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Timotheist · 02-02-2022, 04:57 AM

Rev 7 calls out two groups of saved people:

1) The 144,000, who are sealed at the onset of the Tribulation
2) A very large number of folk who are killed during the Tribulation

The first group are called out as "Israelites", the second are from "every nation".

The first group are mentioned again in ch. 14, and are described in this way:

4 These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are celibate. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from mankind as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.

The second group are described this way in ch. 7:

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.

So what is the difference? To summarize, the 144,000, the firstfruits, are "blameless" and represent the future Bride. The second group are described as servants, and represent the future "royal priesthood".

My take on the description of the New Earth is that the Bride and the royal priesthood are distinct entities. One is 'holy', the other is 'holier'. The Bride will be joined to the Lamb and sit on the throne, the servants will serve the throne and rule over the nations.

This was Paul's hope for the Thessalonians:

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Those who are blameless do not deserve death, and even their bodies are considered "holy".

The vast majority of us are not thoroughly sanctified, and will be given "holy bodies" at the resurrection, and our souls will be judged. The servants in Rev 7. were not holy enough to escape death of the body, but the Bride is truly holy, in both body and soul.

A question that I still have today is this: "Is the Bride made up of only these 144,000, or will others be added to her number?"

Lee's teaching concerning the Bride is that all of us will eventually be added to her number, and he blurs the distinction between the Bride and the king-priests. This all sounds good, but I don't think this will be the case.

==============================

Sorry, Nell, I see that we posted at the same time again!

(fixed...Nell (:-) )

02-02-2022, 04:57 AM	#77
Timotheist Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 424	144,000 Rev 7 calls out two groups of saved people: 1) The 144,000, who are sealed at the onset of the Tribulation 2) A very large number of folk who are killed during the Tribulation The first group are called out as "Israelites", the second are from "every nation". The first group are mentioned again in ch. 14, and are described in this way: 4 These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are celibate. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from mankind as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. The second group are described this way in ch. 7: 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. So what is the difference? To summarize, the 144,000, the firstfruits, are "blameless" and represent the future Bride. The second group are described as servants, and represent the future "royal priesthood". My take on the description of the New Earth is that the Bride and the royal priesthood are distinct entities. One is 'holy', the other is 'holier'. The Bride will be joined to the Lamb and sit on the throne, the servants will serve the throne and rule over the nations. This was Paul's hope for the Thessalonians: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are blameless do not deserve death, and even their bodies are considered "holy". The vast majority of us are not thoroughly sanctified, and will be given "holy bodies" at the resurrection, and our souls will be judged. The servants in Rev 7. were not holy enough to escape death of the body, but the Bride is truly holy, in both body and soul. A question that I still have today is this: "Is the Bride made up of only these 144,000, or will others be added to her number?" Lee's teaching concerning the Bride is that all of us will eventually be added to her number, and he blurs the distinction between the Bride and the king-priests. This all sounds good, but I don't think this will be the case. ============================== Sorry, Nell, I see that we posted at the same time again! (fixed...Nell (:-) )