

### STUDIES IN REVELATION

The Seven Trumpets – Part 4

### Jack Marshall

### STUDIES IN REVELATION

The Seven Trumpets – Part 4

### Jack Marshall

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2019 Grain of Wheat Publishing

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author. This free ebook may be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared, provided it appears in its entirety without alteration, and the reader is not charged to access it.

This study is dedicated to the body of Christ.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: Seven

Chapter Two: Laodicea

Chapter Three: The Wheat

Chapter Four: The End of the Age

Chapter Five: The Elect

Chapter Six: The Message of the Elect

Chapter Seven: Blessed are the Dead

Chapter Eight: The Days of Noah and Lot

Chapter Nine: The Feast of Tabernacles

Chapter Ten: A Thousand Years

Chapter Eleven: The Rest of the Dead

Chapter Twelve: The Harvest

Chapter Thirteen: Reality Check

Bibliography

Introduction

This is Part 4 of my series, "Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets." If you've happened upon this study and have not yet read the first three in the series, I would highly encourage you to do so. Here's the links for the three studies:

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 1

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 2

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 3

There are mistakes in this presentation, not by intention, but out of ignorance. I am still and always will be learning. It has been difficult to put aside what I have inherited in order to see from a fresh perspective.

In His Grace,

Jack Marshall

Please note: All Hebrew and Greek definitions are taken from the Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionary unless otherwise noted. All Bible passages are taken from the New King James Bible unless otherwise noted.

### Revelation 8:2 (KJV)  
And I saw the seven angels which stood before God;

and to them were given seven trumpets.

# Chapter One

# SEVEN

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (ESV)  
50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 **Behold! I tell you a mystery**. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, **at the last trumpet**. **For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed**. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, **then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."** 55 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" 56 **The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.** 57 **But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.** 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

In the book of the Revelation, the _seventh_ trumpet is the "last trumpet," for there are no more trumpets that follow. Paul tells us, "For _the trumpet will sound_ , and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." Sin, the "sting of death," is eradicated, because death is "swallowed up in victory" (Rev. 20:14), the "last enemy" conquered (I Cor. 15:26). No doubt about it, this is truly a "mystery," one which the Christian Church has considered for as long as these passages have existed. Theories abound, not the least of which is the "rapture," which has captured the minds of millions across this planet.

Seven is the "great number of spiritual perfection," taken from the root which means " _to be full_ " or " _satisfied, have enough of"_ (Bullinger). Jones tells us that "seven is the biblical number of _completion_ and _spiritual perfection_... seven days complete a Sabbath cycle. In Rev. 10:7 _the mystery of God is finished_ when the seventh angel blows his trumpet. In Rev. 16:7 'it is done' when the seventh angel pours out the seventh vial into the air. It took seven days to consecrate Aaron and his sons to the priesthood (Lev. 8:31-35) before emerging from the tabernacle on the eighth day. Joshua and the Israelite army had to march around Jericho seven days (Joshua 6:15) before the city fell."

At his website, _biblenumbersforlife.com_ , Mark Lane cites seven as, "THE END: Sword," while evangelist Ed Vallowe, in his book, _Biblical Mathematics_ , states, "The whole Word of God is founded upon the number SEVEN."

Seven denotes the _end_ , the _finish_ , _completion_ , _maturity_ , and _harvest_ , illustrated in nature as the _ripened fruit_ of a tree, typifying the _end_ of _a complete cycle of sowing and reaping_ , where _fruit_ is now available for food and _seed_ in abundance is now available for planting so that the cycle can be repeated. What began with _one_ seed leads to _much fruit_ and _much more seed_. This is known as the _exponential function_ of _one_ to _many_ , and this, beloved, is how it works in the kingdoms of men and in the kingdom of God. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; _for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap_ " (Gal. 6:7).

As we have learned in this study, there are _six_ important _sevens_ found in the book of the Revelation; _seven_ "stars" or angels and _seven_ "lampstands" or churches (Rev. 1:20), _seven_ prophecies to the churches (Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3) and a book sealed with _seven_ seals (Rev. 5:1). Finally, we have _seven_ trumpets beginning in Revelation 8:2 and _seven_ bowls beginning in Revelation 15:7. When we multiply _six_ with _seven_ , we have 42.

Revelation 13:5 (KJV)  
5 And there was given unto him (beast with seven heads and ten horns; Rev. 13:1) a mouth speaking **great things and blasphemies** ; and power was given unto him to continue **forty** _and_ **two months**.

If our number 42 typifies our six important sevens, then this passage tells us that the beast with seven heads and ten horns will continue to speak "great things and blasphemies" until the end of this age, closing with the _seventh_ angel, church, prophecy, seal, trumpet, and bowl.

Our word "blasphemies" is the transliteration blasphēmia, defined by Strong's as, "Vilification (especially against God)." Google defines "vilification" as, "Abusively disparaging speech or writing." Synonyms include condemnation, criticism, censure, abuse, slander, character assassination, attack, invective, insults, and libel. Sounds rather serious, doesn't it? It's even more serious when we understand that our beast with seven heads and ten horns defines the church "in the wilderness" of this world abiding under the spiritual working of the law and the prophets (Matt. 5:17-20; Rev. 17:3, 7-10). Should you doubt what I am saying, consider the seventh prophecy to the churches.

Revelation 3:14-17 (NKJV)  
14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 **I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.** I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, **because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth**. 17 Because **you say** , 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-- **and do not know** that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked...

If it is true that the seventh illustrates the end of the age, then Laodicea represents our spiritual condition (works) at the sounding or unfolding of the last trumpet, a church which believes they "have need of nothing." Ah, but the Lord states quite clearly that we "do not know" that we are "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." Paul echoes this spiritually destitute position in the following.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that **the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night**. 3 **For when** they **say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.**

Who is "they" in this passage? Is it not the church since she is seen "with child" in Revelation 12:2, agreeing with Paul's remark "as labor pains upon a pregnant woman"? (See also Matt. 24:8; NIV) Isn't "peace and safety" emphasized in the statement, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing"? It is, my friend, and this is where many stand today, perfectly content with their religious structures, rituals, and routine.

Our word "sudden" is defined by Strong's as, "Non-apparent; unexpected." With this in mind, consider the following.

Matthew 24:37-42 (ESV)  
37 As were **the days of Noah** , so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware **until the flood came and swept them all away** , so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; **one will be taken and one left.** 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; **one will be taken and one left.** 42 Therefore, **stay awake** , for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Doesn't "unaware" agree with "unexpected"? It does, and despite the traditional take on these passages, they are not referring to a rapture. The context indicates that the one "taken" is swept away by the "flood," not caught up to Christ. However, in our time, it is not a "flood" of water but of deception and carnality as evidenced by what Paul went on to write in I Thessalonians 5.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-10 (NKJV)  
4 But you, brethren, **are not in darkness** , **so that this Day should overtake you as a thief**. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. **We are not of the night nor of darkness**. 6 **Therefore let us not sleep, as others** _do,_ **but let us watch and be sober**. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 **But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and** _as_ **a helmet the hope of salvation**. 9 **For God did not appoint us to wrath** , but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

"The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night" (I Thess. 5:2), so Paul admonishes us to "not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober." This tells us that if we are not diligent in our faith that it is possible for us to "fall asleep," to be overtaken by darkness, to be overwhelmed by the flood of carnality and deception which surrounds us, not so much by the world itself, but by the smooth and cunning words of those who boast in their great works and ministries, touting our escape from tribulation with the lies of a rapture that will never come. Beloved, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20-21).

# Chapter Two

# LAODICEA

Revelation 3:14-17 (NKJV)  
14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked...

In each of the seven prophecies to the churches, the Lord describes certain attributes of Himself before He goes on to speak to the church. In the message to Laodicea we read, "These things says the Amen." Strong's defines this word as, "Firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverb surely (often as interjection so be it)." Beloved, He alone is trustworthy and His words "so be it." Inasmuch as the Lord prophesied all that pertains to His people in these seven messages, He stamps the final message with "so be it." In keeping with the surety of His word, Jesus said the following.

John 12:48 (NKJV)  
48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

Remember, the trumpets of Revelation are not literal. Rather, they are the words of Christ to His people through the past two thousand years, words which have unfolded in exactly the way He spoke, exemplifying the essence of God's foreknowledge concerning His own. Does it surprise us to know that our Creator knows beforehand?

Once we reach the seventh and final church, we have a picture of His people at the end of the age. We say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing." Should there be any doubt about the seven things which God hates as representing the seven heads of the beast (Prov. 6:16-19), this statement clarifies our stance. Our "proud look" has reached its pinnacle, so much so that we "do not know" that we are "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." Though we are quite religious, we are far from spiritual, our religious pride has blinded us.

Think about it. What denomination or religious organization doesn't boast in her numbers, her wealth, her doctrines, and in her ability to thoroughly control its people? Many people's allegiance to their labels is as staunch and unwavering as patriotism is to the career serviceman. They will not be moved from their position by anyone or anything.

Ah, but again, Jesus said we "do not know" our spiritual state. We have heard so much error from the false christs and false prophets of our day that we are convinced that we are ready for the return of the Lord, ready to be taken in the rapture and away from the tribulation that will come upon the rest of the world. Most do not recognize that the rapture is a "self-absorbed" and "self-righteous" teaching, laced with fear and extreme judgmentalism. Do we honestly believe that our profession of faith in Christ and our obedience to the church of our choice is all that it takes to remove us from the horrendous judgment which is supposedly coming upon this planet? Do we honestly believe that we are that "good" and that everyone else is that "bad"? Do we really think that the Lord is that pleased with us, so much so, that we have the right to condemn everyone that doesn't align with our view of things? Didn't Peter state that the righteous will "scarcely be saved"? (I Peter 4:18)

So let me challenge you about this perspective. Are you at all aware of the great tribulation that already exists in our time? Beloved, look outside of your narrow focus and consider the world at large, Christian or otherwise. Look at the lives of people all around you. While your life may seem "picture-perfect," how are others really doing? How do we account for the drug epidemic that has long since overtaken America and other countries? How do we account for the tremendous number of sicknesses in our lives, no doubt much of it a result of a love for money that has led to all manner of contamination of our food and drink with chemicals we can't even pronounce? How do we account for the school shootings, mass shootings, murders, rapes, abortions, suicides, homelessness, prejudice, hatred, envy, contention, and unrest that is continually broadcasted on every news channel? How do we account for all the collectives who are clamoring for our attention and acceptance of those things which stand squarely against all moral boundaries? And we say "great tribulation" is coming? Really? Can it be worse for some than it is now?

Ah, but someone might say that it's been like this since our creation. This is true to a certain degree, for the fallen nature of man has always been the source of our suffering, however, not since the beginning of our creation have we possessed such technology as we have today, a technology that at times boggles the mind. And this technology, just like in ages past, is subject to the "good and evil" of men's imaginations as it has always been. For some, the evil is quite obvious, however, for many, the evil cloaked in good is much harder to discern.

Beloved, our abundance is our enemy and the convenience that technology has brought us has produced a flood of information that is overwhelming, both for us and our children. Never before in the history of humankind has so much information been made available so quickly for so many. And this information comes in every form, much of it propagating those things in society that engender only bondage and suffering. Man's so-called wisdom is failing on every hand. For almost every "advantage" that technology brings, there is an equal and opposite "disadvantage" that most overlook until it is too late.

# Chapter Three

# THE WHEAT

In light of all that we have discussed throughout this study, please consider the following illustration.

As this illustration shows, we see the progressive rise of Satan in the messages to the seven churches, culminating in the "lukewarm" position of Laodicea, i.e. the _fullness_ of the other six churches preceding it. As our picture suggests, Laodicea is not a separate "church" but the product of Sardis and Philadelphia together, a mixture of "hot" and "cold." As we see, "at the time of harvest" the Lord will "first gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them" but "gather the wheat" into His "barn."

The idea of "wheat" is more than what first meets the eye. The transliteration is _sitos_ , which Strong's defines as, " _Grain_ , especially _wheat_." This word is used a total of 14 times in the King James New Testament. Here's Stephen Jones explanation of its spiritual meaning from _The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty_.

Fourteen (yod-daleth)

Deliverance, Release

To write fourteen in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: yod-daleth. These signify the hand (outworking) of the door. It pictures a release or deliverance from the prison with the opening of the door.

Fourteen is the number of deliverance or release. Israel was delivered from Egypt by the

Passover lamb that was killed on the 14th day of the first month (Passover). When the ship that was carrying Paul to Rome was caught in the storm, they were delivered on the 14th day (Acts 27:33, 34).

In Gen. 12:10 Abram went down to Egypt in order to deliver himself from the famine in Canaan. This was the 14th time Abram's name is mentioned in Scripture.

The 14th time that Abraham is mentioned is in Gen. 18:13, where the Lord told them that Sarah would deliver a child (Isaac) in the next year. When Sarah laughed, the Lord said, "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?"

The 14th time Israel's name is mentioned is in Gen. 45:28, when Jacob-Israel came to understand that God had delivered Joseph. This also released Jacob himself from his second 21-year "time of trouble," for Joseph had been presumed dead for 21 years.

The 14th time Joshua's name is mentioned is in Num. 27:22. It was the occasion where Moses laid hands upon him to commission him as Moses' replacement. This released Joshua into his calling and released Moses from his own calling.

The 14th time Jesus' name is mentioned in the book of Luke is in Luke 4:35. Jesus delivered a man from a demon.

In his book, _Number in Scripture_ , E.W. Bullinger wrote the following.

FOURTEEN being a multiple of _seven_ , partakes of its significance; and, being double that number, implies a double measure of spiritual perfection.

The number _two_ with which it is combined (2x7) may, however, bring its own significance into its meaning, as in Matthew 1, where the genealogy of Jesus Christ is divided up and given in sets of 14 (2x7) generations, _two_ being the number associated with incarnation.

The same principle may be applied to other multiples of _seven_ , and Bible students can find their own illustrations.

ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS ILLUSTRATIONS

_Fourteen_ times in the Book of Proverbs the expression occurs "the fear of the Lord":—Proverbs 1:7, 29, 2:5, 8:13, 9:10, 10:27, 14:26, 27, 15:16, 33, 16:6, 19:23, 22:4, 23:17.

Along with "wheat" in the New Testament, our phrase "the fear of the Lord" is used 14 times in the book of Proverbs. Might this suggest that the "wheat" are those who understand the "fear of the Lord"?

Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)  
7 The **fear of the Lord** _is_ the beginning of knowledge: _but_ fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 8:13 (KJV)  
13 The **fear of the Lord** _is_ to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)  
10 The **fear of the Lord** _is_ the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy _is_ understanding.

Proverbs 19:23 (KJV)  
23 The **fear of the Lord** _tendeth_ to life: and _he that hath it_ shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

In regard to "wheat," we find the following in the third seal.

Revelation 6:6 (KJV)  
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, **A measure of wheat for a penny** , and three measures of barley for a penny; and _see_ thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

So what did Jesus mean by "wheat"? Please consider.

John 12:23-25 (NKJV)  
23 But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, **unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain**. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

"A measure of wheat for a penny." If you will recall, this refers to the Feast of Pentecost, whereas "barley" refers to the Feast of Firstfruits. So in the "wheat," we see those who were empowered on the Day of Pentecost to be the Lord's witnesses, baptized by the Spirit of God to bear testimony of the kingdom of God. Would this be another reference to the elect or chosen of God? I believe so, for only the "wheat" that "falls into the ground and dies" "produces much grain."

Matthew 13:30 (KJV)  
30 **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.

In the Parable of the Tares, we find confirmation of our illustration, i.e. "tares" sown among the "wheat" (Matt. 13:25, 38), typifying the rise of Satan in the first four churches. We then arrive at Sardis which has "a name that you are alive, but you are dead" (Rev. 3:1), followed by Philadelphia, who is given an "open door" (Rev. 3:8). These prophecies unfold as the fifth and sixth trumpets, the "bottomless pit" (Rev. 9:1-11) and the "second death" (Rev. 9:13-21), the first two woes (Rev. 9:12). Let's revisit our illustration from the previous studies.

What is quite fascinating about these prophecies is the fact that _they have been fulfilled_ and _are to be fulfilled_. In our illustration of the lampstand, each of the branches of the lampstand illustrate the "light" of "day," more specifically the "sons of light and sons of the day" (I Thess. 5:5) that remain in the midst of His church at all times. They are the overcomers, the elect, the chosen of God who have borne witness of His kingdom since the days of Christ and the apostles. "At this present time _there is a remnant_ according to the election of grace" (Rom. 11:5).

What do we have for each of the branches of the lampstand? A _thousand_ , indicative of the "glory of God" as seen in His chosen (II Peter 3:8; Vallowe). One thousand is 10 x 10 x 10, i.e. three tens multiplied. Jones wrote, "Because ten is also the number of the law, which brings divine order, it signifies 'the works of the law.'" Since three represents "divine fullness," a "complete witness" (Jones), and "resurrection" (Vallowe), three tens denotes the _resurrection life_ in those whom He chooses. This is the "wheat" in the Parable of the Tares.

Matthew 1:17 (NKJV)  
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David _are_ **fourteen** generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon _are_ **fourteen** generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ _are_ **fourteen** generations.

Again, our number 14 is prominent in Matthew 1:17. If you will recall, this sets the pattern of the book of the Revelation and emphasizes that the work of the Lord is "salvation" and "deliverance" for His people. The fact that we have _three_ fourteens again emphasizes the _resurrection life_ of Christ in the church. Beloved, despite our ignorance and rebellion, we are heading for a change.

# Chapter Four

# THE END OF THE AGE

Seven is "fullness," and as we learned in Part 3 of this series, this begins the _spiritual fulfillment_ of the Feast of Tabernacles, marked by the "Day of Trumpets" on the _fifth_ branch of the lampstand and advancing through to the Feast of Tabernacles proper. Since this feast falls on the _seventh_ month of the Hebrew calendar, the "fullness" of the "times of the Gentiles" is emphasized.

Luke 21:20-24 (KJV)  
20 And when ye shall see **Jerusalem** compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For **these be the days of vengeance** , **that all things which are written may be fulfilled**. 23 But woe unto them that are **with child** , and to them that **give suck** , in those days! for there shall be **great distress** in the land, and **wrath upon this people**. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be **led away captive into all nations** : and **Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be** fulfilled.

There should be no doubt that these passages emphasize "Jerusalem," His people. Note how the Lord states, "These be the days of _vengeance_ , that _all things which are written_ may be fulfilled." "Written"? Yes, as in scripture. Beloved, despite what others may think, I don't believe any other book but the Bible contains the prophecies which give such clear testimony as to the end of the age. As we have discovered throughout this study, the history of His people confirms the prophecies to the churches and accurately defines our spiritual position at this time.

Luke 18:7-8 (NKJV)  
7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

In Luke 21:22 and 18:7 and 8, our word "vengeance" is our word for "vindication." In the midst of God's "wrath," which is the spiritual working of His law, some are vindicated as evidenced by the "two myriads" of the sixth trumpet, our "two witnesses" of Revelation 11:3. These are the _two silver trumpets_ of the "Day of Trumpets," _two_ our number of "witness" and _silver_ the color of "redemption." John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were the "two silver trumpets" of their time, meeting at the Jordan River, which typifies the gathering together of His "elect" at the end of the age (Mark 13:27; Rev. 20:4; note the word "beheaded").

"Woe unto them that are with child," Jesus said. Does this not agree with I Thessalonians 5:3 where we read, "For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' then _sudden destruction_ comes upon them, as _labor pains_ upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape"? I believe so, however, what did the Lord say? "A woman, _when she is in labor, has sorrow_ because her _hour_ has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, _she no longer remembers the anguish_ , for joy that a human being (man; KJV) has been born into the world" (John 16:21). Do you see it, my friend? Do you see that tribulation is necessary in order that some might enter the kingdom of God? (Matt. 24:8; Acts 14:22) And when some enter, what happens then? Will they not in turn bring the revelation, glory, and power of that kingdom to you and me? They will, for that is the true intent of a witness of Christ. Remember, the "firstfruits" are indicative of the harvest to come.

Mark 13:19-27 (KJV)  
19 For _in_ **those days** shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord had shortened **those days** , no flesh should be saved: **but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days**. 21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here _is_ Christ; or, lo, _he is_ there; believe _him_ not: 22 **For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if** _it were_ **possible, even the elect**. 23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. 24 But **in those days, after that tribulation** , the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And **then** shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And **then** shall he send his angels, **and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven**.

"In those days shall be affliction (pressure), such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be." So intense is this pressure that He must shorten the days. In the midst of this great pressure shall arise "false Christs and false prophets" that will try and seduce "even the elect." Ah, but "take ye heed" Jesus said, "I have foretold you all things."

"But in those days," those He must shorten, " _after that tribulation_ , the _sun_ shall be darkened, and the _moon_ shall not give her light." The "sun" speaks of the "light" of the righteousness in Christ exemplified in the New Covenant while the "moon" denotes the law. When the light of the sun is darkened, so too the moon, just as it is in the natural, for the light of the moon is merely the reflection of the sun's light.

"And the stars of heaven shall fall." Would this be our seven "stars" or "angels" as seen on the lampstand? If so, this would indicate a falling away from the wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear, and judgment of the Lord, would it not? Ah, but "then shall _they_ see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." Who is "they" in this statement? Would it not be the elect for whom He shortens the days?

As we learned in Part 3, the gathering of the elect from the "four winds" speaks of those who endure through the "four severe judgments" of Ezekiel 14:12-23. This aligns with the following.

1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 (NKJV)  
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him **those who sleep in Jesus**. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that **we who are alive** _and_ **remain** until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede **those who are asleep**. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. **And the dead in Christ will rise first**. 17 Then **we who are alive** _and_ **remain shall be** caught up **together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air**. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Here we find two distinct groups of people. First, "those who sleep in Jesus," i.e. "the dead in Christ." These are the souls under the altar in the fifth seal, "His own elect who cry out day and night to Him" (Luke 18:7). Second, we have "we who are alive and remain," i.e. the 144,000 of Revelation 14. Where are they gathered to? They are "caught up" with the "dead in Christ" in the "clouds to meet the Lord in the air." Is this literal? I don't believe so, rather, they are "caught up" as Paul was "caught up" to the "third heaven" or "paradise" in II Corinthians 12:2 and 4, our phrase "caught up" the transliteration harpazō which means, "To seize." This is the same Greek word used for the phrase "caught up" in our passages above as well as in Revelation 12:5 in regard to the "male child." This spiritual action is clearly typified by the Lord's baptism at the Jordan River, the spiritual fulfillment of the "Day of Atonement."

Also remember that the passages of I Thessalonians 4 do not refer to the seventh trumpet, but to the "mighty angel" seen in Revelation 10, verses 1 through 7, and another "trumpet" within a "trumpet." This "seventh angel" (Rev. 10:7) is none other but Christ the Lord as evidenced by the description given.

Revelation 10:1-4 (KJV)  
1 And **I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven** , **clothed with a cloud** : and a **rainbow** _was_ **upon his head** , and **his face** _was_ **as it were the sun** , and **his feet as pillars of fire** : 2 And he had in his hand a **little book** open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and _his_ left _foot_ on the earth, 3 And cried with **a loud voice** , **as** _when_ **a lion roareth** : and when he had cried, **seven thunders uttered their voices**. 4 And **when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not**.

As we see, our "mighty angel" is seen coming down from heaven. Our phrase "come down" is _katabainō_ , defined as, "To _descend_ (literal or figurative)." Our phrase "shall descend" in I Thessalonians 4:16 is the same Greek word. Again, this is Christ, for He is "clothed with a cloud" of witnesses which are the "dead in Christ" (Heb. 12:1), the "rainbow" on His head indicative of the "days of Noah" (Matt. 24:37; Luke 17:26). "His face as it were the sun" speaks of Him as the "light of life" (John 8:12) while His "feet as pillars of fire" denotes the "fiery law" at God's right hand (Deut. 33:2) and the fulfillment of Romans 16:20 and I Corinthians 15:25.

Mark 13:28-32 (NKJV)  
28 " **Now learn this parable from the fig tree** : When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you also, **when you see these things happening** , know that it is near--at the doors! 30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 32 " **But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father**.

Immediately following the Lord's statement about the gathering of the elect, Jesus says, "Now learn this parable from the fig tree." What does the "fig tree" signify? It represents the elect of God in whom the law is spiritual (Jer. 24:1-7).

What does Jesus say? "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Would this be why "when the seven thunders had uttered their voices" and John "was about to write," that a "voice from heaven" said to him, "Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not"? Does our phrase "seal up" suggest the 144,000 as seen in Revelation 7:3 and 14:1, both the "dead in Christ" and those which "are alive and remain"? Would this also be the "little book" in the hand of Christ, the "book of life" in Revelation 3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:12, 15, 21:27, and 22:19? It's interesting to know that our phrase "book of life" is used eight times in the King James New Testament (new beginning), seven of these in the book of the Revelation (spiritual perfection). Coincidence? I think not.

So one might ask, "If the Lord descends during the sixth trumpet and not the seventh, then what is the purpose?" The answer lies in the understanding of "firstfruits" (Rev. 14:4), that is, the first ripe fruit of the harvest yet to come. As previously mentioned, the purpose of the elect is to first receive their inheritance in the kingdom in order to bring the revelation of Christ to His people, so that the world may see His glorious light once more in the body of Christ (Eph. 5:27; Rev. 21:10-11; 22:2). This is why we read in Revelation 20:6, "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years."

# Chapter Five

# THE ELECT

I have spoken often about the "elect" throughout this study. Who are they? My first answer to this question is that no one knows, for that is left to God and His purpose. I am inclined to think that when we read, "But of that _day_ and _hour_ no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father," that the "day" and "hour" is not so much about time but about a _people_ , the _elect_ , the _chosen_ of Christ. "You are all sons of light and sons of the day" (I Thess. 5:5), and the "hour" is the "birth" of these sons (I Thess. 5:1-3; Rev. 12:4-5).

The first use of this word is found in Matthew 24:24 during the Lord's discourse about the end of the age. This is the transliteration _eklektos_ , which Strong's defines as, " _Select_ ," taken from the word, "To _select_." It's used a total of 22 times in the King James New Testament. Here is what Stephen Jones wrote concerning the spiritual meaning of 22.

Twenty-Two (kaph-beth)

Sonship, Sons of Light

To write twenty-two in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: kaph-beth. These signify the open palm in the act of giving something to the house or household. It speaks of the Fruitfulness Mandate in Gen. 1:28, "be fruitful and multiply."

Twenty-two is the number of Sonship, or the Sons of Light.

This is the first promise of Sonship, which, along with the Dominion Mandate, formed the Birthright. This Fruitfulness Mandate was later given to Joseph when Jacob said in Gen. 49:22, "Joseph is a fruitful bough" [ben, "son"], the builder of God's household.

Ed Vallowe's book, Biblical Mathematics, pages 138 and 139, says that 22 is the number of light, but Psalm 22 does not support his interpretation. Vallowe says,

"TWENTY-TWO is the number that is connected with LIGHT. There were TWENTY-TWO bowls to hold oil in the candlestick in the Tabernacle. . . The purpose of the candlestick with its lamps was to give light.

"The saved are called the children of LIGHT. . .

"In the Gospel of John the word LIGHT is used TWENTY-TWO times."

Certainly, 22 includes the idea of light, because the overcomers—the sons of God—are the children of light. But the meaning of 22 is more inclusive than just light. It includes all aspects of Sonship, including authority, as we will see shortly.

As Vallowe says, there were 22 almonds on the 7 branches of the candlestick in the tabernacle (Ex. 25:31-37). The candlestick gave light to the Sanctuary and is a picture of Christ, as John 1:9 tells us,

9There was the true light which coming into the world, enlightens every man.

But this is also connected to the concept of authority. In Numbers 16 we read about the Korah rebellion. Korah disputed the authority of Moses and Aaron. After God judged him, the next chapter establishes the authority of Aaron and the tribe of Levi in general. The princes of each tribe had to bring their rods of authority to the tabernacle, where they were laid up over night in the sanctuary. Num. 17:8 says,

8Now it came about on the next day that Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms and it bore ripe almonds.

In this we see that almonds have to do with divine authority. So the almonds on the candlestick speak of those God has chosen to be the light of the world and to rule in the Kingdom of God. That highest Authority is Jesus Christ, but it also speaks of those called as priests of God to rule with Him (Rev. 5:10; 20:6). Thus, the candlestick is more than light; it is authority as well. Putting them together, we see that these things characterize the sons of God. So 22 is the number of Sonship.

In Num. 3:39 there were 22,000 priests of Levi that redeemed the firstborn sons of Israel. A thousand is the number of glory, so 22,000 speaks of "the glorified sons." Thus, these 22,000 priests of Levi represented all of the firstborn sons. They represented the manifested sons of God, the true children of light, whom God has set apart to teach the word and to administer the law to the people by the mind of Christ.

In 2 Chron. 7:5 Solomon offered 22,000 sheep to God when he dedicated the temple on the eighth day of Tabernacles. This again speaks of the 22,000 true sheep dedicated and given to God, who are the glorified firstborn sons. In this example there is no mention of light. It speaks of sheep. Sheep speak of the sons of God.

In the New Testament, Saul is mentioned precisely 22 times in the New Testament, all in the book of Acts. The reason for this is because he is an example of Sonship. Saul was converted and his name changed to Paul. He shows us the way to go from Pentecost to Tabernacles. The 22nd time Saul is mentioned is in Acts 26:14, where he tells King Agrippa of the glorious manner of his conversion:

14And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads."

Most people do not understand this last statement, because they do not know the Hebrew language. The word for God is El, which is spelled alef and lamed. Alef is an ox, a symbol of strength. Lamed means an ox goad, a symbol of authority over the ox. El thus means the strong authority. So when Jesus told Saul that it was hard for him to kick against the goads, He meant that Saul was fighting God Himself, the strong Authority, the Sovereign One.

Thus, when Saul was forced to recognize the sovereignty of Jesus Christ, he was converted and ultimately began to go by the name Paul. Paul means "little," and it contrasted with what was said about his ancestor, King Saul, who was tall and stood head and shoulders above everyone else (1 Sam. 10:23). When Saul became little in his own eyes, he stood taller in the eyes of God.

The 22nd time that Abraham is mentioned is in Gen. 25:5, "Now Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac." Isaac was the inheritor of the promise, and he was a type of Christ in this regard, for after He died and rose again, He ascended, and the Father put all things under His feet (authority). And the sons of God are co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17).

Likewise, the 22nd time Joseph is mentioned is in Gen. 37:4,

4So Joseph found favour in his [Potiphar's] sight, and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house and all that he owned he put in his charge.

Joseph, the type of Christ in His second coming, was given authority over all that Potiphar owned. Even so, Christ the Head and the Body of Christ will be given authority over all that He owns—the creation itself. This speaks of ruling as Sons.

Joshua is another great type of Christ, since he had the same name as Jesus (Yeshua). The 22nd time Joshua is mentioned is in Deut. 31:7, where he was given authority over "the church in the wilderness" (Acts 7:38) and was charged with the duty of giving them their inheritances:

7Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance."

The 22nd time David is mentioned is in 1 Sam. 17:34, where he tells Saul that he delivered a lamb from both a lion and a bear, so why should he fear Goliath? As a type of Christ, David delivered the lambs from death. Jesus, the antitype, delivered the lambs (people) from death as well by giving His life for them on the cross.

Our brother Jones gives us an excellent understanding of the spiritual meaning of 22. Is it just coincidence that our Greek word for "elect" is used this number of times?

Beloved, the elect of God are just people like you and me, people who don't stand out from the crowd and possess positions of authority among the people of God. Remember, Jesus bypassed the religious structure of His day and chose His disciples from all walks of life. Does the Father choose from among the people of God or the world? Friend, He chooses whom He wishes. It is not for us to limit His reach, His power, and His immutable purpose as set forth in His Word.

Revelation 14:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, **and with Him one hundred** _and_ **forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads**. 2 And I heard a **voice** from heaven, like **the voice of many waters** , and like **the voice of loud thunder**. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred _and_ forty-four thousand **who were redeemed from the earth**. 4 **These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from** _among_ **men,** _being_ **firstfruits to God and to the Lamb**. 5 And **in their mouth was found no deceit** , for **they are without fault** before the throne of God.

Though we have considered these verses earlier in these studies, let's do so again.

Remember, 144,000 is 12 x 12 x 1,000. "Twelve is the number of governmental perfection and divine authority" while two is the number of "double witness" (Jones), so in our two twelves, we have a "double witness" of "divine authority" because the 144,000 of Revelation 14 are joined with the 144,000 of Revelation 7, i.e. the "dead in Christ."

"Having His Father's name written on their foreheads." Would this not be the mind of Christ, the true mind of the Spirit that makes these "redeemed" one with the Father? (John 10:24-30; 17:22-23)

While seeing the 144,000 John heard "a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters," a unified voice from many "peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues" (Rev. 17:15), so you see, my friend, the elect can arise from any nation or culture.

"And like the voice of loud thunder." I immediately think of the mighty angel in Revelation 10 who "cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices," the "little book" open in His hand (Rev. 10:2-3). Since there are seven thunders, the Lord's purpose has reached completion, so "the voice of loud thunder" is a sevenfold but singular "voice" of God to His people. It is the manifestation of the "seven Spirits of God" in His chosen (Rev. 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6), the "Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord" and "with righteousness He shall judge" (Isa. 11:1-5).

The elect are those "who were redeemed from the earth," who by means of the Spirit of the Lord, have been lifted above the "earthy" nature of the mind of the flesh into the glorious realm of the heavens (I Cor. 15:47-49).

They are "virgins," their love and commitment reserved for Christ alone, their devotion sincere and pure (Matt. 5:8; II Cor. 11:2; James 3:17).

"These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes," "redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb," the first ripe fruit of the harvest, their spiritual maturity evident in their words and deeds.

"And in their mouth was found no deceit," none whatsoever, for their gospel is the Lord's gospel, their teaching His teaching, their understanding His understanding, their love His love. "They are without fault before the throne of God."

# Chapter Six

# THE MESSAGE OF THE ELECT

Revelation 14:6-7 (NKJV)  
6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, **having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth** \--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people-- 7 saying with a loud voice, " **Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water**."

Immediately following the presentation of the elect on "Mount Zion," John sees "another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth," i.e. to His people first, who have been bound by the religious deception and carnality which began to arise in the days of the apostles.

Is this "another angel" a winged being of uncertain origin? I don't think so. Rather, it denotes the manifestation of God's will and Word in the elect, our phrase "midst of heaven" defined as "mid-sky," denoting the second heaven, the realm of the Son and the sons of God. The first heaven is the realm of the Holy Spirit, the second the realm of the Son, and the third is the realm of the Father, i.e. the throne of God itself (II Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 4:1-2). For this reason Jesus said, "I am the way (1), the truth (2), and the life (3). No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). The second heaven connects the third to the first, typifying the "truth" of God in the sons of God.

The "loud voice" of this angel is the "loud voice" of the souls of the fifth seal, declaring, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come." This shows that the elect, the sons of God, are granted authority to execute His judgment in the earth, confirmed by the following passages.

Daniel 7:21-22 (KJV)  
21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 **Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom**.

Revelation 20:4-6 (KJV)  
4 And **I saw thrones** , and they sat upon them, **and judgment was given unto them** : and _I saw_ **the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God** , and **which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received** _his_ **mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands** ; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This _is_ the **first resurrection**. 6 **Blessed and holy** _is_ **he** that hath part in the **first resurrection** : on such the second death hath no power, **but they shall be priests of God and of Christ** , and shall reign with him a thousand years.

In agreement with judgment, the message of the elect includes "another angel" which follows, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" (Rev. 14:8). This judgment is upon "Babylon," further described for us in Revelation, Chapters 17 and 18, which represents the unfaithfulness of His people and the subsequent captivity that follows as a result of this unfaithfulness. In agreement with "is fallen, is fallen," we read in Revelation 18, verses 1 and 2, "After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, 'Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!'" "Therefore her plagues (stripes) will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her" (Rev. 18:8). "One day," as in the "day of the Lord"? Yes; please consider.

Isaiah 2:10-12 (NKJV)  
10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, from the terror of the Lord and the glory of His majesty. 11 **The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down,** and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. 12 **For the day of the Lord of hosts** _shall come_ **upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up-- and it shall be brought low**...

In regard to those who have part in the first resurrection we read, "Which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands," so we find in Revelation 14:9 that the message of the elect incorporates, "'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name'" (Rev. 14:9-11).

Three angels with a threefold message, denoting the resurrection life of Christ in the elect.

The Everlasting Gospel

1. "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water" (Rev. 14:6-7).

2. "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" (Rev. 14:8).

3. "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name" (Rev. 14:9-11).

I will be the first to admit that all of this carries a negative tone, however, it is still scripture, and the threefold message of the elect is clear. "Fear God... for the hour of His judgment has come." This judgment is clearly on "Babylon," who "is fallen, is fallen," a present reality at the end of the age. And does she not consist of those who worship "the beast and his image" and receive "his mark" on their foreheads and hands? Does this not coincide perfectly with the message to the Laodicean church? It does, my friend, for the "lukewarm" position of the church at the end of the age is due to our "worship" of the "beast and his image." Because we are steeped in the religious workings of the carnal mind we believe we are "rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing."

Beloved, the "beast" is the carnal mind and its "image" is the "image of the earthy" (I Cor. 15:49), the reflection of the six things which God hates, the seventh which is an abomination to Him (Prov. 6:16-19).

The "mark" of the "beast and his image" is the law of God that ensures the reaping of what we sow, God's vengeance or vindication of His Word among us (Gen. 4:15). Though the vengeance is God's, our suffering is self-inflicted, a result of our own rebellion and disobedience against His immutable Word.

Revelation 14:9-11 (NKJV)  
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives _his_ mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 **he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation**. **He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb**. 11 And the **smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever** ; and **they have no rest day or night** , who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

The "wine of the wrath of God" speaks of the "strong delusion" of II Thessalonians 2:11 and 12.

The torment of the "fire and brimstone" denotes the "second death" in Revelation, the message of self-denial which stands against our self-absorption, self-indulgence, and self-righteousness. This "death" is seen in the sixth trumpet.

"And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever." The "smoke of their torment" points to the fifth trumpet and the "bottomless pit" where "smoke" arises "out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace" (Rev. 9:2). As we have found, the "bottomless pit" and "furnace of fire" speaks of the human heart, the "locusts" indicative of "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in" which "choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Mark 4:19).

Isaiah 57:20-21 (KJV)  
20 But the **wicked** _are_ like the troubled sea, **when it cannot rest** , whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 _There is_ **no peace** , saith my God, to the **wicked**.

"They have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." Our key word here is "worship," which suggests adoration or reverence for those things which issue from the carnal mind, again, "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things." When our love for the human form supersedes our love for the truth and the kingdom of God, there is no "rest," for "the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (II Cor. 4:18; KJV).

# Chapter Seven

# BLESSED ARE THE DEAD

Revelation 14:12-13 (NKJV)  
12 Here is the patience of the saints; here _are_ those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: **'Blessed** _are_ **the dead who die in the Lord from now on**.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that **they may rest** from their labors, and their works follow them."

As we continue with our passages from Revelation 14, we are challenged by an unusual phrase. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." What is meant by this? If my understanding is correct, the answer has already been considered. This statement refers to the second death of Revelation, indicating a complete and unequivocal surrender to the Word and will of God. According to verse 13, this surrender leads to "rest."

Our phrase "they may rest" is the transliteration anapauō which is defined by Strong's as, "To _repose_ (literal or figurative [ _be exempt_ ], _remain_ ); by implication to _refresh_." This same word is used in the phrase "they should rest" in Revelation 6:11 regarding the souls under the altar, connecting those "who die in the Lord from now on" with the souls under the altar, i.e. the "dead in Christ," further confirmed by Paul's discourse in I Thessalonians 4, verses 15 and 17. This makes perfect sense since we are considering the 144,000 and the 144,000 symbolize the elect of God.

Our word anapauō is used 12 times in the New Testament. Coincidence, or does this suggest that the "divine government" of God's Spirit and Word is what truly gives "rest" to those who attain it?

Hebrews 4:1-11 (NKJV)  
1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His **rest** , let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, **not being mixed with faith in those who heard** _it_ _._ 3 **For we who have believed do enter that rest** , as He has said: _"So I swore in My wrath,_ _'They shall not enter My rest,' "_ although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the **seventh** _day_ in this way: _"And God rested on the_ _seventh day_ _from all His works";_ 5 and again in this _place: "They shall not enter My rest."_ 6 **Since therefore it remains that some** _must_ **enter it** , and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, _"Today,"_ after such a long time, as it has been said: _"Today, if you will hear His voice,_ _do not harden your hearts."_ 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 **There remains therefore a rest for the people of God**. 10 **For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God** _did_ **from His**. 11 **Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience**.

Our word for "rest" in these passages is akin to our word anapauō. Its _kat_ _apausis_ which is defined as, " _Reposing down_ , i.e. (by Hebrew) _abode_ ," taken from the word _kat_ _apauō_ which means, "To _settle down_ , i.e. (literal) to _colonize_ , or (figurative) to ( _cause to_ ) _desist_." Our definitions help us to see that "rest" again speaks of a complete and utter surrender to the Word and will of God which brings us into unity with those in the fifth seal who are also at rest. And what greater rest is there than to be "dead" to the self, to be utterly and completely released from the bondage of our own carnal mind and its power over us? (Rom. 6:1-7)

Is it coincidence that the writer of Hebrews speaks of the "seventh day" or Sabbath? Does this allude to the end of the age and the spiritual fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles? Might this indicate the blessedness of those who, by faith, reach that place in Christ where it is no longer they who "work," but the Father who works in them?

John 10:37-38 (ESV)  
37 If I am not doing the **works** of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, **believe the works** , **that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father**."

John 14:10-14 (ESV)  
10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, **but the Father who dwells in me does his works**. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the **works** themselves. 12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the **works** that I do; and greater **works** than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 **Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.** 14 **If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it**.

What do we mean by "rest"? It's described by the Lord in our passages above where Jesus said, "But the Father who dwells in me does his works." Those who attain the rest of God are those who, like Christ, walk out His will in the earth. It is no longer their desires, their will, their wants or wishes, it is His alone that matter.

John 14, verses 13 and 14, are not a blanket statement where we treat the Lord as our "genie in a bottle." Rather, and as Christ stated, we ask in His name, i.e. we ask and act according to His divine will and authority, not ours. Note that Jesus said "the Father who dwells in me does his works," so the works of the Lord were the Father's works and not His own. For this reason Jesus said, "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him" (John 8:29). This, my friend, is a complete surrender, typified by the seventh day or Sabbath.

Beloved, "There remains therefore a _rest_ for the people of God," and the writer of Hebrews instructs us to "enter that rest," citing "disobedience" as the reason behind Israel's inability to enter.

Hebrews 3:7-19 (NKJV)  
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, **in the day of trial in the wilderness** , 9 where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, and saw My works **forty years**. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, and said, 'They always go astray in their heart, and they have not known My ways.' 11 So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest.' " 12 **Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God** ; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," **lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin**. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." 16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry **forty years**? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 **So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief**.

It is here that the writer of Hebrews first mentions "rest," referring to the promise of God to bring Israel into the Promised Land. Ah, but first, they had to endure the "day of trial in the wilderness." As we see, this "day of trial" was "forty years," our number forty indicative of our time "in the wilderness." For Israel, the wilderness was literal, but for us it is spiritual. Here's a portion of Jones' explanation of the spiritual meaning of forty (bolding mine).

Forty (mem)

Trial, Probation

The number forty in Hebrew was written with the letter mem (water, flowing or coming from). Forty is the number of trial or probation. When viewed as a time cycle, we find that Israel spent 40 years being tested and tried in the wilderness. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tested of the devil. The number 40 can be viewed negatively in terms of the full 40 days/years of trial, but it can also be viewed positively in that it is the END of the time of trial or testing. In the positive sense, then, forty (i.e., mem) speaks of Israel crossing the Jordan River (water) after 40 years in the wilderness. In that sense also, Israel came from the wilderness and flowed into the Promised Land.

Forty is the product of eight and five. Eight is the number of New Beginnings, while five is grace. Thus, forty can be seen as entering grace after a period of trial, as well as the beginning of something new. Obviously, these are both factors in the cases of Israel and Jesus.

Likewise, Dr. Bullinger's Number in Scripture, p. 267, points out the fact that there are eight forty-day periods mentioned in the Bible. They are:

1. Forty days Moses in the mount (Ex. 24:18) to receive the law.

2. Forty days Moses in the mount after the Golden Calf incident (Deut. 9:18, 25).

3. Forty days of the spies (Num. 13:26; 14:34).

4. Forty days of Elijah in Horeb (1 Kings 19:8).

5. Forty days of Nineveh's probation (Jonah 3:4).

6. Forty days Ezekiel lay on his right side for Judah (Ez. 4:5).

7. Forty days Jesus was tempted of the devil (Matt. 4:2).

8. Forty days from Jesus' resurrection to His ascension (Acts 1:2).

The total of these eight forty-day periods is 320 days. Since 32 is the number of Covenant, we see a special connection with the idea of covenant. In fact, God made a covenant with Israel twice while they were in the wilderness. The Exodus covenant (Ex. 20) came at the beginning of their 40 years at Mount Horeb, and the second covenant (Deut. 29:1) came at the end of their 40 years in the wilderness of Moab, just before they entered the Promised Land.

These two covenants provided a double witness to the Old Covenant that God made with "the church in the wilderness" (Acts 7:38). Yet they prophesied of the two-fold aspect of the New Covenant while the New Testament Church spent 40 Jubilees in a wilderness of its own (33-1993 A.D.). The "Exodus" covenant was made at the cross through the feast of Passover, while the Deuteronomy covenant is made as we enter the Promised Land in the Age of the feast of Tabernacles.

Along with Jones' explanation, we must also keep in mind that the flood of Noah was forty days (Gen. 7:4). Might this suggest "the day of trial" of which we speak, a flood of carnality and deception as has been noted throughout this study? Yet, God told Noah, "But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you" (Gen. 6:18). As Peter wrote, "Eight souls were saved by water" (I Peter 3:20; KJV), agreeing with the "New Beginnings" of which Jones wrote.

As we have learned in this study, the fifth trumpet defines the "flood" of carnality and deception which issues from the deceitfulness of men's hearts. We must also remember that a trumpet is the unfolding of prophecy. Once it is fulfilled or comes to pass, it remains as the next trumpet unfolds, i.e. _it is progressive_. So it is with the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpets. All are linked together by the fact that these three trumpets are the "divine fullness, completeness, or perfection" (Jones) of the spiritual Feast of Tabernacles. The fifth trumpet is the "Day of Trumpets," the sixth trumpet is the "Day of Atonement," and the seventh trumpet is the "Feast of Tabernacles" proper. As we know, the seventh is also the finish or completion, indicative of the end of the age and the return of the Lord.

# Chapter Eight

# THE DAYS OF NOAH AND LOT

Luke 17:26-30 (NKJV)  
26 And as it was in the **days of Noah** , so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 **Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot** : They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed _them_ all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

In the previous chapter, I mentioned that the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpets are connected by the fact that all three typify the spiritual fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. All three also typify the "times of the Gentiles" being fulfilled (Luke 21:24). Since _seven_ denotes _fulfillment_ , this is confirmed by the fact that the Feast of Tabernacles fell in the _seventh_ month.

Just as our three segments of Tabernacles are connected, so too the Lord connects the "days of Noah" to the "days of Lot" by our word "likewise." Vine's defines "likewise" as "in like manner."

As for our phrase "Son of Man"? I recently discovered the following in the book by Pastor O.E. Bogart titled _The Complete Book of Revelation_ (published by William Schartung at Smashwords; see Revelation 1:13).

The Son of Man in the midst is JESUS CHRIST as the HIGH PRIEST, standing in the midst of His Church. He is dressed in the clothing of the High Priest, with a garment down to His feet, and girded about the chest with a golden girdle. All this is made clear when we study the literal priesthood and their dress under the law. Their duties were to minister to the people through the rituals and ceremonies of the natural law, and to keep the incense burning on the altar, and to keep the lamps filled with oil, and the wicks trimmed that the brightness of the lights might shine in full effect.

Let me also share the following from the same book for your consideration.

The Word is the name of the Father's Spiritual Son of the Family in heaven, and It was the Word that the Father used to create the earth before He made flesh. Jesus is the name of the Father's earthly Son made flesh, and Who is spoken of as the "Son of man". He was made God and King of the Father's Spiritual Kingdom on earth, **John 18:37, Luke 23:2.** Thus, the Bible has described two Sons. One with a Spiritual nature in heaven, and the Other with a fleshly nature on earth, when the Father's plan is completed the earthly Son will turn back to God the heavenly Father, all power and authority given HIM while He was on earth.

I must say that I agree with both paragraphs above. When I read the phrase "the Bible has described two sons," I cannot help but think of Paul's discourse in Galatians 4:22 where we read, "For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman (Hagar), the other by a freewoman (Sarah)." I also think of Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, and David and Solomon. Is it just coincidence that much of the Bible story regards "two sons"?

Luke 17:26-30 (NKJV)  
26 And as it was in the **days of Noah** , so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, **they married wives, they were given in marriage** , until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the **flood** came and destroyed them all. 28 **Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot** : They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained **fire and brimstone** from heaven and destroyed _them_ all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

Returning to our passages from Luke 17, we see the "days of Noah" regard the "flood" while the "days of Lot" reflect "fire and brimstone." Perhaps I'm too simplistic, but I believe these phrases are what helps define the fifth and sixth trumpets which we considered earlier in this series.

Since the flood of Noah was "forty days and forty nights" (Gen. 7:4), then the fifth trumpet defines the "day of trial" mentioned in Hebrews 3:8. The King James renders our phrase "day of trial" as "day of _temptation_ ," and our word "temptation" is defined by Strong's as, "A putting to _proof_." This parallels Noah and his family who endured through the flood by means of the ark of God and explains those in the sixth trumpet who are "slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held" (Rev. 6:9; 9:18, 20).

"They ate, they drank, _they married wives, they were given in marriage_ , until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all." Compare to the following.

Luke 20:34-38 (NKJV)  
34 And Jesus answered and said to them, " **The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage.** 35 **But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage** ; 36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are **sons of God** , being **sons of the resurrection**. 37 But even Moses showed in the _burning_ bush _passage_ that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord _'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'_ 38 For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him."

In these passages, Jesus responded to the Sadducees, "who deny that there is a resurrection" (Luke 20:27). In agreement with what the Lord said in Luke 17:27, the Lord states, "The sons of this age _marry_ and _are given in marriage_. But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, _neither marry nor are given in marriage_." Would this be why, in regard to the elect, we read, "These are the ones _who were not defiled with women_ , for _they are virgins_ "? (Rev. 14:4) Would this also explain the following?

Genesis 6:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, 2 that **the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they** _were_ **beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose**. 3 And the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he _is_ indeed flesh; yet his days shall be **one hundred and twenty years**." 4 There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, **when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore** _children_ **to them. Those** _were_ **the mighty men who** _were_ **of old, men of renown**. 5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man _was_ great in the earth, and _that_ every intent of the thoughts of his heart _was_ only evil continually.

Immediately following these passages we read, "And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, 'I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.' But _Noah_ found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Gen. 6:6-8). Ah, here we are at the "days of Noah," and the parallel is obvious concerning marrying and "given in marriage."

The name "Noah" means "rest" (Strong's), which agrees with our passages from Hebrews, Chapters 3 and 4. Note too the reference to "one hundred and twenty years."

Acts 1:15 (NKJV)  
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about **a hundred and twenty** ), and said...

Preceding the Day of Pentecost, we read that "the number of names was about _a hundred and twenty_ ," agreeing with Genesis 6:3. This is 10 x 12, the number of "divine order" times "governmental perfection and divine authority" (Jones). Might this suggest the elect of Revelation 14? I believe so, and the implication is clear. The 144,000 or elect are baptized by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of the Lord's kingdom on earth.

When we take an honest look at what Jesus said regarding the end of the age and the days of Noah and Lot, we see that for most, it's just business as usual. Few are watching and most have no idea of God's purpose, continuing to eat, drink, marry and give in marriage, buy, sell, plant, and build "until the day that Noah entered the ark" and "Lot went out of Sodom." "Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed."

Now, let's take a moment to revisit Luke 20 and the story behind what Jesus said in regard to the "sons of the resurrection" (Luke 20:36).

Luke 20:27-33 (NKJV)  
27 Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to _Him_ and asked Him, 28 saying: "Teacher, Moses wrote to us _that_ if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 **Now there were seven brothers**. And **the first took a wife** , and died without children. 30 And **the second took her as wife** , and he died childless. 31 **Then the third took her, and in like manner the seven also; and they left no children, and died**. 32 **Last of all the woman died also**. 33 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife does she become? For all seven had her as wife."

For an explanation of the law which the Sadducees referred to, see Deuteronomy 25, verses 5 through 10.

Is there a spiritual lesson here? I believe there is. First of all, note that there is one "wife," but "seven brothers." Each "brother" marries the woman but is left "childless." "Last of all the woman died also."

The "wife" represents the seven churches in Asia in the book of the Revelation (Rev. 1:4). As we should know, the church is most certainly considered "female" as Paul describes in Ephesians 5, verses 22 through 33, and though there are seven churches, in actuality there is but one church that belongs to Christ, our _seven_ churches and prophecies given to reveal the _sevenfold_ purpose of God through His Son. As Paul explains, Christ is the "head of the church" even as the "husband is head of the wife" (Eph. 5:23; KJV).

Did Christ, our brother, die? He did, _but he rose again_ , therefore He remains as "husband" to the church, confirmed by the fact that He is in the midst of the seven churches from beginning to end (Rev. 1:13). Perhaps this is why Jesus told the Sadducees, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection _they neither marry nor are given in marriage_ , but are like angels of God in heaven." This explains why each of the seven "brothers" if you will, despite their marriage to the wife, remained "childless." Beloved, the "children of God" are not "birthed" by anyone but Christ. When we reconsider Genesis 6:2 in light of this idea, we see the "sons of God" taking wives and the result is not true children of God but "mighty men," i.e. "men of renown" (See also Matt. 23:15). There is no place for reputation in the body of Christ (Php. 2:7).

Allow me to emphasize that the church belongs to Christ and Christ to the church. She is destined for "marriage" with Him (Rev. 19:7, 9), therefore the true "sons of God" do not "marry" nor are they "given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven." Would this explain why Jesus told John to "write" to the "angel" of each church, meaning the elect?

Here is another reason why there is so much division in the church of Christ today, for many religious leaders are "married" to their congregations, so much so that their commitment is to their congregants and not to Christ (II Tim. 4:3). They cannot preach the truth without compromising the doctrines of their denominations and organizations.

"Last of all the woman died also." Our phrase "last of all," along with our "seven brothers," speaks to the end of the age. If the woman represents the church, then we see that the church dies. Would this not be correct? Ah, but this is a good thing, beloved, for the true sons of God _who have died in Christ first_ have brought the true message of the cross back to His beloved so that she might die as well in order to be "raised" with Him (Rom. 4:25; 6:4; 7:4; 8:11; I Cor. 6:14; 15:52; II Cor. 4:14). This, I believe, is what is symbolized by the seventh trumpet.

"Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife does she become? For all seven had her as wife." Whose wife does she become? The answer is the Lord's (Rev. 19:7).

# Chapter Nine

# THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (ESV)  
50 I tell you this, brothers: **flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable**. 51 **Behold! I tell you a mystery**. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, **at the last trumpet**. **For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed**. 53 **For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality**. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

No doubt about it, these are some of the most intriguing passages in scripture and there is much to be considered in just these nine verses.

As we know, the _seventh_ trumpet is the _final_ trumpet of Revelation. To get a complete idea of what this trumpet includes, we must consider several areas in scripture. Our first is in Revelation 11.

Revelation 11:14-19 (KJV)  
14 The second woe is past; _and_ , behold, **the third woe cometh quickly**. 15 **And the seventh angel sounded** ; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, **The kingdoms of this world are become** _the kingdoms_ **of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever**. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 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**. 19 And **the temple of God was opened in heaven** , and **there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament** : and there were **lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail**.

Here we find that the seventh trumpet is the "third woe." We also see that "the kingdoms of _this_ world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." This is followed by _five_ specific things.

1. The nations were angry.

2. Thy wrath is come.

3. The time of the dead, that they should be judged.

4. Shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great.

5. Shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Remember that _five_ is our number for "grace." So it is that our list, despite its ominous overtone, reveals the grace of God at the time of the seventh trumpet. Four of the elements in our list (1, 2, 3, 5) reveal the _judgment_ of God while the fourth reveals God's "vengeance" or _vindication_ of his "servants." This plainly agrees with the Parable of the Tares in Matthew 13 and the Parable of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew 25, indicating a time of _separation_ , the harvest at the end of the age. We have entered "the dividing of time" (Dan. 7:25; 12:7; Rev. 12:14).

Remember our illustration from earlier in this series? As we see, the "half a time" is indicated by the seventh branch of the lampstand and corresponds to the "Feast of Tabernacles" proper which began on the _fifteenth_ day of the _seventh_ month. Let me share the following with you from Kevin J. Conner's book, _The Feasts of Israel_.

With the closing harvest of the year—the fruit harvest—gathered in, the people of Israel were to set aside seven days unto the Lord. From the fifteenth day unto the twenty-first day there were to be seven days of rejoicing before the Lord. They were to leave their houses and dwell in booths made of various trees and rejoice before the Lord their God.

On the first and on the eighth day there were to be extra sabbath days or holy convocations. The whole Feast pointed back to the first Feast, Passover, because the Feast of Tabernacles was the consummation of that which began in the Feast of Passover.

First we have the _fifteenth_ day of the seventh month. Here is a portion of Jones' explanation of its spiritual meaning.

Fifteen (yod-hey)

New Direction

To write fifteen in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: yod-hey. These signify the hand (outworking) of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which gives us a new direction in life.

Fifteen is the number of new direction. Psalm 15 speaks of entering God's rest when we dwell on God's holy hill. This is a new direction from the normal walk of the carnal man. Even as eight follows the perfect cycle of seven and is the number of new beginnings, so also 15 follows 14 (the second cycle of seven).

Israel left Egypt on the morning of the 15th day of the first month. After being in bondage in Egypt for so long, this marked a new direction for the nation.

The 15th time that Noah is mentioned is in Gen. 7:7,

7Then Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him entered the ark because of the water of the flood.

It was a new direction not only for Noah's family, but for the whole earth as well. The 15th time that Abram is mentioned is in Gen. 12:14,

14And it came about when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.

Here we find Abram taking a new direction by going to Egypt. The 15th time that Abraham is mentioned is in Gen. 18:16,

16Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off.

After the two angels had appeared to Abraham, they were ready to go in a new direction to Sodom...

... Evangelist Ed Vallowe says that 15 is the number of "rest." He cites the fact that the 15th day of the 7th month is the beginning of the feast of Tabernacles, and that it was a Sabbath day of rest. However, a Sabbath is also a new direction insofar as the people were to cease their labor and do something different. Likewise, the 15th time that Naomi is mentioned in Ruth 3:1,

1Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, shall I not seek security ["rest"—KJV] for you, that it may be well with you?

If one continues to read the context, we find Naomi sending Ruth in a new direction in order to make herself noticed by Boaz. The idea of "rest" itself can certainly fit the number 15 at times, because going from "work" to "rest" is a new direction. But the number 15 has a broader meaning.

As Conner wrote, "From the _fifteenth_ day unto the _twenty-first_ day there were to be seven days of rejoicing before the Lord." Here's the spiritual meaning of _twenty-one_ from Stephen Jones.

Twenty-One (kaph-aleph)

Distress

To write twenty-one in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: kaph-aleph. These signify giving strength as well as the strength of God's grace to cover sin during our time of spiritual growth.

When twenty-one is used in terms of time (as in a 21-year period) it is the number of trouble or distress (tsarah), during which time we are in need of God's strength, offered by an open hand. When it is used as a number in itself, it speaks of the end of the distress. Thus, it speaks of the blessing at the end.

Israel entered the land of Canaan after 21 sins were recorded against them in their wilderness wandering. Yet the tabernacle had 21 coverings to cover all of Israel's sins (Ex. 26:3, 7). So we see God's provision in the midst of this distress.

Sin is always the cause of distress, because God brings distress in order to teach them the consequences of their sin. Yet 21 is also the number signifying the end of distress. Jacob's times of distress ended after 21 years. At the end of this distress, he went to Bethel and "called on the name of the Lord."

Likewise, the 21st time Abram is mentioned is in Gen. 13:3, where he returned to Bethel after being in distress in Egypt. Verse 4 says that there he "called on the name of the Lord."

At his website, _biblenumbersforlife.com_ , Mark Lane cites 21 as, "LAWLESSNESS: Appointed Time," while Ed Vallowe in _Biblical Mathematics_ cites 21 as "the exceeding sinfulness of sin."

Following the seven days of rejoicing came a sabbath on the _eighth_ or 22nd day of the Feast of Tabernacles proper. Eight is the number of "new beginnings" while "twenty-two is the number of Sonship, or the Sons of Light" (Jones). Not surprisingly, there are 22 bowls to hold oil on the lampstand without which there can be no light.

Fifteen, seven, twenty-one, eight, and twenty-two. All are contained within the Feast of Tabernacles proper and all have their spiritual significance.

Feast of Tabernacles

Fifteen – New Direction/Rest

Seven – Spiritual Perfection/Completion

Twenty-One – Distress/End of Distress

Eight – New Beginnings

Twenty-Two – Sonship/Sons of Light

Finally, I must also mention that E.W. Bullinger gives the following concerning the spiritual meaning of _fifteen_.

FIFTEEN being a multiple of five, partakes of the significance of that number, also of the number three with which it is combined, 3 x 5.

Five is, as we have seen, the number of grace, and three is the number of divine perfection. Fifteen, therefore, specially refers to acts wrought by the energy of Divine grace.

# Chapter Ten

# A THOUSAND YEARS

1 Corinthians 15:50-52 (ESV)  
50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 **Behold! I tell you a mystery**. **We shall not all sleep** , but **we shall all be changed** , 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, **at the last trumpet**. **For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed**.

Revelation 20:5-6 (KJV)  
5 **But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished**. This _is_ the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy _is_ he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

"But the rest of the dead lived not again until the _thousand years_ were _finished_."

All of us have a tendency to think in linear fashion, that is, we see things progressing from one stage to another in a series of steps; we think sequentially. Such is the case concerning the "thousand years" mentioned in Revelation. Ah, but the apostle Peter gives us a key to our "thousand years."

2 Peter 3:8 (KJV)  
8 But, beloved, **be not ignorant** of this one thing, that **one day** _is_ **with the Lord as a thousand years** , and **a thousand years as one day**.

"One day is with the Lord as a thousand years." Think about that for a moment. God and Christ dwell in eternity, therefore time is irrelevant, so in spiritual matters, "one day" is "as a thousand years" to the Father "and a thousand years as one day."

Beloved, "God called the light Day" (Gen. 1:5), so "Day" really has nothing to do with time but "light." And light? It's the _manifestation_ of God's Word, goodness, mercy, and righteousness (Matt. 4:16; 5:14, 16; 17:2; Luke 11:36). In scripture, as well as in this natural realm, light is "life" (John 1:4-9; 3:19-21).

In Revelation 20:5, our word "finished" is the transliteration teleō. Strong's defines this word as, "To end, i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)." It's rendered "should be fulfilled" in Revelation 20:3 and "are expired" in Revelation 20:7 (King James Version).

Revelation 20:3 (KJV)  
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years **should be fulfilled** : and after that he must be loosed a little season.

Revelation 20:5 (KJV)  
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were **finished**. This _is_ the first resurrection.

Revelation 20:7 (KJV)  
7 And when the thousand years **are expired** , Satan shall be loosed out of his prison...

"Fulfilled," "finished," and "expired." In keeping with our definition, all of these suggest an "end" or completion. What is completed? "The thousand years," or more specifically, the "Day."

Revelation 6:11 (KJV)  
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they _were_ , **should be fulfilled**.

Here again we are at the fifth seal and the souls under the altar. As they cry for "judgment" and "vengeance" (Rev. 6:10), it is said to them that they should "rest yet for a little season" until others of their "brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." Though our phrase "be fulfilled" is a different Greek word, it is most often translated as "fulfill" and also as "complete" and "end," agreeing with our word teleō.

What is my point? It's this. The "thousand years" does not refer to a linear or sequential time frame, rather, it refers to "Day" and this "Day" is the "day of the Lord" which Peter goes on to mention in II Peter 3:10 in context with the "thousand years" (II Peter 3:8). Furthermore, this "Day" being "light" and "life" is not speaking literally, rather, it is referring to the elect of God who are "sons of light" and "sons of the Day" (John 12:36; I Thess. 5:5).

So what is meant by the "thousand years" being finished or complete? It refers to the overcomers in all seven churches. When we reach the seventh prophecy and church, we reach the end of the age and the last of these overcomers or elect are gathered together with the rest of the elect of the other six churches, including those who laid down their lives for the Lord's sake as the apostles did (Matt. 24:31; Mark 13:27). The number of the 144,000 of Revelation 14 is now complete and joined with the 144,000 of Revelation 7, i.e. the "dead in Christ" (I Thess. 4:16-17). What did Jones write concerning the number 288,000?

This number is found in connection with David's kingdom in the Old Testament. Since Psalm 20 was written by David, and is prophetic, we can say that **David's kingdom was a type of the Kingdom of Christ as pictured in the book of Revelation**. David had **288,000** warriors—24,000 from each of the 12 tribes (1 Chron. 27:1)—as well as **288** trained singers (1 Chron. 25:7).

Doesn't this agree with the following?

Revelation 11:15 (NKJV)  
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, " **The kingdoms of this world have become** _the kingdoms_ **of our Lord and of His Christ** , and He shall reign forever and ever!"

Now, don't let what I just said confuse you. Earlier in this series we discussed the passages in I Thessalonians 4, verses 13 through 18, as a "trumpet" within a "trumpet" (sixth trumpet; see Rev. 10:1-7). I stand by this, for this defines the "first resurrection," in other words, the resurrection of the " _first_ -fruits." This brings us to the following.

Revelation 20:4-5 (NKJV)  
4 And I saw thrones, and **they** sat on them, and **judgment was committed to them**. Then _I saw_ **the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received** _his_ **mark on their foreheads or on their hands**. And **they lived and reigned with Christ** for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.

Who is the "they" in these passages? My friend, it is the "elect," the 144,000. How do we know? Because John goes on to say, "Then I saw the souls of those _who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands_. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." Compare this to the following.

Revelation 14:4-5, 9-11 (NKJV)  
4 These (144,000) are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from _among_ men, _being_ **firstfruits** to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God... 9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, " **If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives** _his_ **mark on his forehead or on his hand** , 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, **who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name**."

Do you see it? Without a doubt, the 144,000 represent the elect of God and their message in verses 9 through 11 agrees with their spiritual stance in verses 4 and 5 of Revelation 20. Those _who do not worship the beast_ are those _who preach not to worship the beast_.

# Chapter Eleven

# THE REST OF THE DEAD

Revelation 20:4-5 (NKJV)  
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then _I saw_ the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received _his_ mark on their **foreheads** or on their (right) **hands** (Rev. 13:16). And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 **But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished**.

The "mark" of the beast is the "law" of God and the law of God is what humans continually resist. This resistance signifies why it is that those who receive this "mark" suffer. The "foreheads" denote the _implementation of our will_ while the "right hand" denotes the _authority by which we execute it_. Since the "beast" refers to the carnal nature, then receiving this mark suggests that we willfully accept this carnal nature as that which rules over our being. We embrace it in place of the Lord's righteousness (II Thess. 2:3-4) and thus defile the temple of God in the process (I Cor. 3:16-17).

When our own will and desires take precedence over the will of God, there will always be suffering. When our own will and desires are such that we give little or no thought to our Maker, we will experience suffering. When our own will and desires keep us from receiving the true knowledge of God in Christ, despite how religious and righteous we think we are, we walk in disobedience.

"And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them." We have learned that this refers to the elect, the 144,000 of Revelation 14. "But _the rest of the dead_ did not live again until the thousand years were finished." In other words, it is the elect who bring the resurrection life of Christ back to the church "that He might _sanctify_ and _cleanse_ her with _the washing of water by the word_ , that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:26-27). Beloved, the elect and their ministry to the church is the _fulfillment_ of the seventh trumpet.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NKJV)  
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, **but we shall all be changed** \-- 52 in a **moment** , in the twinkling of an eye, **at the last trumpet**. **For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible** (imperishable; ESV) **, and we shall be changed**.

If I understand this correctly, "we shall not all sleep" refers to the "dead in Christ" (I Thess. 4:13-16) while "we which are alive and remain" (I Thess. 4:15, 17) refers to the elect. Once the elect have experienced the "first resurrection," they will in turn initiate the final harvest of the Feast of Tabernacles, an ingathering of souls unlike any other in history, for their ministry will be "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (I Cor. 2:4).

"But we shall all be changed." What does this mean?

1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-44 (ESV)  
35 But someone will ask, " **How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?** " 36 You foolish person! **What you sow does not come to life unless it dies**. 37 **And what you sow** is not the body that is to be **, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain**. 38 **But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body**... 42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. **What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable**. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 **It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body**. **If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.**

As Paul made clear, resurrection is typified by the universal principle of sowing and reaping. "What you sow does not come to life unless it dies" (John 12:24). And just as the fruit tree looks nothing like the seed that is planted, so too "what you sow is not the body that is to be." "Each kind of seed" has "its own body," able to bring forth "according to its kind" (Gen. 1:11-12). If the "seed" is the _eternal_ and _imperishable_ Word of God (Luke 8:11), then the "body" it returns is also _eternal_ and _imperishable_. Would this not be the "spiritual body" which Paul speaks of in our passages above?

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)  
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 **who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.**

Matthew 17:1-2 (KJV)  
1 And **after six days** Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was **transfigured** before them: and **his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light**.

In Philippians 3:21, our word "transform" is rendered "shall change" in the King James. The transliteration is metaschēmatizō, which Strong's defines as, "To transfigure or disguise; figurative to apply (by accommodation)."

In Matthew 17:2, our word "transfigured" is the transliteration _metamorphoō_ , defined as, "To _transform_ (literal or figurative 'metamorphose')."

Note the phrase "after six days." Coincidence, or might this confirm that our sixth prophecy and trumpet defines the first resurrection, the "high mountain" indicative of "Mount Zion" on which the 144,000 stand (Rev. 14:1)? Furthermore, why did Jesus only take _three_ of His disciples? Might this suggest _resurrection_? Might this also suggest "called, chosen, and _faithful"_? (Rev. 17:14)

Concerning _three_ , Jones wrote, "Being _glorified_ or _elevated_ to _a position of authority_ is its positive side" and "the number _three_ may be considered _a complete witness_." Would this not agree with what Peter, James, and John saw with Christ on the "high mountain"? Compare to John 15, verses 1 through 8, where Jesus said "much fruit" glorifies the Father. In this discourse, Jesus mentions "fruit" (1), "more fruit" (2), and "much fruit" ( **3** ).

Matthew 17:3 (KJV)  
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them **Moses** and **Elias** (Elijah) talking with him.

No doubt, Moses denotes the "law" while Elijah the "prophets" (Matt. 5:17). And Christ? He exemplifies the _spiritual essence_ of both. Again, we have _three_ , denoting _resurrection_ and "a complete witness."

Matthew 17:4 (KJV)  
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here **three tabernacles** ; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

"Three tabernacles," designating _resurrection_ once again.

Matthew 17:5-9 (KJV)  
5 While he yet spake, behold, **a bright cloud overshadowed them** : and behold **a voice out of the cloud** , which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6 And when the disciples heard _it_ , they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, **Arise, and be not afraid**. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)  
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great **a cloud of witnesses** , let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our word for "cloud" ( _nephelē_ ) in Matthew 17:5 is derived from the word for "cloud" ( _nephos_ ) in Hebrews 12:1, so when we read "a bright _cloud_ overshadowed them" and "a voice out of the _cloud_ ," would this suggest the " _cloud_ of witnesses" in Hebrews 12? Why else would a "voice" come out of the cloud?

What did Jesus say to His disciples? " _Arise_ , and be not afraid." Our word "arise" means "to _waken_." According to the Englishman's Concordance, this word is used a total of 144 times in the King James. This word is used throughout I Corinthians, Chapter 15 (verses 4, 12-17, 20, 29, 32, 35, 42, 43, 44, and 52).

Not surprisingly, our word for "cloud" in Matthew 17:5 is found in the following:

Matthew 24:30 (KJV)  
30 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.

Matthew 26:64 (KJV)  
64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the **clouds** of heaven.

Mark 13:24-26 (KJV)  
24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the **clouds** with great power and glory.

Luke 21:25-28 (KJV)  
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a **cloud** with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV)  
17 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.

Based on all that we have considered, are any of these passages speaking of literal clouds? I don't think so. I believe it speaks figuratively and refers to the "cloud of witnesses," of the elect whom He will gather together at the end of the age.

Revelation 1:7 (KJV)  
7 Behold, **he cometh with clouds** ; and **every eye shall see him** , and they _also_ which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

How is it that "every eye shall see him"? If we go with the rapture theory, this would equate to Jesus floating in the air above to be seen by all. Not for a moment do I believe this. Rather, and as John 14:9 indicates, Christ will be seen _in His elect_.

Revelation 10:1 (KJV)  
1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, **clothed with a cloud** : and a rainbow _was_ upon his head, and his face _was_ as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire...

As we have learned, our "mighty angel" is none other than Christ Himself. For this reason, He is "clothed with a cloud" of witnesses as we are discussing.

Revelation 11:12 (KJV)  
12 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.

Here we find the "two witnesses" of Revelation and "they ascended up to heaven in a _cloud_." Would this agree with I Thessalonians 4:17 where those who are "alive and remain" are "caught up together with them in the clouds"? (KJV) Doesn't this agree with the Lord's remark that He would " _gather together_ his elect from the four winds, from the _uttermost part of the earth_ (we which are alive and remain) to the _uttermost part of heaven_ (dead in Christ)"?

Beloved, take time to think about the spiritual phenomena we have discussed as well as those found throughout the gospels and the book of Acts. No doubt about it, it is difficult to imagine the reality of these spiritual events which transpired quite frequently in the life of our Lord and with the apostles. Nonetheless, they were real, very real, and the work of God's Spirit at that time was astounding.

Remember, the "Son of Man" refers to Christ in His priesthood, and as such, refers to His presence in the midst of the seven churches. Ah, but Christ is not alone in His purpose.

Revelation 1:5-6 (ESV)  
5... and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 **and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father** , to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Do you see that we are a "kingdom" of "priests to his God and Father"? With all confidence, the apostle John could say this for he was one who had received the power of the Holy Spirit in the upper room, a power and presence so intense and all-consuming that John gladly endured the persecution that came as a result of preaching the gospel of the kingdom to the people of his time.

I cannot help but believe that this time is coming once more for the people of this earth. It will be a time of vindication and restoration for the elect and His church. The confusion that is Babylon in our time will be judged thoroughly and completely and Christ will have a people who will truly shine as a light to the world. His Word has ordained it, therefore, it will come as He has determined.

# Chapter Twelve

# THE HARVEST

Revelation 14:14-16 (KJV)  
14 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. 15 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**. 16 **And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped**.

Revelation 14 begins with a vision of the 144,000 or elect of God standing on "Mount Zion" with the "Lamb" (Rev. 14:1). Following the description of the elect, we have the threefold message of the elect, the "everlasting gospel" to "preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Rev. 14:6).

Following the message of the elect we read, "Here is the patience of the saints: _here_ _are_ _they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus_. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Rev. 14:12-13).

"Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Is this not referring to the 144,000? It is, for they are the subject of Revelation 14 through and through.

And what follows this? Our passages above where we read, "And I looked, and behold a _white cloud_." This is not just any cloud, but a "white cloud," signifying the "righteousness of saints" (Rev. 19:8), a "cloud of witnesses" who are "like unto the Son of man." They _are not_ the Son of man, yet _they are_ the Son of man, for they are "one" with Him.

John 17:9-11 (ESV)  
9 I am praying for them. **I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me** , for they are yours. 10 **All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them**. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, **keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one**.

"Keep them in your name, which you have given me." Would this be why we see the "Father's name" written on the foreheads of the 144,000?

"That they may be one, even as we are one." Oh my, beloved, oneness with the Father and the Son. Can we even imagine the glory or the power and presence?

As we see, the time has come to reap the harvest "for the harvest of the earth is ripe." This, my friend, is the end of the age and the fullness of the "times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24). A people has awakened and entered into the resurrection power of the Christ to bring healing and restoration to His people that the world may see the glory of God in Christ in us.

"And _another angel came out of the temple_ , crying with a _loud voice_ to him that sat on the cloud." Note that this angel "came out of the temple" of God in heaven, the "loud voice" connecting him to the souls under the altar (Rev. 6:10).

Revelation 14:17-20 (KJV)  
17 And **another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven** , he also having a sharp sickle. 18 **And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire** ; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and **gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe**. 19 And **the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast** _it_ **into the great winepress of the wrath of God**. 20 **And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand** _and_ **six hundred furlongs**.

Immediately following the "Son of man" and first angel, John sees "another angel," also having a "sharp sickle" (harvest), again, coming "out of the temple which is in heaven." This tells us that what is about to transpire proceeds from the throne of God itself; it is a heavenly event, sanctioned by the Lord.

"And another angel _came out from the altar_ , which had _power over fire_." We then see the first angel thrust his sickle into the earth, gather the "vine of the earth," and "cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God." I believe this explains the following passage.

Revelation 11:5 (KJV)  
5 And if any man will hurt them, **fire proceedeth out of their mouth** , and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, **he must in this manner be killed**.

In regard to the "two witnesses," we see that "fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies." We also see that our second angel "came out from the (golden) altar, which had power over fire," so I believe our second angel reveals the manifestation of the judgment and vengeance by those in the fifth seal, i.e. the dead in Christ (and those who are joined to them).

As you might guess, the harvest at the end of the age has a _twofold_ outcome which agrees with the Lord's teaching in the Parable of the Tares (Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43), the Parable of the Net (Matt. 13:47-50), the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13), and the Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matt. 25:31-46).

In the Parable of the Tares, the "tares" are burnt (Matt. 13:30, 40, 42) and in the Parable of the Net, the "bad" are "cast" into the "furnace of fire" (Matt. 13:50). In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the five "foolish" are left out of the marriage (Matt. 25:11-12). Finally, in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, the "goats" are placed on the "left hand" of God where they are told, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into _everlasting fire_ , prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt. 25:41), which the Lord describes as "everlasting punishment" (Matt. 25:46).

In keeping with all of these parables, the "vine of the earth" is "cast into the great winepress of the wrath of God." As you might guess, the "vine of the earth" is defined by our parables and consists of "tares," the "evil," the "foolish," and the "goats." And what works wrath? His divine law (Rom. 4:15), the same law which all of us must answer to.

"And blood came out of the winepress, even unto the _horse bridles_ , by the space of a _thousand_ and _six hundred_ furlongs." I believe "thousand" identifies this as the "Day of the Lord" (II Peter 3:8), specifically the last "day" of the three "days" typified by the Feast of Tabernacles. "Six hundred" is the number for "warfare" (Vallowe; Mark Lane cites this number as "armed force" which agrees with Vallowe). The "horse bridles" connect all of this to the "army of the horsemen" in the sixth trumpet (Rev. 9:16), where we have those who repent and those who don't, agreeing with our _twofold_ outcome as described in our parables.

# Chapter Thirteen

# REALITY CHECK

In this series on the seven trumpets, we have considered a great number of different symbols and their meanings. We have learned that the seven prophecies (trumpets) to the seven churches have been unfolding since the days of Christ and the apostles and describe those things which would arise in the body of Christ up through the end of the age. When we are raw and honest with ourselves, we see that everything the Lord described has become apparent and also remained, leading to where we stand today.

Anyone who delves into the mysterious visions of Revelation cannot help but wonder where we are now in this chain of events. Many today say they are waiting for the rapture, while others such as myself, believe we are heading for the fulfillment of the first and second resurrections which Paul described in his letters and John revealed in his visions. Regardless of which perspective we choose, most Christians believe a change will come. Without this change, I shudder to think of where we are headed, for the moral boundaries of this age have not only been stretched to the breaking point, many have already been broken. If left unchecked, future generations are destined to suffer for our disobedient and godless ways.

Deuteronomy 12:1-9 (NKJV)  
1 "These _are_ the statutes and judgments which you shall be careful to observe in the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you to possess, all the days that you live on the earth. 2 You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations which you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3 And you shall destroy their altars, break their _sacred_ pillars, and burn their wooden images with fire; you shall cut down the carved images of their gods and destroy their names from that place. 4 You shall not worship the Lord your God _with_ such _things._ 5 But you shall seek the place where the Lord your God chooses, out of all your tribes, to put His name for His dwelling place; and there you shall go. 6 There you shall take your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the heave offerings of your hand, your vowed offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7 And there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice in all to which you have put your hand, you and your households, in which the Lord your God has blessed you. 8 **You shall not at all do as we are doing here today--every man doing whatever** _is_ **right in his own eyes--** 9 **for as yet you have not come to the rest and the inheritance which the Lord your God is giving you**.

When I read these passages I see a parallel in this time in which we live. God's people have not yet "come to the rest and the inheritance" which is reserved for the end of the age. As a result, our division remains, a product of "every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes." Take an honest look around you and tell me, is this not true?

Today, there are so many religions and beliefs that it would be impossible to consider them all. Our religions are as varied as our thoughts. Many of these beliefs have existed for so long that the source has long since been lost or forgotten, yet, due to tradition, continue to remain in some form.

In Christianity alone, there are a host of different beliefs that leaves His people dazed and confused. As a result, most simply choose and acknowledge a certain religious denomination or organization in order to avoid their own internal conflict. When faced with the impending crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Pilate declared, "What is truth?"

John 8:32 (NKJV)  
32 And **you shall know the truth** , and **the truth shall make you free**."

You may think I am foolish for believing this, but I believe the truth of the kingdom of God is just one truth. There are not several interpretations. Someone has to be right while the rest are wrong. Opinions and conjectures are just that, opinions and conjectures. As I've said before, truth is "exactly right." When Jesus taught, He had a specific train of thought in mind that He conveyed to His disciples. He also went on to tell them, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:12-13). _All_ truth, my friend, not just _some_ truth. So it is that I believe the writings of the apostles stand as a testimony to this "all truth," but where we are in His divine process determines what we see in relation to what they wrote.

As the Lord's remark reveals, there is a "Spirit" behind the "truth," a "Spirit" that is not _separate from_ but _deeply entwined_ in the words of all those who penned the scriptures. Since "God is Spirit" (John 4:24) and "God is love" (I John 4:8, 16), the "Spirit of truth" is the Spirit of God's divine love for all of His creation. Despite how some may view various events of scripture as devoid of love, they are not. The problem lies in our inability to see beneath the surface of our human existence. Years of study have shown me that the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God is beyond comprehension by the carnal mind and its limitations. There is purpose in all that our Creator does and will continue to do.

There are many, many errors in Christian doctrine, some more obvious than others. I have learned through the years that most of these errors, if not all, can be discovered and corrected when we see them through the eyes of His grace, mercy, and love. However, we cannot perceive these errors without bringing "self" to His cross and putting to death the deceitfulness of the pride that dwells in our heart. We _cannot nor must not_ see ourselves or anyone more deserving than anyone else, regardless of their culture or belief. Even "atheists" have good reasons for feeling and believing the way they do. It is not as simple as some think to discern the thoughts and intents of others.

Understand, my dear brethren, that what we believe does not exclude us from His divine process which is first presented in the book of Genesis in the parable of Adam and Eve. "There is a _natural body_ , and there is a _spiritual body_ " (I Cor. 15:44), and when Paul wrote this, he was not specific; _everyone has both residing in their being_. As someone has said, "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience."

So where do we stand in light of all that I have presented? My opinion? We are somewhere _between_ the fifth and sixth trumpets, between the opening of the bottomless pit and the hope of the second death. We are in the "days of Noah" and "Lot," confirmed by the moral turbulence that is even now evident in all societies across this planet. Never has humankind been more enamored by the flesh and all of its entanglements today. Without a doubt, our technology has quickened this process in a fashion unparalleled since the beginning of our creation. Ah, but as this study has shown, the progressive work of God's Word and kingdom has not been hindered by any of this. In the end, it will be as He has determined, for God's omnipotence and omniscience reigns supreme over all the affairs of creation.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 (KJV)  
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 **When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe** (because our testimony among you was believed) **in that day**.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (KJV)  
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, _and_ giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and _for_ all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this _is_ good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 **Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth**.

1 Timothy 4:10-11 (KJV)  
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, **who is the Saviour of all men** , specially of those that believe. 11 **These things command and teach**.

Thank you for reading my book. It is my sincere hope that it encouraged and enlightened you in your walk with Christ. If so, won't you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer? Thank you!

Jack Marshall

**About the Author** :

I was born in California in 1957 but raised in Oklahoma, where my experience with Christianity began at the age of 19. After several years of attending various denominational and non-denominational churches, my love for the Bible and desire to understand the scriptures became a vital part of my life. Ordained in my twenties, I spent several years ministering in homes, jails, and churches. Through in-depth study for the past 43 years, I have discovered that the message of scripture is truly one of hope, love, and encouragement for the entire world.

Connect With Me:

**Friend me on Facebook** : <https://www.facebook.com/GrainOfWheatPublishing>

**Grain of Wheat Publishing Website** : <http://www.grainofwheatpublishing.org/>

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Other books by Jack Marshall

The Dream – Through the Eyes of Sowing and Reaping

Times and Seasons – An Alternative View of the Day of the Lord

Hell, No! An Alternative View of Hell

The Rapture – Yes or No?

Studies in Revelation – The Beasts of Revelation

The Parable of the Sower

Studies in Revelation – The Second Death

The Unpardonable Sin

Studies in Revelation – The Beast of the Earth

Eastward in Eden

Deep Sleep

The Serpent – An Alternative View of the Devil

Studies in Revelation – The Fullness of the Times

Studies in Revelation – Babylon the Great

Death, Burial, Resurrection – The Divine Process of God in Humankind

Dead Men's Bones – A Case Against Eternal Torment

Studies in Revelation – The Two Witnesses

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 1

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 2

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 3

**Bibliography**

Reference:

E.W. Bullinger (1837-1913), Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance, Public Domain, 1921

Biblical Mathematics, Keys to Scripture Numerics, Evangelist Ed F. Vallowe, 1998

The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty, Dr. Stephen E. Jones, Copyright 2008, God's Kingdom Ministries, www.gods-kingdom-ministries.net

Bible Numbers for Life, Mark H. Lane, biblenumbersforlife.com

The Complete Book of Revelation, Pastor O.E. Bogart, Published by William Schartung at Smashwords, Copyright 1982

Dr. James Strong (1822-1894), Strong's Concordance, First Published 1890

The Feasts of Israel, Kevin J. Conner, City Christian Publishing, Copyright 1980

Google, www.google.com

Bible Translations Used:

KJV, King James Version, Public Domain, 1611

NKJV, New King James Version, Published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Complete Bible 1982

NIV, New International Version, Biblica, Zondervan and Hodder & Stoughton (UK) (licensed commercial rights), 1973 (NT), 1978 (OT)

ESV, English Standard Version, 2001: Crossway Bibles, a ministry of the Good News Publishers of Wheaton, Illinois, U.S.; Apocrypha 2009 by Oxford University Press

