The Remnant Were Affrighted

2021-12-19

One aspect of the last seven years before the establishment of the kingdom is a Jewish repentance toward Christ.

First, we see that 144,000 Jewish men will be sealed before the wrath of God is poured out. This sealing presumably protects them from the wrath about to be poured out (Revelation 7:3) and is in their foreheads. This contrasts with the mark of the Antichrist, which also seals its recipients, but to destruction. They are from every tribe of Israel except Dan; there is no indication as to why this tribe is not represented. They are called “the servants of our God” (Revelation 7:3) and “were redeemed from the earth” (Revelation 14:3). They are all unmarried virgin men (Revelation 14:4). They are “the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb” (Revelation 14:4). Also, “in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God” (Revelation 14:5). They have a blameless reputation and positive testimony for the Lord, and “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth” (Revelation 14:4).

These must work to spread the Gospel to their fellow countrymen during this period of God’s wrath. If these are the firstfruits, there must be a whole harvest that follows.

Furthermore, there are two special witnesses raised up immediately before the return of the Lord Jesus. They perform miracles like Moses and Elijah did (Revelation 11:6). Anyone who tries to harm them is destroyed (Revelation 11:15). Eventually, the Antichrist will destroy them in Jerusalem. Their bodies will lay there three and half days until they are brought back to life and captured up to heaven (Revelation 11:7-12).

People celebrated the two witnesses’ deaths but were shocked at their resurrection and taking up to heaven. An earthquake will kill 7,000 people, but “the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven” (Revelation 11:13). The remainder of inhabitants of Jerusalem not killed in the earthquake will be saved immediately before His kingdom’s establishment.