Keep in mind, as we continue to define the symbolism that explains the true meaning of the 144,000, that Revelation 14:1-16 is depicted in the heavenly realm. Read it again with new eyes and you will see the 144,000 are the firstfruits of salvation who are presented to God the Father by Jesus Christ after His resurrection. The modern end time doctrine tells you something completely different - see series #1.
Previously we learned that the 12 tribes of Israel were the gates to the city. The names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ were placed in the foundation of the city. Together 12 + 12 they symbolize the governing body of the heavenly New Jerusalem. Multiply 12 x 12 they equal 144 symbolizing, not only the governing body, but the multiple believers who are the materials for the wall of the city.
When we were last together we began to study the symbolism that reveals the materials that form the foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones...Rev. 21:19. To better understand what these precious stones symbolize we must turn to the Old Testament, where God showed Moses the design for the breastplate that must be worn by the High Priest when he ministered to God in the Holy of Holies.
And they set in it four rows of stones; a row with a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row...the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and diamond...the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst...the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings...there were twelve stones according to their names, engraved like a signet, each one with its own name according to the twelve tribes...Exodus 39:10-14.
The 12 stones in the breastplate of the priestly garment worn by the High Priest, represent the 12 tribes of Israel. When Aaron donned the priestly garments, Moses was instructed by God to anoint and consecrate him so that he could minister to God, interceding for the people as High Priest in the Tabernacle...Ex.40:13.
Each of the 12 stones of the breastplate is engraved like a signet - what does this symbolize? The word signet in the original Hebrew language is hotam meaning: a signature; a seal; a signet. If a decree is sealed with a signet ring, what is written in the decree is irrevocable - the message is immutable. What God promised to Abraham, and was envisioned throughout the generations by the 12 tribes of Israel, is irrevocable and immutable - symbolized by God's signature on each precious stone in the priestly breastplate.
The 12 apostles represented the 12 tribes of Israel. God's promises to Abraham were nurtured throughout the generations by the 12 tribes of Israel - the 12 apostles birthed God's promises. The saints of the Old Testament, and the saints of the New Testament became One in Christ - promises fulfilled. Since these precious stones symbolize the irrevocable and immutable promises of God, they are now seen in the heavenly city as the foundations for the wall of the New Jerusalem.
The Apostle Paul summed it up when he said...you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building; being fitted together grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit...Ephesians 2:19-22.
The Apostle Paul clearly understood that through Christ, God built for Himself a spiritual temple of blood-bought human beings for His dwelling place - the heavenly New Jerusalem. All human beings are invited to become the dwelling place - spiritual temple - of God, by repenting of their sins and accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
The heavenly New Jerusalem is constructed totally from human beings - those who...bear the image of the Heavenly Man...I Cor. 15:49.
In our next series we will tackle the significant symbolism of Revelation chapter 11. Looking back on fulfilled prophecy gives us clear understanding of the message that is revealed in the symbolism. Do you really know who are the Two Witnesses described in this chapter - human or something else? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
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