The lesson explores Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 8:11-12 and Luke 13:28-30 about two groups – the “subjects of the kingdom” who will be thrown out, and those from all nations who will take their seats in the kingdom of heaven. This relates to events in Revelation surrounding an “abomination” entering a holy place, leading some to betray and fall away (symbolized by the fallen sun, moon and stars in Revelation 6) while others (the 144,000 and great multitude in Revelation 7) are called to gather at the second coming. To be among those gathered requires being born of God’s seed, harvested, sealed with His word, belonging to one of the 12 tribes, not altering Revelation, having one’s name in the book of life, and possessing the testimony/lamp/oil/wedding clothes. The lesson explores how this prophecy finds greater fulfillment according to the visions in Revelation describing the events of the end times.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Today, we’re going to delve into something profound, very profound.
Another prophecy of Jesus. One of the things you’ll come to appreciate about Jesus’ approach is that he would casually drop profound prophecies mid-sentence, as if nothing significant had occurred. He might be healing someone or making a casual remark, and then he would seamlessly weave in a prophecy.
Most people would miss the gravity of his words at the time. It’s not until later that we realize the profound nature of what he was saying. We’re going to explore one such example today, where Jesus delivered a figurative prophecy that represents a deeper fulfilment.
The Subjects of the Kingdom and Those Who Sit in Heaven
Mt 8:11-12 (Lk 13:28-30), Rv 6-7
The title is interesting. Let’s talk about it quickly.
How many groups are mentioned in this title?
There are two groups.
The first group is the subjects of the kingdom, and the second group is those who sit in heaven. We’ll be discussing these two groups today.
Our main reference passages are Matthew 8:11-12 and Luke 13:28-30, which cover similar content but with different words, which we’ll look at. Additionally, Revelation 6 and 7 are very important for what we’ll be talking about today.
Our hope is to be among those who take their seats in the kingdom of heaven at the second coming. Let this be true for all of us. Let us be those who take our seats in the kingdom of heaven.
And not get up, because one thing that is mentioned many times when Jesus said these two prophecies is “the first will be last, and the last will be first.” We’ll have a better understanding of what that figurative phrase represents today.
Reflection: The Importance of Understanding
As mentioned in John 5:39 and Luke 24:44, Jesus spent time explaining who he was according to scripture. However, there is something crucial to address.
There are two aspects to having a complete understanding of the word. First, there is the word itself and understanding its meaning. Second, there is the testimony, which is the actual reality of seeing the word become flesh, leading to complete understanding. Which one must come first?
Understanding the word must come first before one hears the testimony. When someone hears the testimony first, they often have many questions like “Why X? Why Y? Why Z?” If they had heard the word first, these questions would not arise as they would already understand the reasons behind X, Y, and Z. The testimony would then click right away. This was Jesus’s intention – to ensure people would hear the word first before fully understanding who he was.
It was quite rare for Jesus to reveal who he was without first explaining the scriptures. Jesus was not what anyone was expecting; he was the opposite of what everyone was thinking when they read the scriptures. Let’s examine some examples to illustrate why it’s so important to understand the word first before the actual reality.
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
John 1:43-46
Very interesting what is going on here.
Jesus is in the process of gathering his disciples. What did Jesus say to get them to follow him? He said, “Follow me.” But was that all he did? No, he told them the truth about themselves as well.
This is something that we miss. We just see “follow me,” and they’re like, okay, drop everything and followed him. Not really realizing why they were so willing to do that. So we have Jesus, and then we have Philip, and we have Nathaniel. Let’s understand the logic here. Verse 45.
Philip found Nathaniel and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and about whom the prophets also wrote, Jesus of Nazareth.” So what had Philip heard first? Philip received the word from Jesus, meaning that Jesus had explained to him who he was. And so Philip had faith because he heard, he understood, he believed.
And now what is his action? He said, “Hey, the prophecies have been fulfilled. Come check this guy out.” Knowledge, faith, and actions, right? But what about Nathaniel? Had Nathaniel heard the word yet? No. So what was his first reaction to Jesus? He doubted. “Nazareth? Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
So he heard the testimony first before he had a chance to hear the word. And his reaction was doubt. But of course, Nathaniel too also then heard the word, and he believed and followed Jesus. But the word has to come first. Then people will understand.
The time of the second coming is no different. I’m sure many of us are coming to more and more realizations about the time we are living in, and you have many questions. Good. I would be worried if you didn’t have questions. But also, patience is important too.
Because the more of the word you receive, when you hear the testimony, the testimony goes like butter or honey. You’re like, “Oh, that’s awesome. Of course. Of course, that’s how it had to be.” Because now you understand the word.
Word first. Amen. Can we be patient? Yes. Let’s not be like Nathaniel. Amen.
Another passage that really talks about this is Luke 24:13-35, about the two who were walking on the road to Emmaus. Jesus hid his appearance from them until he tested them, which they failed. Then he explained all the scriptures to them before he revealed himself again. They realized who he was, but Jesus wanted to level up their understanding of the word first. And then he revealed himself. It’s actually grace to do it that way.
1.- Main Points
Mt 8:11-12 (Lk 13:28-30)
11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 8:11-12
This passage is truly significant. We mentioned it briefly a few lessons ago, but now we have an opportunity to delve deeper into its meaning.
For context once more, the situation is that Jesus is interacting with a Roman centurion. A centurion, as the name implies, is a leader of a hundred troops, hence the title.
This Roman centurion approached Jesus to request healing for his servant. Jesus was so moved that he wanted to heal the servant in person. However, the Roman centurion demonstrated exceptional faith. What did the Roman centurion say to Jesus?
Indeed, the centurion said, “Say the word,” to heal his servant.
Jesus was astonished, remarking, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”
The people whom Jesus had come to did not possess the level of faith exhibited by this Gentile. Jesus then said, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And the servant was healed at that moment.
Subsequently, Jesus gave a prophecy about two groups of people. He said, “Many will come from the east and west, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Let us understand these two groups more deeply. In these passages, what kind of content is Jesus providing?
Prophecy. This is a New Testament prophecy that Jesus is now giving. In prophecy, whether in the New Testament or in general, what language is typically employed?
Figurative language and parables are used.
ONE – Subjects of the Kingdom
They are thrown out.
This means they were once in, but something happens, and they are tossed out.
TWO – Those who sit in heaven
And where do they come from?
The east and the west. In Luke 13, it also mentions the north and the south. So, it’s really talking about people from all over the place.
People from everywhere will come and take their seats in the kingdom of heaven. So, north, south, east, and west.
They will come and take their seats, or they will gather. Oh, interesting. The same things are often talked about.
What else can we call this type of event?
Harvesting and sealing take place. What else? A banquet, the farm.
These events do happen at the second coming, yes. Any others come to mind?
The barn. Which is where the harvest goes into, right?
So, Jesus has been telling the same things over and over again. All the same prophecy. The basket, same.
Or you can even say flee to the mountain. Mountain, same. Going from a place you are currently at to the place you’ve been waiting for.
Sometimes, a place you didn’t even know you were waiting for, but you heard about it and decided to come because the people who should have known abdicated their position or left their position or were thrown out or betrayed. They are cast out, yeah. So, that’s kind of the logic of subjects of the kingdom and those who sit in heaven, who come from all over.
North, south, east, and west. So, let’s understand these details in a little bit more detail by looking at how it is fulfilled at the time of the second coming. And we’ll go into great detail about who Jesus had in mind when he was speaking these words.
Though it is far into the future when it is fulfilled, the logic is very consistent because in the current context he was speaking about, there were those who didn’t have little faith in what was happening in their time and those who had great faith, though how did they even have that kind of level of faith? Though they were Gentiles. So, that logic is consistent.
And let’s look at this logic in a little bit more detail now about how it is fulfilled at the second coming.
So, we’re going to draw a big old chart. Oh, not necessarily a chart, a drawing.
A drawing that we’ve been slowly filling in for a long time. So, please leave plenty of space for this drawing on your piece of paper. Make it big, as big as you can.
We’re going to start with this drawing by drawing a little tabernacle. A little tabernacle. We’ve seen this before.
This should not be surprising.
15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Matthew 24:15-16
This should be very familiar to us, right? We’ve gone over it a few times. But we see here that it was prophesied even since the time of Daniel that there would be an abomination, and that abomination enters a holy place. This holy place is also prophesied using figurative language as Judea.
Then, those who are in Judea are meant to flee to the mountains when they see this abomination. In Matthew 24, we like to call it what? A mini revelation. So, in what book will we see this take place in more detail? Revelation.
That’s right. So, Matthew 24, aka a mini revelation, we’re going to see these events be fleshed out in more detail in the book of Revelation. Jesus gave us a teaser or like a trailer. In a world where an abomination enters a holy place, there will be those that flee to the mountains and those that do not. So, let’s learn about this world now.
When you hear Revelation 13, you should think, “Ah, something should already start popping into your head.” Okay, some giant monster comes out of the sea, and he looks very strange, and he does a lot of crazy things. That’s what you should be thinking about when you think of Revelation 13.
And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.
Revelation 13:1-2
Some key terms should be kept in mind. First, we see a beast, and the description of this beast is seven heads and ten horns. Additionally, it has ten crowns on its horns, and each head had a blasphemous name. The beast resembles a leopard, a bear, and has a mouth like a lion. However, these are land animals, but where does this beast come out of? The sea.
The sea is why we studied the parables. By reading this now, you should already have a mental image of the reality of this based on what we’ve learned in the parables. Can anyone describe what this beast is in reality based on the parables?
It’s the pastors. They’re coming out with the word.
Oh, amen. That’s right. So we have a beast, right? It looks kind of crazy, like an abomination with seven heads and ten horns. But this beast in reality, this is what the beast looks like. Seven heads, which are seven pastors or seven leaders, as mentioned in Isaiah 9:15 and Isaiah 29:9-13, where it covers the eyes and heads of the seers and leaders. And ten horns or ten authority figures.
The way Revelation talks about it in Revelation 17:12 is that the ten horns are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom. We know that a spiritual king is a pastor, so a kingdom is a church, which means these are ten people of authority that have not yet received their own church. Other names they could go by are deacon, elder, or assistant pastor.
They come out of the sea. What is the sea, everybody? The sea equals the world. The sea is a place of mixed water that is salty and undrinkable. We know that water represents the word, but if it is seawater, it is the sealed word or undrinkable word. Daniel 7:3-17 talks about how that world or the sea is the earth or the world of Satan or the Leviathan that dwells in the sea, like a coiling serpent. The dragon gives this beast his power, throne, and great authority.
What does this beast decide to do? It enters a place called what? It opened its mouth to blaspheme God and to slander his name and his dwelling place, and those in heaven. What’s the figurative heaven, everybody? Those who live in heaven. The beast invades this place, the tabernacle, and blasphemes God. It gives them the mark of the beast and takes over these people, and they lose to this beast. They cannot overcome this beast; they lose.
Let’s talk more about those who sit in heaven. How can we understand who these people are as we’re learning more about the testimony?
The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:20
And if you remember what we talked about last time, the Greek word for angel in Revelation can also represent messenger. So Jesus is saying these seven people that my seven spirits are with are in my right hand. And they represent seven churches.
Then Jesus tells John, “Write down what you see and send it to those seven churches.” So in Revelation 2 and 3, the letters are being sent to these people by one who saw what took place.
He sees and understands. And then begins to write them letters about what is taking place in their tabernacle. The beast has invaded. As John sends these letters, he hopes that the people will see this and come out.
Because what is happening? Destruction. If you look at the content of the letters, specifically Revelation chapter two, verses 4 and 5, it says:
“Yet I hold this against you. You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” So when this happened to these people, Jesus asked them to repent through the letters sent by John.
But we know that things do not go well for these people because then judgment begins. In Revelation 6, the 4 living creatures send the 4 horses. Things go down.
And then in Revelation 8 and Revelation 9, more judgment comes. So by Revelation 13, they are being destroyed because they betrayed and did not repent. Judgment is now taking place, leading to destruction.
Reminder:
Rv 1:1-3
Rv 14:1-3
Rv 10:8-11
After this, there must be a fleeing, right? People must see and appreciate a remnant coming out of this place. They must flee to the mountains, the mountain that is being established.
As people understand more about what is taking place, the place where God gives the word to Jesus. Jesus opens it and gives it to the angel. And the angel gives it to John. And he tells John, “Eat and then testify to the people. Tell them to come out of her, my people” (Revelation 18:4). So that they will not share in any of her sins or receive any of her plagues. This is part of what the letter told the people to do as well: fight and overcome.
But let’s now understand how they weren’t able to overcome at that time, according to prophecy. You know what this place is – Mount Zion.
Let me give everyone a moment because I know I’m going a little fast. But we’re really starting to break down the events of Revelation, knowing that these things were prophesied to take place. And they must take place exactly as recorded. And then we must hear the testimony about it.
In this picture, who are the subjects of the kingdom that are thrown out? The seven stars, that’s right. They are the subjects of the kingdom. And we’ll read about how they are thrown out in just a second, in Revelation 6. We’ll read about that in a moment.
So then, who are the ones who must take their seat in heaven? And where will that happen? The 144,000 plus the great multitude. They are the ones that come from all places – north, south, east, and west. They come from all places and gather on the mountain where the lamb is. But what needs to happen for them to gather?
First, they need to… Hey, have you heard the parables? Let’s understand these parables together. Oh, fascinating. I didn’t know water also represents the word, interesting. Lampstand means spirits and workers. Interesting, John the Baptist was called the lamp. Wow, I see it right there in the Bible the whole time. And then reality, I understand. I see it like that. That’s how it works. First, the word and the testimony.
So let’s talk more about these subjects of the kingdom and those who take their seats in heaven, those who sit in heaven.
12 I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14 The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
Revelation 6:12-17
A catastrophic event has taken place in Revelation chapter 6. The sun, moon, and stars go dark and fall. We should recognize that the figurative sun, moon, and stars represent something specific.
The sun represents a pastor, the moon represents an evangelist, and the stars represent saints or congregation members. This passage is talking about the subjects of the kingdom who are no longer where they should be. Where should the sun, moon, and stars be? In heaven. But they’ve gone dark and fallen.
Where are they now? In caves, places of darkness. They were thrown out because they betrayed, and now they’re being destroyed. These are not good mountains or caves; they are bad places.
Sadly, the subjects of the kingdom, who were once a tabernacle, a people, have gone dark and fallen. They are now hiding in caves from the judgment of the Lord.
However, after this event, a different group of people appears, as described in Revelation 7:1. We know what happens in Revelation chapter 7, which we’ve mentioned before but will discuss in more detail now.
Revelation chapter 7 starts with “after this,” referring to the event in chapter 6. We see four angels holding back the winds so that a gathering can take place. It is time to harvest and seal during a time of relative peace. However, we know the winds won’t stay held back forever, as a great tribulation will come.
After that, a great multitude comes out, dressed in white (verse 9). There are 144,000 who must be gathered and sealed 100% because they have an important job to do. And after them comes a great multitude dressed in white, coming from all directions – north, south, east, and west.
They take their seats. This should be us. Revelation 7 should be about us. We better not be the reality of Revelation 6, 13, 17, and 18. Let us be Revelation 7 and 14. Are we understanding the impact and importance of our time? Let’s have a sense of urgency.
Now, let’s talk about who these people are and what they need to have to be those who gather. We looked at these qualifications at the beginning of the intermediate level, but let’s review them again, and we’ll add an additional one.
Let’s read Luke 13 now, which describes Jesus saying something similar to Matthew 8:11-12.
28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”
Luke 13:28-30
Jesus says this phrase in verse 30 many times throughout the New Testament, doesn’t he? Throughout the Gospels: “There’ll be those who come from the North and South and East and West, and they will take their seats in the feast.” But these words of Jesus, even the not kind ones, must also be fulfilled, won’t they? Every word must be fulfilled.
So there will be those who are first, who will become last. And there will be those who are last, who will become first. And you know, throughout the Bible, this concept actually showed itself many times.
As we went to Q&A today, we talked about one of these examples a little bit. When we talked about the story of Isaac and Esau, the two sons of Isaac. How were Isaac and Esau born? Jacob was holding Esau’s heel, which means Esau was born first. And based on tradition, the firstborn receives the birthright. That’s just how it is. But Jacob was not having it. Jacob was like, “No, I want that birthright,” because Jacob was last.
Now, when you think about Rebecca and wonder why she was so willing to go with Jacob’s antics, right? How was she so willing to do that? Why was Rebecca so willing to go with what Jacob wanted to do?
Let’s see. Genesis chapter 25, and we are going to read starting from verse 19. I’ll read because there are a few things I want to stop and talk about along the way. Keep that question in mind: Why was Rebecca so willing?
Verse 19 of Genesis 25: “This is the account of Abraham’s son, Isaac. Abraham became the father of Isaac, and Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebecca, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram and sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was barren. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebecca became pregnant. The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, ‘Why is this happening to me?’ So she went to inquire of the Lord.”
Verse 23, everybody: “The Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.'” So why was Rebecca so willing to support Jacob in his antics? It was a prophecy. That’s right. It was prophesied.
And now Jesus is saying the same thing. So guess what? It’s going to happen, just like it happened all that time ago. So how do we make sure that we are those that remain the first when it counts? Not early when it doesn’t count, but at the end when it counts.
We gotta make sure we’re prepared:
1.- We need to be born of God’s seed, just like Jesus sowing the good seed in Matthew 13:24-30. You can also refer to Luke 8:15. Let this be us right away. Let this be me. I want to be those who are born of the good seed or born of God’s seed, which is the word of truth.
2.- We must be harvested, also like in Matthew 13.
3.- Then, we must be what? Sealed. Which means that the word of God is put where? In our mind and in our heart. Any verses come to mind? Hebrews 8:10-12 is one. Another really good one that I like is John 3:31-34, “He who certified that the one who sent was truthful.”
4.- We must belong to at least one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Is this possible for us to do at this exact moment? No, I don’t think so. Why? Because we haven’t learned a new song yet. You sure? I mean, we’re learning it, but we certainly are learning it. All right, we’re learning the first preambles of the song. We’re about to get to the chorus. Oh, good. So we’ll get to that in a moment.
That’s number 6. But we need to be those that belong to one of the 12 tribes because it’s actually possible now. 2,000 years ago, it wasn’t possible for someone to belong to one of the physical 12 tribes because they weren’t born into them. But we know that things changed at the time of the first coming. It then became possible to be part of one of Jesus’s 12 tribes. Huh? Jesus had 12 tribes? Yes. Why? Because Jesus had 12 disciples.
And when a disciple went out to prophesy, went out to testify about Jesus, it was kind of like you belonged to the branch that was connected to that tree. You were a fruit on that branch that was connected to the tree, like John 15:1-5, New Spiritual Israel. You were part of that tribe, essentially, using that same logic. So at the time of the second coming, the 12 tribes prophesied will be spiritual in nature as well, this time of new spiritual Israel. And it will be possible to be part of one of these tribes. In fact, very soon, we will start to learn which. Very soon. And there are 12. So we’ll eliminate one at a time until we get to the one that we are. We’ll start that soon.
5.- We must not add or subtract from Revelation. What verse talks about the importance of not doing this? Revelation 22:18-19. A warning from John, the last warning in the whole Bible. “I warn anyone who reads the prophecies of this book: Do not add to the words of this prophecy or the plagues described in this book will be added to you. And do not subtract from the words of this book or your share in the tree of life and in the city will also be subtracted.” So don’t do it.
Which means, in order to avoid adding and subtracting, the opposite is mastering. That’s the opposite. Master the book of Revelation and be able to testify. Let it flow from you like water.
6.- We must have our names in the book of life. Does anyone remember how many times the book of life is mentioned in the book of Revelation? It’s mentioned 6 times, in Revelation 3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:12, 20:15, and 21:27. So it’s really important, very important.
7.- Now there’s a bonus one, and what do we think the bonus one is? One that’s related to some other things we’ve talked about. What’s the seventh thing that we need to talk about? That’s important for us. The last thing. We do need to have the testimony.
What is the parable for a word of testimony? We need to have the lamp, oil, and wedding clothes from Matthew 22 and Matthew 25.
Everything’s starting to come together for everyone. Slowly but surely, we’re putting Revelation together, right? Very cool. There’s so much more. We’re just getting started. Patience. We’ll get there, I promise.
Memorization
11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 8:11-12
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Outline: A Deep Dive into the Subjects of the Kingdom and Those Who Sit in Heaven
I. Introduction
- Prophecy’s Subtle Arrival: This section introduces Jesus’s tendency to interweave profound prophecies within casual conversations and actions, highlighting the importance of recognizing their significance.
- Defining the Groups: The title “The Subjects of the Kingdom and Those Who Sit in Heaven” introduces two distinct groups that are central to the prophecy under discussion.
- Key Biblical Passages: This section emphasizes the primary biblical references for the lesson: Matthew 8:11-12, Luke 13:28-30, and Revelation chapters 6 and 7.
- The Ultimate Aspiration: The section underscores the hope of being counted among those who inherit the kingdom of heaven at the second coming, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Jesus’s message.
II. Recap: The Four Types of Pastors
- Categorizing Pastors: This section reviews the four types of pastors discussed in the previous lesson: those who prophesied about the coming Messiah (like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel), the promised pastor of the Old Testament, Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the promised pastor of the New Testament.
III. Foundational Understanding: Word Before Testimony
- Two Pillars of Comprehension: This section delves into the two crucial aspects of understanding scripture: comprehending the word itself and witnessing its realization in the testimony.
- Prioritizing the Word: It emphasizes the importance of understanding the word before encountering the testimony, using the examples of Philip and Nathanael in John 1:43-46 and the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35 to illustrate this point.
IV. Analyzing the Prophecy: Matthew 8:11-12
- Contextual Background: This section sets the scene for Jesus’s prophecy by describing his interaction with a Roman centurion who displays remarkable faith in Jesus’s healing power.
- Deciphering Prophecy: It stresses the use of figurative language and parables in prophecy, highlighting the need for deeper interpretation.
- Group 1: Subjects of the Kingdom: The section examines the characteristics of the first group mentioned in the prophecy – the subjects of the kingdom – who were once part of the kingdom but are ultimately cast out.
- Group 2: Those Who Sit in Heaven: This part focuses on the second group – those who come from all corners of the earth (east, west, north, and south) to take their seats in the kingdom of heaven.
- Connecting Prophetic Themes: The section links this prophecy to other biblical imagery like harvesting, sealing, banquets, and fleeing to the mountain, reinforcing the interconnectedness of these themes.
V. Visualizing the Prophecy: A Detailed Illustration
- The Tabernacle as a Symbol: This section uses a visual representation of a tabernacle to illustrate the prophecy, referencing Matthew 24:15-16 and the concept of the abomination entering a holy place.
- Unmasking the Beast: It decodes the symbolism of the beast in Revelation 13:1-2, identifying it as pastors (seven heads) and authority figures (ten horns) emerging from the sea, which represents the world.
- The Beast’s Invasion: The section describes the beast’s entry into the tabernacle, its blasphemous acts, and the mark of the beast as a symbol of spiritual takeover and defeat.
- The Seven Stars and the Seven Churches: This part connects the seven stars in Revelation 1:20 to the angels (messengers) of the seven churches, highlighting the letters sent to warn them about the beast’s invasion.
- Consequences of Betrayal: The section traces the unfolding judgment and destruction in Revelation chapters 6, 8, and 9, emphasizing the dire consequences for those who betray and fail to repent.
- A Call to Escape: This section focuses on the urgent call to flee from the corrupted tabernacle to the mountain of God, citing Revelation 18:4 as an appeal to separate from sin and impending judgment.
- Identifying the Groups in the Illustration: It clarifies the identities of the subjects of the kingdom (the fallen seven stars) and those who sit in heaven (the 144,000 and the great multitude) within the visual representation.
- The Importance of Understanding: The section reiterates the significance of understanding the word in light of the unfolding prophecy, emphasizing the need to recognize its fulfillment.
VI. Judgment and Gathering: Revelation 6 & 7
- The Seven Seals and Unfolding Judgment: This section summarizes the events triggered by Jesus opening the seven seals in Revelation 6, particularly highlighting the weapons of judgment (bow, scales, sword, death, and Hades) unleashed upon those who have betrayed.
- The Fate of the Subjects of the Kingdom: It describes the catastrophic events of the sixth seal in Revelation 6:12-17, interpreting the darkened sun, moon, and stars as fallen pastors, evangelists, and congregation members who now hide in darkness.
- A New Gathering Emerges: This part contrasts the fallen subjects with the gathering of the 144,000 and the great multitude in Revelation 7, emphasizing their white garments and arrival from all directions.
VII. The Last Will Be First: Luke 13:28-30
- The Reversal of Positions: This section connects the prophecy in Matthew 8:11-12 with Luke 13:28-30, highlighting Jesus’s repeated statement about the last becoming first and vice versa.
- The Example of Jacob and Esau: It uses the story of Isaac and Esau in Genesis 25:19-23 as a biblical example of this reversal, emphasizing the prophetic nature of Jacob receiving the birthright despite being born second.
VIII. Qualifications for the Kingdom
- Seven Essential Criteria: This section outlines the seven qualifications for inheriting the kingdom of heaven: being born of God’s seed, being harvested, being sealed, belonging to one of the 12 tribes of spiritual Israel, refraining from adding or subtracting from Revelation, having one’s name in the book of life, and possessing the word of testimony (lamp, oil, and wedding clothes).
- Understanding the 12 Tribes: It explains the shift from physical to spiritual tribes of Israel through Jesus’s disciples and the ongoing process of identifying the 12 tribes of the new spiritual Israel.
- The Significance of the Book of Life: The section underscores the critical importance of having one’s name in the book of life, referencing its numerous mentions in Revelation.
- The Meaning of Wedding Garments: This part deciphers the symbolism of wedding garments in Matthew 22 and Matthew 25 as righteous doctrines, actions, and hearts purified by the blood of the Lamb, referencing Revelation 7:14 and 19:8.
IX. Concluding Summary
- Recap of Key Concepts: The section summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the two groups in the prophecy, the fulfillment of prophetic imagery in Revelation, the fall of the seven stars, the call to flee to the mountain of God, and the seven qualifications for inheriting the kingdom of heaven.
- A Call to Action: It concludes with a call to understand and apply the teachings to personal lives, urging readers to meet the requirements for entering the kingdom of heaven.
A Study Guide
The Subjects of the Kingdom and Those Who Sit in Heaven: A Study Guide
Quiz
Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
- What is the significance of the figurative language used in the prophecy of Matthew 8:11-12?
- What does the “sea” represent in the parable of the beast in Revelation 13? How does this connect to the concept of the sealed word?
- Explain the symbolic meaning of the sun, moon, and stars falling in Revelation 6:12-17. Who do they represent, and what does their fall signify?
- What is the role of the four angels in Revelation 7? What event are they enabling?
- How does the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22 relate to the concept of those who sit in heaven?
- What does it mean to be “born of God’s seed”? What biblical passages support this concept?
- Explain the concept of being “sealed” in the context of this study. What is its significance for those who seek to sit in heaven?
- How does the concept of belonging to one of the 12 tribes of Israel evolve in the New Testament? How is this relevant to the second coming?
- Why is it crucial to avoid adding or subtracting from the book of Revelation? What is the ultimate consequence of doing so?
- What do the lamp, oil, and wedding clothes symbolize in relation to those who will sit in heaven? Explain each symbol and its significance.
Quiz Answer Key
- The figurative language in Matthew 8:11-12 emphasizes that the prophecy requires interpretation to understand its deeper meaning. Jesus uses common imagery like banquets and darkness to represent spiritual realities, requiring the listener to engage with the symbolism to grasp the full message.
- The “sea” in Revelation 13 represents the world, specifically the world under the influence of Satan, characterized by a mixture of truth and falsehood. This connects to the sealed word because the seawater, being undrinkable, symbolizes the word being inaccessible or distorted, making it difficult for people to discern truth from falsehood.
- The falling sun, moon, and stars symbolize the downfall of spiritual leaders and their followers. The sun represents pastors, the moon evangelists, and the stars the congregation. Their fall signifies their departure from God’s truth and subsequent judgment.
- The four angels in Revelation 7 hold back the winds of destruction to allow for the gathering and sealing of the 144,000 and the great multitude. This temporary pause in judgment enables the faithful to be marked and protected before the final tribulation begins.
- The wedding banquet parable illustrates the inclusivity of those who sit in heaven. Just as the master invites people from all walks of life to the banquet, God extends His invitation to people from all nations and backgrounds. It also highlights the importance of being properly prepared, symbolized by the wedding garment, to partake in the feast.
- To be “born of God’s seed” means to be regenerated by the word of truth, receiving spiritual life through accepting and internalizing God’s teachings. Passages like Matthew 13:24-30 and Luke 8:15 emphasize the transformative power of the word in bringing forth new life in believers.
- Being “sealed” refers to the indelible mark of God’s ownership and protection placed upon His chosen people. It signifies that the word of God is deeply embedded in their hearts and minds, securing their place in the kingdom. Hebrews 8:10-12 and John 3:31-34 highlight the permanence and transformative nature of this sealing.
- In the New Testament, the concept of the 12 tribes of Israel expands to encompass a spiritual Israel, comprised of believers from all nations who follow Jesus. Just as the original 12 tribes were united under the leadership of the 12 sons of Jacob, believers are now united under the leadership of the 12 apostles, forming a new spiritual family.
- Adding or subtracting from Revelation distorts the divine revelation and jeopardizes one’s place in God’s kingdom. It reflects a disregard for the authority and completeness of God’s word. Revelation 22:18-19 explicitly warns against such actions, emphasizing the severe consequences of tampering with the sacred text.
- The lamp and oil symbolize the word of God and the word of testimony, respectively, illuminating the path for believers and guiding them towards God. Wedding clothes represent a life transformed by faith in Jesus, characterized by righteous actions, pure hearts, and adherence to sound doctrine. These symbols emphasize the crucial role of both inward transformation and outward actions in preparing for the heavenly kingdom.
Additional Questions
1. In Mt 8:11-12 and Lk 22:28-30 there are two groups of people at the time of the 2nd coming, who are they?
The Subjects of the kingdom
Those who come from the east and west
2. According to the prophecies in the New Testament what are the qualifications to enter the wedding banquet of at the second coming?
– Must be born of God’s seed
– Must be harvested
– Must be sealed
– Must belong to the 12 tribes
– Never +/- from the book of Revelation
– Name must be written on the Book of Life
– Must prepare the lamp, oil and wedding cloths to welcome the Lord
Glossary of Key Terms
- Abomination of Desolation: A prophesied event involving a sacrilegious act that defiles the holy place, signaling a time of great tribulation.
- Beast from the Sea: A symbolic figure in Revelation representing a corrupt religious system that emerges from the world and opposes God’s truth.
- Sealed Word: Symbolic language for the word of God being hidden, distorted, or inaccessible to understanding, preventing people from grasping its true meaning.
- Subjects of the Kingdom: Those who were initially part of God’s kingdom but were cast out due to their betrayal and lack of repentance.
- Those Who Sit in Heaven: The faithful believers from all nations who persevere in their faith, overcome trials, and are ultimately gathered in the presence of God.
- Born of God’s Seed: The spiritual rebirth that occurs when individuals accept and internalize the word of God, resulting in new life and transformation.
- Sealed: The indelible mark of God’s ownership and protection upon believers, signifying their secure place in the kingdom and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
- 12 Tribes of Israel: In the context of the second coming, represents a spiritual Israel comprised of believers from all nations who are united under the leadership of Jesus and His apostles.
- Word of Testimony: Personal experiences and accounts of God’s faithfulness that serve to confirm and strengthen the truth of scripture, providing powerful evidence of God’s power and presence.
- Lamp, Oil, and Wedding Clothes: Symbols representing the essential elements for those who aspire to sit in heaven: the lamp and oil symbolize the word of God and the word of testimony, while the wedding clothes represent a life transformed by faith, characterized by righteousness and purity.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This timeline is based on the interpretation of biblical prophecy presented in the provided source. It blends events from different time periods into a single prophetic narrative.
Past:
- Old Testament Prophecy: Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel foretell the coming of a promised pastor.
- First Coming of Jesus: Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies. He gathers 12 disciples, forming a New Spiritual Israel.
Present:
- The Word is Opened: The true meaning of biblical prophecy is revealed, particularly concerning the book of Revelation.
Future:
- The Abomination Enters the Holy Place: A beast, representing false pastors, emerges from the world (sea) and invades the tabernacle (church).
- Betrayal and Fall of the Seven Stars: Seven pastors, represented as stars, fall from their position due to their betrayal and lack of repentance. They are symbolized by the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars.
- Judgment and Destruction: The beast, empowered by the dragon (Satan), brings judgment upon those who remain in the corrupted tabernacle. This is symbolized by the four horsemen and other plagues.
- The Gathering and Sealing of the 144,000: Four angels hold back the winds of destruction to allow for the gathering and sealing of 144,000 people from the 12 tribes of Israel.
- The Great Multitude Joins: A vast number of people from all over the world (north, south, east, and west) who have heard the word and testimony join the 144,000.
- Establishment of Mount Zion: The 144,000 and the great multitude gather on Mount Zion, representing the true kingdom of God.
- The Wedding Feast: Those who are gathered participate in a wedding feast, symbolizing their union with God.
Note: The timeline doesn’t specify exact dates for these events. It emphasizes the sequence and spiritual significance of the events within the framework of biblical prophecy.
Cast of Characters
Old Testament Figures:
- Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel: Old Testament prophets who foretold the coming of Jesus.
New Testament Figures:
- Jesus: The promised pastor, fulfills Old Testament prophecies and establishes a New Spiritual Israel.
- John the Baptist: A forerunner to Jesus, described as a lamp.
- The 12 Disciples: Jesus’s followers, who form the foundation of the New Spiritual Israel.
- John: The author of Revelation, receives visions and writes letters to the seven churches.
Symbolic Figures:
- The Beast: Represents false pastors who emerge from the world (sea) and corrupt the church.
- The Seven Stars: Seven pastors who betray and fall from their position, symbolized by the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars.
- The Dragon: Satan, who empowers the beast.
- The Four Living Creatures: Heavenly beings who send forth the four horsemen and other judgments.
- The Four Horsemen: Symbolic figures representing conquest, war, famine, and death.
- The 144,000: A symbolic number representing those who are sealed from the 12 tribes of Israel.
- The Great Multitude: Those who hear the word and testimony and join the 144,000.
Groups:
- Subjects of the Kingdom: Those who were initially part of the kingdom but are thrown out due to their betrayal.
- Those Who Sit in Heaven: Those who come from all over the world and take their place in the true kingdom of God.
Overview
Overview: The Subjects of the Kingdom and Those Who Sit in Heaven
Main Theme: This lesson focuses on two groups of people prophesied in the Bible: the subjects of the kingdom who are ultimately cast out and those who come from all corners of the earth to take their seats in heaven. The lesson utilizes biblical prophecy, particularly from Matthew, Luke, and Revelation, to explain these two groups and their destinies.
Most Important Ideas and Facts:
1. The Importance of Understanding the Word Before the Testimony:
- The lesson emphasizes the crucial need to understand the word of God (scriptures) before witnessing its fulfillment (testimony). This is illustrated with the examples of Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43-46) and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).
- Quote: “Understanding the word must come first before one hears the testimony. When someone hears the testimony first, they often have many questions like ‘Why X? Why Y? Why Z?’ If they had heard the word first, these questions would not arise as they would already understand the reasons behind X, Y, and Z.”
2. Prophecy of the Two Groups:
- Matthew 8:11-12: This passage prophecies that many will come from all directions and take their places at the feast in the kingdom of heaven. However, the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown out into darkness.
- Luke 13:28-30: This passage echoes the prophecy, emphasizing those who will be last becoming first and the first becoming last.
3. Understanding Prophecy Through Figurative Language and Parables:
- The lesson highlights the use of figurative language and parables in biblical prophecy. It draws connections between various biblical symbols and their real-world counterparts:
- Sea: Represents the world, a place of mixed and undrinkable (sealed) word.
- Beast: Represents the seven pastors and ten authority figures who emerge from the world (sea).
- Sun, Moon, and Stars: Represent the pastor, evangelist, and congregation members, respectively.
- Mountains and Caves: Represent places of refuge, with good mountains representing the true refuge and caves representing false refuge.
4. The Fulfillment of Prophecy in Revelation:
- The lesson connects the prophecies in Matthew and Luke to the events described in Revelation. It interprets Revelation 6 as the judgment and fall of the subjects of the kingdom (the sun, moon, and stars) who betray and are cast out.
- Revelation 7 is presented as the gathering of the faithful from all over the world who take their seats in heaven.
5. Qualifications for Those Who Sit in Heaven:
- The lesson outlines seven qualifications for those who will be part of the gathering and sit in heaven:
- Be born of God’s seed (word of truth).
- Be harvested.
- Be sealed (having the word of God in mind and heart).
- Belong to one of the 12 tribes of spiritual Israel.
- Neither add to nor subtract from Revelation.
- Have your name written in the book of life.
- Possess the lamp, oil, and wedding clothes (representing word, testimony, and righteous actions).
Quotes:
- “The beast invades this place, the tabernacle, and blasphemes God. It gives them the mark of the beast and takes over these people, and they lose to this beast. They cannot overcome this beast; they lose.”
- “A catastrophic event has taken place in Revelation chapter 6. The sun, moon, and stars go dark and fall… This passage is talking about the subjects of the kingdom who are no longer where they should be. Where should the sun, moon, and stars be? In heaven. But they’ve gone dark and fallen.”
- “Revelation 7 should be about us. We better not be the reality of Revelation 6, 13, 17, and 18. Let us be Revelation 7 and 14. Are we understanding the impact and importance of our time? Let’s have a sense of urgency.”
Conclusion: The lesson stresses the importance of understanding biblical prophecy and recognizing its fulfillment in current times. It urges listeners to strive to be among those who are gathered and sealed, ultimately taking their seats in the kingdom of heaven.
Q&A
Q&A: Subjects of the Kingdom and Those Who Sit in Heaven
1. What is the main prophecy discussed in this lesson?
This lesson focuses on the prophecy Jesus gave in Matthew 8:11-12 and Luke 13:28-30. It foretells two groups of people: those initially belonging to the kingdom of heaven who are later cast out and those from all over the world (“east and west, north and south”) who take their places in the kingdom.
2. What does the imagery of the beast rising from the sea represent?
The beast with seven heads and ten horns emerging from the sea in Revelation 13 symbolizes a group of false pastors and authority figures. The seven heads represent seven misleading pastors or leaders, while the ten horns represent ten individuals in positions of authority who have not yet established their own churches. The sea, representing the world, signifies their worldly origin and their propagation of distorted, “undrinkable” word.
3. Who are the “subjects of the kingdom” who are thrown out?
The “subjects of the kingdom” who are expelled represent those who were initially part of the true church but betrayed their faith and failed to repent. They are symbolized by the fallen sun, moon, and stars in Revelation 6:12-17.
4. Who are those who “sit in heaven” and what are their characteristics?
Those who “sit in heaven” are those who heed the true word of God, come from all corners of the earth, and gather on Mount Zion. They are represented by the 144,000 and the great multitude in Revelation 7.
To be counted among this group, individuals must possess specific qualities:
- Be born of God’s seed: Receive and internalize the true word of God.
- Be harvested: Be gathered into the true church.
- Be sealed: Have the word of God firmly implanted in their hearts and minds.
- Belong to one of the 12 tribes of Israel: Be part of the new spiritual Israel, symbolized by the 12 disciples of Jesus.
- Not add or subtract from Revelation: Fully embrace and master the teachings of Revelation without distortion.
- Have their names in the book of life: Be recognized by God as faithful followers.
- Possess the lamp, oil, and wedding clothes: Have the word of God (lamp), the word of testimony (oil), and righteous actions and hearts (wedding clothes).
5. How does the story of Jacob and Esau relate to this prophecy?
The story of Jacob and Esau illustrates the concept of “the first will be last, and the last will be first,” which Jesus often mentioned. Though Esau was the firstborn and traditionally entitled to the birthright, Jacob ultimately received it, fulfilling a prophecy. This highlights the importance of spiritual preparedness and remaining faithful until the end, rather than relying on initial status or perceived advantages.
6. How can we avoid being among the “subjects of the kingdom” who are thrown out?
To avoid the fate of those expelled from the kingdom, individuals must:
- Continuously seek understanding of the true word of God.
- Heed the warnings in Revelation and avoid distorting its teachings.
- Repent of any past betrayals and strive to live righteously.
- Actively gather with those who hold true to the word of God.
7. What is the significance of the repeated phrase “the first will be last, and the last will be first”?
This phrase emphasizes that initial status or outward appearances are not decisive in determining who ultimately inherits the kingdom of heaven. True faithfulness, spiritual preparedness, and perseverance until the end are the qualities that matter most.
8. How does understanding the parables help us comprehend Revelation?
The parables Jesus taught provide crucial keys to unlocking the deeper meaning of the often symbolic and figurative language used in Revelation. By understanding the parables, we can better grasp the realities being depicted in Revelation and discern the truth from distortions.