Rapture, Pre, Mid or Post Trib:
Part 1. The Rapture of the church, is it a Pre, Mid, or a Post Tribulation event?
In examining the words of Scripture closely, we leave no guess work as to the meaning of any event, person, place, or thing. Dictionary meanings will be used in the body of this discussion as I move along. Lets begin. Put away all your prejudices, Keep an open mind, let the words of Scriptures speak to you, and the Spirit of God guide you in this teaching.
So much has been written concerning the rapture of the church. The most often asked question is, will it be before the tribulation, in the middle of the tribulation, or after the tribulation? It may be impossible to count the number of books, sermons, seminars etc. that have been published or spoken concerning this subject.
Most opinions seem to have a form of sound reasoning, some truths which sound familiar, and various opinions; while others chose to weave fabricated distortions into their teachings, propagating lies in order to get particular points across. Some are explained as if a science fiction movie were to be played out.
Space crafts, comets, aliens, secret raptures, mysteries not yet revealed and whatever. These things are inserted making the Biblical revelations seem ridiculous. If we were to examine the valid points concerning each opinion, and throw out the invalid ones, each word supported, and every fabrication or personal opinion rejected, this according to sound doctrine, I do believe one can come to the truth as revealed by God.
Subjects like this can turn into a 400 page book and get so confusing that even when finished, many would not yet know which of the three were correct. There are certain absolute conclusions that I have drawn in my many years of study concerning this subject.
Questions which are covered in Article. Others yet to be added. Subject matter covered follows.
1. God is dealing with three separate entities.
2. Will the church go thru the tribulation?
3. Has the church become spiritual Israel?
4. What did Jesus mean when he said, “there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down?”
5. What did he mean when he said, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”
6. What is the book that is poened in Revelation 5:1, 6:1?
7. Who are the four horsemen of Revelation 6? And what is their part in the tribulation?
8. Who are the resurrected of Matthew 27:52-53?
9. Who are the 144,000 of Revelation 7, and 14?
10. What is the difference between the words elected, and servants?
11. Who are the souls under the alter in Revelation 9-10?
12. What is the mark the 144,000 receive?
13. What else do we know about the 144,000.
See part two for further answers
14: Does the Lord approach the earth, or set foot on the earth more than once?
15: Who are these that receive the mark of the beast?
16: Who is the anti-christ, the man of perdition?
Question 17: What are the periods of time; 3 1/2 years, 7 years, 1290 days, 1335 days, and 2300 imply?
Question 1
Who are the three entities that God is dealing with to this day?
This is a very important issues that must be clearly understood concerning the study of the resurrection and rapture, or nothing makes sense. From the time of the Lord’s crucificition to this day, He has been dealing with, and will continue to deal with three separate groups. They are three varying belief systems. These beliefs seperate every man, women, and child into one group or the other. They are,
1. The body of Christ, the church.
2. The Jewish people by blood: Those who have rejected in the past, and yet reject Jesus as their Messiah.
3. The Gentile nations which have not heard of the Gospel, or have rejected Christ and His the finished work.
Lets examine these three groups.
1. The church: These are those who believe in Jesus Christ, His finished works, and live a Christian life. This body consists of those who are Jews by blood, having accepted the Jesus as their Messiah. Also the Gentiles, meaning any person who is not Jewish by blood, they having acknowledged Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior.
The apostles were told NOT to go to the Gentiles, but to preach the good news to the Jews first. Paul was commissioned to go to the Gentiles and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this giving background to the two groups who became one body. This whole is called the church, the bride, or the body of Christ.
2. The second group are Jews, they who are the descendants of Judah, which then included under it the Benjamites, who joined themselves to the tribe of Judah, on the revolt of the other ten tribes from the house of David. The vast majority of this people has, and continue to reject Jesus Christ as their Messia. The promises of God made to their fathers is an ongoing promise, unconditional, yet to be fulfilled.
When looking for unfinished prophecy, just watch Israel and its people; also included is the positions taken by the enemies of Israel. Throughout the world, the Jews are a minority of one. The world on a whole, has turned its backs on the nation of Israel and its people. That is, all but a few. But even now these are beginning to feel the pressure of the Arabs who use oil as a weapon of blackmail against the friends of the Jews.
Jews are being drawn by God from every corner of the world to Israel. In the end, the enemies of the Jews will be subdued, this upon the return of Christ. He will destroy them wholly, and by that means brings the world to the knowledge of the one true God.
These are the old covenant people who were given an unconditional covenant and promise by God to their father Abraham, and who had received the law from Moses, given a sacrificial system, and a temple to honor and glorify their God, this to atone for sin.
It is the ancient Jews, their religious leaders with their Roman friends who had Jesus murdered. For this act of rejection and murder, and for other crimes committed against their Messiah, the people were now rejected by their God. Throught the words of their own mouths they cursed themselves.
Matthew 27:25-26, Pilate said, “I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.” the people answered, “His = (Jesus) blood be on us, and on our children.”
Acts 18:6, Paul said to the Jewish people, “Your blood be upon your own heads.” The King of the Jews was first rejected and then murdered by those He came to save. See other verses below.
Joshua 2:19, “And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.”
2 Samuel 1:16, “And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head: for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD’S anointed.”
Ezekiel 3:17-18, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”
3. The last of the three groups are the Gentiles. These are any and all people from every nation except the Jews’ who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ, or those who have reject, denied, or have no desire to acknowledge the Creator: The enemies of God who worship false gods, money, and power; they are evolutionist, atheist, liar and deceiver, turning the truth of God into a lie.
Scripture teaches that both Jewish and Gentile Christians, be they dead or living, male and female, at the time of Christ’s return will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, 1 Thes.4:17. The other two non-believing groups, Jews and Gentiles will remain on earth.
The Jews will have been gathered together by God to the land of Israel, desiring to rebuild their temple, and return to the old ways under the law. The Gentiles from every nation, speaking every tongue, will blame the Jews for the worlds troubles, seeking war against them. Most likely the Arab nations will spearhead this movement for a final solution to this matter. These are the committed enemies. After the church is caught up, soon after, the seven years of tribulation will begin. Let us examine Scripture to see if it supports this.
Part 2:
Will the church go through the Tribulation? What does tribulation mean?
Tribulation, affliction: Greek is, thlipsis. Pressure, compression, straitness. In N.T. only trop. or metaphor, pressure from evils, afflictions, distress,
2 Corinthians 2:4, “Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote.”
Philippians 1:16. Of a woman in travail, John 16:21. Septuagint Deuteronomy 4:30, “tribulation.” Nehemiah 9:37, “great distress.” Oftener metonymically, that is, putting one work for another. Evils by which one is pressed, affliction, distress, calamity,
Matthew 13:21, “he that received the seed into stony places, –when tribulation = (affliction) ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Acts 7:10-11.
Romans 5:3, “we glory in tribulations.” 2 Corinthians 1:4. Hebrews 10:33. In apposition, Mark 13:19, original Greek is, “those days tribulation such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be,” or in K.J.V. “in those days shall be affliction.” So with synonym as,
Romans 2:9, “Tribulation and anguish.” 2 Corinthians 6:4, “patience, in afflictions.” 1 Thessalonians 3:7, “affliction and distress.” Septuagint, Psalms 119:143, “trouble and anguish.” 1 Samuel 10:19, Isa.8:22.
Revelation 2-9-10, Jesus said, speaking to the church at Smyrna, “I know thy works, and tribulation and poverty, — the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried = (tested;) and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” To have “tribulation ten days,” means, in a short time.
Does the tribulation come from Satan, or God. This period seems to be a condition of intensified pain, suffering, mental anguish, famine, etc. This affliction and distress of peoples and nations is not new, but will increase sharply. God’s wrath upon the nations will make the devils work look like a good time.
2 Peter 2:9, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.”
The word “reserve,” means here, To keep back or in store, to reserve. Of persons,
2 Peter 2:4-5, “God spared not the angels that sinned, — and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person.”
So when we speak of “great Tribulation,” what does, “great” mean? Great in cost, force, mind, and emotion.
Great: Greatest: 3173. Greek is, megas.
a. Trope or metaphor, Great in force, intensity, effect, as affecting the external senses, great, vehement, violent,
Matthew 8:24, “great tempest.” Luke 21:11, “great signs.” Mark 4:37, “great storm of wind,” with verse 39, “rebuked the wind, — and sea, — was a great calm.”
John 6:18. Revelation 11:19, “great hail.” Revelation 16:21. So likewise Matthew 7:27,
“great was the fall.” Luke 6:49. Matthew 24:31, “great sound.” Acts 23:9, “great cry.” Revelation 14:18, “great winepress.”
Adverb, more vehemently, Matthew 20:31. Also Luke 4:38, “great fever.” Acts 8:2, “great lamentation.” Septuagint, Genesis 50:10.
b. As affecting the mind, causing emotion, as in Matthew 2:10, “great joy.” 3 John 4. Mark 5:42, “great astonishment.”
Luke 2:9, “sore = (greatly) afraid.” Romans 9:2, “great heaviness.” Revelation 12:12, “great wrath.” So of events etc. Matthew 24:21, “great tribulation.” Luke 4:25, “great famine.” Luke 21:23, “great distress.”
Acts 8:1, “great persecution against the church.” James 3:1, “greater condemnation.” Revelation 16:21, “plague — was exceeding great.” Septuagint, “grief was great,” Job 2:13. Of things exciting admiration, great, mighty, wonderful, as in great signs, mighty deeds, miracles, Matthew 24:24. Luke 21:11. Acts 6:8, Stephen — did great wonders.”
Acts 8:13. Acts 4:33, 8:10. So, John 1:50, 5:20, “greater works.” John 14:12. Joined with, “wonderful,” Revelation 15:1-3. 2 Corinthians 11:15, “no great thing,” what wonder then? Compare, with verse 14, no marvel.” Septuagint, Deuteronomy 6:22, 10:21, 29:3.
c. In price, cost, great, solemn, John 7:37, 19:31, “Sabbath day was an high = (great) day,”
Elsewhere of the day of judgment, Acts 2:20. Jude 6, “unto the judgment of the great day.” Revelation 6:17, “great day of His wrath.” Revelation 16:14, “that great day of God Almighty.” Septuagint, Malachi 4:5. “great and dreadful day of the LORD.” Joel 2:11-31, “the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.”
So, will God punish His children? Will He punish those who have remained true, believe, and trust in Him? Jesus is Just, and has been given by the Father all authority to judge.
John 5:22, “The Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”
John 5:30, Jesus said, “I judge: and my judgment is just.”
The judgements of the tribulation are coming from God to an earth filled with violence and sin. The judgements of the tribulation are for the ungodly, and not His children. The following may give us more insight concerning this point. See “wrath” below.
The Greek word “Wrath,” 3709: Spoken of God, as implying utter abhorrence of sin and aversion to those who live in it. As including the idea of punishment as the penalty of law. It appears from the following that the wrath of God will be in the tribulation period.
The punitive wrath of God, the Divine judgment to be inflicted upon the wicked, as in,
a. 1 Thes.5:9, “God hath not appointed us = (His church) to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we would live together with Him.”
b. 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”
c. Romans 1:18, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.
d. Romans 2:5, “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”
e. Revelation 6:17, “For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”
f. Romans 3:5, “Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance?”
g. Romans 5:9, “We shall be saved from wrath through Him = (Jesus.)
h. Matthew 3:7, When John the Baptist saw, “the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come.”
The word “revealed,” in Romans 1:18, “for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven,” and, Romans 2:5, is in the Passive, that is, a thing expressing action, or the effect of an action of some agent. Of things which become known or manifest by their effects.
Ask yourself, if you had children, and they were good children, loved you, obeyed and trusted you, would you punish them? Of course not, we are the children of God, He is our Father, so why would He punish us? He wouldn’t! Evil men have and will continue to attack the church, but in the tribulation period, God is in charge, not man. This truth locks in the facts. The children of God will NOT go through the tribulation.
Part 3:
Has the church taken the place of the Jewish people? No church or group of people has taken the place of the Jew’s, that is, people who are Jewish by blood. These religious organizations calling themselves (spiritual Israel) are unscriptural in their teaching, and cannot support in any way shape or form this teaching according to God’s word, unless they have written their own dictionary and/or have distorted the Greek and Hebrew words. The following should fully covers this line of thinking.
Romans 11:1-2, Paul wrote, “Hath God cast away his people = (the Jews)? God forbid = (no.) For I = (Paul) also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin = (a Jew.)”
God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. verse 5-6, God said to Elias, “I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Ba-al. Even so, at this present time, there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”
The proof that a remnant will always exist until the Lord returns is, the 144,000 Jews from the 12 tribes mentioned in Revelation 7:4 thru 8, these will be marked by God. They will be the minister’s of God’s word.
Romans 11:8, “God hath given them = (the Jews) the spirit of slumber.” The word slumber here means, a piercing through, Used as a metaphor, meaning vehement pain, grief.
Romans 11:11, “Have they = (the Jews) stumbled that they should fall? God forbid.”
To stumble is to err, to fail in duty, to offend. To fall means to fall from a higher to a lower place.
Matthew 15:14, “if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” They stumble, but are not cut off completely.
Psalms 89:3, “I = (God) have made a covenant with my chosen = (the Jews,) I have sworn unto David my servant.”
Verses 30 thru 36, “If his = (David’s) children = (the Jews) forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I = (God) visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I NOT utterly take from them, not suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter = (change) the thing = (promises) that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I = (God) will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure forever = (the Jewish people,) and his throne = (through King Jesus) as the sun before me. It shall be established forever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven.”
Compare with Revelation 2:27, 12:5, 19:15.
The sun and moon are still established in the heavens. This as it has from the beginning of time. Therefore according to this word, the Jews remain a covenant people, going through much pain and suffering for the past 2000 years, yet remain by blood, Jewish. A rod for punishment? yes. Stripes? yes. But not extermination.
Concerning those who say, no one knows who or where the ten tribes are, their lost. What a feeble, ridiculous teaching. Man may not know the who or where, or of their present scattered state, but God does. Its His promise, and His alone to accomplish. The ten tribes are lost in name only, and shall be restored by Messiah together with Judah and Benjamin.
We see it happening today. Once fully restored, the promise is, they will never again go into captivity, nor will they ever be in subjection to any worldly power. Judea will again become fruitful; the holy city new Jerusalem will be established on its ancient grounds, and spirit of prophecy will be restored. Idolatry will cease from the earth, and all men will acknowledge the oneness of God, and His kingdom.
Jeremiah 30:3, The Lord said, “the days come — that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.
Also, Ezekiel 37, concerning the valley of dry bones; come see the mighty work or the Lord play out soon. Many, many verses of Old and New testament Scripture support the above.
Part 4:
When Jesus said, “not one stone shall remain upon another,” what did He mean?
Matthew 24:1-2, “Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to Him for to shew Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them See ye not (all) these things? verily I say unto you, there shall not be lift here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
Mark 13:1-2, “as he went out of the temple, one of His disciples saith unto him, Master see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
Luke 19:43-44, Jesus said, “For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knowest not the time of thy visitation.”
Luke 21:5-6, “And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, as for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
Did Jesus mean, some of, or most of the stones would be thrown down? Or did He mean all? He said, not one stone would be left standing. Lets examine the idea behind the words “all, not one, and, not.”
a. The Greek word for “all,” in Matthew 24 is, passive, as including the idea of oneness, a totality, all, the whole. In this sense, the Singular is put with a noun having the article; and the Plural also stands with the article where a definite number is implied, or without the article where the number is indefinite.
b. Also the phrase, “not one.” Its meaning: with a negative, equivalent to, not one, none,
Matthew 5:18, “till heaven and earth pass, (not) one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
Romans 3:12, “There is none that doeth good, no, not one,” quoted from Psalms 14:3, and Psalms 53:3.
c. Not: This is a negative particle, not, no, expressing direct and full negation, independently and absolutely, and hence objective; thus differing from, Greek, un, which implies a conditional and hypothetical negative, and is therefore subjective. So what are the facts?
The Tower of Antonia, yet remains to this day. It was a castle connected with the Temple at Jerusalem, rebuilt by Herod the Great and named by him in honor of Mark Anthony. A Roman legion was stationed in the castle to watch over the Temple area, and to guard against uprisings on the part of the people. When Paul was seized in the Temple by the Jews, he was carried to this castle, from the stairs of which he addressed the people.
From the above I gather when the Lord said, “all these things,” and, “there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall be thrown down,” He means all, and not one stone. Therefore because the Tower of Antonia, the Western wall, and the Eastern gate remain, this prophecy has only been fulfilled in part.
This brings back to memory, the prophesy concerning Tyrus, Ezekiel 26:1 thru 6. Ezekiel prophesied against the city of Tyre. The Lord was against this city. He said, I shall destroy the walls, break down her tower, scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock, verses 8 thru. 21.
God said, He shall set engines of war against her walls, break down the towers, slay the people, plunder her riches, also the stones and timbers shall be cast into the water, dust was to cover her. Her final end was that fishermen would use the land for the drying of nets.
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Tyre, but not completely, as predicted. After the conquest by Nebuchadnezzar, the people of the city moved to a small Island 1/2 mile of the coast of the old city. They rebuilt, and became as strong as ever. The final destruction was yet future.
Nebuchadnezzar was the first link, he threw the first blow, this prepared this city for a final deadly blow. There remained the destruction of the Island city, the people, and their wealth. Also the stones and timbers of the old city were to be cast into the sea. Their final doom remained. The destruction of Tyre was to be a progressive work. The change in ver. 12, from an individual conqueror verse 9, “he,” to the general “they,” implies the destruction was not yet completed.
Over two hundred years later, with the timbers, stones, and dust of the old city, Alexander the Great built a causeway to the Island city. It was 1/2 mile long. He totally destroyed and conquered the land and the people.
Isaiah wrote of Tyre, “Isaiah 24:8, “the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.”
Also, Jeremiah 7:34. From roughly 600 B.C. the prophesy began with Nebuchadnezzar, and was completed by Alexander about 330 B.C. The prophesy was now finished, taking about 270 years. God concluded,
Verse 14, “thou = (Tyre) shalt be built no more, for I the LORD have spoken it.”
From the above information, I believe the destruction of the three edifices which yet stand in Jerusalem, will need to be destroyed before the prophesy is completed. The generation that witnesses this destruction will then see the coming of the Lord. See Generation below.
Part 5:
What did the Lord mean when He said, “This generation shall not pass away.”
When referring to this generation “Greek, genea,” by Christ, in
Matthew 24:34, “I say unto you, This generation shall no pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” This is not the same Greek word used in,
Matthew 1:1, “The book of generation of Jesus Christ.” See, “d.” below for info. relevant to this subject. Read all, for general idea of each word.
Generation: Generations: 1074. Greek, “genea.” Birth, In N.T. generation, in the following senses.
a. Offspring, progeny; genr. and trope,
Acts 8:33, “who shall declare his generation?” who shall declare his posterity? as in the number of his followers. Spoken of the Messiah; quoted from Isaiah 53:8. Septuagint, “generation,” Numbers 32:13. Esther 9:28, Leviticus 23:43. Genesis 17:12.
b. A descent, a degree, in a genealogical line of ancestors or descendants, Matthew 1:17. Septuagint, Genesis 15:16. Deuteronomy 23:3. Genesis 25:13.
c. Spoken of the period of time from one descent to another, as in the average duration of human life, reckoned apparently by the ancient Hebrews at 100 years, comp.
Genesis 15:16, “in the fourth generation they shall come hither again,” with,
Exodus 12:40-41, “at the end of four hundred and thirty years.”
For the Greeks, three generations for every 100 years, as in 33 1/2 years each. In N.T. of a less definite period, an age, time, period, day, etc. as ancient generations, as in times of old, etc. Acts 14:16, “times past,” Acts 15:21, “old time.”
Ephesians 3:5, “other ages.” Colossians :26. Of future ages, Ephesians 3:21, “all ages.” Luke 1:50, to generations of generations, as in to the remotest ages, compare, Revelation 1:6, “for ever and ever.” Septuagint, “generations,”
Psalms 72:5, 102:24. Isaiah 34:17. The expression is strongly intensive. So generally, Septuagint, Genesis 9:12. Proverbs 27:24. Joel 3:20. Luke 16:8, as in are wiser in their day, so far as it concerns this life.
d. Metonymically, spoken of the men of any generation or age, those living in any one period, a race, class; as the present generation, Matthew 11:16, 12:39-41-42-45, 16:4, 17:17, 23:36, 24:34. Mark 8:12, 38. 9:19, 13:30. Luke 7:31, 9:41, 11:29-30-31-32-50-51, 17:25, 21:32. Acts 2:40.
Philippians 2:15, “perverse nations = (generations.)” Spoken of a former generation, Acts 13:36. Hebrews 3:10. Of the future Luke 1:48. Septuagint, Deuteronomy 32:5-20. Psalms 12:7, 14:5, 24:6 78:6-8.
Generation: 1078. The Greek, genesis, of Matthew 1:1. This is another Greek word for generation; having a different meaning from the above. It refers to the time from a persons birth.
John 9:1, “a man which was blind from his birth.” Matthew 1:1, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ.”
With the above information, this throws new light on the following verse,
Matthew 24:34. Again, Jesus said, “verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”
This is repeated in both Mark and John. Question, what generation is Jesus speaking of? This prophesy of Matthew is speaking of a future generation, possibly this one, or one in the near future. These three remaining stone edifices will have to be leveled before the prophesy is completed. Whatever it may take to destroy them, be it an earthquake, war, or whatever, the generation spoken of by Matthew is yet future.
Part 6:
What is the book that is opened in Revelation 5:1, 6:1?
When we get to chapter 5, more information concerning future events is revealed to us, this when the book, or scroll is opened by the Lamb of God. So,
What is this book that has been sealed with seven seals? Where does this revealing of the future take place? The book will tell of future catastrophies which will take place on earth in a very specific period of time called the tribulation period. John is being shown this in heaven, as the Lord opens the seals. See the following words, each giving us much information.
Seal: Seals: 4973. Greek is, sphragis.
a. Seal, as in, past participle, = expresses completed action. An instrument for sealing, a signet, signet-ring, Revelation 7:2,
“another angel — having the seal of the living God.” Septuagint, “sealed,” 1 Kings 21:8.
b. A seal, as impressed upon letters, books, scroll’s, documents, etc. for the sake of privacy and security, Revelation 5:1, with verses 2-5-9, 6:1-3-5-7-9-12, 8:1. Also, a seal, impressed as a mark or token of authenticity, genuineness, Revelation 9:4; and so of a motto, inscription, 2 Timothy 2:19. Trope, as a token, pledge, proof;
1 Corinthians 9:2, “the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.”
Romans 4:11, “a seal of the righteousness of the faith.” This book had been sealed with God’s signet. The seal was broken by Christ, and its contents seen by John for the first time. The book?
Book: Books: 975. Greek is, biblion. A roll, volume, scroll, such being the form of ancient books.
Luke 4:17, “there was delivered unto him the book,” with verse 20. John 20:30, 21:25. Galatians 3:10. 2 Timothy 4:13. Revelation 5:1-2-3-4-5-7-8-9, 6:14, “the heaven departed as a scroll.”
Rev.22:7-9-10-18-19. Septuagint, “book,” Exodus 17:14. Joshua 24:26, “book of the law.” Spoken of the Mosaic law or Pentateuch, Hebrews 9:19, 10:7. Septuagint, Psalms 40:7. For, “the book of life,”
Revelation 13:8, 17:8, 20:12, 21:27. 22:19. And, “books,” of judgment, Revelation 20:12. Spoken of letters or epistles, which were also rolled up, Revelation 1:11. Perhaps, 2 Timothy 4:13, “the books, but especially the parchments.” Septuagint, “letter,” 2 Samuel 11:14.
Spoken of documents, as in a Jewish bill of divorce, Matthew 19:7, “to give a writing of divorcement.” Mark 10:4, “bill o divorcement.” Compare with, Deuteronomy 24:1-3, “bill of divorcement.”
It was writen by the hand of God, to be opened now, and its contents revealed. It had writing on both sides, front and backside. What is the backside?
Backside: 3093. Greek is, opisthen. Adverb, a looking back, past participle, from behind. In N.T. only of place, behind, after, at the back of any person or thing. In the classics also of time.
a. Absolute, Mark 5:27, “came in the press = (crowd) behind.” as in from behind. Matthew 9:20. Luke 8:44.
Revelation 4:6, “four beasts full of eyes before and behind.” Revelation 5:1, a book = (scroll) written within and on the backside = (back.)”
b. Sequel to follow genitive; as preposition, behind, after, Matthew 15:23, “she crieth after us.” Luke 23:26. Septuagint, “behind,” Genesis 18:10. Ruth 2:7, “after.”
When the first seal is opened, we read in Revelation 6, about the four horsemen. Who are they? and what is their purpose?
Who are the four horsemen that John saw? We have several areas to examine. The rider, or riders on the white, red, black, and pale horses, are significant, appearing to have great authority, power, and judgements in the use of their power is in their hands. They are sent by the Father, sent from heaven, and sent at a time when great distress is about to come upon the world. They appear to be the cause, having great consequences.
First the rider on the white horse.
Revelation 6:1, “I = (John) saw, and behold a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” Who is this? Who sent him? And when is he sent? But first, keep in mind the words of the Lord,
Romans 12:19, “vengeance is mine: I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Hebrews 10:30, “vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense = (repay) saith the Lord.”
Isaiah 61:2, “To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God.”
Isaiah 63:4. “For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.”
Zechariah 1:8, Zechariah is speaking with the Lord, and shown the following: but what is revealed is limited, and the answers are incomplete. He writes, “I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse — behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.” Zechariah asks, who they are? a man answers who stood with the horses,
Verse 10, “These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
Compare, Zechariah 1:12, with Revelation 6:9-10. Verse 12 of Zechariah. The question, A man, or angel asked,
“how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem on the cities of Judah against which thou hast had indignation these three and ten years?” Compare with,
Revelation 6:9-10, “I = (John) saw under the altar (of God) the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 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.
These horsemen and the saints of Zechariah are most likely those we read about in Revelation. When the seals of the book are opened, we are given more specific answers.
Verse 7, “it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” Now the preparation of the horsemen.
John continues to give us more information.
Revelation 6:2, John wrote, “I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”
Lets examine the Greek words in this verse. I believe upon close examination they will tell us who the rider on the white horse is, the words usually do, this eliminates all guess work.
Who is this rider on the white horse? and why has he been given a crown? Words under examination from Rev.6. are, Crown, Conquer, Conquering, and Bow.
Crown: Crowns: Greek is, stephanos. A circlet, chaplet, crown, encircling the head.
a. As the emblem of royal dignity, Revelation 6:2, “a crown was given Him.”
Revelation 14:14, “the Son of man, having on His head a golden crown.”
Scribed to saints in heaven, elsewhere called kings, Revelation 4:4-10, 9:7. Of the crown of thorns set upon Christ in derision, as King of the Jews, Matthew 27:29. Mark 15:17. John 19:2-5. Septuagint for, “crown,”
2 Samuel 12:30, “He took their king’s crown off his head.” Esther 8:15, speaks of the king, “with a great crown of gold.”
The word crown, appears to point to Christ’s victory at the cross, His resurrection, and His position at the right hand of the Father, and not to an antichrist. Also,
Conquer: Conquering: To overcome. 3528. Greek is, nikao. To be victorious, as:
The Greek words “overcometh, and to overcame” are the same Greek words as “conquer, and conquering.” Spoken of Jesus or His followers as victorious over the world, over evil, over all the adversaries of His kingdom, c. acc. expressed or implied.
1 John 5:4, “Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world,” with,
Verse 5, “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God.”
Revelation 3:21, Jesus said, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne.”
Revelation 6:2, “He went forth conquering, and to conquer.”
Revelation 12:11, “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb.”
Revelation 17:14, “the Lamb shall overcome them.” Perf. for present or future,
John 16:33, “I have overcome the world.” 1 John 2:13-14, “ye have overcome the wicked one.”
1 John 4:4. Hence Participle, absolute, “the victor, he that overcometh, Revelation 2:7-11-17, “to him that overcometh.”
Revelation 3:5, 21:7, “he that overcometh shall inherit.” Nominal, absolute, Revelation 2:26, 3:12-21.
Revelation 15:2, “the victory over the beast.” Also of the adversaries of Christ’s kingdom as temporarily victorious, Revelation 11:7, “beast — shall overcome them = (God’s two witnesses.)” Revelation 13:7, “overcome them = (the saints.)” Again these words point to the Lord Jesus, and not antichrist.
a. Intransitive verb, to come off victor, to prevail. Romans 3:4, “mightest overcome when thou art judged.” quoted from Septuagint, Psalms 51:4, where Hebrew, “clear,” to be pure. Sequel follows infinitive,
Revelation 5:5, “prevailed to open the book.”
b. Transitive verb, to overcome, to conquer, to subdue, common form accusative,
Luke 11:22, “when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him.”
Romans 12:21, repeated. “be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Bow: A bow, for shooting arrows, Revelation 6:2, “he that sat on him had a bow.” Septuagint, often for Genesis 27:3,
Psalms 7:13, “He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.” The bow is made ready. Compare this with the rider in,
Revelation 19:11, John wrote, “I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.”
Verse 12, This rider had, “On His head were many crowns.”
This is a blue band marked with white, a diadem, the kingly ornament for the head. Verse 13, “He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God.” Compare with, Isaiah 63-1-2-3.
Is the rider on the white horse wearing a crown, having a bow, making ready to conquer, Jesus Christ? It appears to be.
Isaiah had a vision, this is what he saw. Notice the clothing of rider, comp. to Revelation 19.
Isaiah 63:1-2-3, “Who is this that cometh from Edom, — glorious in his apparel, — Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that readeth in the winefat = (winepress?”
About 700 years before John had his vision in Revelation, Isaiah was also given a similiar, but a more limited revelation.
See, Ezekiel 25:12-13-14, “I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel.
John 19:14-15-16, “the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine lined, and white and clean. Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He had on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.”
Upon examination of the above words, they appear to point to the Lord Jesus as the rider on the white horse making ready to set out on His final conquests as King and Conqueror.
Rider on red horse
Who is the rider on the red horse? Is it another? or is it the same rider as the white horse? The word used in this verse should tell us who the rider is.
Revelation 6:4, “and there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”
1. To take, actively, and also in the partially passive sense to receive, Transitive verb, that is expressing action that passes from the agent to the object. To take away, as from any one by force,
Matthew 5:40, “if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away they coat = (tunic.)” Revelation 3:11, 6:4, Genesis 27:35, 31:1.
2. Peace: 1515. Greek is, eirene.
Past particle, in a civil sense, the opposite of war and dissension, Luke 14:32. Acts 12:20. Revelation 6:4. Among individuals, peace, concord, Matthew 10:34. Luke 12:51. Acts 10:36. Romans 14:19. Hebrews 7:2, “King of peace,” as in pacific = (peace making) king. Trope, peace of mind, tranquility, arising from reconciliation with God and a sense of the divine favor, Romans 5:1, 15:13. Philippians 4:7. Compare with, Isaiah 53:5.
3. Power: 2904. Greek is, kratos. Strength, physical. In N.T. Might, vigour, power.
a. Generally, Acts 19:20, “mightily grew the word of God,” mightily, vehemently. Ephesians 1:19, “of his power to us,” as in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10, “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Colossians 1:11. “according to His = (Jesus) power.” Septuagint, Isaiah 40:26, “behold who hath created, — he is strong in power,” Compare, Septuagint,
Psalms 89:10, “thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.”
Metonymically, might, collectively for mighty deeds, Luke 1:51, “He hath shewed strength with His arm.”
Septuagint, Psalms 118:16, “The right hand of the LORD is exalted: — doeth valiantly.”
Revelation 6:4, “power was given to him — to take peace from the earth.” To take with force. I know of no other but Jesus that is given a sword. Also, power means,
b. Power as in dominion. 1 Timothy 6:16, “to whom be honour and power everlasting.”
Hebrews 2:14, “through death he might destroy him (Satan) that had the power of death.”
1 Peter 4:11, “to whom be praise and dominion = (power.)” 1 Peter 5:11. Jude 25. Revelation 1:6, 5:13. This Greek word power, point to that power, and dominion that has been given to the Lord Jesus.
4. Great sword: 3173.
4-a. Great In measure, as in tall, large, Luke 13:19, as “a great tree.” Matthew 13:32. Mark 4:32; or long, Revelation 6:4, “a great sword,” or broad, large, Revelation 9:14, “great river.” Revelation 20:1, “great chain.”
4-b. Sword.
A knife, slaughter-knife, worn by Homer’s heros along with the sword. In O.T. “sword,” as in, Isaiah 65:12, “Therefore will I = (the LORD) number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter.”
Isaiah 66:16, “For by fire and by His sword will the LORD plead = (judge all) with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.”
Revelation 6:4, was given unto him a great sword.” Revelation 13:10, “he that killeth with a sword must be killed with the sword,” repeated, with,
Verse 14, “the beast which had the wound by a sword, and did live.”
Trope or Metaphor. Ephesians 6:17, “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Septuagint, for, “sword,” Genesis 34:25. Judges 3:16, “a dagger.” So for the sword of justice, as in of the executioner, Acts 12:2. Romans 8:35. Hebrews 11:34-37. Hence to bear the sword, as in to have the power of life and death, Romans 13:4.
Metonymically, sword for war, opposed to, “peace,”
Matthew 10:34, Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” So, Septuagint, “sword,” Leviticus 26:6. Septuagint, Jeremiah 14:13.
In N.T. also, a sword, past particle, expressing complete action, for cutting. Matthew 26:47, “came — with swords and staves,” with verse 51, “Drew his sword,” with verse 52-55. Mark 14:43-47-48. Luke 21:24, 22:36-38-49-52. John 18:10-11. Acts 16:27. Hebrews 4:12. Again, it appears that this great sword is in the hands of the Lord Jesus.
Who is the rider on the black horse?
Revelation 6:5-6, “Behold, — a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.” — “a voice (God’s) in the midst of the four beast said,
“A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”
This voice? God; The place? before the throne in heaven, in the midst of the four beasts.
Pair: 2218. Greek is, zugos. Is a yoke, serving to couple any two thing together, as in cattle. Septuagint, for 1 Samuel 6:7.
a-1. A beam of a balance, which unites the two scales, hence by synecdoche, in rhetoric, a figure, or trope by when the whole of a thing is put for a part, or a part for the whole; A balance, pair of scales,
Revelation 6:5, “had a pair of balances in his hand.” Septuagint, Leviticus 19:36, “just balances.” Hosea 12:7, “the balances of deceit are in his hand.” It can also imply,
a-2. Trope, a yoke. As an emblem of servitude, 1 Timothy 6:1, “many servants as are under the yoke.” Septuagint, Leviticus 26:13.
a-3. As denoting severe precepts, moral bondage, as of the Mosaic law, Acts 15:10.
Galatians 5:1, “be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Hence by antithesis, the precepts of Christ, Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus said, “my yoke is easy.” Septuagint, Jeremiah 5:5.
Balances: 3976. Greek is, pede. Revelation 6:5, “he — had a pair of balances in his hand,” this is symbolic of scarcity; a famine of both bread, and the word.
Part 8:
Who are the resurrected of,
Matthew 27:52-53? “The graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after His = (Jesus) resurrection, and went into the holy city = (Jerusalem,) and appeared unto many.”
Who were these saints? and for what purpose were they raised?
Jesus speaking to the scribes and Pharisees, said in,
Matthew 24:31, “ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.”
So who were these prophets of years gone by that the Lord is speaking of? This may be part of the puzzle.
This was the beginning of the great harvest. These would be considered the first fruits offered of the resurrection unto God. In the ancient Jewish culture it was an acknowledgment of the fact that all the products of the land came from God. The Israelites brought as an offering to God a portion of the fruits that ripened first, these being looked upon as an earnest of the coming harvest.
Romans 11:16, “For if the firstfruits be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.”
1 Thessalonians 4:14, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
Acts 26:23, “That Christ should suffer, and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead.”
1 Corinthians 15:20-23, Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.”
So here is the first order of man’s resurrection. First Christ Jesus came out of the tomb in His own flesh. Then this first body of believers was raised, this being proof positive of a future resurrection, This is our hope. Rev. 14:13, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth,” This wonderful work of God had been witnessed by many.
So what happened to these saints who had been raised from the dead? Understand, they all had to be Jews, possibly ancient patriarch. They were those who had died under the law. They had died, having been buried before the Lord rose from the tomb. They loved God, and the Lord loved them, therefore they are called saints. They walked into the holy city Jerusalem and were seen by many. These are the witnesses to this miracle of God.
What could have happened to them?
Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Abraham and Lot entertained their angelic hosts in Genesis 18:2, 19:1. Unknown guests, those who may come into our lives unexpectedly, may not be who they first appear to be. They may be messengers of God, as representing Christ Himself.
Again, what happened to them? and where are they? I am not sure, but what I am sure of, they did not die again, Scripture tells us this. Also nowhere in Scripture does it say they went into heaven with the Lord when He ascended to the Father.
1. Luke 20:35-36, “they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, — neither can they die anymore.”
2. Hebrews 9:27-28, “as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
3. Revelation 20:6, “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.”
These are definitely the first fruits of the resurrection of man.
4. Revelation 2:11, “He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death.” Again, it appears these saints are not to die again.
They are called saints, so what does the Greek word saint mean? It refers to those who are consecrated,
devoted, sacred, holy, as in set apart from a common to a sacred use; spoken of places, temples, cities, the priesthood, men, etc. Matthew 7:6, “that which is holy.” Matthew 24:15, “holy place.” Matthew 27:53, “holy city. Acts 7:33,
“holy ground.” 1 Peter 2:5, “an holy priesthood.”
As of persons, Romans 11:16, “if the root be holy.” Luke 2:23, “every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the LORD.”
Of apostles, Ephesians 3:5, “His holy apostles.” Of prophets, Luke 1:70. Acts 3:21. 2 Peter 1:21, “moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Of angels, Matthew 25:31. 1 Thessalonians 3:13. Others in such passages prefer the sense of veneration. Hence, “holy,”
is spoken of the temple. So who are they?
Part 9:
Who are the 144,000 of Revelation 7-14? Also, does the above group of resurrected saints in Matthew 27:52, have anything to do with these 144,000? Keep in mind, the resurrected of Matthew 27 had to be Jews, for the Lord had no dealings with the Gentile nations until Paul was sent.
1. This group will have the seal of God, seal or mark is the Father’s name written in their foreheads.
2. They are called servants.
3. They are Jewish by blood, representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
4. They sang a new song before the throne of God.
5. They were redeemed from the earth.
6. They were not defiled by women. They were virgins.
7. They follow the Lamb where ever he goes.
8. They are the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
9. No guile = (deceit) was found in their mouth.
10. They are without fault, as they stand before the throne of God.
11. They are those who were steadfast. Ver.12
12. They have kept the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus Christ.
Comp. with those in Matthew 27:52-53.
1. They would be the first fruits of the Resurrection, being raised after Christ rose from death.
2. They were redeemed from death to life.
3. Death and hell have lost their power over them.
4. They were alive, made in the image of Christ’s resurrected body.
5. They had to be Jews, for the Gentiles had not yet been included in God’s plan of salvation.
6. They are called saints.
7. They were set apart for this specific time in history.
8. They were witnessed by many unbelievers in Jerulasem, being a sign to them.
9. Saints are set apart for the priesthood. See defination of saints.
10. When Jesus mother and Mary Magdalene went into the tomb, a young man sat on the right side clothed in a white garment. Who was this? It may have been an angel, but it may have been one of the above men.
11. In Luke 24, it states the two men stood by them in shining garments.
12. John 20:12, Two angels = (messangers) in white sitting, where the body of Jesus had lain.
The Lord speaks in,
Mark 13:26-27, “then shall they see the Son of man — and then shall he send His angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.”
So who are the elect that the angels are sent to gather from the 4 corners of the earth? and from the uttermost part of heaven? The Resurrected of Matthew are God’s elect, and so also the 144,000, there seems to be a strong link in the discription of the two groups. Can they be one in the same? Here the elect are seen with the Lord, and shall be found standing on Mt. Sion. This event occuring at the end of the 7 years of tribulation.
Elect, or Chosen: 1588 Greek is, eklektos.
1. Means, select, choice excellent, as, “living stone,” 1 Peter 2:4, “disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God.” verse 6 is quoted from Isaiah 28:16, Ezra 5:8. Of persons, chosen, distinguished, as in, “race, or continued series of descendant’s.” 1 Peter 2:9, “a chosen generation.”
2. By implication, chosen, with the accessory idea of kindness, favor, love, as cherished, beloved, etc.
Luke 23:35, “if he be in Christ, the chosen of God.” Romans 16:13, collectively with verse 12. “Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord.” Septuagint, Isaiah 42:1,
Psalms 105:6, “O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.”
1 Chronicles 16:13. Of the elect, also those chosen of God unto salvation or as members of the kingdom of heaven, and who therefore enjoy His favor and lead a holy life in communion with Him. Of Saints, Christians;
Compare, sequel follows, “of God,” Matthew 24:31, “his elect.” Luke 18:17, “as a little child.” Mark 13:27, Romans 8:33, Colossians 3:12, Titus 1:1, “God’s elect.” Absolute, Matthew 20:16, “but few chosen.” Matthew 22:14, 24:22-24, “the elect.” Mark 13:20-22; 2 Timothy 2:10.
Part 10:
What is the difference between the word “elect, and servant?”
Revelation 7:3, “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, not the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”
Servant: 1401. As a metaphor, metanymy, irony. Spoken of voluntary service, a servant, implying obedience, devoutness, etc.
1 Corinthians 7:23, “ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”
Spoken of the true followers and worshippers of God, as either of agents sent from God, as Moses, Revelation 15:3, “Moses the servant of God.” Septuagint, Joshuah 1:1.
Of prophets, Revelation 10:7, 11:18, and so, Septuagint, Joshua 24:29. Jeremiah 7:25, or simply of the worshippers of God.
Revelation 2:20, 7:3, “hurt not the earth, etc. till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Revelation 19:5. Septuagint, Psalms 34:23, 134:1. Used in the oriental style of addressing a superior, instead of the persons pro. “I” Luke 2:29. Acts 4:29. Septuagint, 1 Samuel 3:9-10. Psalms 19:12. Spoken of the followers and ministers of Christ, Ephesians 6:6. 2 Timothy 2:24. especially of the apostles, etc. Romans 1:1. Galatians 1:10. Colossians 4:12. James 1:1. 2 Peter 1:1. Jude 1. Revelation 22:3.
Saints refers to those who are consecrated, devoted, sacred, holy, as in, set apart from a common to a sacred use; spoken of places, temples, cities, the priesthood, men, etc.
Part 11:
Who are these souls under the alter of God in,
Revelation 6:9-10-11? “the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cry out 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? 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 fellow servants also and their brethren that should be killed as thy were, should be fulfilled.”
John sees, “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.” This is not a specific number like 144,000. They cry, “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” Then one of the elders asks John who these people are, John responds, you know who they are. The elder said, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” These did not receive the mark of the beast.
Phillip Laspino www.seekfirstwisdom.com