individual things will be suitable for us as well.
The world at large cannot serve without some benefit for themselves; just like we can't love unconditionally (see Matthew 5:34).
The last enemy destroyed is deateh (1COR15:26
In this and (let's be honest further sequels) I am setting forth through numerous scripture references the pattern in Revelation. In short we have the first and second halves. In my last posting; I discussed what appears to be the event after the 5th Trumpet and the five months demons torment men. That allows Apollyon to be released; and Revelation 11:14 mentiones the second woe or the sixth trumpet as occuring immediately before the events in Revelation 12 and 13.
The timing is tricky; but it is interesting to see how if we put a period of months to each series of 7 plagues we end up with 84 months which just happens to be exactly 7 years of 12 months each.
Going back to my original thought; there is a period where the 144,000 preach and there is a great harvest following them (likely about the time when the 2 witnesses are resurrected they also are raptured: see Revelation 7:9. We see parallels between the time of ministry of 3.5 years and that of Christ's ministry as well as parallels to Elijah when it didn't rain for 3 years. It appears obvious that Elijah is one of the two witnesses.
What is also interesting is at this darkest moment (at the end of Revelation 11) we see discussion of Christ starting to reign.
The focus would be on all those in heaven; or the completion of the "firstfruits" and all the saints beginning to rule and reign with Christ. After that statement we see Antichrist given his reign of 3.5 years to mock in a large part what the prophets did when on earth (see Rev. 13:13 and compare with Revelation 11:5).
Romans 11:25 makes it evident the blindness to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. That could refer to the Rapture (see Psalm 40) or as some say when the rule of the Gentiles comes to a close. In any event; many do wake up; and the third that make it going through the fire are those who of national Israel end up worshipping the true Messiah ( Zech 13:9).
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 it says, Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. And in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. So by fallowing the thread of the Bible we can clearly see that the 144,000 are only out of the 12 tribes of Israel, they are washed in the blood of the Lamb and sealed by God. The rest of the world is the multitude that no man can number and is also washed in the blood of Christ Jesus.
I hope this answers your question.
I always try to remember these verses; 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.