New Testament - REVELATION 14:1-5 - (Redemption of 144000) - CC Windward - Pastor Tim

New Testament - REVELATION 14:1-5 - (Redemption of 144000) - Calvary Chapel Windward - OAHU, HAWAII - Pastor Tim Newman - From Local Olelo / Oceanic / Time Warner Cable show "A View from Calvary" - Episode # 212 : - Original Air Date: 05/16/2010 A.D.

PASTOR TIM's NOTES:

Revelation 14:1-5
“The Redemption of the 144,000”
1. The lamb is STANDING on Mt. Zion
Vs. 1
1a. The Lamb is STANDING on Mt. Zion with the 144,000.
The words, "Then I looked, and behold," appear for the eighth time in the vision of
Revelation.
They always introduce a key or major vision of the book.
Matthew 28:20, Heb 13:5-6, Rom 8:1, Rom 8:38-39

1b. The Lamb STANDING on Mt. Zion is a picture of the future.
It is wonderful assurance to all the people of God that His plans will be
achieved and His promises will be fulfilled.
Hebrews 12:22 uses the term "Mount Zion" to refer to the heavenly city, the
New Jerusalem.

"Mount Zion" is used symbolically of the Messianic age.
(Psalm 2; Psalm 48; Psalm 132; Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 24:23; Joel 2:32; Obadiah
17, Obadiah 21; Micah 4:1-7).
Therefore, Jews who return to the Land of Israel and believe that they are
fulfilling Bible prophecy are called, Zionist. Ps 2:6-9, Ps 132:13-14
1c. The Lamb is STANDING on Mount Zion with those who have been sealed.
Eph 1:13-14
2. The SETTING for a new song is described.
Vs. 2-3
2a. The SETTING includes THE voice.
It was a "voice" that John heard, not "voices."
This could refer to God's voice, for it is like "many waters" and "loud
thunder" (Psalm 29:3).
However, it could also refer to the combined praise of the 144,000 (cf.
Revelation 5:11-12).
It could also be our voices. Rev 5:8-9
2b. The SETTING includes music that is sung.
What is the new song?
We saw in chapter 5 that the redeemed ones sing a "new song"?
The 144,000 who sing this "new song" in front of the twenty-four elders are
"redeemed" as well.
They represent the "redeemed from the earth," presumably out of the great
tribulation.
They alone, having experienced deliverance through their suffering and death,
are able to sing its praise. John 13:34-35
3. The 144,000 are SEPARATE in the SIX characteristics of their lives.
Vs. 4-5
1) They remained morally pure.
Jesus mentioned "virgins" in his parable of Matthew 25:1-13.
In the Old Testament Israel is described as "the virgin, the daughter of
Zion" or "the virgin of Israel".
Appeals for moral purity before God are made to His people by the use
of the word virgin.
2 Kings 19:21; Isaiah 37:22; Lamentations 2:13, Jeremiah 18:13;
Jeremiah 31:4, Jeremiah 31:21
2) They are obedient to the will of God.
Vs. 4These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He
goes.
3) They have been redeemed from among men.
The 144,000 were "redeemed from among men."
While a broad and general definition of "redeemed" could be used,
it seems more likely this indicates a specific group of people who
became believers.
4) They are the first fruits of God.
The term "firstfruits" is well known to Jewish people for it is the
name of one of the seven feasts they are to celebrate each year
(Leviticus 23).
1 Corinthians 15:23 refers to Jesus Christ as "the
firstfruits," a reference to the promised resurrection.
The 144,000 are the "firstfruits" of those to be saved during
the tribulation.
More will come. Ezek 39:29
Paul speaks of this great harvest at the end in chapter 11 of
Romans. Rom 11:25-27
5) They have no deceit in their mouths.
The words "no deceit or no guile" mean there was nothing false in
them.
6) They are without fault.
The words "without fault" reemphasize their moral purity.
Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 5:27; Colossians 1:22; Jude 24,1 Peter
1:19
May God help us all to follow their example.