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Revelation (14:1-5) God Intervenes Part 1

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John Fok

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Oct 27, 1997, 3:00:00 AM10/27/97

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Revelation (14:1-5) God Intervenes Part 1

Hello,=20

The same passage can be found at: =
http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/Revelation/9GodIntervenes.htm

Chapter Nine - God Intervenes (14:1-16:21)=20

=20

This chapter forms the last section of the third interlude of the Book. =
Again we should note that this material is not chronological in that it =
does not take up the next events of the Tribulation. Rather it gives us =
a preview of some of the key events that lie ahead in that period of =
unprecedented trial. In fact, John now answers two vital questions: What =
will become of those who refuse to receive the mark of the beast and are =
killed (14:1-5)? And what will happen to the beast and his servants =
(14:6-20)? So chapter 14 prepares the way for the climatic events which =
will follow from chapter 15 on. This chapter gives us both a backward =
glance to the beginning of the Tribulation and a forward glance to its =
end and the glorious reign of the Lord Jesus Christ with His saints.=20

Revelation 13 revealed the darkest hours of human history with Satan's =
conspiracy in seeming control of all humanity. But it closed with the =
declaration of man's number, number 666; a number that falls short of =
God's perfection. This was both a promise and a declaration that man =
would fail and God would prevail and so would also God's people. In the =
two previous chapters we see clearly that God's people will be severely =
persecuted and sacrificed like sheep. But here we see their ultimate =
triumph via the triumph of the Lamb of God. For instance, in chapter 7 =
the 144,000 who were sealed and thus promised deliverance are here seen =
as delivered.

=20

1. THE ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING THE 144,000 (14:1-5)

1.1 The Setting=20

Verse 14:1

"And I looked, and behold" is a phrase is found seven times (4:1; 6:2, =
5; 7:9; 14:1, 14) and each time it turns our attention to another =
important element in the vision given to John. Here it is the vision of =
the Lamb standing on Mount Zion accompanied by the 144,000.=20

"The Lamb was standing on Mount Zion" is the first important fact that =
catches John's eye. That the Lamb is standing on Mount Zion is in =
contrast to the dragon standing on the shifting sands of the seashore. =
Here is a contrast between stability and rest, and instability and =
unrest. The contrast is between the Lamb who wins by the sacrifice of =
Himself versus the dragon who attempts to gain control by his selfish =
and bloody outrage against humanity.

We have two interpretations of the meaning of Mount Zion:

1.. It refer to the heavenly city, Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22-23). Since =
Zion is used of the heavenly Jerusalem and these 144,000 are before the =
throne (Revelation 14:3), it seems natural to understand Zion as the =
heavenly city. When the group was first introduced they were on earth =
(Revelation 7:1-3), but now they are in heaven. Their work of witnessing =
must now be finished, for none will be able to slay them until then. .
=20
2.. It refer to the earthly city of Jerusalem. In Hebrews the =
reference to Mount Zion is connected with the church and there it =
symbolizes the strength and security of God's people gathered together =
with God. But here, John is dealing with the nation Israel and looking =
forward to the Millennial reign of Christ on earth. Prophetically in =
Scripture, Zion came to symbolize the place where Messiah would come as =
the deliverer of Israel and where He would gather together His people =
(Psalm 48:1f; Isaiah 24:23; Joel 2:32; Zephaniah 14:10; Romans 11:26). =
Mount Zion will be the earthly seat of the messianic or millennial =
kingdom. At any rate, that the 144,000 are singing "before the throne" =
(14:3) is not an objection to seeing them as the earthly Zion; it is not =
the redeemed who are singing but the angelic harpists. I prefer this =
interpretation.
=20
Further, the group of 144,000 is the same as that of chapter 7 where =
they are to be sealed and kept safe through the Tribulation, protected =
from death to go into the millennial reign of Messiah without going into =
heaven. This is the implication of chapter 7. Thus, this is prophetic of =
Christ's reign in Zion, earthly Jerusalem following the Tribulation. =
Note in this regard that the word "stood" is in the perfect tense which =
emphasizes completed action with abiding results. He has taken his stand =
and reigns.

"And with Him 144,000, " These are mentioned because they stand in such =
beautiful contrast with the worshippers of the beast who have his mark =
and who have sold themselves out to the idolatrous and cultic system of =
the beast. In chapter 7 we are told the 144,000 are:

1.. sealed in their forehead (7:3);
2.. they are bondservants (7:3); and
3.. they are Jews from the twelve tribes of Israel, 12,000 from each =
tribe.
Now additional information is given regarding these bondservants =
which heightens the contrast between these and the worshippers of the =
beast. These are the same 144,000 Jews of chapter 7. The number is the =
same, they are sealed in their foreheads as in chapter 7, and there is =
nothing to indicate they are a different group.

"Having His name (the Lamb's) and the name of His Father written on =
their foreheads.'' This is God's seal and shows:

1.. they belong to God and not to the beast;
2.. they have had the guarantee of God's protection and security =
through the Tribulation; and
3.. they are His servants.
As chapter 7 by its context would indicate, they are the great =
evangelists of the Tribulation who proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus =
Christ. Then note that in 14:4 we are told that these follow the Lamb. =
Perhaps there is an intended connection with those evangelized by the =
144,000 in 7:9ff for in 7:17 we read "for the Lamb shall be their =
Shepherd and shall guide them " Chapter 14 completes the drama started =
in chapter 7. In chapter 7 this whole company of God's people are sealed =
and protected (7:1-8), and then a company of those they undoubtedly led =
to Christ are seen as martyred saints in heaven serving before the =
throne of God (7:9ff). But here in chapter 14, the whole body of the =
144,000 are with the Lamb as victors in the earthly eschatological =
kingdom. The main emphasis is that here we see these still intact after =
the days of horrible Tribulation; they are preserved and standing =
triumphantly with the Lord on Mount Zion in the Millennium.

1.2 The Song (14:2-3)

Verse 14:2

As in chapter 5 the voice heard is described in majestic terms to =
portray heaven's response to what John sees here. The three-fold =
description of the voice stresses the awesome majesty of what John hears =
as heaven responds in anticipation of the reign of God on earth =
accomplished by the Lamb.

However, it is important to note that the singers are not necessarily =
the 144,000, but angelic hosts and perhaps Tribulation martyrs in =
heaven. The voice is from heaven, from around the heavenly throne =
(14:2-3). The 144,000 are on earth. It is the harpists of heaven who =
sing the song. Here we are only told the 144,000 can learn the song =
while in chapter 15:2-3 they sing the Song of Moses with the company of =
the redeemed.

Verse 14:3

But we are not told just exactly what this new song is. It should, =
however, be related to chapter 5:9 and the new song that was sung by the =
heavenly choir. This it is a song of redemption and vindication. What =
was seen in chapter 5 as secured for the redeemed by Christ's death =
(i.e., that they will reign on the earth [5:10]) has now been realized =
on Mount Zion=A1=A8 (cf. also one further reference to a new song in =
15:3).=20

The word "new" is the Greek kainos which refers to that which is fresh =
and new in quality, unused, unworn. It can mean new in time, but more =
than anything, it means new in quality, fresh and vital.

In what sense is this a new song? In the Old Testament there are a =
number of references to a "new song" (cf. Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 144:9; =
149:1 and Isaiah 42:10). A new song is a consequence of a deeper or =
clearer grasp of the person and works of God so that it results in a =
fresh and meaningful impulse of gratitude and joy in the soul as it is =
expressed in songs of praise and adoration. A new song is not =
necessarily a song new in time, but one fresh with a new response and =
understanding so that it is sung as though it were new. This new song is =
somehow related to the new song of 5:4 and to that in 15:3.

What about the clause "And no one could learn the song except the =
144,000 "? The verb "learn" is the Greek manqanw which may have several =
connotations regarding the learning process. One of these is to learn, =
appropriate to oneself through experience or practice. Only the 144,000 =
because of what they will have experienced throughout the Tribulation =
from beginning to end (having experienced God's mighty deliverances and =
victory over the beast) can truly experience the reality and depth of =
the meaning of the song. Manqanw can have the idea of "to hear deeply." =
John in particular seems to use this verb in this sense (cf. John 6:45), =
in the sense of "a deep listening to divine revelation that results in =
learning" (Frank E. Gaebelein, General Editor, The Expositors' Bible =
Commentary, Vol. 12, Zondervan, p. 539).

Next we read that the 144,000 "had been purchased from the earth." This =
does not mean "removed" from the earth, but "redeemed," saved from among =
the people of the earth and thus sealed accordingly (cf. 5:9 and 7:3). =
"Purchased" is the Greek agorazw which means "to buy, purchase." It was =
used of purchasing slaves in the agora or market place. Believers are =
those who have been purchased from the slave market of sin by the death =
of Christ. Note these four things regarding our redemption in Christ:

1.. The Agent of redemption is the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7; =
Colossians 1:14; Romans 3:24).
2.. The purchase price is the death of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19).
3.. The object of redemption is man's sin (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians =
1:14).
4.. The result of redemption is forgiveness and freedom but also =
bond service to Christ (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; 1 Corinthians =
6:19; Galatians 3:13).
1.3 The Separation and Salvation of the 144,000 (14:4-5)

Verse 14:4

Regarding the 144,000 this verse is perhaps the most difficult because =
of the reference to defilement with women and the word "chaste" or =
"virgins." Does this mean they are men who have never been married, =
celibates for the kingdom of God (cf. Matthew 19:12; 1 Corto spiritual =
faithfulness as opposed to apostasy or cultic prostitution (cf. 2 =
Corinthians 11:2-3; Revelation 2:14, 20-22 with 3:4). inthians 7:1-7)? =
Or does this refer There are a number of good arguments for both views, =
so just how are we to take the verse?

One might assume these are all men because "they were not defiled with =
women." On the other hand, one might assume they are all women because =
they are literally called "virgins," the Greek parqenoi. Neither =
assumption, however, is necessarily correct. John is probably using =
these terms in a spiritual sense to declare their spiritual chastity and =
devotion to Christ.

Such is not an uncommon occurrence in Scripture. In the Old Testament =
the people of Israel were viewed as the wife of Yahweh and =
unfaithfulness to Him was spoken of as spiritual prostitution and =
spiritual adultery (cf. Isaiah 1:21; Jeremiah 2:20; 3:20; Hosea 9:1; =
Exodus 34:15; Deuteronomy 31:16). Similarly in the New Testament the =
church is viewed as the bride of Christ, as an espoused virgin, and =
unfaithfulness is viewed as spiritual adultery (cf. Ephesians 5:22-32; 2 =
Corinthians 11:2; James 4:4; Revelation 2:20-23).

So the word "virgin" in Scripture does not always have to refer to a =
woman. Further, the word "defiled" is used by John in the Book of =
Revelation of moral or spiritual defilement or spiritual or cultic =
prostitution (cf. 3:4 where John also used "defiled" or the Greek word =
malunw, with 2:14, 20, 22 for a setting of spiritual prostitution).

During the Tribulation there will exist a great apostate church, or =
religious Babylon, the mother of all harlotries and the great harlot of =
the Tribulation. This will be followed by the apostate and idolatrous =
worship of the beast (cf. Revelation 17-18:24; 13:1ff). But these =
144,000 escape all spiritual defilement with these religious systems of =
the Tribulation. They remain pure, i.e., spiritual virgins. One might =
compare also a similar use of virgins in the parable of the ten virgins =
in Matthew 25:1-13. In both passages we have references to men and =
women. The emphasis is not on sex but on spiritual purity. It is for =
this reason the NASV translates the word parqenos as "chaste."=20

This view fits with the following words, "these are those who follow the =
Lamb wherever He goes." The whole group has remained devoted and =
faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ; they follow and serve Him as obedient =
servants in contrast to a world that as a whole goes whoring after the =
beast.

Then we read "these have been purchased from among men as first fruits =
to God and to the Lamb." This further explains the above and portrays =
their spiritual chastity and obedient discipleship as effect and cause. =
First we had the effect, now we see the cause, the redeeming grace of =
God.

"Purchased" is the verb agarazw as in verse 3. It refers to their =
redemption by the person of Jesus Christ. The tense is aorist and in the =
context of the New Testament it looks at an accomplished fact. "From" is =
the Greek preposition apo and represents in this context not extraction =
or removal physically, but spiritual separation both positionally and =
experientially.

"As first fruits" further defines their redemption. There are two =
concepts in the first fruits metaphor:=20

1.. It first refers to the initial harvest taken in by the farmer with =
more to come. It indicates more is to come and is a pledge, a down =
payment that that is so. The 144,000 are the first converts of the =
Tribulation who will go into the kingdom, but others, as we saw in =
Revelation 7:9f, will follow.
=20
2.. The first fruits was that which was offered to God as an =
expression of being totally separated and set apart to Him as an =
offering and a sacrifice to God. This is the real emphasis and primary =
thought here in this context and by the words "to God and to the Lamb;" =
they were a holy and pure sacrifice.
=20
Verse 14:5

"No lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless." Their mouth spoke =
no lies, that is, no false messages, but only the truth about Christ as =
the only way to heaven. This does not mean they will be sinless. Jesus =
Christ is the only human personality that is without sin. But this does =
emphasize their lives and testimonies will be above reproach. The =
Tribulation will be a time characterized by deceit, by lies and =
everything false. But these will be truthful; they will speak and live =
the truth with veracity so that their lives will be without blame before =
the unbelieving world. Men will not be able to look at their lives and =
point a finger at Jesus Christ or at the Christianity they will =
proclaim.

How important this is for us to recognize today. Too often the testimony =
of the church is negatively affected by the testimony of believers whose =
lives are blameable. Compare the following exhortations to the church =
today (1 Peter 1:17; 2:11-12; Titus 2:11-14; Colossians 1:22; Ephesians =
1:4; 5:27).

Please tell your friends to visit the following Bible study web sites
regularly:
=BA=F4=A4W=B8t=B8g=BD=D2=B5{ Bible Studies On the Internet =
http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/
=AD=BB=B4=E4=A5H=B0=A8=CA=DE=B4=B5=B8t=B8g=A8=E7=B1=C2=BE=C7=AE=D5 =
http://home.hkstar.com/~emmaushk
Week End Web Page http://www.patriot.net/users/premil/weekend.html
=20
God bless you!
=20
Yours in Christ,
John K.C. Fok
Hong Kong
27 October 1997

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<DIV>
<FONT=20
size=3D3>Revelation (14:1-5) God Intervenes<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"> Part 1
<FONT=20
size=3D3>Hello,<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"> 
<FONT=20
size=3D3>The same passage=20
can be found at: <A=20
href=3D"http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/Revelation/9GodIntervenes.htm">h=
ttp://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/Revelation/9GodIntervenes.htm</A><=
/FONT>
<DIV>
Chapter Nine -=20
God Intervenes (14:1-16:21)<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"> 
 
This chapter forms the =
last section=20
of the third interlude of the Book. Again we should note that this =
material is=20
not chronological in that it does not take up the next events of the=20
Tribulation. Rather it gives us a preview of some of the key events that =
lie=20
ahead in that period of unprecedented trial. In fact, John now answers =
two vital=20
questions: What will become of those who refuse to receive the mark of =
the beast=20
and are killed (14:1-5)? And what will happen to the beast and his =
servants=20
(14:6-20)? So chapter 14 prepares the way for the climatic events which =
will=20
follow from chapter 15 on. This chapter gives us both a backward glance =
to the=20
beginning of the Tribulation and a forward glance to its end and the =
glorious=20
reign of the Lord Jesus Christ with His saints.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"> 
Revelation 13 revealed =
the darkest=20
hours of human history with Satan's conspiracy in seeming control of all =

humanity. But it closed with the declaration of man's number, number =
666; a=20
number that falls short of God's perfection. This was both a promise and =
a=20
declaration that man would fail and God would prevail and so would also =
God's=20
people. In the two previous chapters we see clearly that God's people =
will be=20
severely persecuted and sacrificed like sheep. But here we see their =
ultimate=20
triumph via the triumph of the Lamb of God. For instance, in chapter 7 =
the=20
144,000 who were sealed and thus promised deliverance are here seen as=20
delivered.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
 
1. THE =
ANNOUNCEMENT=20
CONCERNING THE 144,000 (14:1-5)
1.1 The Setting =

Verse 14:1
"And I looked, and =

behold" is a phrase is found seven times (4:1; 6:2, 5; 7:9; 14:1, =
14) and=20
each time it turns our attention to another important element in the =
vision=20
given to John. Here it is the vision of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion=20
accompanied by the 144,000. <FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
"The Lamb =
was standing=20
on Mount Zion" is the first important fact that catches John's eye. =
That=20
the Lamb is standing on Mount Zion is in contrast to the dragon standing =
on the=20
shifting sands of the seashore. Here is a contrast between stability and =
rest,=20
and instability and unrest. The contrast is between the Lamb who wins by =
the=20
sacrifice of Himself versus the dragon who attempts to gain control by =
his=20
selfish and bloody outrage against humanity.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
We have two =
interpretations of the=20
meaning of Mount Zion:<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
<OL>
<LI>
It =
refer to the=20
heavenly city, Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22-23). Since Zion is used of =
the=20
heavenly Jerusalem and these 144,000 are before the throne =
(Revelation=20
14:3), it seems natural to understand Zion as the heavenly city. =
When the=20
group was first introduced they were on earth (Revelation 7:1-3), =
but now=20
they are in heaven. Their work of witnessing must now be finished, =
for none=20
will be able to slay them until then. .<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI>
<LI>
It =
refer to the=20
earthly city of Jerusalem. In Hebrews the reference to Mount Zion is =

connected with the church and there it symbolizes the strength and =
security=20
of God's people gathered together with God. But here, John is =
dealing with=20
the nation Israel and looking forward to the Millennial reign of =
Christ on=20
earth. Prophetically in Scripture, Zion came to symbolize the place =
where=20
Messiah would come as the deliverer of Israel and where He would =
gather=20
together His people (Psalm 48:1f; Isaiah 24:23; Joel 2:32; Zephaniah =
14:10;=20
Romans 11:26). Mount=20
Zion will be the earthly seat of the messianic or millennial =
kingdom. At any=20
rate, that the 144,000 are singing "before the throne" =
(14:3) is=20
not an objection to seeing them as the earthly Zion; it is not the =
redeemed=20
who are singing but the angelic harpists. I prefer this=20
interpretation.</LI></OL>
Further, the group of =
144,000 is=20
the same as that of chapter 7 where they are to be sealed =
and kept=20
safe through the Tribulation, protected from death to go into the =
millennial=20
reign of Messiah without going into heaven. This is the implication of =
chapter=20
7. Thus, this is prophetic of Christ's reign in Zion, earthly Jerusalem=20
following the Tribulation. Note in this regard that the word =
"stood"=20
is in the perfect tense which emphasizes completed action with abiding =
results.=20
He has taken his stand and reigns.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
"And with Him =
144,000, "=20
These are mentioned because they stand in such beautiful contrast with =
the=20
worshippers of the beast who have his mark and who have sold =
themselves=20
out to the idolatrous and cultic system of the beast. In chapter 7 we =
are told=20
the 144,000 are:<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
<OL>
<LI>sealed in their =
forehead=20
(7:3);<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI>
<LI>they are =
bondservants (7:3);=20
and<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI>
<LI>they are Jews from =
the twelve=20
tribes of Israel, 12,000 from each tribe.<FONT=20
size=3D3></LI></OL>
Now additional =
information is given=20
regarding these bondservants which heightens the contrast between these =
and the=20
worshippers of the beast. These are the same 144,000 Jews of chapter 7. =
The=20
number is the same, they are sealed in their foreheads as in chapter 7, =
and=20
there is nothing to indicate they are a different =
group.<FONT=20
size=3D3>
"Having His name =
(the Lamb's)=20
and the name of His Father written on their foreheads.'' This is God's =
seal and=20
shows:
<OL>
<LI>they belong to God =
and not to=20
the beast;<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI>
<LI>they have had the =
guarantee of=20
God's protection and security through the Tribulation;=20
and<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI>
<LI>they are His=20
servants.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI></OL>
As chapter 7 by its =
context would=20
indicate, they are the great evangelists of the Tribulation who proclaim =
the=20
Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then note that in 14:4 we are told that =
these=20
follow the Lamb. Perhaps there is an intended connection with those =
evangelized=20
by the 144,000 in 7:9ff for in 7:17 we read "for the Lamb shall be =
their=20
Shepherd and shall guide them " Chapter 14 completes the drama =
started in=20
chapter 7. In chapter 7 this whole company of God's people are =
sealed and=20
protected (7:1-8), and then a company of those they undoubtedly led to =
Christ=20
are seen as martyred saints in heaven serving before the throne of God =
(7:9ff).=20
But here in chapter 14, the whole body of the 144,000 are with the Lamb =
as=20
victors in the earthly eschatological kingdom. The main emphasis is that =
here we=20
see these still intact after the days of horrible Tribulation; they are=20
preserved and standing triumphantly with the Lord on Mount Zion in the=20
Millennium.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
1.2 The Song =
(14:2-3)
Verse 14:2
As in chapter 5 the =
voice heard is=20
described in majestic terms to portray heaven's response to what John =
sees here.=20
The three-fold description of the voice stresses the awesome majesty of =
what=20
John hears as heaven responds in anticipation of the reign of God on =
earth=20
accomplished by the Lamb.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
However, it is =
important to note=20
that the singers are not necessarily the 144,000, but angelic hosts and =
perhaps=20
Tribulation martyrs in heaven. The voice is from heaven, from around the =

heavenly throne (14:2-3). The 144,000 are on earth. It is the harpists =
of heaven=20
who sing the song. Here we are only told the 144,000 can learn the song =
while in=20
chapter 15:2-3 they sing the Song of Moses with the company of the=20
redeemed.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
Verse 14:3
But we are not told =
just exactly=20
what this new song is. It should, however, be related to chapter 5:9 and =
the new=20
song that was sung by the heavenly choir. This it is a song of =
redemption and=20
vindication. What was seen in chapter 5 as secured for the redeemed by =
Christ's=20
death (i.e., that they will reign on the earth [5:10]) has now been =
realized on=20
Mount Zion” (cf. also one further reference to a new song in =
15:3).=20

The word =
"new" is the=20
Greek kainos which refers to that which is fresh and new =
in=20
quality, unused, unworn. It can mean new in time, but more than =
anything, it=20
means new in quality, fresh and vital.<FONT =

face=3D"Times New Roman">
In what sense is this a =
new song?=20
In the Old Testament there are a number of references to a =
"new=20
song" (cf. Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 144:9; 149:1 and Isaiah 42:10). =
A new=20
song is a consequence of a deeper or clearer grasp of the person and =
works of=20
God so that it results in a fresh and meaningful impulse of gratitude =
and joy in=20
the soul as it is expressed in songs of praise and adoration. A new song =
is not=20
necessarily a song new in time, but one fresh with a new response and=20
understanding so that it is sung as though it were new. This new song is =
somehow=20
related to the new song of 5:4 and to that in 15:3.<FONT=20
size=3D3>
What about the clause =
"And no=20
one could learn the song except the 144,000 "? The verb =
"learn"=20
is the Greek manqanw<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"> which may have several connotations regarding =
the=20
learning process. One of these is to learn, appropriate to oneself =
through=20
experience or practice. Only the 144,000 because of what they will have=20
experienced throughout the Tribulation from beginning to end (having =
experienced=20
God's mighty deliverances and victory over the beast) can truly =
experience the=20
reality and depth of the meaning of the song. Manqanw =
can have=20
the idea of "to hear deeply." John in particular seems to use =
this=20
verb in this sense (cf. John 6:45), in the sense of "a deep =
listening to=20
divine revelation that results in learning" (Frank E. =
Gaebelein,=20
General Editor, The Expositors' Bible=20
Commentary, Vol. 12, Zondervan, p. 539).
Next we read that the =
144,000=20
"had been purchased from the earth." This does not mean=20
"removed" from the earth, but "redeemed," saved from =
among=20
the people of the earth and thus sealed accordingly (cf. 5:9 and 7:3).=20
"Purchased" is the Greek agorazw which means =
"to=20
buy, purchase." It was used of purchasing slaves in the =
agora or=20
market place. Believers are those who have been purchased from the slave =
market=20
of sin by the death of Christ. Note these four things regarding our =
redemption=20
in Christ:<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
<OL>
<LI>The Agent of =
redemption is the=20
Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Romans=20
3:24).<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI>
<LI>The purchase price =
is the=20
death of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19).<FONT =

face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI>
<LI>The object of =
redemption is=20
man's sin (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI>
<LI>The result of =
redemption is=20
forgiveness and freedom but also bond service to Christ (Ephesians =
1:7;=20
Colossians 1:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians =
3:13).<FONT=20
size=3D3></LI></OL>
1.3 The Separation and =
Salvation of=20
the 144,000 (14:4-5)
Verse 14:4
Regarding the 144,000 =
this verse is=20
perhaps the most difficult because of the reference to defilement with =
women and=20
the word "chaste" or "virgins." Does this mean they =
are men=20
who have never been married, celibates for the kingdom of God (cf. =
Matthew=20
19:12; 1 Corto spiritual faithfulness as opposed to apostasy or cultic=20
prostitution (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:2-3; Revelation 2:14, 20-22 with =
3:4).=20
inthians 7:1-7)? Or does this refer There are a number of good arguments =
for=20
both views, so just how are we to take the verse?<FONT=20
size=3D3>
One might assume these =
are all men=20
because "they were not defiled with women." On the other hand, =
one=20
might assume they are all women because they are literally called=20
"virgins," the Greek parqenoi. Neither assumption, =
however,=20
is necessarily correct. John is probably using these terms in a =
spiritual sense=20
to declare their spiritual chastity and devotion to =
Christ.<FONT=20
size=3D3>
Such is not an uncommon =
occurrence=20
in Scripture. In the Old Testament the people of Israel were viewed as =
the wife=20
of Yahweh and unfaithfulness to Him was spoken of as spiritual=20
prostitution and spiritual adultery (cf. Isaiah 1:21; Jeremiah 2:20; =
3:20; Hosea=20
9:1; Exodus 34:15; Deuteronomy 31:16). Similarly in the New Testament =
the church=20
is viewed as the bride of Christ, as an espoused virgin, and =
unfaithfulness is=20
viewed as spiritual adultery (cf. Ephesians 5:22-32; 2 Corinthians 11:2; =
James=20
4:4; Revelation 2:20-23).<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
So the word =
"virgin" in=20
Scripture does not always have to refer to a woman. Further, the word=20
"defiled" is used by John in the Book of Revelation of =
moral or=20
spiritual defilement or spiritual or cultic prostitution (cf. 3:4 where =
John=20
also used "defiled" or the Greek word malunw, with =
2:14, 20,=20
22 for a setting of spiritual prostitution).<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
During the Tribulation =
there will=20
exist a great apostate church, or religious Babylon, the mother of all=20
harlotries and the great harlot of the Tribulation. This will be =
followed by the=20
apostate and idolatrous worship of the beast (cf. Revelation 17-18:24; =
13:1ff).=20
But these 144,000 escape all spiritual defilement with these religious =
systems=20
of the Tribulation. They remain pure, i.e., spiritual virgins. One might =
compare=20
also a similar use of virgins in the parable of the ten virgins in =
Matthew=20
25:1-13. In both passages we have references to men and women. The =
emphasis is=20
not on sex but on spiritual purity. It is for this reason the NASV =
translates=20
the word parqenos as "chaste." <FONT=20
size=3D3>
This view fits with the =
following=20
words, "these are those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes." =
The=20
whole group has remained devoted and faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ; =
they=20
follow and serve Him as obedient servants in contrast to a world that as =
a whole=20
goes whoring after the beast.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
Then we read =
"these have been=20
purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb." =
This=20
further explains the above and portrays their spiritual chastity and =
obedient=20
discipleship as effect and cause. First we had the effect, now we see =
the cause,=20
the redeeming grace of God.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
"Purchased" =
is the verb=20
agarazw as in verse 3. It refers to their redemption by =
the=20
person of Jesus Christ. The tense is aorist and in the context of the =
New=20
Testament it looks at an accomplished fact. "From" is the =
Greek=20
preposition apo and represents in this context not =
extraction or=20
removal physically, but spiritual separation both positionally and=20
experientially.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
"As first =
fruits" further=20
defines their redemption. There are two concepts in the first fruits =
metaphor:=20

<OL>
<LI>
It =
first refers to=20
the initial harvest taken in by the farmer with more to come. It =
indicates=20
more is to come and is a pledge, a down payment that that is so. The =
144,000=20
are the first converts of the Tribulation who will go into the =
kingdom, but=20
others, as we saw in Revelation 7:9f, will =
follow.<FONT=20
size=3D3></LI>
<LI>
The =
first fruits was=20
that which was offered to God as an expression of being totally =
separated=20
and set apart to Him as an offering and a sacrifice to God. This is =
the real=20
emphasis and primary thought here in this context and by the words =
"to=20
God and to the Lamb;" they were a holy and pure=20
sacrifice.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></LI></OL>
Verse 14:5
"No lie was found =
in their=20
mouth; they are blameless." Their mouth spoke no lies, that is, no =
false=20
messages, but only the truth about Christ as the only way to heaven. =
This does=20
not mean they will be sinless. Jesus Christ is the only human =
personality that=20
is without sin. But this does emphasize their lives and testimonies will =
be=20
above reproach. The Tribulation will be a time characterized by deceit, =
by lies=20
and everything false. But these will be truthful; they will speak and =
live the=20
truth with veracity so that their lives will be without blame before the =

unbelieving world. Men will not be able to look at their lives and point =
a=20
finger at Jesus Christ or at the Christianity they will=20
proclaim.<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">
How important this is =
for us to=20
recognize today. Too often the testimony of the church is negatively =
affected by=20
the testimony of believers whose lives are blameable. Compare the =
following=20
exhortations to the church today (1 Peter 1:17; 2:11-12; Titus 2:11-14;=20
Colossians 1:22; Ephesians 1:4; 5:27).<FONT =

face=3D"Times New Roman">

<DIV>Please tell your friends to =
visit the=20
following Bible study web sites regularly: <A =
name=3D=BA=F4=A4W=B8t=B8g=BD=D2=B5{><TT><FONT=20
color=3D#000000 face=3D"" size=3D3>=BA=F4=A4W=B8t=B8g=BD=D2=B5{</A> =
</TT>Bible Studies On the=20
Internet <A=20
href=3D"http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/">http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfo=
k1/</A> <FONT=20
face=3D"" =
size=3D3>=AD=BB=B4=E4=A5H=B0=A8=CA=DE=B4=B5=B8t=B8g=A8=E7=B1=C2=BE=C7=AE=D5=
<A=20
href=3D"http://home.hkstar.com/~emmaushk">http://home.hkstar.com/~emmaush=
k</A> Week=20
End Web Page <A=20
href=3D"http://www.patriot.net/users/premil/weekend.html">http://www.patr=
iot.net/users/premil/weekend.html</A></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>God bless you!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Yours in Christ, John =
K.C.=20
Fok Hong Kong 27 October =
1997 </DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>

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