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Then new life shall flow from the winepress of God,Letters of Truth - Spirit of the Word - Covenant Eschatology - Introductory Note - New Stuff
REVELATION - A Positive Book
Chapter 14 - "With The Lamb" (Revelation 14:1-20)"And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with Him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads." (Revelation 14:1).
The location-- "on mount Zion." We have seen Him "walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks." We have seen Him as the great Overcomer. "I overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." Then we beheld Him "in the midst of the throne, a Lamb as it had been slain." We have seen Him riding the various horses, ministering the various judgments to bring about a purification and redemption. He prevails, He is Lord! Ever and again "the revelation of Jesus Christ" brings new insight of His marvelous glory and victory. Now we see Him "on mount Zion." In this brief word lies a declaration of such magnitude that it staggers the imagination to comprehend the triumph that brought Him to this position of glory and honor.
"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King." (Psalm 48:1-2).
This is a place to be desired. The name "Mount Zion" literally means: the mount of light, or, sunny mountain. It was the highest mountain in the city of Jerusalem. It was here that God did "lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation," (Isaiah 28:16), upon which He would build the whole structure of His purpose of the ages. "According to the purpose of the ages which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:11). Zion was the home of kings. The symbol of power and authority, and source of deliverance, for, "There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer." (Romans 11:26). And it was to be known as His dwelling place. "The Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation. This is My rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it." (Psalm 132:13-14).
It was to this place that Lucifer aspired to ascend. "For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." (Isaiah 14:13-14). What a place of pre-eminence, prestige, honor, etc. BEAUTIFUL FOR SITUATION, literally, elevation. It is above all, and thus all worship and praise would be directed this way. It was this position that Lucifer coveted. And now we see the mark of the bestial system in all of its carnality, motivated by the spirit of "I WILL," for this was a self promotion. But all of man's self-willed efforts shall never prevail, and so it is written, verse 15, "Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." -- "For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:11).
It is in contra-distinction to this "I will" effort, that we behold THE LAMB, Who said, "I can of Mine own self do nothing.- -- because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which has sent Me." (John 5:30). So completely, from every avenue of His being, could He pray, "Not My will, but Yours, be done," that He was able to "humble Himself, and become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." {Philippians 2:8). HE IS the perfect sacrifice, the willing offering. In the fullest meaning of the word, He laid down His own life, to be one with the will of the Father, "Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him." - "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named." (Ephesians 1:21).
The two extremes are hard to comprehend-- on one hand is self-exaltation, coveting the high places, willing to destroy anything that gets in the way, the stubborn set of the jaw-- I will achieve, I'll make it to the top. And on the other hand is absolute humility-- no self-seeking, no self promotion, no personal agenda, but total oneness in the Father's will.
Now we see the Lamb "standing on mount Zion," placed there by the Father! Indeed, He could say, "I and My Father are one." He is the all pre-eminent OVERCOMER! Every facet and trait of the mark of the bestial, the flesh, the carnality of man-- He overcame it all, and now He reigns from mount Zion.
But look again, He is not alone, for "with Him are an hundred and forty and four thousand." Truly, "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. - Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit." (John 12:24). The glory was not in the dying process, it was the UP-RISING OF MUCH FRUIT. He is "bringing many sons unto glory." (Hebrews 2:10). He is surrounded by the stars of God. He sits exalted in the congregation. He is the fulness that fills up the empty place in the sides of the north. "He is the Head of the body, the church: Who is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the dead; that in all He might have the pre-eminence." (Colossians 1:18).
Yes, there are those who are "coming unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant." (Hebrews 12:22-24).
What a congregation! They have overcome, "even as I also overcame." (Revelation 3:21). There is no mark of the beast left on them-- they are clean, pure, holy as He is holy. They were "made conformable to His death," and now they share in "the power of His resurrection." They are "the rod of His strength (sent) out of Zion." They are "Your people, willing in the day of Your power." (Psalm 110:2-3). ONE IN HIS WILL, they are "with the Lamb."
"An hundred and forty and four thousand." The number is highly symbolic, being a multiple of twelve. Twelve is the number that signifies perfection of divine government, and here it is brought to its fulness. This is the second time this number has been mentioned, the first being in Revelation 7:4-8, where we have "an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel," which are sealed in their forehead.
Perhaps a word of explanation is due concerning their being twelve thousand sealed from each tribe of Israel. Paul clearly stated, "They are not all Israel, which are of Israel," (Romans 9:6), for if one wants to speak of "the Israel of God," (Galatians 6:16), then let it be remembered, "That they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. - You are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:7, 28-29). And the true qualification is INWARD-- "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; - But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; - of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:28-29). These are sealed in their forehead, having been "renewed in the spirit of their mind." (Ephesians 4:23), and are truly a new creation in Christ Jesus.
It would be an in-depth study of its own to delve into the meaning of the names of the twelve tribes, and then their application to this overcoming company. Briefly we illustrate: the name Judah means: praise, and these are a PRAISE PEOPLE, not just in word, but in state of being. Asher means: happy. These have found their happiness in the Lord. Benjamin means: son of the right hand, introducing the whole message of sonship. And so it goes, every name another facet of the attributes of this people.
"Sealed in their forehead." "Having His Father's name written in their foreheads." The Greek texts actually read, "His name and His Father's name." This is in harmony with the promise to the overcomer, back in chapter 3, verse 12, "I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, and My new name." The name speaks of the nature and character-- His nature of light, love, truth-- all of this is inscribed in the forehead, i.e. in their MIND. All that they think, all that they manifest, will be to the glory of God-- for they bear His name. "I will put My laws (will and purpose) into their mind, and write them in their hearts." (Hebrews 8:10).
"And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps." O, the magnificence and magnitude of the anthem raised-- praise and worship rising from these that have overcome and now stand with the Lamb. The perfect harmony, the melody of grace, the restoration of that music of long ago, "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." (Job 38:7). It will be the love song of the ages, sung unto our Redeemer, Who has gathered them unto Himself.
"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing." (Psalm 127:1-2).
But it is not just a song of long ago, nor of past blessing, for "They sung as it were a new song before the throne, - and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand. which were redeemed from the earth." New song-- The Greek word here is "ode." Same word is used in Ephesians 5:19, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (odes), singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
Psalms-- from "psallo" meaning: to touch, or play on a musical instrument, and thus refers to sacred songs or poems as are sung to stringed instruments. Hymns-- from "humnos," from "udo" meaning: to sing, to celebrate, praise, and signified songs in honor of God. And then songs-- from "aeido" which is an ode, and denotes any poetic composition adapted to singing. It is often sung spontaneously.
Now we have a "new song," by a new company, with a new theme. "No man could learn that song." It is born of the Spirit, bursting forth from the heart of those who "were redeemed from the earth." Birthed out of the experience of total redemption, only those "of like precious faith" would be able to sing it. Let the song of Moses be sung, let the song of Israel's return from captivity be sung, and whatever song the Spirit inspires as we make our way to Zion. But when God's overcomers finally stand "with the Lamb" on mount Zion, the illumination, glory, victory shall be such it brings forth a spontaneous praise that none other can sing. What resounding glory unto Him who has redeemed us by His blood. First, HE IS THERE on mount Zion, that is tremendous, but then that He can so thoroughly redeem men, that they can qualify to be there with Him, that is a testimony of the effectiveness of His in working. Such triumph can only produce worship and praise.
"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins." Defiled-- The Greek word is "moluno," only used three times in the New Testament. There are those overcomers "which have not defiled their garments," (Revelation 3:4), and there are those, of whom Paul wrote, "their conscience being weak is defiled."
(1 Corinthians 8:7). The meaning is clear, it is a defilement of the inner man. Idolatry is spiritual fornication and adultery. These are not defiled with the spirit of the world. They do not worship the beast, nor yet his image; they are free of his mark. With a pure spirit they worship God-- thus "they are virgins." Virginity of spirit is greatly to be desired. Unadulterated by the "I will" syndrome.
Paul taught another truth that is applicable here. He writes that through our identification with the cross of Christ, and His death, "You are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that you should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans 7:4). The implication is clear-- once we have died out to the old, and come alive to the new, any time we deviate from the path of the Spirit, and go back to the former works of the law, it is spiritual adultery.
Furthermore, "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity (singleness) that is in Christ."
(2 Corinthians 11:2-3).
"When your eye is single, your whole body also is full of light." (Luke 11:34). Singleness- "He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit." If, in any way, we turn from that singleness, and yield our mind and spirit to the spirit of the world, we have defiled ourselves. Works is a filthiness unto grace. The flesh is filthiness unto the spirit. The spirit of the world is filthiness unto Christ. We dare not prostitute the anointing, by using it for the satisfaction of the flesh. When our inward desire for God has turned elsewhere for its satisfaction, we have defiled our spirit, lost our virginity, and only our Redeemer can restore us to a virgin state again. It is truly a further "revelation of Jesus Christ," that we see Him revealed in a company of virgins-- undefiled ones. Only He can bring forth such a company of PERSONIFIED PURITY to stand with Him.
"You adulterers and adulteresses, know not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God ?" (James 4:4). And what is the cure for this? "The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Galatians 6:14). To stand on the mount with the Lamb signified that this inworking of the cross is complete-- we are dead to the world, and the world is dead unto us-- nothing within that can be tantalized by the world, all that we desire is IN CHRIST ALONE.
"These are they which follow the Lamb wherever He goes." What processing this one sentence covers, for it requires that we be LOOSED from all the binding restrictions of religion, to be free to follow as He leads. Our English word "religion" comes from the Latin "religio," meaning: taboo, or restraint. It bespeaks of a system of faith and worship, with all of its "do, and don't," exercised by the will of man to gain favor with his God.
The Greek word is "threskia," meaning: outward ceremonial observances; which were done primarily for an appeasement.
Religion can be, and may well be, the greatest enemy of the Spirit, for it was religious belief that crucified Jesus. It was religious belief that hindered the entry of men into the kingdom of God. And Paul wrote, "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you." (Galatians 3:1). Having begun in the Spirit, they were ready to revert back to the works of the flesh, to observe days, months, times-- back in bondage to form and ceremony, rather than the free flow of His life through them by the Spirit. Turning back to legalism is in effect crucifying Christ afresh, for it is a turning from the life of the Spirit, to man's own works and self-efforts.
To "follow the Lamb wherever He goes," requires great flexibility. It is possible that when we adhere rigidly to a promise, as we understand that promise, without taking a step in any direction, we could suddenly find ourselves outside the will of God, and back inside the rigid walls of legalism, and in danger of crucifying our Lord afresh. We might claim it and stand on it, and insist that God honor His Word on the level we understand it, when He has a far greater meaning for that promise, if we are willing to let go of our own self claiming-works, and just let the Spirit lead us as He wills. Self will is at the root of self-effort, and self-effort constitutes the works of the law, and the works of the law takes us outside the realm of faith-- becoming a religion, rather than the free flow of His life. Thus we see what a tremendous MIRACLE of conversion Christ has wrought in the hearts and lives of these that are now free to follow Him "wherever He goes."
Only Christ can live the CHRIST-LIFE through us, and this becomes operative through relationship. The Greek word for "follow" is "akoloutheo," meaning: to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany. This is not trying to be an imitator of His way, but A PARTAKER! Breaking out of the "mode of religion" to follow Him is first an INWARD working, and then is manifested outward as the occasion might serve. To be able to "follow the Lamb wherever He goes," means that He has brought us into a liberty and freedom which is far beyond all we can ask or think.
"These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." Herein is an amazing word. Until the Redeemer came on the scene, these were no different than the rest of humanity. As Paul well stated, "We also are men of like passions with you." (Acts 14:15). Again we read, "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are." (James 5:17). Or, as God once said to Israel, "The Lord did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because you were more in number than any people: for you were the fewest of all people." (Deuteronomy 7:7). NOT BECAUSE OF WHO OR WHAT WE WERE, but according to His sovereign grace, for we are but men like unto all of humanity. Therefore, when He sovereignly draws us unto Himself, and REDEEMS US to this glorious realm of victory, then let it be clear, we are only "the firstfruits unto God." We are not the sum total of His handiwork, but the beginning-- and all the harvest to follow shall receive the SAME QUALITY OF INWORKING as is seen in the firstfruits. What the firstfruits are is a manifested promise of what all the rest of creation shall receive and enjoy. No wonder "The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own," (Romans 8:19); because that means that once this victory is achieved, then the rest of creation may follow, "every man in his own order," until the whole is reconciled, and become one in His more abundant life.
"And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." How utterly awesome! So often we have prayed it, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14). And here we find a people in whom this is fulfilled. "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man." (James 3:1).
No guile-- the Greek word is "dolos," meaning: bait, a lure, a snare. No deceit or trickery in their speech. The truth, spoken in love, which cannot be twisted or refuted-- because IT IS! And such a word is possible only because it comes out of a state of being that is "without fault." The Greek word is "amomos," meaning: blameless, without blemish, without spot.
First of all the qualification was in Himself, for He was "a Lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:19). And now He is able to bring us into the same state of being. "And you, that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and un-blameable and un-reproveable in His sight." (Colossians 1:21-22). - "To present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." (Jude 24).
If ever a victory testified to the capability and success of His Redemptive process, this company, which stand with the Lamb on mount Zion, are a living manifestation of that triumph!
Now it rightly follows, with the evidence of redemption before us, "I saw another angel (messenger) fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." (Revelation 14:6). The GOOD NEWS OF THE AGES, IT WORKS! The process of redemption works, and we have a whole company as evidence. Now, what He has done for others, He will do for you! What you have seen and heard can be experienced. "When he sees his children, the work of Mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify My name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine." (Isaiah 29:23-24).
What is the message of this "everlasting gospel?" Let them cry with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountain of waters."
"Fear God..." This is not a slavish fear, with obedience rendered because of a fear of the consequences if the Master is not pleased with us. Nor is this a superstitious fear, born out of supposed things that could happen, but never do. But it is a deep REVERENCE given to our God, springing out of respect, honor, and glory which we accord to Him. Then the specific reason for giving Him this reverence and glory-- "for the hour of His judgment is come." Ah, the very thought of judgment sends some people back into a slavish fear-- because they view God as a Tyrant, out to "get them" them, and they are afraid that He will punish them without mercy for every little mis-deed. Others immediately shudder with a superstitious fear because of the misconception resulting from all the erroneous doctrines and traditions which they have been taught. But judgment does not mean there will be catastrophes, troubles, events of horror and suffering. It means that the time of RESTORATION, of correction into righteousness has come. That evil shall be wiped out, and "Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good." (Psalm 85:11-12).
Yes, it is time to "WORSHIP GOD." When the hour of crisis comes, it is time to worship Him that made heaven and earth, for He who is in control of the universe is also in control of our earthen vessel, and can bring us into the fulness of His life. And having viewed the RESULTS OF REDEMPTION in a firstfruits company, people now see that it is a good thing to serve the Lord-- He has their best interests at heart, and in love He will re-gather all creation unto Himself. Worship rightly follows any inworking of judgment, for once we have been brought into a state of rightness, the joy and peace and blessing will produce a spontaneous outflow of praise and worship to Him.
Swiftly the events unfold, and "there followed another messenger, saying, Babylon is fallen." With the Lamb on mount Zion, surrounded with the firstfruits of the new creation, then all the systems of this world shall come to their end, and then "shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed:... it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." (Daniel 2:44).
"And the third messenger followed them," with the message that all those who "worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God..." The hour has now come, the CLEANSING, PURGING processes which were wrought in the firstfruits, now must be applied to the rest of creation, until the whole is purified. Yes, it is "every man in his own order," and none shall escape that ultimate working until our God is truly "ALL in all."
"And another messenger came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in your sickle, and reap; for the time is come for these to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe." Now let us shout "Hallelujah!" "Out of the temple" comes the message we have long waited to hear. It is a true word, it is a pure word, for as we already observed, the temple has been measured, brought up to specifications-- "Into the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Now the message that goes forth is HIS MESSAGE-- not the programs of man, not the schemes and plans of carnal men building kingdoms, supposedly for God, but actually for their own ego trip. Now it is truly "Holding forth the WORD OF LIFE." (Philippians 2:16). And the message is that it is GOD'S HOUR for the ingathering.
Long have we eagerly awaited this time. Through the centuries the efforts of Missionary Societies have ebbed and flowed, and as the "times of refreshing have come from the presence of the Lord," (Acts 3:19), there have been some precious ingatherings. But always the harvest was so "in part." The revivals were held, and a remnant were gathered in, but the vast majority of the city remained untouched. God was still gathering HIS FIRSTFRUITS. But now the time for the general harvest arrives, and with joy we hear Him say, "Thrust in your sickle, and reap."
"Now all the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the Lord's: and He is Governor among the nations." (Psalm 22:27-28).
"For God has allowed us to know the secret of His plan, and it is this: He purposes in His sovereign will that all human history shall be consummated in Christ, that everything that exists in Heaven or earth shall find its perfection and fulfillment in Him." (Ephesians 1:9-10, Phillips).
"And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress..." First it was written of our Redeemer, "I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me." (Isaiah 63:3). And then He apprehends unto Himself an "election of grace," a firstfruits, who are drawn "forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach." (Hebrews 13:13). And now the great "winepress experience" faces all creation-- warring fiercely against all impurity, treading out the self will and rebellion of man.
"He comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills." (Song of solomon 2:8). There is MERCY in the treading-- He does not LEAP upon the hills, for it only requires the light skipping-- the gentle pressure of His foot, redirecting the course. But upon every high mountain of man's kingdom He will TREAD HEAVILY-- leaping until all is subdued before Him.
The harvest shall be completed, though it shall require "the ages to come (that) He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7). But the process will be accelerated, for, "Behold, the days come, says the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the tender of grapes him that sows seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt." (Amos 9:13). It is totally positive, for it is the triumph of our Redeemer.Letters of Truth - Redemption--All In All - Spirit of the Word -
Preface
1. Revelation - A Positive Book (Revelation 1:1-6)
2. Coming With Clouds (Revelation 1:7)
3. Companions IN The Processing (Revelation 1:9-20)
4. Christ Revealed In Overcomes (Revelation 2:1-3:22)
5. Come Up For More Revelation (Revelation 4:1-11)
6. The Scroll Of Redemption (Revelation 5:1-14)
7. The Horses Are Riding--Within (Revelation 6:1-8)
8. The Other Seals Are Opened (Revelation 6:9 - 8:1)
9. Let The Trumpets Blow (Revelation 8:1 - 9:21)
10. Personal Participation, Eat The Book (Rev. 10:1-10)
11. Measure The Temple (Revelation 11:19)
12. A Manchild Company Brought Forth (Revelation 12:1-17)
13. The Mark--Of God, Or The Beast (Revelation 13:1-18)
14. With The Lamb (Revelation 14:1-20)
15. Seven Angels With Seven Plagues (Rev. 15:1 - 16:21)
16. Mystery--Babylon The Great (Revelation 17:1-18)
17. Come Out Of Her, My People (Revelation 18:1-24)
18. Let The Hallelujahs Ring (Revelation 19:1-21)
19. The Bottomless Pit (Revelation 20:14)
20. Partakers Of The Foremost Resurrection (Rev. 20:4-6)
21. After The Second Death Process (Revelation 20:6-15)
22. All Things New (Revelation 21:1-21)
23. The Lamb, And The Lambkin (Revelation 21:22-27)
24. The Curse Is Ended Forever (Revelation 22:1-19)
25. Even So, Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20-21)