South Sydney Anglican Church

The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:5 “The Faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the Dead, the Ruler of the Kings of the Earth”)

Bible Passage: Revelation 7:1-8

Before the Great Tribulation Begins Israel is Sealed for Salvation

Intro:    Well morning friends. My name is Matt Johnson and today as we continue our study of Revelation – we are considering the future salvation of Israel. I believe that Revelation 7:1-8 records the salvation of ethnic Israel – just before the great tribulation begins.

Prayer:   Well friends, today I need to speak to you about ISRAEL. But with everything going on in Israel our emotions are charged. As you know – BOMBS are falling in Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and Yemen. What’s more, there is a very REAL AND TRAGIC loss of life on all sides. People are dying. Children are dying. It’s terrible and our hearts should be profoundly sad about what we see in the media.

So as I speak today – I don’t want to appear like I’m saying Israel is INNOCENT of all wrongdoing. Nor am I saying Israel is BETTER or more deserving of our love than others. As we saw last week, God says; “vengeance is mine, I will repay.” (Deut.32:35). Yet right now, everyone in the Middle East is beginning to take vengeance into their own hands. These are dangerous, disturbing and distressing times…

So with all that said – I ask that you hear me graciously because the Bible undeniably talks about God doing things with the Jewish people in the last days. So let me begin by sharing with you two quotes from Scripture. (Slide 2 and Slide 3). Now these words on the lips of Jesus and Paul are not to be interpreted allegorically or symbolically or metaphorically. IN BOTH PASSAGES, the words Israel and Gentile clearly mean ethnic Israelites and ethnic Gentiles.

Now Jesus says in Luke 21 that Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles UNTIL the time of the Gentiles is complete. Does this mean the time of the Gentiles came to a close in 1948? After nearly 2000 years – of Jerusalem being trampled underfoot by the Gentiles – the land was returned to the Jews by a UN resolution in November 1947. Was that a fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Luke 21?

The apostle Paul also speaks in Romans 11 of Israels heart being hardened to the gospel until the full number of Gentiles have been saved. But once all the Gentiles (in the Lambs book of life) are saved – Paul says – ALL ISRAEL will be saved and THE NATURAL BRANCHES will be grafted back into God’s Vine.

So there are bible passages that suggest God will do significant things with Israel (in and around Jerusalem) in the last days? Now if this is true, we might expect to FIND REFERENCE to some of these events in Revelation. But when I went to Bible College I was taught that some of the very significant references to ISRAEL in the New Testament (like Romans 11 and Revelation 7) simply meant the Christian church. I was taught – A) ISRAEL were Gods people in the Old Covenant and B) THE CHURCH is Gods people in New Covenant; so Israel now means church. But something about this “THEOLOGICAL” interpretation didn’t sit right with me AND I soon discovered that it didn’t sit right with others either – including Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards and JC Ryle. So let me share with you a quote from ANGLICAN BISHOP JC RYLE of the mid to late 1800’s (Slide 3).

So what will we do with the word ISRAEL in Revelation 7. If I can prove that it can’t be the church – will you accept it must be Israel? A plain reading of this text is;

Point 1:         The People of Israel are Sealed before the Tribulation Begins

Show:           Rev.7:1-4 (READ)

Explain:         Well friends, Revelation 7 clearly says that before Gods judgment really KICKS OFF 144,000 people, 12,000 from each tribe of Israel receive a special sealing from God. Now its true A) the tribe of DAN is replaced with B) the tribe of Joseph and I can’t find any really satisfying answer why. But the 12 tribes of Israel are pictured receiving a special seal from God and we have to ask what is going on in this picture?

  • The Jehovah’s Witnesses – teach that only the 144,000 most pure of JW’s go to heaven. The rest of the JW’s – who don’t do enough evangelism on Saturdays – end up in the new creation on earth. So in the Witnesses the 144,000 are like super saints AND I say rubbish. There is nothing to support this idea.
  • Dispensational pre-trib pastors usually claim the 144,000 are specially chosen “JEWISH EVANGELISTS” – who evangelise the world after the church is raptured and taken to heaven. Now we’ll think about the rapture next week. 1 & 2 Thessalonians is pretty clear the church is not raptured before the tribulation. But those who claim the church is raptured before the tribulation – say the 144,000 are special evangelists who preach Jesus once the church is gone. It’s a nice theory. But there is nothing in Revelation 7 or Revelation 14 to support the idea the 144,000 are super evangelists. That’s just speculation.
  • The traditional churches of Catholicism, Orthodox, Anglican usually say the 144,000 Israelites simply equals the church – the great multitude in the rest of Revelation 7. They say the word Israel doesn’t mean Israel. Israel simply means the church. The technical word for this is super-sessionism. The church replaces Israel. So the 144,000 is simply a picture of God putting a special seal on the church to protect them in the great tribulation. THE PROBLEM is that doesn’t make any theological sense. The Bible is clear – true Christians already have the seal of the Holy Spirit guaranteeing our salvation (2 Cor.1:21-22).

So why would God need to put a secondary seal on the church before the great tribulation? Is the seal of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus not enough? (PAUSE) The traditional church position also makes no sense of BIBLICAL SYMBOLISM. The point of symbolism is that the symbol adds something to the story. A) When Revelation talks about Satan’s kingdom as a series of beasts – that adds something to the story. We know Satan’s kingdom is going to be brutal, beastly and irrational. B) When John speaks of the church as an adulterous harlot – that adds something to the story. We get a picture of a church selling herself for money, being unfaithful and perhaps sexually immoral. But how does calling the church “ISRAEL” – add anything to the story It doesn’t seem to (PAUSE). So the traditional church position that Israel = church simply doesn’t work theologically or even symbolically.

So lets look at what the Bible actually says. In verse 1 – you’ll see that it talks about FOUR angels, at the FOUR corners of the earth, holding back FOUR winds. These four angels are perhaps the four horsemen in Revelation 6 – who are about to unleash famine, plague, sword and wild beasts. But then a fifth angel rushes forward saying “Do not harm anything until we put a seal on Gods servants.

Now we know this is a seal of PROTECTION because Revelation 9 says this (Slide 7; Rev.9:3-4). As you can see the seal is providing protection of sorts. So what is this seal? (PAUSE) Well when we get to Revelation 14 we see the seal is 1) Jesus’ name and 2) the Fathers name (Slide 9; Rev.14:1). At the end of Revelation we also see that everyone in heaven seems to have this seal on their forehead. (Slide 10; Rev.22:3-4). Now the fact – that THE SEAL includes 1) Jesus’ name and 2) the Fathers name – suggests people who have this mark are true followers of Jesus. They’re Christians. This aligns with other parts of Scripture. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 it says (Slide 12; 2Cor.1:21-22). So the Holy Spirit is Gods seal of ownership – enabling true born again Christians to stand firm.

Apply:   So the normal seal of Gods ownership, enabling people to stand firm in the trials and tribulations of life is the Holy Spirit. This is what people will need to survive THE GREAT TRIBULATION. But we also know that true, born again Christians in the church already have the Holy Spirit. So, the traditional church position that the 144,000 equals the church – makes ZERO SENSE. Why would the angel cry “PAUSE” and then en-masse seal a church that is already sealed? And if they respond – “Well its a different seal of protection” they’re kind of saying Jesus’ blood and the Holy Spirit is not enough. Either way this makes no logical sense.

The only thing that makes sense IN CONTEXT is that God is suddenly sealing a large group of people en-masse who are not yet saved. John says this is 144,000 people from all 12 tribes of Israel. Now Israel does make sense – because Zechariah 12, Romans 11, Ezekiel 37 (and other passages) – tell us that at some point shortly before the end of time Israel is saved. Romans 11 says that when the full number of Gentiles has come in – then all Israel will be saved (Rom.11:25-26). Zechariah 12 says that in the last days – God will pour out on Israel a spirit of grace and supplication and ALL ISRAEL will mourn for the one they pierced (Zech.12:10-14). Now the Apostle Paul says Gods promises to Israel can’t be revoked. But Israel is not yet spiritually saved. So before the great tribulation begins God seals people from all 12 tribes of Israel…

Now we know NUMBERS carry significance in Revelation AND not every number is literal. We know there are more than 7 churches in the world. We know that it is unlikely Jesus has 7 eyes and 7 horns. So if you wanted to write a number that represented all Israel being saved – what would that number look like? (PAUSE) Well the NUMBER 12 represents Gods people (12 tribes and 12 apostles). The NUMBER 12 also represents wholeness or completeness. So 12 x 12 or 12 squared – is like ABSOLUTE wholeness or ABSOLUTE completeness. Then multiplying that by 1000 – is saying a very BIG absolute, complete and whole number of Jews are sealed for salvation. So I believe Revelation 7 is talking about the salvation of the Jews as a nation.

Point 2:         The People of Israel appear to be sealed in the Land of Israel

Show:           Rev.7:1 (READ)

Explain:         Well I explained weeks ago – the words “THE EARTH” can be translated “THE LAND”. In Greek it is the same word and only context tells us which way it should be translated. THEORETICALLY, the sealing of the Jews could have happened while they were scattered throughout the entire earth (in the diaspora). Alternatively, they could all be gathered in the promised land and then be sealed for salvation. Translating it THE EARTH suggests the former, translating it THE LAND suggest the latter. Now I wouldn’t want to make this a big point. But many great Christian pastors like CH Spurgeon, JC Ryle and Jonathon Edwards were certain that Israel would return to the promised land first AND only then be saved – because that is the order of events in many Old Testament passages.

Now as I shared with you last week – there are many PARALLELS between Revelation 4-11 and Ezekiel 1-13. Let me show you again with one extra now added in BLUE… (Slide 15) Now I’m not going to explain ALL this again. But in my mind, there are just too many parallels – to be pure coincidence. HOWEVER, I don’t really know what to make of these parallels – except to suggest that Ezekiel is shedding light on Revelation. But if that is the case – please notice – the phrase “the four corners of the land” AND “the four corners of the earth” in blue. In Ezekiel 7:1-2 (which kind of parallels Revelation 7:1-2) it is clearly talking about the land of Israel (Slide 14 – Ezek.7:1-2). As you can see Ezekiel 7 is clear that it is the four corners of the land because its talking about the land of Israel. So given the RARENESS of this phrase and “the parallel phrase” in Ezekiel meaning promised land perhaps we should understand that the sealing of the people of Israel is taking place in the land of Israel. This would then agree with a number of Old Testament prophecies that say Israel will return to the land before they are saved. Consequently many scholars and pastors have seen the Jews return to the land of Israel in 1947 – as a very significant step in the fulfilment of biblical prophecy.

Illustrate:  I want to show you A QUOTE from Martin Lloyd Jones – one of the most conservative Christian pastors of the C20th. He is famous for spending 12 YEARS preaching through the book of Romans. Now when he first preached Romans 11 (as a younger man) he taught as he had been taught that – ALL ISRAEL equalled the Christian church. He taught super-sessionism. But as he grew older – his position changed. Let me show you; (Slide 16). Now I agree with Martyn Lloyd Jones – that Israel’s return to the land in 1967 may have incredible eschatological significance. Only time will tell. But I also agree with him – that we tend to FORESHORTEN prophetic events. The age of the Gentiles may be closing, but that doesn’t mean Jesus returns tomorrow.

So let thinks a bit more about the PARALLELS in Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 7 THE END is declared on the four corners of the land of Israel. Then in Ezekiel 8 we hear that the end is coming because of Israels IDOLATRY AND APOSTASY. Then in Ezekiel 9 God puts a seal on the foreheads of certain Jews before the sword of judgment falls. (Slide 16 – Ezek.9:1-2). As you can see 6 men with sharp swords are about to start killing all the Jews. But just before judgment begins – we get an intentional PAUSE like in Revelation 7. Let me show you (Slide 17 – Ezek.9:3-4). Now this is really bizarre because the Hebrew literally says put the Hebrew letter Tau on their foreheads. Now in Ezekiel’s time – the Hebrew Tau looked exactly like a Christian cross on a slight angle. (No one seems to know why the letter tau). But the man in fine linen is putting what looks like A CHRISTIAN CROSS on peoples’ foreheads. Anyway, after a whole lot of people in Israel receive this MARK OF A CROSS on their foreheads – judgment begins (Slide 18 – Ezek.9:5-6).

Apply:   The point seems to be – when Gods judgment begins – the only place to find protection will be with the name of Jesus and the cross of Jesus. When Gods judgment begins – either Jesus will have died in your place for your sins OR you are going to die in your place for your sins. Old men, young men, women, mothers and children are ALL going to die for their sin, idolatry and apostasy. No one will be spared.

The only people who will safely pass through this final judgment – without Satan dragging them down to hell with himself – are those who have become Christians and received Gods Holy Spirit. Now the only way to RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT – is to thank Jesus for dying in your place for your sins. He died for your sins because he loves you. Then sincerely pray that God will forgive you everything you have done wrong AND ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit – so that you can stand against the lies, persecution and stupidity of this world. Finally, get BAPTISED in the name of Jesus and as I often do – I’ll mark your forehead with the sign of the cross. Thanks to Ezekiel – I now know where that little tradition probably comes from…

Point 3:         The People of Israel are Sealed with the Name of Jesus

Show:            Rev.14:1-3 (READ)

Explain:         Now the picture we have in Revelation 14 – is that the 144,000 are now in the heavenly throne-room. We know they’re in heaven because they are singing Gods praise before the throne, the four living creatures and the 24 elders. This picture is both disturbing and comforting.

FIRST, it is disturbing because it means THE ANTICHRIST in Revelation 12 & 13 may have finally succeeded in Jewish genocide. There are no more Jews on earth. If the 144,000 represent all Israel as I’ve suggested (and all Israel are now in heaven) then it means there are no longer any Jews left on earth. But Jesus said in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, “Surely this generation (or more specifically) this NATION will not pass away until all these things have been completed.” (Matt.24:34; Lk.21:32). Now I’ve explained previously that NATION is a better translation than generation. So Jesus says the nation of Israel will not pass away until all the eschatological events he is speaking about have been completed.” And incredibly, despite 1900 YEARS of having no land, no government and enduring the Nazi Holocaust the Jews do still exist as a nation. But having returned to the land, being sealed en-masse AND going to be with God en-masse we kind of know history is coming to a close. This is the end and God will avenge their blood.

But we also find comfort in these words – because ALL 144,000 Jews who were sealed by the Holy Spirit in Revelation 7 have made it safely to the heavenly throne-room in Revelation 14. Not one has been lost in the great tribulation. Not one has slipped into apostasy. They have ALL been faithful to Jesus.

This appears to be the idea behind the 144,000’s VIRGINITY in verse 4. Some pastors make out that the 144,000 are actual virgins who never defiled themselves with women. But this is NONSENSE. The Bible is clear that sexual union is absolutely fine if conducted in accordance with Gods Word. God’s desire for His people has never been A) physical virginity, but always B) spiritual virginity. And this is one of the big ideas in Revelation. Will Gods people remain FAITHFUL, VIRGIN BRIDES ready for Jesus’ return? Or in Jesus’ absence will we commit spiritual adultery and play the harlot if the antichrist demands we engage in false religion. Well, the 144,000 Messianic Jews remain spiritual virgins.

With the sealing of the Holy Spirit – Israel finally fulfills its calling. Let me show you (Slide 22). Israel was meant to be Gods virgin bride. The problem is Israel constantly played the harlot. In Ezekiel 16 God says to Israel (Slide 23; Ezek.16:32-34). Now I’m reluctant to quote more because Ezekiel 16 and Ezekiel 23 is almost X-rated. God accuses Israel (and I quote) of spreading her legs to everyone who passes by (Ezek.16:25). God says (and again I quote) Israel loves anyone with large genitals (Ezek.16:26). In Ezekiel 16 and Ezekiel 23 you can really hear Gods pain. When Gods people are unfaithful to Him – God really experiences it as adultery.

Apply:     But as we come back to Revelation 14 – we see the 144,000 Messianic Jews are like spiritual virgins. They have maintained their faithfulness to God and Jesus – even through the great tribulation. So they are ready to be the bride of Christ. They are ready for the wedding banquet. This again is a big question in Revelation. When Jesus returns will we be found to be the chaste, faithful, bride or the adulterous harlot.

As Gentile Christians we have been grafted into Gods promises to Virgin Israel and sealed with the same Holy Spirit. But as Gentile Christians – God still wants and expects the same faithfulness, loyalty and chastity that he expected from his original Jewish people. Now if I am reading Revelation correctly (and I think I am) being a Christian is going to get harder and harder in the last days. Eventually Christianity may become illegal. Eventually we may be told we MUST participate in certain idolatrous practices or lose the ability to buy and sell. WHAT WILL YOU DO? (PAUSE) If you’re tempted to think – I’ll just do whatever the government says, save my skin and then afterwards say sorry to God and ask for forgiveness – I challenge you to read Ezekiel 16 and Ezekiel 23. In these chapters – God looks His people in the eyes and says how could you cheat on me? (PAUSE) CS Lewis once called hell – the great divorce from God. So let me remind you that the one place God permits divorce in the Bible is adultery. No one wants to end up a divorcee.

So as hard as this may sound – (I believe) Revelation is calling us to be A) faithful witnesses to Christ and B) a faithful, virgin bride for Christ – even if it costs us our lives. That is ok – because Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. If the 144,000 can all make it safely to heaven with Gods seal upon them, so can we. But get ready to work out your salvation with some fear and trembling because I don’t think we all get raptured to heaven before it gets tough. For the last generations of the church I think it’s going to be one helluva ride across the finish line – as God sorts the sheep from the goats and the true virgins from the harlots…

 

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