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Sunday, August 17, 2014

THE SERVICE OF THE 144,000

The Service of the Redeemed 144,000 vs. 4-5
"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God."

The Spiritual Qualifications of This Group vs. 4
"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."
The Negative: Separation From Evil
They are not defiled with women. This probably refers to spiritual chastity. But might have a very literal meaning due to the fact that sexual immorality has always been associated with idolatry. Since the word adds immediately the fact that they are virgins, this merely strengthens the first idea. They are not necessarily celibate (Heb. 13:4). The reference to virgins connects them with those mentioned in Matt. 25:1-13. This is undoubtedly the same group prepared to enter into the kingdom with Christ.
The Positive: Separation to God
It is not enough to be separated from evil things. There must be the separation to Christ. This group follows Christ continu­ously no matter what his destination may be. They will not only reign with Christ, but serve him as trustful and obedient servants.
The Judicial Qualifications of This Group vs. 4
"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb."
A Redemption Price was Necessary to Bring Them into this Relationship
They were redeemed from among men (4). They were redeemed from out of the earth (3). The meaning is clear when compared with Chapter 7:1-8. The coming judgments upon men were such they would have per­ished. But in God's plan they were not only covered by blood but protected from the judgments.

A Possession for the Kingdom Indicating that Others Would Enter into the Kingdom Also
They are first fruits unto God and the Lamb. This group is saved during the first 3 1/2 years and later used to herald the message that brings the rich harvest of the unnumbered multitude (Rev. 7:9-17; Matt. 25:31-46).
The Doctrinal Qualifications of This Group vs. 5
"And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God."
No lie was found in their mouth. This means no false confession. In that day the millions will be making the false con­fession and believing "the lie" (2 Thess. 2:11).
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"
Without blemish are they with respect to the false confession. In case they do make a mistake and endorse Antichrist, which is quite unlikely, they will renounce him and accept Christ.

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