Two-Edged Sword Ministries
Now it is interesting that chapter six deals with the first six seals and chapter seven breaks before discussing the last seal in chapter eight. As mentioned before, this indicates that certain things happen before the seventh seal is released. This is Jesus showing us that certain things must take place, before the next round of judgments will commence.
So what happens during this interlude ?
So what happens during this interlude ?
In Revelation 7, we read that four angels hold back the winds of the earth until 144 000 from the tribes of Israel are sealed. It goes on to mentioned 12 000 people selected from each tribe of Israel. ( Rev 7 : 1 - 8 ). Many cults have laid claim to be included in this 144000 elect; including Mormons and Jehova Witnesses.
However; such claims are baseless. The scriptures clearly state that the 144 000 are selected from Israel and are therefore of Jewish origin.
Historically, the Israel in the old testament had 12 tribes. The only difference is that when we compare the tribes listed here in Revelation with those that we know of the old testament book of Ezekiel, we come across a few differences:
The tribe of Levi's is mentioned in Revelation and not in Ezekiel. Some people believe that as the Levi's were used in the temple to serve God; they were not allowed to own land. Thereby, they are not mentioned in Ezekiel. Obviously if this tribe is now incorporated, one has to fall away ... The Tribe of Dan is ommitted which provides for some interesting questions.
Many Bible commentators believe that the antichrist has Jewish origins from the tribe of Dan; and thereby Dan is excluded from the list of these evangelical Jews in Revelation. This is believed as plausible, with reference to the following scripture:
However; such claims are baseless. The scriptures clearly state that the 144 000 are selected from Israel and are therefore of Jewish origin.
Historically, the Israel in the old testament had 12 tribes. The only difference is that when we compare the tribes listed here in Revelation with those that we know of the old testament book of Ezekiel, we come across a few differences:
The tribe of Levi's is mentioned in Revelation and not in Ezekiel. Some people believe that as the Levi's were used in the temple to serve God; they were not allowed to own land. Thereby, they are not mentioned in Ezekiel. Obviously if this tribe is now incorporated, one has to fall away ... The Tribe of Dan is ommitted which provides for some interesting questions.
Many Bible commentators believe that the antichrist has Jewish origins from the tribe of Dan; and thereby Dan is excluded from the list of these evangelical Jews in Revelation. This is believed as plausible, with reference to the following scripture:
Dan will govern his people like any other tribe in Israel. He will be a snake beside the road, a poisonous viper along the path, that bites the horse’s heels so the rider is thrown off. [ Heb 49:16-17 NLT]
According to these scriptures, the angels were holding back the winds from the four corners of the earth. We know why they were holding back the winds; as Seal 6 was released; and we have already realized that seal 6 relates to warfare of nuclear proportions - The scriptures continue to tell us that the winds are held back until the full number of 144 000 in the land of Israel are sealed; with a special seal identifying them as Gods elect.
Unfortunately, there are many people who try and identify themselves with this 144 000 of Israel. Some have stated that the 144 000 are represented as follows:
Unfortunately, there are many people who try and identify themselves with this 144 000 of Israel. Some have stated that the 144 000 are represented as follows:
12 tribes of Israel (Refer Leviticus)
x 12 Apostles / Disciples
x 1 000 (to signify vast quantity)
= 144k
x 12 Apostles / Disciples
x 1 000 (to signify vast quantity)
= 144k
Therefore, the Christians are also a part of those that were sealed. The major problem with this interpretation, is that this vision was specifically for Israel; and coupled to this, these 12 tribes relate to the original 12 tribes of Israel. The church has never ever been stated as being Israel.
We also know that the number “12” in the bible also carries a specific “ perfect or complete “ relationship throughout the bible. [ The number 7 usually denotes earthly perfection; whilst the number 12 is normally a symbol of heavenly perfection ] Hence 12 x 12 = 144; that they are Jews elected by God, there is no doubt.
We also know that the number “12” in the bible also carries a specific “ perfect or complete “ relationship throughout the bible. [ The number 7 usually denotes earthly perfection; whilst the number 12 is normally a symbol of heavenly perfection ] Hence 12 x 12 = 144; that they are Jews elected by God, there is no doubt.
To answer this we look back to a verse in the old testament that describes God leaving the tabernacle.
Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the LORD called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side and said to him, "Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it." As I listened, he said to the others, "Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion. Slaughter old men, young men and maidens, women and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary." So they began with the elders who were in front of the temple. [ Eze 9:3-6 NIV]
Ok, now we know why they are sealed. Although not specifically stated, it is presumed they are sealed from the wrath of God to follow after the release of the sixth Seal. These are an elect 144 000 Jews that are to be saved from the effects of the coming wrath of God and to receive a special annointing. These same Jews will produce a massive harvest of Christians.
Revelation goes on to explain the large crowd, that cannot be numbered, out of every nation, tribe and language of the earth, worshipping God in heaven.
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, "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. [ Rev 7 : 13-15 NIV]
Once again, the large crowds in heaven has caused some room for unnecessary debate. The scriptures make it clear that these are the people who have come to believe in Jesus during the tribulation. They will not experience the great tribulation; that is the second half of the tribulation. They indeed appear in heaven at the half way mark of the tribulation.
This is what causes many people to stumble and believe that the rapture takes part at the midway point. After all, we know that the sixth Seal ends off the first half of the tribulation. However; we have already seen that according to the prophetic words of John to the church of Philadelphia; God's faithful ones will be kept from the entire period or hour of the tribulation. Other scriptures tell us that Christians are not to experience the wrath of God. We see that the wrath of God descends on the earth in the second half of the tribulation; often referred to as the "Great Tribulation". After the sixth seal we are told that the wrath of God has now come ... and now we see the large multitude in heaven; confirming that these "Christians" would not receive the wrath of God.
This is what causes many people to stumble and believe that the rapture takes part at the midway point. After all, we know that the sixth Seal ends off the first half of the tribulation. However; we have already seen that according to the prophetic words of John to the church of Philadelphia; God's faithful ones will be kept from the entire period or hour of the tribulation. Other scriptures tell us that Christians are not to experience the wrath of God. We see that the wrath of God descends on the earth in the second half of the tribulation; often referred to as the "Great Tribulation". After the sixth seal we are told that the wrath of God has now come ... and now we see the large multitude in heaven; confirming that these "Christians" would not receive the wrath of God.
Of course there are many other schools of thought that also have severe pitfalls. Another school of thought is that this is a flash forward to what is to occur after Gods wrath has been placed on the earth and Jesus returns to the earth in his 2nd coming.
However, we can see that the sealing of Gods 144 000 and the seventh Seal are clearly related to one another. It makes no sense for the scriptures to be taken out of context; especially as a flash forward.
However, we can see that the sealing of Gods 144 000 and the seventh Seal are clearly related to one another. It makes no sense for the scriptures to be taken out of context; especially as a flash forward.
There is so much detail and complications here, so lets have a look at this prophecy in the form of a picture ...
Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa
Copyright © May 2003 [ T.E.S. Ministries ]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189, United States of America. all rights reserved. [2]
Scripture quotations marked " NIV " are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by Permission of Zondervan Publishing house [7]