Their identity is not given directly but much can be learned by the clues provided. The Greek word for appear is phanero. These firstfruits were pictured and predicted in the Torah/Law by the feast of the firstfruits rehearsal done each year on the Sunday morning after Passover by a wave sheaf of barley being waved to God by the high priest: Leviticus 23:10-11 10 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest. This new-found confidence comes as inflation has slowed and the economy has held up all on the backdrop of 10 straight rate hikes since the Fed began to lift rates in March 2022. However, the stephanos crown is not always worn by the righteous or given as a reward. I think there is a lot of confusion on various issues about Heaven because there is no time there like we have here. They also at this point were given total knowledge so yes they could give input and answers to John. Join my mailing list, and as a special welcome gift, Ill send you my eBook guide to studying Bible prophecy. twelve tribes of Israel Could the 24 elders receive their rewards early? Ford identified the 24 as the "great men of the faith" listed in Sirach 44-49, although few have been persuaded by her argument. We find this word in passages about the Rapture/the parousia of Christ: When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4), And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming [parousia]. (1 John 2:28). What we do know is 12 is a starter number per government. In this article, I will share my insights on the identity of the 24 elders and comment on if we should use the 24 elders to promote the Pre-Trib Rapture. So how did the 24 elders get there back in the first century sometime after Jesus death when John received the apocalyptic vision? Thats illogical thinking cause we got Adam Seth Enoch Noah Methuselah Abraham Shem Issac Israel the 12 tribes Moses Arron Joshua, thats 24 wouldnt some kings and prophets and priest be missing? You can read her version of the theory at the following links: Recall that it is likely that many of the saints raised with Christ lived near Jerusalem. What happened to Enoch and Elijah that the not see death and went up to heaven, Enoch and Elijah did die and they did not go to heaven alive before Jesus or Jesus was a liar (John 3:13). These 24 elders are kings and priests that serve under Christ, our high-priest. . Debate is wonderful but it must be left at that when finished. Second, the writer of Hebrews calls Melchizedek a man: Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. The 24 elders sing and worship (4:10, 5:8-10). For instance. Within the gospels and Acts "elders" are most often viewed as forming a closely-knit group with the "chief priests.". Rely on a rendering that keeps the mismatch of pronouns in Revelation 5:9-10. I believe that the 12 + 12 are the 12 elders of Israel & the 12 apostles. 2023 Prophecy Proof Insights Publications. They have thrones, so they're rulers. He rose to heaven with this same flesh and blood body because he is GOD and can do such because he is GOD. Read Proverbs 8 about Wisdom/Word being created right before the universe as the craftsman through which all things were created (Col 1:16). . Ezekiel 1:12-20 suggests that they are in constant motion around the throne. I found it to be an interesting idea, but am wondering how Scripturally sound it is? This is saying that even though they had some authority, it was less that that of Christ and that they are subject to Christ. The other individuals who came out of the tomb after His resurrection went straight into the city so they could be seen by people who had know them while they were alive. Many theories about their identity exist. John the Apostle was still alive when he saw the 24 elders =). These angels praise Christ: (11) And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; (12) Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. (Revelation 5:11-12). John 3:13 which was written much later says: 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. Prior to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, we are dealing with Old Testament as the death of the testator is necessary to enter a New Testament. Abraham had high regard for Melchizedek as he gave his tithes to him. . Jeus told the the thief that he would be with Him in paradise. That denotes that their authority comes from God. Since learning in 2001 that Yeshua must return in a Sabbath year, I've had to rule out three Sabbath year cycle windows for the final 7 years (2003-2009, 2010-2016, 2017-2023). (4) Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. (Hebrews 7:1-4). Many theories exist about the significance of the number 24. Angie, dont confuse the 24 elders (an exact number of 24 saints) in heaven at the time of the writing of Revelation in the First Century with the multitude who are later seen in Heaven in Rev 15, 16 from the rapture. Confused. The fact remains that Matthew records another resurrection of "many saints" before that. Revelation 5:9-10 records the singing of a new song to Christ, the song of the redeemed: (9) And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (10) And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:9-10). The events of Revelation 4:4 have not yet happened; therefore, this event will happen in the future times of eschatology. So that verse reads -and the graves were opened ;and many bodies of the saints which were dead,Arose. One of the 24 elders encourages John to "weep no more," and points out that the Lion of the tribe of Judah has come to take and open the scroll. The fact the 24 elders sing about their own redemption strongly suggests they are human. The word us appears in virtually all Greek manuscripts for verse 9. Note also the afterward meaning some time later until the next resurrection: when he comes. The 24 elders sing the words of verse 9. It is not. Where did the term elder come from? 1.1 Almost all early societies or religious communities were guided in some way by elders, that is, by the older, experienced wise men of the group. "I turned it on and scrolled back to 4:15, and . I am in no way trying to start an argument I eagerly want to learn just like the rest of you, thanks again. Here the four living creatures sing to God because He is holy. What is the verse about casting our crowns before the feet of Jesus. For example, "I saw Satan fall from Heaven" (Luke 10:18). 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; But I got this from Michael Rood and dont know the verse exactly. These were stones that were worn along with nine others in the High Priest's . May God truly bless you in this regard. 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and . But is that figurative reading backed up by literal Scripture? While this is not within our understanding nor does it deal with Gods omnipresence, but from our point of view, The Holy Spirit is to forever (again from a physical perspective) stay with the Born again believers (aka the church) yet in Revelation 4, it is before the throne of God burning form the 7 candlesticks. The Bema Seat Judgment is a post-Rapture event where the righteous will receive rewards for their conduct in life. Thus, the grouping of cherubim + elders cannot be "us". This would have been another testimony for Jesus as the Messiah. I have read many views on the Greek translations of this passage. The common Christian thought is that "24 elders because there are 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles." However, theres controversy about who sings and what the singers refer to when they talk about Christs redemptive work: The main reason for this disagreement relates to the rendering of Revelation 5:9-10. The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 24 I believe we can harmonize these facts about Melchizidek by concluding that he was a man who died and took part in the first fruits of the resurrection with Christ. Since every matter must be judged by 2 or 3 witnesses, my guess is 12 are pre-Church and 12 are Church age. His body was unaltered . Is the Blessed Hope the Pre-Trib Rapture? Who are they? Yahtzaphan, I dont know how many graves were opened; it does not say. 1st Hour.mp3 In the following vision, John sees Jesus battle the dragon, who is Satan, and his demons. Time will tell, Scripture teaches three resurrections to eternal life, not counting one to a second physical life. First, these twenty-four elders are described as human, male elders. At first glance, it appears the 24 elders have crowns of glory because they glorify God when they cast their crowns at His throne. Here is why: The explanation offered by Pre-Trib Rapture supporters is very persuasive. Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty thrones: and upon the thrones I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. The king of Salem (Jerusalem). I think I finally came to the most reasonable scriptural answer to the question a few years ago, only after rejecting the popular notion that 24 is not a literal number. And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. We will see. In chapter 5 he appears and Angels appear also, and the same chapter fulfills the day of Pentecost(verse 6). Recall that the 24 elders serve as priests (and kings). But does this fact prove that the Pre-Trib Rapture is true? knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your This tabernacle was meant to imitate the tabernacle of Heaven according to Hebrews 8:5: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.. I believe the gold crowns signify a degree of authority for the 24 elders. Its tied to the firstfruits ritual the Jews kept. Maybe you had addressed this but I missed something your article. The lyrics to the song of the redeemed would be sung by different groups. There are seven references in Revelation to this group and what they are doing: Rev 4:4,10-11 - praising the Creator (in verse 4 they are just seen sitting) No wait, it's 48 Let's not forget the 12 precious stones for the foundation of New Jerusalem (Rev 21:19-20). The rise of Christs kingdom coincides with the end of the Antichrists 42-month reign that spans the second half of the tribulation (Revelation 13:5-7, Daniel 7:24-27). Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! 22:8-9). Larry Ive added a section for John 3:13 in the article above. Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Given Hebrews 8:5, we should expect to see the number 24 play some role in Israels temple worship. If they were the source of the 24 elders as I believe, then 24 makes sense. Rely on the King James Version of Revelation 5:9-10. The Lamb, his children (identified with the 24 elders in Revelation) and the wave sheaf will judge the world. Therefore, we can conclude from these passages that the Bema Seat Judgment will take place after the tribulation. Part 2 Scripture teaches three resurrections to eternal life(not counting one to a second physical lifementioned only in Revelation 20:5=Eze 37:1-14): 1 Corinthians 15:22-24 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive. The diadem crown signifies royal authority. David assigns 24 in total and they are called "princes of the sanctuary and princes of GOD". Those who believed in Christ were made alive through him, Many times in the old testament there is reference that Jesus is speaking with the old testament saints could it be that they were in fact saved by Christ through faith, and not by the law? Thanks for your book, and always appreciated ongoing emails . The popular Christian interpretation says that the 24 elders represent the raptured Church. (Hebrews 7:4). Is this in any way a possibility given what you understand Scripture to be saying? I propose the theory that the 24 elders are part of the Order of Melchizedek referenced in Book of Psalms and in the Book of Hebrews. Gov. A powerful storm sweeping across the Pacific Ocean in the direction of the Philippines has intensified into a super typhoon, with forecasters warning it could hit the northern part of the country . Also, Revelation 11:15-18 tells us that the time to judge the righteous will begin after the sounding of the 7th trumpet when Christ sets up His kingdom: (15) And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. The package puts $12.6 billion of the state's . I am the author of several end time books, including Prophecy Proof Insights on the End Times, a comprehensive book about the end times. The Greek word used to describe the raising of these saints was often used to describe Christs resurrection. 9 And when the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and they will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 "Worthy are You, our Lord and . But Im still studying and appreciate everyones feedback. Two (2) become one when you are married. . were still alive at the last resurrection that could have got them into heaven by the 90AD writing of Revelation when they are seen in Heaven by John. Is it plain and literal or symbolic and figurative? David, interesting, except all of the 12 apostles (like John!) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: (30) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:27-30). 7Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Himeven those who pierced Him. Pre-Trib supporters posit that the 24 elders arrived in Heaven because the Rapture took place. Along with the earthquake, the veil splitting and a few other things the Talmud records. Many speculate about the fate of these saints. The Priestly number is 24 and that is why we have 24 Elders. The most frequent use of the word "elder" in the New Testament refers to the Jewish elders who opposed Jesus during his lifetime. I do not believe the 24 elders should be used to promote the Pre-Trib Rapture. However, what we often gloss over is the fact that at Messiah's resurrection there were also "firstfruits" plural being resurrected, according to Paul. With the next window (2024-2030) less than 7 years away, I'm ready to share why I believe, based on the real end time sign of Mt 24:14, that this can be the one. The second clue about the 24 elders is that there were 24. Who are the twenty-four (24) elders in Revelation? Why is Revelations mysterious overlooked star Wormwood (Rev 6-8) the key to understanding Revelation? The last thing I would mention is that prior to Revelation 4, the throne of God never has all members of the trinity present. As king of Salem, Melchizidek was likely buried near or within Jerusalem. I will address two popular theories. Now in 4:10, these 24 elders cast their crowns before the throne of God. Melchizedek was first mentioned in the Book of Genesis. The Psalm tells us that the Messiah, Christ, will rule from Jerusalem (serve as a king) and serve as a priest like Melchizedek: (1) The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Saying they are the first fruit offering does not make it so. Find out what's changed to convince me about 2026 and what you can do about it Enoch and Elijah did die and they did not go to heaven alive, dont walk around heaven unless a resurrection has happened. The presence of these redeemed saints in Heaven accounts for how there are humans in Heaven without the need for a Pre-Trib Rapture. I think the saints resurrection in Matthew was a special, limited resurrection that was never open to the general righteous/dead in Christ. Revelation 4:4 & 10-11 Revelation 5:8 & 14 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 1. Creation praises Christ and God in verse 13 as it anticipates what is about to take place on the earth. Christ wears many diadem crowns when He comes to destroy the Antichrist at His Second Coming (Revelation 19:12). John begins to despair when no one comes forth to answer the angel's challenge. It is a transliteration of the Greek word koimao (Strongs concordance G2837) ,which means deceased or dead. [4] He is likely a redeemed man in Heaven who continues his role as a king and priest under Christ. However, can it hold up to scrutiny? They wear wreaths around their head that serve as crowns. They are the glorified saints who were raised in the "first of the firstfruits" resurrection of the Messiah. Revelation 5:6-14 describes the duties or purposes of the four living creatures. The problem with that idea is that Scripture teaches people do not go to heaven immediately when they die. Only the 24 elders would sing the song of the redeemed in verses 9-10. So I have learned not to get led into false conclusions based on grammatical arguments from the Greek NT translation. Mat 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, What does that mean exactly if they were not awakened from the dead and walking around to be seen? The true worship of God is religion-free and tradition-free and based simply on doing what the word/will of God says (Lk 8:21): love God in faith by loving your neighbor as yourself (Mt 22:36-40). 1) Ive heard some argue there should be a comma after the word Christ in verse 23 which would mean there were 4 resurrections mentioned here (Christ, then the Firstfruits, then those resurrected at his coming, then those at the end of the Millennium). These saints could be part of the spoils of victory Christ took with Him when He ascended: The main issue I have with this theory is that the Apostles were still serving on Earth when Christ ascended to Heaven. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. If the question cant be solved by scripture exegetical then it should be left as unsolvable for now. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. I received this emailed question about the 24 elders recently: Hello, I am a disciple of Christ who has been studying prophecy for about the last ten years. And he gave him tithes of all. (Genesis 14:18-20). As for our spirit going to heaven where Jesus is when we die: True, we do ascend and are found there (Rev 6:9), but as the revelation of prophecy tells us plainly, we are not conscious even if we were a blessed martyr (Rev 6:9), but are resting a little while longer (Rev 6:10-11) until the rapture and first resurrection come (Rev 15:2-3 = Rev 20:5). Answer. I do not agree with this theory: Some believe the 24 elders symbolize the entire Church. How can Moses and Elijah be talking with Jesus, if they are asleep? I will summarize who sings the lyrics in each option. Each one had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. My goal is to make Bible prophecy easy for you to understand while avoiding the sensationalism seen elsewhere. Many Pre-Trib Rapture supporters believe the 24 elders got their crowns at the Bema Seat Judgment. The Open Championship is underway, and there was no shortage of excitement on Thursday. Hi! They believe Melchizidek is a heavenly creature who still serves as a priest. So we are left with the 24 elders being a group of glorified human beings who 1. wear victor's crowns, 2. rule, 3. wear white raiment, and 4. sit on thrones. However, it is likely they joined Christ around the time when He ascended to Heaven. From this information, we can conclude that the crown of glory will not be awarded until after the tribulation. Again and again, we read of "the chief priests and elders of the people" ( Matthew . 5:5-14, 7:13-17. They sing about how Christ redeemed them through His blood. So you see, the number 24 comes from a precedent for organized human worship of Yehovah God. However, I do disagree regarding their position as those that resurrected with Christ. Marten Visser. The 24 elders are first mentioned in Revelation 4:4, which describes a vision of the throne room of God. I received this emailed question about the 24 elders recently: (Thus the number of different so called churches.) Translators have sought to match the pronouns in verse 9 and verse 10. I very much agree that these are not angels as the Bible is quite clear that the elders and the angels are distinct. Why Elijah Must Come First & How To Identify A True Prophet. (18) And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. (Revelation 11:15-18). In changing Twitter's logo, owner Elon Musk is trading a bird in the hand for the promise of a wide-ranging 'everything app' analysts say may never materialize. They didnt travel with Jesus for 3 years and eat and sleep with Him. All of which is outlined in the letters to the 7 Churches. All the light of sacred story, Gathers round its head sublime. None of the important figures of the past would be recognized by anyone even if they saw them alive. The only difference with Rev 5:10 is that the 24 Elders are called Kings and Priests and not princes. But your objection to 24 indicates to me you think this was the first resurrection for all the righteous that you made a brief list of. Matthew tells us that these saints appeared in front of many in Jerusalem after they rose from their graves: (52) And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, (53) And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. (Matthew 27:52-53). Some believe Melchizedek was a heavenly being based on how the writer of Hebrews described him in verse 3 of chapter 7: (1) For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; (2) To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; (3) Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Another example is where he tells the first century disciples that they will "not finish going throughout the cities of Israel before the Son of Man returns" (Mt 10:23). A These 24 elders confuse some people, but they shouldn't. Their appearance gives them away. As it happens, in Jewish tradition, the wave sheaf was first marked on Passover before it was cut and waved on firstfruits. How can I understand the Book of Revelation? Melchizedek is a mysterious figure. Jesus makes it clear that He and the Holy Spirit can not, in a physical sense, both be on earth at the same time. (2) The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. The sounding of the 7th trumpet takes place at the end of the tribulation. You will notice the 24 elders are seated on thrones. This is the Christ the Firstfruits resurrection, nothing more. John is seeing the 24 elders and four creatures in Heaven in his time. . 2) Those raised in Mt 27:51-53 seem to have only been raised as flesh as no mention was made about them being glorified like Jesus, which would have been an amazing story like Jesus was passing through walls, etc. First, they are not Jews (exclusively) because they were redeemed from EVERY nation and tongue. 3}Not the apostles because he didnt recognise one and not Moses and Elijah because he saw them in thier glorified state when they were talking to Jesus still couldnt recognise one but just called them elders They were assigned by lot to 24 priestly courses (1Chr 24:1-19). The 24 Elders minister to GOD directly in the Throne room, this is the highest position that anyone could attain that is why the Elders are Kings and Priests and not princes. vers 10, And have made us kings and priest to our God. The firstfruits had to be concurrent or before afterward and the 2nd coming. It was King David who divided those responsible for the music in temple services, those who served as priests, and the Levites who aided the priests, into 24 courses (1Chronicles 23 24). Most believe that the pronouns in verse 9 and verse 10 should match. Later, in another vision, Jesus begins to rule as King in heaven, along with the 24 elders. The righteous, including the 24 elders, will receive their crowns at that time. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. First, the writer of Hebrews tells us that a priest of men had to be a man in verse 5:1: For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:.
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