The Last Day is a glorious Day of Salvation. Although Christians are saved in the spirit during their life on earth, on the Last Day their souls are saved. Because a soul is one’s connection to the physical world, the saving of their souls on the Last Day allows them to dwell with God in the New Heavens and the New Earth. The Day of Salvation is also known as the General Resurrection. In the Book of Revelation, Salvation of God’s people on the Last day is described in the following passages:
- Two Witnesses Resurrected – Rev 11:11-12
- The Reward of God’s People – Rev 11:18
- 144,000 with Lamb on Mt Zion Rev 14:1-5
- The Reaping (Harvest) of the Earth – Rev 14:14-16
- Victory on the Sea of Glass – Rev 15:2-4
- The Marriage of the Lamb Rev 19:6-10
Click on link to You Tube Video below or continue to study that follows:
You Tube Videos – Reward for the Saints
Two Witnesses Resurrected – Rev 11:11-12
The Reward of God’s People – Rev 11:18
144,000 with Lamb on Mt Zion Rev 14:1-5
The Reaping (Harvest) of the Earth – Rev 14:14-16
Victory on the Sea of Glass – Rev 15:2-4
The Marriage of the Lamb Rev 19:6-10
You Tube Videos – Reward for the Saints
- Rev 7:15-17 – The Great Multitude in Eternity
- Rev 11:11-12 – Resurrection of the 2 Witnesses
- Rev 11:18 – Rewards of God’s People – Do they Differ?
- Rev 14:1 – Mt. Zion in Prophecy – The Lamb and the 144,000
- Rev 14:2-3 – The New Song of the 144,000 Redeemed
- Rev 14:4-5 – The Virginity of the 144,000
- Rev 14:14-16 – The Harvest (Reaping) of the Earth
- Rev 15:2 – Sea of Glass Mixed with Fire
- Rev 15:3-4 – The Song of Moses in Prophecy
- Rev 19:1-6 – Rejoicing (Alleluia) for Judgment on Babylon
- Rev 19:6-9 – 4th Beatitude – Blessed are those at Marriage Supper
Two Witnesses Resurrected – Rev 11:11-12
In Revelation 11, there is symbolic language that points to the Church Age, Great Tribulation and the Last Day. The two witnesses represent a symbol of God’s people (church) with the Witness of Gospel, Prophecy and Church Discipline. They are alive during the church age, but we see that these two witnesses are killed by the beast during the Great Tribulation (Rev 11:7). This is symbolic for the silencing of God’s people within the church. The following church functions that were present during the church age are silenced:
- Witness – truthfully proclaim the Word of God (Jesus Christ / Bible)
- Prophecy – teach true prophecy (e.g., Judgment Day)
- Church discipline / Judgment / Correction
- Two witnesses killed – church organization as a witness during the Great Tribulation
But, after the Great Tribulation, we find this occurrence on the Last Day:
- And after 3½ days the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. (Rev 11:11-12)
After the 3 ½ days, we find the resurrection of the two witnesses. The 3 ½ days is a symbolic reference to the Great Tribulation. But immediately after the Great Tribulation, we find the second coming (advent) of Jesus Christ:
- Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Mat 24:29-31)
The Spirit of Life referred to in this passage in Rev 11 refers to the spiritual body that all God’s people are to receive on the Last Day:
- But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? (1Co 15:35)
- So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. (1Co 15:42-44)
- … the LORD … set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones … Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones … I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live … and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts … O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land … (Eze 37:1-14)
The two witnesses in Rev 11 are said to stand on their feet. This statement points to the resurrection of Christians on the Last Day:
- Resurrection – Gr: anistasis – literally, to stand again
- Points to the resurrection of God’s people:
- So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. (1 Cor 15:52-54)
- Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection (Rom 6:4-5)
- But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. (Dan 12:13)
The Bible also teaches that there will be great fear on the Last Day. Those that are unsaved (God’s enemies) will face the fiery judgment of God:
- … and great fear fell upon them which saw them … and their enemies beheld them. (Rev 11:11-12)
- 6th Seal – Judgment Day has Come
- And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves … And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Rev 6:15-17)
- And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake terribly the earth. (Isa 2:19)
- Unsaved people hide in fear on Judgment Day
It is also important to recognize that on the Last Day, there is a General Resurrection of all people that ever lived, whether Gods people or Satan’s people:
- … And the multitude of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (Dan 12:1-2)
- … the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (Joh 5:28-29)
- Parable of the dragnet – dividing good and bad fish
- … So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Mat 13:49-50)
Finally, we see that the two witnesses (which represent all of God’s people) will ascend up in a cloud of glory:
- … Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud … (Rev 11:12)
- Immediately after the tribulation of those days … and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Mat 24:29-31)
- For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1Th 4:16-17)
The Reward of God’s People – Rev 11:18
In Rev 11:18, we find that God’s people will be rewarded on the Last day (Judgment Day):
- And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. (Rev 11:18)
All believers receive the same reward and that reward is eternal life. We can find this beautifully explained to us in three parallel passages in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Each of these passages helps build on and explain the others. Consider the Matthew passage:
- Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, In the generation when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. Mat 19:27-30
This passage teaches that godly people forsake all. The disciples of Jesus left all to follow Jesus. They even left behind their homes and families to follow the Lord. They, in effect ask the Lord: what shall we receive for our efforts? We find the Lord answers them in three rewards:
- To sit on 12 thrones judging the tribes of Israel
- 2 To receive a hundredfold of family and lands
- Everlasting life
Twelve Thrones
Jesus answered that they (12 disciples of Jesus) will sit on twelve thrones judging the 12 tribes. By this, Jesus only in part answered their question. By telling them this, He informed them that they would have responsibility and authority in heaven (see also the story of those sitting at the Lord’s hand in Mk 10:33-45, Mat 20:28). However, in the kingdom of God, responsibility or authority does not equate with reward. One can have great responsibilities, yet only be as a servant. We see this illustrated in the following passage:
- And there are also a strife among them, which of them should he accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him as he sit at meat or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Luke22:24-27 (see also Mat 20:25-28, Mk 10:42-45)
Those who wish to have great responsibility and authority are to be servants in the kingdom. On the sin- tainted earth, we normally equate authority and rulership with great wealth and reward. However, in the kingdom of God, this is not true at all. Those who will be great and have authority will be servants. There will be no special reward for those in authority.
Just because the twelve disciples are to sit on twelve thrones judging the tribes of Israel does not equate with reward at all. Just the opposite is true. Nor does the fact that there are those who are to sit at the Lord’s hand equate to special reward (see Mk10:33-45, Mat 20:20- 28).They who will be in authority are to be servants of all.
Hundredfold of Families and Lands:
Continuing in Mat 19:27-30, Jesus went on to answer the crux of their question concerning rewards. Those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife or children will receive a hundredfold eternal life. Now, on the surface, one may say: you see there is differing rewards those who are dedicated that they put the Lord before their own families will receive a hundredfold.
To answer this objection, consider this. First, Jesus ends his statement with the same phrase as was examined before: many shall be last, and those last shall be first. By this phrase, He was teaching that God’s ways achieve will not be rewarded more than others.
Also, when the Scriptures are examined, differing eternal rewards cannot be the meaning to this passage. First, all believers spiritually leave their families (brothers, sisters, mother, father, wives, children) when they become saved. The Scriptures teaches that if one does not put Christ before his own family, this is a mark of an unbeliever (see Lk14:26, mat 10:37). Therefore, in God’s eyes, all true believers have left their families in the sense that Christ now comes first in their lives.
Secondly, the parallel verses in Mark and Luke teach that receiving a ‘ hundredfold’ refers to rewards in life, not eternity.
- Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Mk 10:28-31(emphasis added)
- Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. Lk 18:28-30 (emphasis added)
In Mark 10:30 and Luke 18:30, the hundredfold of houses, brothers, sisters, children, and lands is what is received now in this time. This undoubtedly refers to the great blessing received when others are brought into the kingdom through salvation. The houses likely refer to the local bodies of believers (i.e. churches) and the blessing of the kingdom of God received in life. The land refers to the ‘promised land’ that relates to salvation itself. The brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers refers to the gained relationship of other believers in the Lord. Throughout the New Testament, other believers are referred to as being in our family.
Eternal Life:
In summary, we have seen through these parallel passages that the reward received in eternity is eternal life. The ‘hundredfold reward’ is that reward received in this life as we blessed with the expanding effects of the kingdom of God. Therefore, these passages support the Scriptural truth that there are not differing rewards in eternity.
144,000 with Lamb on Mt Zion Rev 14:1-5
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. (Rev 14:1-5)
The above verses are another portrait of what happens on the Last Day. Christians (symbolically, the 144,000) are caught up to be with the Lamb (Jesus Christ) on Mt. Zion (Kingdom of God).
The Lamb represents Jesus Christ as a Humble Sacrifice:
- … John … said, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (Joh 1:29)
- … in the midst of the throne … stood a Lamb as it had been slain … for you were slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Rev 5:6,9)
The 144,000 represents those who are sealed from all 12 tribes of Israel (spiritually represents all God’s people of all time). Please visit the You Tube video playlist on the 144,000 and their spiritual meaning:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzj_DH428B8z107pspr2d2MtEfz5d8POA
The Bible teaches that the Father’s Name is written on their foreheads:
- … the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it … And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. (Rev 22:3-4)
- Name points to characteristics / actions of person named
- Points to God’s People
- 144,000 is not a literal number of people
- Foreheads represent minds – Deut 6:6-8, Heb 8:10, 1 Cor 2:16
- Mark of the Beast points to the unsaved – Rev 13:16
Mount Zion is the city of David. There were 2 key mountains in the Jerusalem vicinity: Mt. Zion and Mt. Moriah. Mt. Moriah was the location of the Jerusalem temple
- And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom you love, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. (Gen 22:2)
- Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah … (2Ch 3:1)
Mt. Zion is located 600 meters south of Mt. Moriah:
- And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem … David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David … And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David. (1Ch 11:4-5,7)
The Bible also teaches that the Ark of the Covenant was taken from the City of David (Zion) to Jerusalem
- … David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness … (2 Sam 6:12)
- Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes … unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion … And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims (2Ch 5:2,7)
- Symbolism of ark from Zion to Jerusalem – God’s salvation
Also, the city of David is where Christ was born:
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) (Luk 2:4)
- Mary also of the lineage of David – Lk 3:23-38 with Mat 1:1-17
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (Luk 2:11)
Also, it is important to understand that the city of Jerusalem is a symbol for where God’s people are (i.e., the church)
- Heavenly Jerusalem – city of God – Heb 12:22, Rev 21:1-2
- Jerusalem – God puts his name forever – 2 Chr 33:4, Ps 125:2
- Church first established at Jerusalem – Acts 1:15
- Church – temple and house of God (which was at Jerusalem) – 2 Tim 2:20, Eph 2:19-21, Heb 3:6, etc.
- Christians – Jews / Israel – Ro 2:28-29, Ro 9:6, Gal 6:16
Putting together the above information, an understanding can be had of the symbolism of Mt. Zion. Mount Zion represents heavenly salvation, God’s Holy Mountain (Kingdom) which comes on the Last Day in the new heavens and the new earth:
- But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (Heb 12:22)
- Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (1Pe 2:6)
- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph 1:3)
- And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:6)
- New Jerusalem – city of God (Heb 12:22)
- Mountains point to kingdoms – Rev 17:9-10, Dan 2:35-2:44
- Mount Zion – kingdom of God
- Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. (Psa 2:6)
- The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD. (Psa 146:10)
- The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. (Psa 110:2)
- Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. (Psa 149:2)
The Bible also teaches that Mount Zion is the location of eternal praise, blessing and justice:
- Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. (Psa 50:2)
- The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness. (Isa 33:5)
- To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; (Psa 102:21)
- The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. (Psa 128:5)
- The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion. (Psa 134:3)
Finally, Mount Zion is portrayed in the Bible as the place that God comes for Judgment on the Last Day:
- The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. (Joe 3:16)
- Thus says the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. (Zec 8:2)
- The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. (Isa 60:14)
- City of the Lord = New Jerusalem
- Mount Zion – Eternal Salvation
- For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burns. (Isa 62:1)
- The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. (Joe 2:31-32)
- They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides for ever. (Psa 125:1)
Summary – The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mt. Zion in Rev 14 is a beautiful portrait of the completion of God’s people with the Jesus Christ Lamb in the eternal New Jerusalem, the City of God where blessing, praise and justice rules.
The Reaping (Harvest) of the Earth – Rev 14:14-16
Another portrait of the Last involves the gathering of the harvest of the earth (God’s people):
- And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. (Rev 14:14-16)
In this passage, the Son of Man is symbolic for Jesus Christ:
- And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown … (Rev 14:14)
- Symbolic of Jesus Christ as the man-God
- And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot … and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword … And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last … (Rev 1:13-17)
- And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (Act 7:56)
The Son of Man has a golden crown, which symbolizes the high value of the Kingdom of God and that Jesus Christ is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
- … having on his head a golden crown … (Rev 14:14)
- … 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. (Rev 6:2)
- His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself … And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev 19:12,16)
- Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. (Psa 24:7)
The Son of Man, Jesus Christ comes with the Clouds of Glory:
- … He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight … behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Act 1:9-11)
- Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all tribes of the earth shall wail because of him … (Rev 1:7)
- And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Mat 24:30)
The sharp sickle in His hand represents the cutting away of earthly ties of His people. This is a portrait of the salvation of the soul for God’s people. They will leave the old heavens / earth for the New Heavens d the New Earth:
- … and in his hand a sharp sickle (Rev 14:14)
- Hand points to the God’s will in salvation:
- For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because you had favor unto them. (Psa 44:3)
- And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. (Psa 78:54)
- Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (Psa 139:10)
- … a white cloud, and upon the cloud … the Son of man … and in his hand a sharp sickle (Rev 14:14)
- For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1Th 4:16-17)
- And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. (Rev 11:12)
The Final Harvest of the earth is a parallel passage to the Parable of the Wheat and Tares:
- Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Mat 13:30)
- … The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Mat 13:37-39)
- Angels – literally, messengers (Word of God)
The Final Harvest is also parallel to the Feast of Tabernacles:
- Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. (Lev 23:39)
- … the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when you have gathered in your labor out of the field. (Exo 23:16)
- Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore you shalt surely rejoice. (Deu 16:15)
Victory on the Sea of Glass – Rev 15:2-4
Similar to the sea of glass found in Rev 4:6, a symbol of a seal of glass occurs in Rev 15:2-3
- And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (Rev 15:2)
- And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Rev 15:3)
Those who are victorious are all Christians (God’s people). The word for victory in the Greek (nikao) is a common term describing the salvation of God’s people:
- Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Rom 8:35-37)
- For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1Jn 5:4-5)
- Victory – Greek: nike
Although the Antichrist had some victory during the Great Tribulation, ultimately God and His people will prevail:
- … them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name … (Rev 15:2)
- Beast – antichrist
- Beast Victorious on Earth during Great Tribulation:
- And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. (Rev 11:7)
- And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Rev 13:7)
In order to understand the symbolism of the Sea of Glass, it is important to understand that the overall context of Revelation 15-16 is the Last Day, while the reference to the Sea of Glass in Rev 4:6 is during the Church Age (time of John’s vision).
- And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory … stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (Rev 15:2)
- And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal … (Rev 4:6)
See You Tube video on Rev 4:6: https://youtu.be/iypbHxusxe4
See You Tube video on Rev 15:2: https://youtu.be/MEHmxdWPFI0
Symbolism of Sea – Old Testament (the place of needing salvation from):
- … Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. (Psa 69:1-2)
- And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen … and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them … Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians … (Exo 14:26-30)
Flood (related to the Sea) also a portrait of God’s Judgment:
- I … bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh … But with you will I establish my covenant; and you shall come into the ark … (Gen 6:17-18)
- For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth … but my kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed … (Isa 54:9-10)
- But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be … and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Mat 24:37-39)
Salvation – Jesus Calms the Storm in the Sea:
- … there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (Mat 8:24-26)
- And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mar 4:39)
- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1)
Calm Sea Points to Salvation:
- Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distresses. He makes the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he brings them unto their desired haven. (Psa 107:28-30)
- Desired haven = salvation
Glass is a symbol for Purity
- Glass – 4 occurrences – Rev 4:6, 15:2, 21:18, 21:21
- New Jerusalem (City of God), place of eternal salvation
- … the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. (Rev 21:18)
- Pure / clear – Gr: katharos – clean, pure (i.e., no sin)
- … and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. (Rev 21:21)
- Transparent – literally, to appear, shine through
- And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:5)
Why is the Sea Mingled with Fire – represents proving of God’s people:
- 1st trumpet – fire mingled with blood – proving of God’s people
- The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. (Rev 8:7)
- See You Tue video: https://youtu.be/F2DcwvgAvS0
- And it shall come to pass, that in all the land … two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. (Zec 13:8-9)
- That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1Pe 1:7)
God’s People are Standing on the Sea – Salvation
- By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Rom 5:2)
- Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; (1Co 15:1)
- Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. (2Co 1:24)
- … I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. (1Pe 5:12)
- For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Rev 6:17)
Summary of the Sea of Glass Mingled with Fire
- Christians on the Last day Victorious over Kingdom of Satan
- Victorious – God’s people – faith is the victory
- Sea of Glass – Salvation / Purity
- Mingled with Fire – Christian proving
- Stand on the Sea of Glass – Salvation by grace
The Marriage of the Lamb Rev 19:6-10
There are notable places in the Bible where the Last Day is symbolized as a Marriage Supper (Feast). In Rev 19:7-9, this symbol is used in the 4th of 7 blessing (beatitudes) of Revelation.
- Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Rev 19:7-9)
On Rev 19:9, the Bible teaches that it is ‘blessed’ to be invited to the marriage supper. To be blessed ultimately means to be saved:
- Blessing is the opposite of a curse (Deut 28:1-14 vs. 28:15-68)
- Parable of the sheep and the goats:
- Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (Mat 25:34)
- Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels (Mat 25:41)
- The highest spiritual good (salvation)
- … Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. (Rom 4:7-8)
The Wife of the Lamb represents God’s people:
- … for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2Co 11:2)
- And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband. (Rev 21:2)
- Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Eph 5:25-27)
But in the Parable of the 10 Virgins Awaiting the Bridegroom, those who are waiting for the Bridegroom (Christ) are not all saved. Only 5 of the 10 virgins waiting for the Bridegroom had oil (symbol for salvation – indwelling Holy Spirit).
- Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. … And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out … And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes. (Mat 25:1-13)
- Door shut – no more salvation
- Son of man comes – Second Advent of Christ
Parable of the Marriage Feast in Mat 22:1-14
- Points to the Last Day – Second Advent of Jesus Christ
- And Jesus answered and spoke unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son (Mat 22:1-2)
- National (Fleshly) Israel:
- And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants … But they made light of it, and went their ways … And the remnant took his servants … and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. (Mat 22:3-7)
- Marriage Feast – Church Age
- Then said he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. (Mat 22:8-10)
- Bidden / bid – literally, ‘called’
- Both bad and good (unsaved and unsaved)
- For many are called, but few are chosen. (Mat 22:14)
- Marriage Feast – Judgment Day
- And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he said unto him, Friend, how came you in here not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Mat 22:11-13)
- For many are called, but few are chosen. (Mat 22:14)
His Wife (God’s people) Ready for the Marriage
- … for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Rev 19:7)
- … for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2Co 11:2)
- Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Eph 5:25-27)
- This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Eph 5:32)
How the Wife Made has made Herself Ready:
- … God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2Th 2:13)
- Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ … (1Pe 1:2)
- Elect – literally, chosen
- Sanctification – literally, to make holy
- Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren … (1Pe 1:22)
- And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1Co 6:11)
- Spirits are saved (born again) – John 3:3-8, 1 Pet 1:23
- Justified – literally, made righteous
- Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers … nor covetous, nor drunkards … shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1Co 6:9-10)
- If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1Jn 1:8)
- But we all … are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2Co 3:18)
The Fine Linen of the Bride represents righteousness: And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (Rev 19:8)
- No flesh – no sin
- Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference (Rom 3:22)
- That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom 8:4)
God’s people are made righteous (justified) because of the Work of God in them, not their own work:
- Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Php 2:12-13)
- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10)
Word of God (True Sayings) causes spiritual growth:
- … Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb … These are the true sayings of God. (Rev 19:9)
- For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe. (1Th 2:13)
- As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1Pe 2:2)
- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (Joh 17:17)
Word of God works by the Holy Spirit:
- But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Joh 14:26)
- For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God … The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Rom 8:14,16)
- And he that keeps His commandments dwells in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (1Jn 3:24)
Summary of the Marriage Supper (Feast):
- The Blessed (saved) are at the Marriage Supper
- Marriage – completion of Marriage of Christ and His Bride
- The Bride makes Herself Ready – sanctification of the Spirit
- Fine linen – righteousness of God’s people
- True saying of God – brings holiness (righteousness)
- God’s work of salvation and sanctification (Holiness)