In any study of the four beasts of Daniel, chapter seven, it is of first importance to
determine when these beasts "came up out of the sea." Daniel said:
Daniel 7:2,3 -- In my vision at night I looked, and there
before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great
beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.
Remember the four winds described in Revelation seven, where the four angels were
holding back the four winds, until they were given authority to release them?
Rev. 7:1-3 -- After this I saw four angels standing at the
four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind
from blowing on the land or on the sea or any tree. Then I saw another angel coming
up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice
to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: "Do not
harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants
of our God."
We can see from this that the four winds have been previously released when these
beasts in Daniel seven are rising up out of the sea, because the sea is churning.
The sea in prophecy represents "peoples, multitudes, nations and languages"
(Rev.17:15). A churning of the sea represents strife, war, conquests and
catastrophes.
The releasing of these winds signals the onset of the Great Tribulation, which means
that these beasts are representatives of nations or grouping of nations still unrevealed,
except in prophetic holy writ.
Daniel 7:4 -- The first was like a lion, and it had the
wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from
the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and a heart of a man was given to it.
Some will say that this lion beast represents the nation of ancient Babylon, but that
is highly unlikely. Babylon, as a nation, was totally destroyed by the medes and
Persians. This was by God's design to show that the anti typical Babylon at the time
of the end would be completely destroyed by Christ and His army at the Battle of
Armageddon; at His Second Coming.
This Babylon is clearly so named as the multinational armies that, also, will be left
with no survivors to rebuild that nation. This beast is not the lion, but the
ferocious nondescript -- or fourth beast which comes up out of the water in
Daniel's vision.
Babylon at the time of the Great Tribulation can't be speaking of that nation still
existing because she was totally destroyed by the Medes and Persians. Any survivors
were absorbed into their conquering nations and subsidiaries. Symbolically she is
represented by the fourth beast.
This lion beast is not described in the interpretation given to Daniel by his heavenly
visitant, during Daniel's vision. I believe that the reason the first three beasts
were not better described is because they represent nations that were not in existence and
not scheduled to be brought into existence for many centuries. The small amount of
revealing them as a lion, bear, etc., has great present day assistance in locating them,
but would be no clue whatever in the time of the vision.
I believe these first three beasts are briefly described so we will be aware of their
imminent appearance when the Great Tribulation begins. They must represent a
significant clustering together of a nation or a group of nations to deal with the
catastrophic events impacting this world during this time:
Matt. 24:21,22 -- For then there will be great distress
unequaled from the beginning of the world until now -- and never to be equaled
again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake
of the elect those days will be shortened.
We can see by Jesus' words describing this time frame, the Great Tribulation, the
reason for different nations or coalition of nations to bring about or enforce a remedy.
My belief is that this lion beast represents Great Britain -- with Prince
Charles representing the man element in the description. Several books have recently
been published to attempt to prove that Prince Charles actually is the Antichrist to
come. Universally, the British Empire is recognized by its emblem of a lion.
Vs. 5 -- And there before me was a second beast, which
looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in
its mouth between its teeth. It was told, "Get up and eat your fill of
flesh!"
In the type this beast is represented by Assyria -- the nation that conquered
and totally destroyed the Northern Kingdom of the Israelites, as a nation, in 722
BC. This bear beast can't be speaking of a present nation as descendants of Assyria,
since that nation was forever eliminated, as a nation, by the Medes. I believe this
prophecy of this bear beast is best fulfilled in our day as present day Russia.
No nation is better recognized by their national emblem than Russia is with the bear.
The only possible exception to this might be Great Britain and the lion.
Russia is noted for its cruelty to its enemies, and its lack of concern for human
lives. Its history of monumental destruction of its humble defenseless citizens is
well documented.
The ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom of the Israelites were destroyed by Assyria in
722 BC, and in 586 BC Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the Southern Kingdom
including Solomon's temple and carried to Babylon its survivors as exiles.
Prior to the destruction of the Southern Kingdom of Israel by Babylon, the Medes had
conquered and eliminated Assyria as a nation; somewhere in the time frame of 625 BC.
(Smith's Bible Dictionary, p. 57)
So, one may say that Assyria and Babylon share in their notoriety of being the
co-destroyers of the kingdoms of the Israelite nation. The Northern Kingdom
permanently, but the Southern Kingdom with surviving exiles which would subsequently
return and reestablish their nation.
At the time of the end these, co-destroyers of the kingdoms of the Israelites, will be
represented by the Russian bear as the co-destroyer of the Israelites, and this fierce
multinational nondescript beast represented as the fourth beast. This will represent
the beast that will rule and destroy the peoples and nations of the earth. This is
the beast that is ruled by the Anti-Christ -- Satan personified as a man--
the little horn. This is the beast that is labeled in prophecy as Babylon the Great.
The Babylon that produces desolation and destruction during the Great Tribulation
immediately preceding Christ's Second Coming.
Jer. 50:17 -- Israel is a scattered flock that lions have
chased away. The first to devour him was the king of Assyria; the last to crush his
bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.
Vss. 18-20- Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty,
the God of Israel, says:
"I will punish the king of Babylon and his land
as I punished the king of Assyria. But I will bring Israel back to his own pasture
and he will graze on the hills of Carmel and Bashan; his appetite will be satisfied on the
hills of Ephraim and Gilead.
"In those days, at that time," declared the
Lord, "search will be made for Israel's guilt, but there will be none, and for the
sins of Jacob, but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare."
At the time this was written by Jeremiah, Assyria had been punished and eliminated by
the Medes as a nation. But this punishment of these two former destroyers (Assyria
and Babylon) represent the type, but in the anti-type are referring to the bear beast --
Russia, and to the fourth beast -- the Multinational Armies of the Antichrist;
Babylon the Great.
The activities of these two destroyers which are to take place are referring to the
time when all sin and guilt will be removed from the Israelite remnant. This is to
occur at Christ's Second Coming. This comes after three and a half years of
trampling and brutalizing of the
remnant surviving Israelites in Jerusalem and those who have been exiled into the nations
of their enemies. This trampling to be administered by the multinational armies and
personnel of the Antichrist. The extent of this punishment is under the control of
God as none are allowed to be killed.
Isaiah 20:3,4 -- Then the Lord said, "Just as my
servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and a portent
against Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia?) so the king of Assyria will lead away stripped and
barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles -- to Egypt's shame."
Jeremiah 48:4-6 -- "Moab will be broken; her little
ones will cry out. They will go up the way to Luhith, weeping as they go; on the
road down to Horonaim anguished cries over the destruction are heard. Flee!
Run for your lives; become like a bush in the desert...
Vs. 8 -- "The destroyer
will come against every town, and not a town will escape...
Vss. 11-13 -- "Moab has
been at rest from youth, like wine left on its dregs, not poured from one jar to another --
she has not gone into exile. So she tastes as she did, and her aroma is unchanged.
But days are coming," declares the Lord, "When I will send men who pour
from jars, and they will pour her out; they will empty her jars and smash her
jugs. Then Moab will be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed when
they trusted in Bethel."
Could these three nations (Egypt; Cush-Ethiopia; Moab-Jordan) be the three ribs in the
mouth of the bear beast? This bear beast represented the Assyrians in the type, but
Russia in our time as the anti-type.
Moab in this description by Jeremiah is being destroyed by the "destroyer."
In Daniel's description of the devastation and destruction to happen in our day by
"the abomination that causes desolation" (Dan. 9:27) John, in describing
the devastation of the earth during the reign of the Antichrist -- at the time of
the sounding of the seven trumpets, which announces each devastation says:
Rev. 9:11 -- They had a king over them, the angel of the
Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and Greek, Apollon. [footnote in NIV:
Abaddon and Apollon mean destroyer]
The land, occupied in ancient times by the Moab -- descendants of Lot, is
presently occupied by their descendants in the land of Jordan.
Daniel 7:6 -- After that, I looked, and there before me was
another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings
like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
Certainly the United States must fit into this global catastrophe as the present
surviving superpower. I can see no better place to locate him than the leopard
beast. This leopard beast has been assumed to represent the nation of Greece in the
type, but it is in no way a world power at the present time and no position to suspect
them of receiving authority to rule.
As a type it could be referring to a power that would symbolize a similar power 2,000+
years later. It would symbolize a power that resembled the ancient Greek army at the
era of Alexander the Great. The four wings on its back could represent the rapidity
it could travel across the earth and deliver a major blow to an opponent i.e. the gulf
war. It might be referring to our national emblem, the eagle. The greatest
wings of all birds.
"It was given authority to rule." Certainly with the devastation and
world wide catastrophes occurring during this coming time period we could be expected to
head up or associate with a coalition of nations (the four heads) to deal with the chaotic
conditions of the earth.
Could the four heads represent some type of sharing this authority with three other
segments of North and South America?
I believe we will have to wait until this occurs to know for sure because these first
three beasts have only a minimal introduction. This is to make us aware of their
emergence but to be only able to recognize them because we are aware of the time of their
coming, and the meager descriptions that will eventually make their presence obvious.
Even though we have reasons to speculate and to reason who each of the first three
beasts represent in the time frame of the Great Tribulation, we have no reason for such
speculation as to the fourth beast. He is so well described in detail as to his time
of operation, his associated kingdoms and his ultimate termination that should leave us
with no reason to doubt.
Vs. 7 -- After that, in my visions at night I looked, and
there before me was a fourth beast -- terrifying and frightening and very
powerful. It had large teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled
underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had
ten horns.
If this beast, in type, is referring to the kingdom of ancient Rome, then it, too, is
only a meager reference to Rome which falls far short of the description of this beast.
Fortunately we have many trackings of this beast in most all of the prophetic books
of the Bible which brings this destroyer into clear focus.
When this beast came up out of the churning sea it was noted to have ten horns.
These ten Kingdoms had formed a coalition with this beast (the first beast in Rev. 13) to
carry out their common agenda. Note the description of this same beast as seen
through the eyes of John while in vision:
Rev. 13:1,2 -- And I saw a beast coming out of the sea.
[coming out of the right place] He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on
his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name, [ten crowns on his ten horns reveals
that these horns represent ten kingdoms with sovereign power.]
The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like
those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon (Satan) gave the beast
his power and his throne and great authority.
Could these parts of this 4th composite beast be composed of some of the parts of the
first three beasts; that is of the lion, the bear and the leopard as well as other
nations? I believe we have reason to suspect this, but no evidence to refute it.
Do the parts of these beasts mentioned have any significance to what part was
stressed in each beast? Let us see how this might apply.
The first beast -- the mouth of the lion contributed to the non-descript
conglomerate beast. This would suggest that from this beast might come the spokesman
or possibly the leader of this beast.
The second beast -- The feet of the bear beast contributed to this fourth
beast. This would suggest the cruel claws and ferocity of the bear as a carnivore,
as an attribute of this fourth beast.
The third beast -- The body of a leopard. This would represent the
fastest and most agile of the beasts represented and a skillful and cunning
antagonist. It might also refer to his air power with both planes and
rockets. The four wings might suggest the emblem of the United States --
the eagle.
Dan. 7:8 -- While I was thinking about the horns, there
before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first
horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth
that spoke boastfully.
This is explicit that when this beast came up out of the sea, the little horn was not
yet a part of the team. Was he a later member from one of the first three beasts?
This would sound like, if this is the case, it would most likely be the mouth of
the lion -- or the first beast. Regardless, he had the eyes of a man and a
mouth that spoke boastfully.
Vss. 9,10 -- As I looked, "thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair
of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels
were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing out from before him... The court
was seated, and the books were opened. [While Daniel is waiting for the verdict of
the court he continues watching this little horn and his boastful words.]
Vs. 11 -- Then I kept looking
because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast
was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.
Following the court scene, Daniel continued to note the progress of the little horn --
Antichrist, until the entire beast including its associated kings and each his army were
destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.
Vs. 12 (NASB) -- As for the rest of the beasts, their
dominion was taken away, but an extension of life was granted to them for an appointed
period of time.
"As for the rest of the beasts" -- This fourth beast and
all his associated armies will all be destroyed by Christ at His Second Coming, at the
Battle of Armageddon. The rest of the beasts can only be speaking of the first three
beasts because those are the only beasts this chapter has been speaking of.
Any armies, or members from these three beasts that performs with this fourth beast in
this battle, will be slain. But their nation that they represent will be allowed to
live on for an appointed time. This can only mean that they continue to live on
following the Battle of Armageddon as noted above.
Vs. 12 (NEB) -- The rest of the beasts, though deprived of
their sovereignty, were allowed to remain alive for a time and a season.
Vss. 26,27 (NIV) -- But the court will sit, and his power
will be taken away (the fourth beast) and completely destroyed forever.
Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the
kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most
High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey
him.
The other three beasts will be stripped of their authority and this will be given to
the Saints of the Most High. "They will be allowed to remain alive for a time
and a season," but their sovereignty and authority will be given to the 144,000 who
are the Saints of the Most High and whose "kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom,
all rulers will worship and obey him."
His commands are carried out by those 144,000 of His Saints who rule with Him for a
thousand years. The same time that these other beasts (the first three) are "to
remain alive" -- to live on for a time and a season. The amount of
time is for this same thousand years that the Saints are ruling with Christ from the land
of Israel.
The best description of this multinational One World Order beast that is led by the
Antichrist and makes war with Christ and His army in the area surrounding Jerusalem, is
found in the book of Ezekiel. This is the battle of Armageddon and plenty of
evidence to prove it happens at Christ's second coming:
Ezek. 38:16 -- "You Gog (Gog -- the
Antichrist -- Little Horn) will advance against my people Israel like a cloud
that covers the land. In days to come, O Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that
the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes." [this
is God bringing these nations to attack the Israelites]
Vs. 17 -- "This is what the
Sovereign Lord says: Are you not the one I spoke of in former days by my servants
the prophets of Israel? At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring
you against them." [In many of the prophetic books of the Bible, but none
better than this one.]
Vss. 18-20 -- "This is what
will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be
aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare
that at that time there shall be a great earthquake (earth's greatest at Christ's second
coming) in the land of Israel.
The fish of the sea, the birds of the
air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the
people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. [This greatest of all
earthquakes is caused by Christ's presence.]
The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will
crumble and every wall will fall to the ground."
Vss. 21,22 -- " I will
summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every
man's sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment upon him with
plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on
him and on his troops and on the many nations with him." [at least ten]
Ezek. 39:11 -- "On that day I will give Gog a burial
place in Israel, in the valley of those who travel east toward the sea..."
Vs. 13 -- All the people of the
land will bury them, and the day I am glorified will be a memorable day for them, declares
the Sovereign Lord.
Which day is Christ glorified? It can only be when "He comes in the
clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matt. 24:30). This battle has to
occur at Christ's second coming when His great glory is seen by all.
Vs. 8 -- "It is coming! It will surely take
place, declares the Sovereign Lord. This is the day I have spoken of.
No possibility of this being a conditional promise, is there? And now Daniel
returns his gaze to the court scene where Christ is brought to receive the decision of the
court.
Daniel 7:13,14 -- In my vision at night I looked, and there
before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached
the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and
sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His
dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that
will never be destroyed.
This is the same court scene as noted in Revelation, where the decisions of this court
are announced by the seventh angel sounding his trumpet. This report gives the
ruling on additional matters, but Christ being given authority to begin His Sovereign
reign of this earth in both verdicts proves this beyond argument. This portrayal in
Revelation also firmly establishes the time frame of this court procedure.
Rev. 11:14 -- The second woe (6th trumpet) has passed; the
third woe is coming soon. (7th trumpet)
Vs. 15 -- The seventh angel sounded his
trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven which said: "The kingdom of the world
has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and
ever."
This is the first and most important item in the court's decision. It
indicates the previous 42 months reign of the Antichrist is now terminated and Christ's
reign begins.
Vss. 16,17 -- And the twenty-four elders, who were seated
on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshipped God, saying:
"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is
and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign."
Here is more confirmation that the court is giving Christ authority and sovereign power
to assume His reign on this earth at the sounding of this seventh trumpet.
Vs. 18 -- "The nations were angry; and Your wrath has
come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the
prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great --
and for destroying those who destroy the earth."
"Your wrath has come." This is speaking of the seven last plagues which
follow the catastrophic events associated with the first six trumpets which represent the
wrath of Satan.
"The time for rewarding your servants the prophets." This is referring to the
144,000 servant prophets who had been resurrected and called up into heaven three and a
half days following their martyrdom. This immediately preceded the seventh trumpet
call. They had just arrived in heaven prior to this court announcement by the 24
elders.
"The time for destroying those who destroy the earth." This refers to
the Antichrist (the destroyer) and all his multinational armies which have been
devastating the earth for the past three and a half years. The death sentence has
been pronounced on them at the time of the seventh trumpet but execution is carried out by
Christ and His Army at thebattle of Armageddon. This battle occurs at Christ's
second coming to set the trampled Israelites in Jerusalem free and then to gather up the
recently exiled Israelites from all the nations of their enemies, and reunite them in
Christ's Millennial Kingdom.
INTERPRETATION OF THE
DREAM
Daniel 7:15-18 -- I, Daniel was troubled in spirit, and the
visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. I approached one of those standing
there and asked him the true meaning of this. So he told me and gave me the
interpretation of these things:
The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will
rise from the earth. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and
will possess it forever -- yes, for ever and ever.
Notice there is nothing new in explaining the first three beasts. With these, we
are left with only the information as given in the vision.
Vss. 19,20 -- Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the
fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron
teeth and bronze claws -- the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and
trampled underfoot whatever was left. I also wanted to know about the ten horns on
its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell --
the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that
spoke boastfully.
Daniel seems to be interested only in this fourth beast. He is especially interested in
the little horn. I believe this is because God wants him to see this character clearly so
that we, in our day, will realize who he is that is allowed to rule the earth for three
and a half years and produce such devastation.
Vss. 21,22 -- As I watched, this horn was waging war
against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced
judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed
the kingdom.
This little horn -- the Antichrist -- was waging war on the saints
and defeating them until the Ancient of Days pronounced judgment in their favor.
Note this war which this little horn waged on them. This is John's description of
this as seen by him while in vision and recorded in his prophetic book.
Rev. 11:7-11 -- Now when they (the 144,000 servant
prophets) have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will
attack them, and overpower and kill them...
For three and a half days men from every people,
tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial...
But after the three and a half days a breath of life
from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and terror struck those who saw
them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up
here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
Now note the time when this important court decision is described. Each place
adds further associated events to help us to see the context in which this is
occurring.
Rev. 12:7-9 -- And then there was war in heaven.
Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels
fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in
heaven. The great dragon was hurled down -- that ancient serpent called the
devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and
his angels with him.
Vs. 10 -- Then I heard a loud
voice from heaven say: --
What does "then" mean in the preceding sentence?
It can only mean -- at the time of the preceding event of verses 7-9; when
Satan and his angels were defeated and hurled to the earth from heaven.
(Continued) "Now have come the
salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has
been hurled down.
Satan accuses them before God day and night on their not being worthy of being in
heaven, and bringing up his evidence to verify his claim. This court was also to
hear Satan's complaint, and judgment was pronounced in favor of the saints, by the Ancient
of Days. The saints (the 144,000) were retained but their accuser and his angels
were hurled down to the earth.
Vss. 11,12 -- "They overcome him by the blood of the
Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
The word of God and the testimony of Jesus -- the materials that they had used
to reveal Christ to the earth for the preceding three and a half years.
(Continued) "they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from
death."
They continued their witness in spite of the death sentence to all who would worship or
defend the true God.
(Continued) "Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He
is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short."
This is obviously a future event but soon to be fulfilled. Now getting back to Daniel's
dream being interpreted to him:
Daniel 7:23,24 -- He gave me this explanation:
"The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be
different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down
and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom.
After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three
kings."
"It will be different from all the other kingdoms." It will be ruled by
a man who claims to be God, and one who performs mighty miracles to prove his
claim. (He) will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it!"
No kingdom prior to our day has ever seen such a fulfillment as this prophecy.
"The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom." These are
ten sovereign kings who will give their authority and military support to achieve a common
objective. Note this fulfillment:
Rev. 17:12-14 -- "The ten horns you saw are ten kings
who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings
along with the beast. They have one purpose (to eradicate the Israelites) and
will give their power and authority to the beast. They will make war against the
Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings --
and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."
Notice the description of the 144,000 following their resurrection and rapturing to
heaven that precedes the seventh trumpet.
Rev. 14:1-5 -- Then I looked, and there before me was the
Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name
written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing
waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists
playing their harps...
No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who
had been redeemed from the earth...
They follow the Lamb wherever he goes (his faithful
followers). They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and
to the Lamb.
This clearly states that these faithful followers will return with Christ at His second
coming. There is another interesting description of the 144,000 in heaven at which
time God is destroying the great harlot that rides this ten horn beast. This is
represented as the capitol city of the beast.
Rev. 19:1-8 -- After that I heard what sounded like the
roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and
glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has
condemned the great prostitute who corrupts the earth by her adulteries. He has
avenged on her the blood of his servants."
Vs. 3 -- And again they shouted:
Hallelujah! The smoke of her goes up for ever and ever."...
Vs. 5 -- Then a voice came from
the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him,
both small and great!"
Vs. 6 -- Then I heard what
sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals
of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our God Almighty reigns."
Note the same description of the sound made by the 144,000 in Rev. 14:2.
Vss. 7,8 -- "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him
glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to
wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
This is describing the wedding supper of the Lamb. His bride is the firstfruits
of His harvest -- the 144,000. They have been given white linen --
bright and clean. Notice this in not what they have supplied but what God had given
them -- the perfect robe of Christ's righteousness.
This next group is also the same group but apparently very difficult for some to
see. Note the compelling evidence that substantiates this:
Rev. 7:9-15 -- After this I looked and there before me was
a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,
standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes
and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the
Lamb...."
[This is the same scene as listed in Rev.19. These
also have been supplied with white robes -- the same as God's servants who had
been made ready for the wedding of the Lamb. His firstfruits are His bride.]
"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne and to the Lamb."
[The same group in Rev. 19:1 states: "Salvation
and glory and power belong to our God."]
Rev. 7:13-15 -- Then one of the elders asked me,
"These in white robes -- who are they, and where did they come
from?" I answered, "Sir, you know." And he said to me,
"These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their
robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the
throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple."
These are they who have come out of the great tribulation." This one
statement removes anyone from contention to qualify for this group if they fail to
experience the great tribulation. This group of 144,000 not only come out of it but
are martyred at the final stage of Satan's reign during this three and a half year period.
The 144,000 in prophecies concerning them, are often spoken of as one person.
This is because these are not selected from any special nation or denomination but from
any of the Christian churches that may have any true born again Christians that God is
selecting them from. Notice the illustration:
Isaiah 66:7,8 -- Before she goes into labor, she gives
birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. Who has ever heard of
such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or
a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she
gives birth to her children.
To prevent needless repetition I would recommend you download my booklet #34 --
The Heavenly Pregnancy, to give you the evidence that this is speaking of this
144,000 group.
These 144,000 firstfruits are usually described as above, as a single witness because
their group is not working as an organized group but each witness is revealing Christ by
the presence and direction of the Holy Spirit, which relays the communications of Christ
on an on going basis, and also by the written word.
Just as Christ preached His gospel during the three and a half years of His ministry to
the Israelites, so each one of the 144,000 will prophesy and reveal Christ to those in his
sphere of influence for three and a half years.
And just as Christ was martyred at the end of His three and a half years of witnessing,
even so will each of the 144,000 be martyred after their three and a half year
prophesying.
As Christ was resurrected from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion, His
firstfruits will be resurrected and called up to heaven three and a half days following
their martyrdom.