A mistake is in presuming that the Little Flock of 144,000 are the only ones who will receive a heavenly reward. The Anointed can be broken down into two classes after death: 1) the 144,000 and 2) those who fall short of the 144,000, but who are not going into second death.
We believe this second class is the same as the Great Crowd of Rev. 7. Notice the scriptural evidence for this second class.
1 Cor 9:24 – “Do YOU not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that YOU may attain it.” NWT
A Full Reward:
Building on our Foundation:
“11 ¶ For no man can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood materials, hay, stubble, 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the day will show it up, because it will be revealed by means of fire; and the fire itself will prove what sort of work each one’s is. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward; 15 if anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved; yet, if so, it will be as through fire.” (1Co 3:11-15 NWT_)
This passage describes two classes, both of whom build their foundation in Christ (vs 11). The Little Flock are the ones described as building with gold, silver and precious stones (vs 12). They will be rewarded (vs 14). The second group of the anointed build with wood, hay and stubble (vs 12). They will be saved through fire (trials, great tribulation)(vs 15)
The gold, silver and precious stones are the Christ-like character qualities developed (i.e. the fruits of the spirit). The wood, hay and stubble are the deficient character qualities of this anointed group which disqualify them from the 144,000 office of priests and kings (Rev 20:6). However, these are not going into second death. As verse 15 says, they will be “saved.” This is the Great Crowd of Rev 7. They come out of great tribulation, which for some is that tribulation in coming out of Armageddon and for others the personal tribulation they experience in their life before dying, which Jehovah permits to help them wash the spots (sins) off of their robes (Rev 7:14)
Discreet and Foolish Virgins:
“1 ¶ “Then the kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet.” (Mt 25:1-2 NWT)
In the New Testament, the word “virgins” applies to Anointed Christians (11 Cor 11:2; Rev 14:3,4) The foolish did not have much oil in their lamps (vs 8 ) and none extra in their receptacles. Both oil and anointing with oil are associated with the holy spirit (Acts 10:38; 2 Cor 1:21, 22; 1 John 2:27). The lesson is that some of the Anointed are not filled with the Holy Spirit. They lack in zeal and the fruits of the spirit. The solution was to have been developing the fruits of the spirit in their lives, depicted by purchasing the oil (acquiring the Christ-like character by suffering for righteousness). The door was shut by the time the foolish virgins arrived (vs. 10), demonstrating that putting off serving the Lord and developing the fruits of the spirit will result in loss of the crown (Rev 3:11), however there is no statement to indicate that the foolish virgins go into second death, but simply that they lose the opportunity to enter the marriage feast.
Called, Chosen and Faithful
“These will battle with the Lamb, but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so.”” (Re 17:14 NWT_)
The called, chosen and faithful represent three progressive conditions. Those that are called are invited to the marriage (Matt 22:3,14). Those that are chosen have accepted the invitation and were chosen to be anointed (1 Peter 1:1,2) with the holy spirit. Those that are faithful unto death will receive the crown of life (Rev 2:10), the divine nature. This final group is the 144,000.
Just as not all who are called are chosen, so also, not all who are chosen to be Anointed, receive the crown of life (the Divine Nature). This group that is not totally faithful unto death are the same as previously mentioned in 1 Cor 3:10-15 who do not receive the reward, but are saved by fire. They are the Great Crowd of Rev 7 who serve before the throne and were pictured by the Levites who served in the tabernacle. They are mentioned in Psa 45:14 as the virgins, the brides companions in the Kings palace. These same bride’s companions are the Great Crowd of Rev 19:6 who in verse 7 are at the marriage supper (in heaven) rejoicing.
Peter, are you saying that these 10 virgins were actually the bride? That this bridegroom was coming to marry 10 virgins at the same time, but only found 5?
Bob – In the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, these virgins are not literally the bride in the story. The bride is not prominent in this parable. In the story, the virgins were going to the wedding feast where they would see the bride and groom. This often confuses people, since the wise virgins represent the bride of Christ in reality (but not the literal bride in the story). The ten virgins represent all of those annointed with the Holy Spirit (those who are spirit begotten). The wise virgins are the faithful anointed who will be part of the the heavenly bride of Christ. The foolish virgins are those who are slack in their zeal and devotion to the Lord. They lose out on the opportunity to be part of the heavenly bride of Christ, yet they still receive a heavenly resurrection.
I have question regarding the identification of the “virgins” mentioned in Matt.chapter 25: some say the virgins represent the anointed but since the anointed are also known as the “bride of Christ”, how can they be the anointed bride since the “bride” is already in the house with the bridegroom when he shuts the door on the foolish half?
Ken – 2 Cor 11:2 say, “I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.” Rev 14:4 says, “It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb.” Virgins descibe those anointed with the Holy Spirt and Baptized into Christ (Rom 6). They are dedicated to be pure from the world. They all have oil (Holy Spirit), but with the foolish virgins of Matthew 25:8, they did not have extra oil with them and their lamps were going out. The Lords people should be totally dedicated to him and filled with the spirit, but some are compromised by earthly interest and their zeal diminishes. Of those who buid their foundation in Christ (1 Cor 3:11), those who build well on their foundations are rewarded (vs 14), but those who build poorly are disciplined, yet still saved (vs 15). These are the foolish virgins, on whom the door is shut and they do not become part of the bride of Christ. 1 Cor 9:24 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?” So of all the anointed, not eveyone obtains the prize of being part of the heavenly bride of Christ. Phil 3 says “11that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Since only heavenly promises are made to the anointed, I beleive that this secondary class will be in heaven.
Peter,I have to agree with Bob; it seems like your interpretation makes it look as if the 10 virgins are getting married to the bridegroom along with the bride.
Ken – In the parable, the ten virgins are not the bride. Hence they are not marrying the bridegroom in the story. As a matter of fact, the bride is never even mentioned ed the story. The questions is what do the virgins represent? I think the scriptures previously quoted show that that virgins are the body members of Christ on earth. They have oil. Oil is used for anointed and anointing is associated with the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Therefore the Virgins are Christian followers of Christ who are holy spirt anointed. Do you see it different? Who do you think the virgins represent?
Peter, that simplifies the parable a little ,however, Matt. 25:10 say: …..”those who were ready went in with him to the WEDDING”……That has to mean the bride was inside already,otherwise, it couldn’t be called a “wedding”. Also if the 10 virgins symbolize the anointed bride class on earth and only five go to the wedding; that means the bridegroom has only half of a bride!I’m not trying to be difficult but it just doesn’t make sense to me.
Hi Humbleman and all;
No they are not. Who and what pictures this?
Jer 23:11
Eze 22:6; 44:10
1 Chr 26:1; 9:22; 2 Chr 23:19; Ez 44:11
2 Chr 29:34; 30:17; Nu 16:9 Ez 44:11
Ez 6:3; Micah 6:2; Ez 44:12
Lev 26:30; Is 9:16,17; Ez 44:12
Is 43:22; Mal 2:8; Ez32:13
Duet 32:40; Ps 106:26 Ez 44:13
Nu 18:3; Ez 44:13
Ez 32:30 Ez 44:13
Nu 18:4; 1 Chr 23:28;23:32; Ez44:14
You must agree, for anyone who is running the race, to be amonst the little flock and rule with Christ Jesus, they must read and study and make sure they do not imitate those ones. Instead they must imitate Jehovah. Re 20:6; Ep 5:1 1 John 5:21,”Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”
Bro Max just so i fully understand where you are coming from. are you saying the unfaithful levites who will not become priest but still serve in Gods sanctuary. are part of the 144000 ??
Hi Max. I agree that the temple did need cleansing and that there where some that where commended for there faithfulness namely the sons of zadok (144000) but here is where i disagree with. you said they would all have positions in the priesthood. go back and read Ezekiel 44 v 13
And they will not approach to me to act as priest to me or to approach to any holy things of mine, to the most holy things, and they must bear their humiliation and their detestable things that they did.
so those who are not of the sons of Zadok do not become priest. so let me ask you this question are the great crowd of jws that have been gathered from 1935 the unfaithful levites mentioned in Ezekiel 44 v 10-14 ??
To Humbleman and all;
A clensing would take place for the Levites. Some being rebuked, while some were commended. Still, both groups would have postitions of service. All in the priesthood. But now all will answer individually to their faithfulness, Ezekiel 44:10-16,23
How is Jehovah’s prophecy fulfilled for the spiritual temple? A never to be replaced or rebuilt happening to it. Not like Solomon’s, or Zerubbabel’s, or Herod’s. The real spiritual temple was having attention called to it, by those typical representations of it upon the earth at Jerusalem. Even the visonary temple of Ezekiel called attention to it. Ezekiel 40:1-47:2
max
Hi Max so do you agree the group in Ezekiel 44v10-14 are the great crowd? or is it a different group?
To Humbleman and all;
“must be made spirit creatures.” 1932
The book Riches by the same author page 325,”but as a class trusting in the Lord, and who hope for everlasting life on the earth asa a gift from Jehovah God through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The next paragraph states,”These continue to ‘seek meekness and righteousness’and have the promise of Jehovah that they may be hid during the greatest part of the tribulation, that is, at Armageddon.(Zepaniah 2:3) This is further proof that their developement is not the result of the great tribulation but that they “come out of the great tribulation”,that is to say, come out of the world within the period of the tribulation from the time of the coming of Christ Jesus until Armegeddon.”
The book Riches was printed in 1936.
To Humbleman and all;
“and not close to the Lord God, suchas hisroyal priesthood enjoys.” As I do more research for you on this. Look at it like this. Both groups, the royal priesthood and the great multitude go to those out side with the message. Some come in and become a part of the royal priesthood and others come in and become part of the other group.
Max
To Humbleman;
Will try to give you the info Monday.
max
Max here is what i find on page 204 of vindication volume 3 this is the last time the society commented on these verses.
The chambers (I-B1-30) made in the court round about were for the Levites, or non-priests. This would indicate that God has a place for them in his organization in connection with the priesthood or royal house, but in the outer quarters, and not close to the Lord God, such as his royal priesthood enjoys. The pavement mentioned in verses seventeen and eighteen of the fortieth chapter was called “the lower pavement”. It was seven steps above the outside, but was lower than the pavement of the inner court (I-H), which is utilized by the royal priesthood. This picture shows the position of the “great multitude”. Ever and anon someone advances the conclusion that the “great multitude” will not be a spiritual class. The prophecy of Ezekiel shows that such conclusion is erroneous. The fact that their position is seven steps higher than the outside shows that they must be made spirit creatures. The statement in The Revelation that the “great multitude” ‘wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb’ shows that they are approved by Jehovah by manifesting their abiding faith in Christ Jesus’ shed blood at the time the crucial test comes upon them. The “great multitude” will be in God’s organization, but not high up ‘in the mountain of the Lord’s house’. They must be spirit creatures in order to be in the outer court of the divine structure, described by Ezekiel. Agreeable to this it is written, in Revelation 7:15: “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.”
The “great multitude”, by reason of coercion exercised by unfaithful shepherds, and by reason of fear, is held for a long while in “prison cells” of Satan’s