Table of Contents
The lesson focused on Revelation 7:9-17 describing the great multitude that emerges after the sealing of the 144,000. This multitude comes from every nation, tribe, people and language, representing those coming out of different churches, denominations and doctrines. Unlike the 144,000 which is a counted number, the great multitude is described as too vast to count. They are holding palm branches symbolizing the word of God they have received, and are dressed in white robes washed by the blood of the Lamb, meaning cleansed by Jesus’ words. They have come out of the great tribulation, which is likened to the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted the whole world. After this tribulation, a vast number are prophesied to come and receive the true word. When gathered before God’s throne in the New Jerusalem, they will never hunger or thirst spiritually again, protected from false teachings. The Lamb will shepherd them to springs of living waters, representing the true teachings they will receive.
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.
Rev 7: The Newly Created 12 Tribes of New Spiritual Israel Part 2
Are we ready to explore Revelation 7 again?
Today’s jam-packed lesson will focus on the great multitude – examining their origins, their journey, and the blessings they receive.
We will also analyze the surrounding events related to the great multitude, looking at what prophecies have reached their fulfilment and what remains to be fulfilled.
The Sealing continues – Part Two
The focus is on Revelation chapter 7, which discusses the newly created 12 tribes of new spiritual Israel. In this chapter, the 4 living creatures pause judgment for the work of sealing.
New John is revealed as the seal of the living God, held by the angel from the east. The servants to be sealed are those of the 12 tribes, beginning with the 144,000. This number comprises 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes. The sealing process is determined solely by God’s perspective – it is God who decides who is sealed, not any person. When God makes this decision, that individual is added to the number.
Consider this: people have been reading about the 144,000 for 2,000 years. When the world discovers who these people are, their reaction will be one of shock. These 144,000 will become the most famous people ever, with people saying:
“One of the 144,000 is here. Come teach me.”
“I must know your ways. I must know the ways of God. We’ve been waiting for you a long time.”
While fame isn’t the motivation to strive to be part of this number, it will be a natural consequence of the number being revealed.
In Revelation 7, we see the parable of the names of Jacob’s sons. However, in reality, these are the names of Jesus, as Jesus is fulfilling his promise made to his disciples in Matthew chapter 19. While the 12 tribes are actually named after his disciples, the parable points to […] is […].
The Great Multitude in White
Revelation 7:9-14
Revelation 7:9-14 NIV84
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. [10] And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” [11] All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, [12] saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” [13] Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” [14] I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
ONE – After this: Sealing of 144,000 and the Great Tribulation.
Let’s examine the key points in this chapter, beginning with verse 9, which starts with “After this.”
“After this” refers to what follows the sealing of the 144,000 and after the great tribulation.
To properly understand Revelation and avoid confusion, there’s a crucial point to remember: Prophecy shows the end state.
In this vision, Apostle John sees the great multitude and the 144,000 already gathered – he sees the end result. However, he doesn’t see the process of how it comes about.
To explain this further: While John sees the great multitude existing, he doesn’t see the steps taken to gather them. This is because God exists outside of time – both the beginning and end are equally accessible to Him. As stated in Isaiah 46:10, “I make known the end from the beginning.”
We, however, are bound by time. We exist at a specific point, unable to access the future and only able to look back as far as our memory allows. When God shows a vision, He often reveals the end result and asks us to trust His guidance along the way.
For example, God told Abraham, “I will make you the father of many nations.” From God’s perspective, He already saw all the nations that would come from Abraham. He then told Abraham to follow and trust Him, to go to the land He would show.
Similarly with Revelation’s fulfillment, both Apostle John and New John see the end state. The exact path to fulfillment becomes clearer as events unfold. As time-bound beings, we understand the reality of these prophecies as they take place.
In Revelation 7, we’re seeing the end result where the great multitude is already gathered. The process of how these events unfold is revealed to us gradually along our time-bound journey.
TWO – Great Multitude from:
The Bible describes what happens after the sealing of the 144,000 and a great tribulation – we see the great multitude. Where does this great multitude come from?
While one might think they are from Babylon, Revelation 7:9 actually states they come from “every nation, tribe, people, and language.”
According to 2 Peter 2:9, these represent the reality of the church, which can be understood as:
- Nation represents a church
- Tribe represents a denomination
- People represents the congregation members
- Language represents their doctrine – the words they speak and believe
The great multitude comes from all these different places. This can be seen even in our class today – we are people who didn’t all come from the same denomination or congregation.
We came from various places, but by God’s grace, we are gathering together as one. This unity won’t be limited to just a few people – a great many people will come together like this. We are simply among the first to experience this gathering.
THREE – No One Can Count
When examining the number of people who call Jesus “Lord” today, it amounts to over 2 billion people. However, there is a distinction between what is countable and what cannot be counted.
The Bible mentions two groups:
- The 144,000, which is a countable number – specifically 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes.
- The great multitude, which is described as uncountable – meaning there are so many people that it becomes impossible to count them.
This contrast shows that while some groups in scripture have specific, countable numbers (like the 144,000), the great multitude represents such a vast number of people that it exceeds our ability to count them.
FOUR – Palm Branches = The Word
The great multitude holds palm branches. The palm branches recall the welcome of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey.
In Revelation, this is a parable. The word appears in parable form as a seed. This seed must grow within a person. The palm branches represent the word – the word that people have received and hold.
This connection is further explained in John 15:1,5, where Jesus, who is the word, says, “I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener.” He refers to his disciples as branches, emphasizing their connection to Him – they are connected to the word.
1 Peter 1:22-25 NIV84
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. [23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For, “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, [25] but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.
We need to understand what we are born of and what we should be born of. According to God’s word, we are to be born of His imperishable word.
Since all men are like grass, which withers away, we must become the word itself. When God’s seed is planted within us and takes root, our transformation is to become the word.
FIVE – Great Multitude in White: Washes Robes in Blood of Blood.
Let’s examine Revelation chapter 7, focusing on those wearing white robes.
In Revelation 7:9, we see a description: “They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
What was their cry? They cried out about salvation, declaring “Salvation belongs to our God and to the lamb.” This great multitude came from many places.
According to Revelation 7:14, they washed their robes in the blood of the lamb. What is this blood of the lamb? It represents the words of Jesus who is life, as stated in John 6:63. Through this washing, their robes became as white as snow.
Now, has anyone here actually washed their clothes in literal blood? Of course not – I hope no one makes this a practice! This is obviously figurative blood.
The blood of Jesus serves different purposes: it had a mission during His first coming, and it also has a mission for His second coming.
- At the first coming: Jesus established the new covenant in his blood. When he physically shed his blood on the cross, it was for the atonement of sin – this was his first coming mission.
- At the second coming, Jesus’s blood serves multiple purposes: it washes people, purchases them, and frees them from sin. His blood makes their robes white.
People receive these white robes because of their actions in God’s and Jesus’s eyes. This is an important meaning that we often tend to forget.
What does righteousness mean?
Righteousness and righteous actions are concepts that need to be examined broadly before understanding the new covenant.
The meaning of righteousness and the qualities of a righteous person extend beyond just believing in Jesus.
An important consideration is how people were considered righteous in the era before Jesus came.
The concept of righteousness raises several questions:
– The definition of righteousness
– The characteristics of a righteous person
– How people were considered righteous before Jesus came
Having the word and following the law are key elements that define righteousness.
Let’s turn to the book of Psalms.
Psalm 37:30-31 NIV84
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. [31] The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.
A righteous man is defined by having the law of God written on their hearts. This has been the unchanging standard of righteousness, even through Jesus’s coming.
Jesus himself reinforced this truth. Without the word in one’s heart, living according to God’s will becomes impossible. The word must dwell within a person to provide guidance.
This standard remains constant. Jesus illustrated this concept through figurative teachings, such as when He said to eat His flesh and drink His blood – meaning to digest His words and make them an integral part of oneself.
In John 14:23-24, Jesus emphasizes this further: “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teachings.” This reinforces that the word must be internalized for true obedience.
This same concept is what Paul addresses in Romans chapter 10.
Romans 10:5-17 NIV84
Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: “The man who does these things will live by them.” [6] But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) [7] “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). [8] But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: [9] That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. [11] As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” [12] For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, [13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” [14] How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? [15] And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” [16] But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” [17] Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
In Romans 10:5, Paul presents how Moses describes righteousness by the law: “The man who does these things will live by them.”
But the righteousness that comes by faith speaks differently. It does not say “Who will ascend into heaven?” (to bring Christ down) or “Who will descend into the deep?” (to bring Christ up from the dead).
Instead, what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.”
Paul writes this to show God’s consistency in His thoughts, not man’s thoughts. The word of faith we proclaim states: if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Salvation comes through:
– Heart belief leading to justification
– Mouth confession leading to salvation
As Scripture declares, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” There is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all, richly blessing all who call on Him. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The name of the Lord is His word. Jesus equals the word (1 John 1:1-2). Calling on the name of the Lord goes deeper than just saying “Jesus.” It means believing He is the one God sent, according to:
– Isaiah 28:16
– Isaiah 53
– Deuteronomy 18
– John 1:1
True faith comes from deeply understanding:
– Who Jesus is
– Why He came
– What He said and did
– The fulfilled prophecies
This realization brings joy – seeing prophecies fulfilled and understanding Christ’s sacrifice. Such faith, rooted in the word, cannot be shaken by worldly things or arguments.
Faith must be deeply rooted in the word, not just existing at a surface level. Simply believing in Jesus because He died for you, without understanding the deeper meaning, creates a vulnerable foundation.
When someone questions, “Why did your prophet have to die? Muhammad didn’t have to die,” those with surface-level faith might begin to doubt because their belief isn’t rooted in anything solid.
Our faith needs to be anchored in the word. When someone can explain why Christ had to die through the scriptures, that person’s faith becomes rock solid. It’s built on the rock, not flimsy enough to be blown away by simple arguments from those who don’t understand.
Romans 10:14 explains this further:
“How then can they call on one they have not believed in?
And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
And how can they preach unless they were sent?”
As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” However, not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
The key message is clear: faith comes from hearing the message – the word. And the message is heard through the word of Christ. Amen.
True Righteousness
Let me say this one more time.
True righteousness comes from heaven as a gift, not through self-righteousness.
This is the essence of grace – it is given, not earned. God bestows this gift, granting eyes that can see and ears that can hear. He seeks those whose hearts are in the right condition to receive the implanted word.
This understanding is crucial: these people acknowledge that salvation belongs to God and the Lamb, recognizing the grace they have received. As a result, they have gathered together in great numbers.
Back To Revelation 7:11
Looking at Revelation 7:11, we examine what they emerged from. The scripture describes that all the angels took their positions surrounding the throne, along with the elders and the four living creatures.
In worship, they prostrated themselves before the throne and praised God with these words: “Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Then Revelation 7:13-14.
“Then one of the elders asked me, ‘Who are these people in white robes, and where did they come from?’
I replied, ‘Sir, you know.’
The elder explained, ‘These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'”
SIX – What is the Great Tribulation?
What does this mean, and what is the great tribulation – a topic that many have discussed?
When considering the great tribulation, there is an important point to remember: prophecy reveals the end state.
Revelation 7 describes people coming out of the great tribulation, indicating that the great tribulation had already begun when the great multitude was being gathered. However, the text does not specify when exactly the great tribulation begins.
The Winds Were Blowing in Rev 6 and Stopped in Rev 7
In reviewing Revelation chapter 6, we observed the winds were blowing.
Moving to Revelation 7:1-4, there is a transition where the winds are stopped to allow for the sealing to take place. However, in Revelation 7:9-14, the winds resume blowing again.
This return of the winds represents the return of judgment – specifically the great tribulation.
Unlike before, where it was limited to the tabernacle, this time the impact extends to many peoples, nations, languages, kings, and tribes. As a result of these winds blowing again, people will gather together on the mountain.
Actual Reality – COVID-19
In November 2019, a significant event occurred – the first 100,000 graduation at Mount Zion, where 100,000 people joined Mount Zion simultaneously over the course of one year. This happened when God saw that enough people had received and accepted the word of Revelation.
Shortly after this milestone, COVID-19 emerged, which represents the great tribulation. During this time, the entire world came to a pause – everything shut down, including churches, which were forced to move their services online.
This is why we now teach these lessons online, as a result of the great tribulation. Before COVID, we used to teach these lessons in person, which was a particularly enjoyable time.
People would gather in the same building, and no one wanted to leave. We would stay and socialize for extended periods. The evangelists would often have to remind us, “The lesson ended two hours ago. Please go home,” but we would insist on staying, saying “We have more questions.”
Those were the days before COVID when we met in person. By God’s grace, we are gradually returning to in-person gatherings, which is wonderful, after COVID-19 had initially shut everything down.
After COVID-19
After COVID-19, we are witnessing remarkable events: first another 100,000 graduation, followed by 110,000 graduation. People are steadily coming out of Babylon, not just slowly but vastly and surely.
My desire and prayer for all of you is to follow the same path as you hear these words and understand what is being fulfilled in our time. There is another big judgment yet to come. We have already experienced how the whole world can be shut down, and we know that Revelation 18, which speaks about the judgment of Babylon, is still to be fulfilled.
I don’t want any of us to remain in Babylon when that judgment takes place. Let’s all make sure we are out of it.
Revelation 7:15-17
Revelation 7:15-17 NIV84
Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. [16] Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. [17] For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
ONE – Before Throne, Revelation 21:1-4
In Revelation 4 and 5, we see that God and Jesus receive glory. Similarly, this pattern continues in Revelation chapter 7. Specifically in verse 15, it states: “Therefore, they will be before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple. And he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.”
The fulfillment of this reality is connected to Revelation 21:1-4, when the Holy City, New Jerusalem, will descend to the New Heaven and New Earth. At this time, a significant unification will occur – the spiritual heaven and physical heaven will become one.
This unification represents the restoration of the Garden of Eden. In this restored place, there will be abundant blessings, including life forevermore.
TWO – Never Hunger or Thirst Again
At this place, people will never experience hunger or thirst again. However, this refers to a specific type of hunger and thirst – hunger for the word and thirst for the word.
In Amos 8:11-12, there was a prophesied famine, but not a physical one – it was a famine of the word. Throughout Bible history, there have been periods of spiritual famine when the word of God was absent. In fact, before Revelation was fulfilled, we experienced a lengthy period of spiritual famine.
During this time, people created numerous denominations and doctrines, unable to find agreement among themselves. This situation was like the sea, as described in verse 12: they would go from sea to sea, searching for the word, but would not find it.
This occurred during both the first coming and the second coming. However, as stated in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
When heaven descends, these people will never experience spiritual hunger or thirst again because they will be filled directly from the source.
The text also mentions another significant point: “The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.” This raises an interesting question – if the sun represents God, what does it mean that the sun will not scorch them?
In this context, the “bad sun” refers to false pastors who will no longer scorch or shine upon these people, because God will place His tent over them as protection – blocking them from false pastors.
Let me show you an example of what it means to be scorched by a bad sun.
Matthew 13:5-6 NIV84
Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
Good sun or bad sun? Bad sun.
Jesus describes the rocky field in Matthew 13:20-21:
“The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time.”
When persecution comes, those with shallow roots cannot survive. This represents the type of sun that God and Jesus will eliminate. The true sun – the one that gives light and truth – will reign instead.
This will happen for those at Mount Zion, who are part of one of the 12 tribes. It will include a great multitude of people. With God, who keeps his promises, this is certain.
You might wonder: How is it possible for many people to gather as one?
Looking at today’s world:
– People seem more divided than ever
– There’s more disagreement than before
– People suffer from ailments, prejudices, wars, and famines
But if you’re asking such questions – where is your faith? Why question this?
Is anything impossible for God? No.
Nothing is impossible for God, except lying – it’s impossible for God to lie. Everything else is possible.
Let’s be among those who gather on this coming mountain. By God’s grace, it is coming quickly.
Revelation chapter 7 speaks about the coming of the great multitude.
Let’s be ready for that test – it’s coming up quickly! We must prepare to pass it and move on to the next one, as things continue to get deeper.
Memorization
Revelation 7:14 NIV84
I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
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
The Newly Created 12 Tribes of New Spiritual Israel Part 2: A Detailed Examination
I. Introduction: This section sets the stage for the lesson, focusing on the great multitude in Revelation 7. It highlights their origins, journey, blessings, and the prophetic context surrounding their emergence.
II. The Great Multitude in White (Revelation 7:9-14): This section delves into Revelation 7:9-14, describing the vision of the great multitude before the throne, their white robes, palm branches, and their proclamation of salvation belonging to God and the Lamb.
III. Understanding Prophecy and Time: This section explores the concept of prophecy revealing the end state, explaining that God exists outside of time while humans are bound by it. This allows us to understand that John sees the end result of the great multitude being gathered without witnessing the process unfold.
IV. Origins of the Great Multitude: This section analyzes the diverse origins of the great multitude, representing churches, denominations, congregations, and doctrines, signifying the unity and diversity of the church.
V. Countable and Uncountable Groups: This section distinguishes between countable groups like the 144,000 and the uncountable great multitude, emphasizing the vastness of those who will be saved.
VI. Palm Branches and the Word: This section connects the palm branches held by the multitude to the word of God, drawing parallels to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the symbolism of branches connected to the vine, which is Christ.
VII. Born of the Imperishable Word: This section emphasizes the importance of being born of God’s imperishable word, which provides lasting life in contrast to the fleeting nature of human existence.
VIII. White Robes and the Blood of the Lamb: This section explains the significance of the white robes worn by the great multitude, representing their purification through the blood of the Lamb, which symbolizes the words of Jesus.
IX. The Two Missions of Jesus’ Blood: This section distinguishes between the mission of Jesus’ blood at His first coming (atonement for sin) and His second coming (washing, purchasing, and freeing from sin).
X. Righteousness Defined: This section explores the concept of righteousness, emphasizing that it is defined by having the law of God written on one’s heart and living according to His will.
XI. Righteousness by Faith and the Internalized Word: This section analyzes Romans 10:5-17, highlighting how righteousness by faith is demonstrated through heart belief, mouth confession, and living by the word of God.
XII. True Righteousness as a Gift: This section emphasizes that true righteousness is a gift from God, not earned through self-righteousness, emphasizing the grace bestowed upon those who receive the implanted word.
XIII. Worship of the Angels and Elders (Revelation 7:11): This section describes the worshipful scene in Revelation 7:11, where angels, elders, and living creatures prostrate themselves before the throne, praising God.
XIV. Identifying the Great Multitude (Revelation 7:13-14): This section revisits Revelation 7:13-14, where an elder explains that the great multitude are those who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
XV. Defining the Great Tribulation: This section discusses the nature of the great tribulation, referencing the resumption of judgment and the impact on various peoples and nations. It also links the blowing of the winds in Revelation 6 and 7 to the beginning and continuation of the tribulation.
XVI. COVID-19 as a Manifestation of the Great Tribulation: This section connects the COVID-19 pandemic to the great tribulation, citing the shutdown of churches and the shift to online services as evidence.
XVII. Post-COVID Growth and the Coming Judgment: This section highlights the continued growth of the church following COVID-19, with increasing numbers coming out of Babylon. It also warns of the coming judgment of Babylon described in Revelation 18.
XVIII. Review of Part Two: This section provides a concise review of the key takeaways from Part Two, summarizing the origins, characteristics, and blessings of the great multitude, as well as the reality of the great tribulation.
XIX. Blessings of the Great Multitude (Revelation 7:15-17): This section explores the blessings promised to the great multitude in Revelation 7:15-17, including their presence before God’s throne, eternal service in His temple, and freedom from spiritual hunger, thirst, and scorching by false teachers.
XX. The New Jerusalem and Restoration of Eden: This section connects the blessings of the great multitude to the descent of the New Jerusalem and the restoration of the Garden of Eden, signifying a unified heaven and earth filled with abundance.
XXI. Spiritual Hunger and Thirst Quenched: This section interprets the promise of never hungering or thirsting again as referring to spiritual hunger and thirst for the word of God, highlighting the fulfillment of the prophecy in Amos 8:11-12.
XXII. The Sun’s Absence and Protection from False Pastors: This section explains the metaphorical meaning of the sun not scorching the great multitude, interpreting it as protection from false pastors and their harmful teachings.
XXIII. The Parable of the Rocky Field and Shallow Roots: This section uses the parable of the rocky field in Matthew 13:5-6 to illustrate the vulnerability of those with shallow roots in the word, emphasizing the need for deep understanding and unwavering faith.
XXIV. The True Sun and the Light of Truth: This section contrasts the scorching “bad sun” with the true sun that provides light and truth, signifying the guidance and protection offered by God and Jesus.
XXV. The Gathering on the Mountain and God’s Power: This section emphasizes the certainty of the great multitude gathering on the mountain, reminding readers that nothing is impossible for God and urging them to join this gathering.
XXVI. Preparation for the Coming Test: This section calls for readiness and preparation for the coming test, encouraging readers to deepen their understanding and strengthen their faith.
XXVII. Home Blessing (Revelation 7:14): This section revisits Revelation 7:14 as a home blessing, emphasizing the washing and purification of the great multitude through the blood of the Lamb.
XXVIII. Summary: This section provides a concise summary of the lesson, emphasizing the transformation of the great multitude through the word of Jesus and the blessings they will receive in the future.
XXIX. Review: This section offers a final review of Revelation 7, emphasizing the emergence of the great multitude from the great tribulation, their characteristics, and the ongoing fulfillment of God’s promises.
A Study Guide
The Newly Created 12 Tribes of New Spiritual Israel: A Study Guide
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What event precedes the appearance of the great multitude in Revelation 7?
- How is the origin of the great multitude described in Revelation 7:9?
- What is the symbolic meaning of the palm branches held by the great multitude?
- Explain the dual mission of Jesus’ blood, as described in the source material.
- According to the source material, what defines true righteousness?
- How does the source material connect the great tribulation with the COVID-19 pandemic?
- What is the specific type of hunger and thirst that the great multitude will never experience again?
- What does the “bad sun” represent in the context of Revelation 7:16?
- What is the significance of the statement “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd” (Revelation 7:17)?
- Explain the connection between the throne of God and the Holy City, New Jerusalem.
Answer Key
- The appearance of the great multitude in Revelation 7 follows the sealing of the 144,000 and the beginning of the great tribulation.
- Revelation 7:9 describes the great multitude as coming from “every nation, tribe, people, and language,” symbolizing the diverse origins of those who believe in Jesus.
- The palm branches symbolize the Word of God, which the great multitude has received and holds dear. They represent the growth and flourishing of faith in their lives, much like the palm branches used to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem.
- Jesus’ blood had two missions. At His first coming, it served as atonement for sin through His sacrifice on the cross. At His second coming, it washes, purchases, and frees people from sin, making their robes white, symbolizing their righteousness.
- True righteousness is defined by having the law of God, the Word, written on one’s heart, leading to a life lived in accordance with God’s will. It is a gift from God, received through grace, not achieved through self-righteousness.
- The source material suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic represents a manifestation of the great tribulation, highlighting a period of global upheaval and hardship. It emphasizes that the pandemic forced churches online, accelerating the gathering of the great multitude from diverse backgrounds.
- The great multitude will never again experience spiritual hunger or thirst. This means they will have constant access to the Word of God and will no longer yearn for spiritual nourishment or guidance.
- The “bad sun” symbolizes false pastors and teachers who lead people astray with distorted interpretations of the Word. God’s protection, represented by His tent, shields the great multitude from their harmful influence.
- This statement signifies Jesus’s role as a shepherd guiding and caring for the great multitude. He will lead them to springs of living water (symbolizing pastors and temples) and ensure their spiritual well-being.
- The throne of God, mentioned in Revelation 7:15, will ultimately be located within the Holy City, New Jerusalem, when it descends upon the new heaven and new earth. This signifies the unification of the spiritual and physical realms, representing the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the restoration of paradise.
Essay Questions
- Discuss the symbolic meaning of the number 144,000 and its connection to the twelve tribes of Israel in the context of Revelation 7.
- Analyze the source material’s interpretation of “washing robes in the blood of the Lamb.” How does this concept relate to the idea of righteousness?
- Explain the source material’s claim that the COVID-19 pandemic represents the great tribulation. Critically evaluate this interpretation, considering alternative perspectives on the timing and nature of the great tribulation.
- Discuss the concept of spiritual hunger and thirst in the source material. How does the promise of never hungering or thirsting again relate to the idea of the restored Garden of Eden?
- Analyze the symbolism of the “good sun” and the “bad sun” in Revelation 7:16. How do these symbols relate to the themes of truth, guidance, and protection within the source material?
Glossary of Key Terms
144,000: A symbolic number representing a group of believers sealed by God for protection during the tribulation period. It is often interpreted as representing the complete body of Christ or a specific group of faithful servants.
Babylon: In Revelation, Babylon symbolizes the corrupt and worldly systems that oppose God and His people. It represents spiritual darkness, materialism, and idolatry.
Blood of the Lamb: A metaphorical reference to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It represents the cleansing and atoning power of His death, which washes away sins and grants righteousness to believers.
Great Multitude: A vast, uncountable group of people from all nations, tribes, and languages who are saved and stand before God’s throne. They represent the universal scope of God’s salvation.
Great Tribulation: A period of intense persecution and hardship foretold in the Book of Revelation. It is often associated with the end times and the final judgment of God upon the wicked.
Holy City, New Jerusalem: The perfect and eternal city that descends from heaven to earth, signifying the culmination of God’s plan for humanity. It represents a place of peace, joy, and the complete presence of God.
Palm Branches: Symbols of victory, triumph, and peace. In Revelation, they represent the faith and perseverance of the great multitude who have overcome tribulation through their belief in Christ.
Righteousness: The state of being in right relationship with God, characterized by obedience to His will and a life lived according to His standards. It is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Hunger and Thirst: A longing for God, His Word, and His presence. It represents a deep desire for spiritual nourishment and guidance.
Word of God: The Bible, understood as the divinely inspired revelation of God’s will and truth. It is the source of spiritual life, guidance, and transformation for believers.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
Before Time:
- God exists outside of time and sees the beginning and end simultaneously.
Old Testament Era:
- God promises Abraham he will be the father of many nations, a prophecy fulfilled across time.
- Periods of spiritual famine occur when the word of God is absent.
Jesus’ First Coming:
- Jesus establishes the new covenant with his blood shed on the cross for the atonement of sin.
- Spiritual famine occurs as people stray from God’s word.
Before Revelation:
- A long period of spiritual famine leads to numerous denominations and doctrines, creating disunity among Christians.
Early Events of Revelation:
- The Sealing of the 144,000: 144,000 people from the 12 tribes of Israel are sealed, marking them as God’s chosen servants.
- The Great Tribulation Begins: The great tribulation, a period of hardship and judgment, starts. This is marked by the winds of judgment being released in Revelation 6.
Concurrent Events:
- The Gathering of the Great Multitude: A vast, uncountable multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language gather before God’s throne. They have come out of the great tribulation and wear white robes, symbolizing their cleansing through the blood (word) of the Lamb.
November 2019:
- 100,000 Graduation at Mount Zion: The first graduation ceremony at Mount Zion takes place, with 100,000 people joining the community within a year. This is interpreted as a sign of the great multitude gathering.
Late 2019/Early 2020:
- COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic emerges. This is interpreted as a manifestation of the great tribulation, forcing churches to close and move online.
Post-COVID-19:
- Graduations at Mount Zion Continue: Mount Zion continues to hold graduation ceremonies, with even larger numbers of people joining (110,000). This is seen as the great multitude continuing to gather.
Future Events:
- Judgment of Babylon: Revelation 18 prophesies the fall of Babylon. The source warns that this judgment is still to come and urges people to leave Babylon before it happens.
- Descent of New Jerusalem: The Holy City, New Jerusalem, will descend from heaven to the New Earth, uniting the spiritual and physical realms and restoring the paradise of Eden.
- Eternal Life in God’s Presence: The great multitude will live in God’s presence, free from hunger, thirst, and the scorching of false pastors. They will be shepherded by the Lamb and led to springs of living water (the word of God and true pastors).
Cast of Characters
God: The eternal, all-powerful creator and ruler of the universe. He sits on the throne and is the ultimate source of salvation.
Jesus/The Lamb: The Son of God, sacrificed on the cross to atone for sin. He is also the Word of God and the shepherd of the great multitude. His blood (word) cleanses and makes their robes white.
Apostle John: The author of Revelation, who received visions of the end times.
“New John”: The teacher of the class in the provided source. He interprets Revelation and connects its prophecies to current events.
The 144,000: A select group of 12,000 people from each of the 12 tribes of Israel, sealed and protected by God for a special purpose.
The Great Multitude: An uncountable number of people from all nations, tribes, people, and languages who have come out of the great tribulation and have been cleansed by the blood (word) of the Lamb.
Angels: Heavenly beings who serve God. They surround His throne and participate in worship.
Elders: A group of 24 elders who sit around God’s throne and represent the redeemed people of God.
Four Living Creatures: Four mysterious beings who constantly worship God and proclaim His holiness.
False Pastors: Those who preach a distorted gospel and lead people astray. They are represented by the scorching sun.
People in Babylon: Those who remain in the corrupt systems of the world and have not yet embraced God’s truth. They are warned to leave Babylon before its destruction.
Overview
Overview: The Great Multitude in White
Main Themes:
- The Great Multitude: This uncountable group represents believers from all backgrounds who emerge after the Great Tribulation. They are united by their faith in God and the Lamb (Jesus) and are characterized by their possession of the Word and their righteous actions.
- The Great Tribulation: Interpreted as a period of judgment symbolized by the “winds blowing” in Revelation. The source identifies the COVID-19 pandemic as a manifestation of the Great Tribulation.
- The Blood of the Lamb: Represents the words of Jesus, which cleanse and purify believers, making their robes “white as snow.” This signifies the righteousness attained through faith in Christ and obedience to His teachings.
- Spiritual Hunger and Thirst: The text emphasizes a spiritual famine for the Word of God, prevalent before Revelation’s fulfillment. The Great Multitude, however, will be eternally satiated, drawing sustenance directly from the divine source.
- Prophecy and Fulfillment: The document highlights the concept of prophecy revealing the “end state” and the fulfillment unfolding gradually in time. The sealing of the 144,000 and the gathering of the Great Multitude are seen as ongoing processes.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
- The Great Multitude’s Origin: “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9) They are not from Babylon but represent the true Church scattered across various denominations and doctrines.
- Palm Branches Symbolism: The palm branches held by the Great Multitude represent the Word of God that they have received and internalized. It is this Word that guides their actions and makes them righteous.
- Righteousness Through the Word: True righteousness is not earned but is a gift from God received through faith in Jesus and obedience to His teachings. This is emphasized through scriptural references from Psalms and Romans.
- The Blood of the Lamb as Cleansing: The blood of the Lamb, symbolic of Jesus’s words, cleanses the robes of the Great Multitude, signifying their purification from sin.
- Protection from False Pastors: God will protect the Great Multitude from the scorching heat of the “bad sun,” interpreted as false pastors. This protection symbolizes their secure position within God’s grace.
Quotes:
- “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14)
- “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” (Romans 10:8)
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Conclusion:
This lesson emphasizes the transformative power of faith in Jesus and the Word of God as the guiding principles for achieving righteousness. The Great Multitude, emerging from a period of tribulation, stands as a testament to the ultimate triumph of God’s grace and the fulfillment of His promises.
Q&A
Q&A
1. Who are the great multitude described in Revelation 7?
The great multitude represents a vast, uncountable number of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, signifying their salvation through Jesus Christ.
2. What is the symbolism of the palm branches held by the great multitude?
The palm branches symbolize the Word of God, which these individuals have received and hold dear. They represent the fulfillment of the prophecy in John 15, where Jesus, the Word, refers to his disciples as branches connected to Him.
3. How is the blood of the Lamb interpreted in this context?
The blood of the Lamb is not literal blood but represents the words of Jesus, which are life (John 6:63). These words wash away sin and make the robes of the great multitude white, signifying their righteousness.
4. What is the Great Tribulation, and has it already begun?
The Great Tribulation is a period of intense judgment and hardship. The passage suggests it had already begun when the great multitude was being gathered. The return of the “winds” in Revelation 7 symbolizes the return of judgment and the commencement of the Great Tribulation.
5. How does COVID-19 relate to the Great Tribulation?
The speaker interprets COVID-19 as a manifestation of the Great Tribulation, citing the global shutdown and the shift of church services online. They view the pandemic as a significant event that has led many people to seek spiritual refuge.
6. What is meant by the statement that the great multitude will “never hunger or thirst again”?
This refers to spiritual hunger and thirst for the Word of God. In the restored heaven and earth, the great multitude will be eternally satisfied by God’s presence and will never experience spiritual deprivation.
7. What is the significance of the sun not scorching the great multitude?
The “bad sun” symbolizes false pastors and teachers. God’s protection will shield the great multitude from harmful teachings and doctrines, providing them with the true light and truth found in Jesus Christ.
8. What is the ultimate destiny of the great multitude?
The great multitude will dwell in the presence of God and the Lamb in the Holy City, New Jerusalem, on the new heaven and new earth. They will experience eternal blessings, serving God day and night in His temple.