Heaven
is a busy place. We see that there are
angels, beasts, and elders. These beings were created long before man. Lucifer
was among these beings. The story that
we live is just a small part of a larger story that started before Adam and Eve
were created. We are in the final scenes of the time of the devil’s lease on
earth. We are living near the end of the
story, and we have a part to play. The beasts, angels, and elders have positions
in this story. We see a small portion of
these spiritual beings from John’s vision.
We also see our part in heaven as the saints are seen worshipping and
praying.
The
first beings we see are four beasts. These are also called the “living creatures”.
They are also spoken of as “Cherubs”. There may be more than four throughout
the universe, but we are only seeing four.
Lucifer was this type of being. They are clearly important to God and
have key functions during the tribulation.
Rev
4:6-9 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in
the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of
eyes before and behind.7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second
beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth
beast was like a flying eagle.8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings
about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night,
saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to
come.9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat
on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, KJV
Compare
this to Ezekiel.
Ezek
1:1-28 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the
fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar,
that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.2 In the fifth day of
the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,3 The word
of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the
land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there
upon him.4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a
great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and
out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.5
Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And
this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had
four faces, and every one had four wings.7 And their feet were straight feet;
and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they
sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.8 And they had the hands of a man
under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their
wings.9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went;
they went every one straight forward.10 As for the likeness of their faces,
they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and
they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face
of an eagle.11 Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward;
two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their
bodies.12 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to
go, they went; and they turned not when they went.13 As for the likeness of the
living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the
appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the
fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.14 And the living
creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.15 Now as
I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living
creatures, with his four faces.16 The appearance of the wheels and their work
was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their
appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.17
When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they
went.18 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and
their rings were full of eyes round about them four. 19 And when the living creatures
went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up
from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.20 Whithersoever the spirit was to
go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up
over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.21
When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those
were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for
the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.22 And the likeness of the
firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the
terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.23 And under the
firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had
two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that
side, their bodies.24 And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings,
like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of
speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.25
And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they
stood, and had let down their wings.26 And above the firmament that was over
their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire
stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance
of a man above upon it. 27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance
of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward,
and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the
appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in
the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was
the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I
fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.KJV
I
want to point out the rainbow/bow that encompasses the throne in both Ezekiel
and Revelation. There are rainbows in heaven. Heaven is a colorful place, not
just light, or white or gold, but all colors.
Rev
4:2-3 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in
heaven, and one sat on the throne.3 And he that sat was to look upon like a
jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an
emerald.KJV
Getting
back to our look at Cherubs, E.W. Bullinger makes some interesting analogies
regarding the Cherubim.
The Cherubim
It is hopeless to arrive at the meaning of
the Cherubim from etymology. Only by the usage of the whole of Scripture can we
form an approximately true idea.
Their description is twice given (Ezek
1:5-14; 10:20; and Rev 4:6-9)
By a process of elimination we arrive at the
fact that they are a celestial order of spirit-beings, and we can form no more
notion of them than we can of other heavenly orders which are named, but not
explained and for the want of better words are called “Thrones, “ Dominions, “
“Principalities,” “Powers,” &c.
They are to be distinguished from the
symbolic figure of them, which were made to represent them.
Positively, we may note:
1 that the three root letters of krub, are
the root letters of the word KaRab which reappear in our GRiP, GRaB, GRiPe,
GRasP. In a passive sense the notion would be that of holding something in safe
keeping: an d, as a matter of fact, the symbolic representation of them were
held fast to the mercy-seat, being made out of the same piece of gold. (Ex
25:18-23)
6 They are represented by the symbolic heads
of the four great divisions of animate creation: the lion (of wild beasts), the
ox (of tame beasts), the eagle (of birds), man (of humanity)
The Companion Bible, E.W. Bullinger,
Appendixes 41.
Something
we have to keep in mind is that Lucifer was an anointed cherub that covereth. (Eze
28:14-16) He was of this class of beings.
I just ponder the idea that maybe he was a fifth beast, or living
creature, and that we now have four instead of five. If we keep in perspective Lucifer’s story, he
was cast out before Adam was created. He wanted to put his throne in the sides
of the north, in the mount of the congregation.
As we studied this previously, the Pleiades is the congregation, and
from Job we see regularly scheduled meetings of the congregation. The Elders, the heavenly Sanhedrin, have
thrones. What we see from the rest of
Lucifer’s story is that he was ambitious and a self promoter, wanting to be a
judge in the mount of the congregation while he was using his congregations for
material purposes, merchandising them. Lucifer
had/has musical abilities, just as we see these beasts having harps. From our
earth view we see four beasts, and that seems to make sense, but from a
heavenly view, prior to Adam, was there a fifth Cherub among these other ones?
This is something for us to think about.
Another
point to consider is that angels are messengers, and we see there are ranks of
angels, as there probably are of Cherubs.
Cherubs were coverers or protectors; they were probably strong warriors,
guarding the tree of life. Yet in Revelation 12 we see Michael and his angels
are the ones to cast the devil and his angels down to earth. If Lucifer was a cherub, and he has some
followers, he must have lost his strength, so much so, that the angelic class
of beings will war against him. We see
angels war on behalf of man but soon they will war against the fallen beings.
As
we saw from last week, the beasts and elders make music and offerings to the
Lamb from the singing and prayers of the saints. Remember beasts and elders are
not the redeemed; the saints are the only ones who can be redeemed.
Rev
5:6-14 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four
beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,
having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent
forth into all the earth.7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand
of him that sat upon the throne.8 And when he had taken the book, the four
beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of
them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.9
And they sung [sing] a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the
book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us
to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;10
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the
earth.11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the
throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand
times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice,
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and
strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.13 And every creature which is in
heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and
all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and
power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and
ever.14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell
down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.KJV
Here
we have the saints, the beasts, the elders and the angels all worshipping
together. Then the beasts announce the
first four seals. This is exclusive to the beasts.
Rev
6:1-7 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were
the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see… 3 And when
he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see… 5
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and
see. ..7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the
fourth beast say, Come and see.KJV
Something
else exclusive to the beasts, is giving the seven vials of the wrath of the
Father to the angels.
Rev
15:7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials
full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.KJV
As
we have noticed, there are twenty-four elders, a heavenly or celestial council,
that sit on thrones wearing gold crowns.
Rev
4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I
saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on
their heads crowns of gold.KJV
The
elders worship and cast their crowns before the throne. This shows submission
and humility.
Rev
4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne,
and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the
throne, saying,11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and
power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were
created.KJV
Exclusive
to elders is that they are speaking to John, they tell John not to weep.
Rev
5:5-6 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the
tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose
the seven seals thereof.6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and
of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been
slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God
sent forth into all the earth
The
elders ask John about the mid tribulation saints.
Rev
7:11-13 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.13 And
one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in
white robes? and whence came they?KJV
The
elders worship and make announcements regarding the earth dwellers.
Rev
11:16-18 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats,
fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O
Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast
taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.18 And the nations were angry,
and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the
saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy
them which destroy the earth.KJV
And
again the elders worship.
Rev
19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and
worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.KJV
There
are three groups of redeemed; pre-tribulation saints, mid-tribulation first
fruits saints, and a second group of mid-tribulation saints. The first group of redeemed, are found in
heaven before the seals are opened, and they are praying, and singing. Some
might ask why the redeemed are praying.
At this point (Revelation 4 & 5), the redeemed are aware that there
are people left on earth, and they know the seals are about to be opened. That would be a good reason to pray. But we have to remember that there will be
people who are of the 144,000, who will be redeemed, and there will also be
many who are martyred during that time.
Those people will need prayer as there won’t be any mature believers on
earth. Today if one needs prayer there
are plenty of people to offer prayer on earth, but during the tribulation there
won’t be prayer groups and internet prayer message boards. There will be two
dominate religions during the tribulation, the Babylon mystery religion, the mother
of all harlots, and Islam, as well as atheists.
None of them make Jesus Lord.
Therefore, prayer from the redeemed in heaven will be welcome.
Tob
12:15 I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers of
the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One. KJV
In
Tobit we see the angel Raphael announcing that he is the presenter of the
prayers of the saints to the Holy One. Enoch
tells us Raphael is the angel over the spirits of men, which is why presenting
the prayers of the saints to God is part of his job. This is before the day of
Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to indwell men. In Romans we see the Holy Spirit interceding
with us.
Rom
8:26-27 So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our
weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily
as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in
our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. 27
And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy]
Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before
God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. [Ps
139:1,2.] AMP
The
first thing the redeemed are seen doing is praying and singing about being
redeemed, and being kings and priests. The redeemed are from all gentile
nations, and they will reign on the earth with Christ.
Rev
5:8-10 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty
elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden
vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.9 And they sung
[sing] a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the
seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood
out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;10 And hast made us
unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.KJV
We
see that before the first seal was opened the saints are praying. Now we see
that when the seventh seal is opened the prayers of the saints are offered and
then thrown to earth.
Rev
8:3-5 And another angel came and stood over the altar. He had a golden censer,
and he was given very much incense (fragrant spices and gums which exhale
perfume when burned), that he might mingle it with the prayers of all the
people of God (the saints) upon the golden altar before the throne. [Ps 141:2.]
4 And the smoke of the incense (the perfume) arose in the presence of God, with
the prayers of the people of God (the saints), from the hand of the angel. 5 So
the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and cast it
upon the earth. Then there followed peals of thunder and loud rumblings and
blasts and noises, and flashes of lightning and an earthquake. [Lev 16:12; Ezek
10:2.] AMP
After
Jesus is announced as: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of
our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Rev 11:15,
rewards will be given out. The second half of the tribulation will start,
called the “wrath of God”.
Rev
11:16-19 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats,
fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O
Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast
taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.18 And the nations were angry,
and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the
saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy
them which destroy the earth.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.KJV
At
the end of the wrath of God, Jesus will go out with his bride as an army, the
day of the Lord, to war on earth. This is when the saints come back with
Jesus.
Rev
19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and
white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.KJV
The
mid-tribulation saints who are on earth will be in danger. The angels will seal the 144,000 after the
heavens are rolled back, and everyone on earth sees the wrath of the Lamb and
the Father on the throne. These people
are Jews.
Rev
7:1-4 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.KJV
Once
the entire earth is scared and calling for rocks to fall on them because of the
terrifying sight of the Father on the
throne, the 144,000 will be sealed and hidden for a while. This is between
the sixth and seventh seal being opened.
Yet at the fifth seal, the martyrs cry out. These people are gentiles
and possibly Messiah believing Jews. Those who are not sealed will continue
being martyred if they believe in Jesus. Notice they are not protected on
earth, and they realize that the killing of those who believe on Jesus will
continue.
Rev
6:9-11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls
of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they
held:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and
true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the
earth?11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said
unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their
fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were,
should be fulfilled.KJV
At
the fifth seal, the beasts no longer announce to “Come and see”, instead John
sees and hears what is going on. These people are to rest for awhile, therefore,
during the seven years, the ones who are first martyred are resting while the number
of martyred are fulfilled. Then we see
in chapter 7 they are coming out of the” mega” tribulation. The entire group is to serve the Lamb.
Rev
7:9-17 After this I beheld, and, 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.13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What
are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?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.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.16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall
the sun light on them, nor any heat.17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of
the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of
waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.KJV
Remembering
that Chapter 7 is parenthetical, we can understand that John is adding some
further knowledge to earth events. The
heavenly Sanhedrin gives John a glimpse of a “fast forward” to the middle of
the tribulation. Interestingly, the elder asks John who they are; as if John
should surmise from what he has already seen.
So the order of things so far is that the beasts announce the first four
seals, and then John sees the fifth seal events and is asked a question by the
elder. At this point in time, before the
sixth and seventh seals, the Lamb does not have a temple. That is how we know and understand that this
is a “further into the future” vision John is seeing. So at the fifth seal, before the treaty is
broken, some will be martyred, which may in fact set up earth events for the
second half of the tribulation. Then we
see in another parenthetical chapter, Revelation 13, the second half of the
tribulation when the beast goes after those saints who do not take his mark.
Rev
13:7-10 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome
them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.8 And
all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in
the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.9 If any
man have an ear, let him hear.10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into
captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here
is the patience and the faith of the saints.KJV
The
earth dwellers will have a very hard time, again the necessity for prayer being
made for them. When the 144,000 are taken to heaven, they then sing a new song,
just like the first group of redeemed.
Rev
14:3-4 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the
four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred
and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.4 These are
they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they
which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among
men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.KJV
The
144,000 Jewish men are brought to heaven; these are the first fruits and the
second group of redeemed. The martyred gentiles, who overcame the beast during
the tribulation, before the bowls are poured out, are given harps and they will
now be singing as well. This is the third group of redeemed. Remember, there
were people killed in the temple under the altar, the fifth seal, this is probably
when the peace treaty will be broken by the anti-Christ. The entire time between the rapture and the
second half of the tribulation, before the bowls are poured out, gentiles will
be killed. Today, Christians are killed
for their faith in some countries by those who believe differently, but once
the believers leave earth at the time of the rapture, new people will believe
Jesus is Lord. These new believers will
be killed by opposing religious groups for their faith. Revelation 14:12 says:
Rev
14:12-13 Here [comes in a call for] the steadfastness of the saints [the
patience, the endurance of the people of God], those who [habitually] keep
God's commandments and [their] faith in Jesus. 13 Then I heard further [
perceiving the distinct words of] a voice from heaven, saying, Write this:
Blessed (happy, to be envied) are the dead from now on who die in the Lord!
Yes, blessed (happy, to be envied indeed), says the Spirit, [in] that they may
rest from their labors, for their works (deeds) do follow (attend, accompany)
them! AMP
Just
before the wrath of God is poured out, there is a great sea of martyred saints
who were victorious.
Rev
15:1-4 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels
having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.2 And
I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the
victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the
number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.3 And
they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,
saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true
are thy ways, thou King of saints.4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and
glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and
worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.KJV
This
is midway through the tribulation. This number of martyred saints has been
fulfilled. Now comes the avenging of their blood. At this time, one of the living creatures
gives the seven angels the next plagues, and the temple of heaven is closed to
men until the plagues are over. People will still be martyred for Jesus during
the wrath of God being poured out, and God will hold the Babylon mystery
religion responsible. It seems these
people who have been martyred went directly to heaven. The implication of the early group asking
when their blood would be avenged, to which was answered to rest a while until
the number is fulfilled, may mean they are resting in heaven somewhere. There is no indication that these people will
be harpazo’d or have to be moved from one place to another.
Rev
17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the
blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great
admiration.KJV
Rev
18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all
that were slain upon the earth.KJV
But
there is good news for those beheaded for Jesus during the second half of the
tribulation, they will get to live and reign for the millennial reign. The key
is that they go through the tribulation and refuse the mark of the beast. They will be judged by those who sit on
thrones.
Rev
20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto
them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus,
and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his
image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands;
and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.5 But the rest of the
dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first
resurrection.6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:
on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of
Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.KJV
Technically
we do not know who these judges are sitting on thrones, but we can surmise that
they are probably the elders who sit on the twenty-four thrones. The only thrones we see are the Father’s
throne or the elder’s thrones. There is
a group who will sit with Christ on His throne, that is those people who come
out of the lukewarm church, but we have no further clues to put those people
here.
What
we can understand from scripture is that there are beasts, cherubim, in the
heavens, along with elders who sit on thrones.
Their story is far older than ours.
We are a small portion of a bigger story that is in process, not the
center of the universal story. They have functions that they perform, one of
which is to offer the prayers of the saints as an offering to the Lamb.
The
first group of redeemed saints are in
heaven when the seals are being opened. This
is the need for the harpazo, the gathering, the catching away. The saints have to be taken from paradise,
the garden of God, and from the earth and brought to heaven. Once there, the
saints are praying and worshipping. Whatever the saints are praying for is given
as an offering along with their song of redemption. Then later, the prayers of the saints are
used as a weapon, thrown to earth. The first redeemed will be given rewards and
white robes. They will come back as the army of Christ.
The
144,000, the first fruits, are the second group of redeemed. They are sealed
and hidden until Jesus comes on mount Zion.
These appear to be men and will sing when they get to heaven. They come in equal number from the twelve
tribes. It is not clear if they are all
hidden together or simply hidden in various places on earth. We do know they are all together on mount
Zion.
The
third group of redeemed are the martyred saints who seem to go directly to
heaven. Their numbers grow until the midpoint of the tribulation when they are
all together singing and worshipping. At
the beginning of the seven year peace treaty, they believe in Jesus as Lord and
it seems suddenly there will be people killed under the altar. This means there is a temple on earth. Who kills them we don’t know but the harlot,
Babylon mystery religion, is later held responsible. The first group of martyrs
asks how long until their blood is avenged, and the answer is, until the number
is reached. Once the number is reached, all the martyrs are singing and dressed
in white robes.
The
second half of the tribulation is the wrath of God. The blood of those martyred during this time
as well as the martyrs of the first half of the tribulation will be avenged. The
harlot will be held responsible. The
second group of martyred saints that die during the second half of the
tribulation will be judged, possibly by the elders, and they will live during
the millennial reign with Christ. The rest of the dead will not be judged until
the end of the one thousand years.
This
is a closer look at some of the events we are told will happen in heaven, as
well as some of the beings already there. It is clear to see how evolving
religions have caused confusion. For
example, without the harpazo, no one would go to heaven at the beginning of the
tribulation. Then, after the tribulation
starts, the martyred will go to heaven and join the first group of saints in
prayers and worship. We also see how the
fairytales of floating on clouds with harps entered common theology, but the
reality is that only the beasts, the Cherubim, have harps. We can also see that if one group wanted to
promote their religious beliefs they would put themselves into the elders’
seats in heaven, telling people they can direct the events of heaven, but as we
have seen that is not possible. Men do
not direct the events of heaven; in fact we are simply a side note of a story already
in existence. With these things in mind
we should look at the two witnesses and their role on earth.
