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| 1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. |
A lamb – Christ. R155:5*
On the mount Sion – Sinai was the Mount of God in the legal and typical dispensation. Zion is the Mount of God in the Gospel age and onward; and we learn, too, that it is an heavenly and an earthly mountain. R155:5*
With him – As Moses and Aaron met in the mount. R170:4*, 168:5*
These went up to meet Christ, their brother, in Zion--the Mountain and City of God. (Heb. 12:22, Diaglott) R155:5*
An hundred forty and four thousand – God ordained that a certain specific number should be chosen from amongst men to be joint-heirs in the Kingdom. F179
The called, chosen and faithful. (Rev. 17:14) A295
The whole number of the elect company. CR156:3
The elect Church--the very elect, the saintly few, the Little Flock. R5231:5[5231:19], 5493:2
The twelve tribes of spiritual Israel, whose entire number was to be 144,000--twelve thousand from each tribe. R5964:6[R5964:16]
The faithful remnant of natural Israel, who were gathered at the beginning of this Gospel age, and the faithful remnant from the Gentile Church of this age. R5548:6[5548:14], 5964:6[R5964:16]; Q756:2
The Priesthood would have been completely made up from the twelve tribes of Israel had there been a sufficient number of faithful obedient ones to make up the predestinated number of 144,000. Q756:2
When the message was proclaimed by the twelve Apostles, approximately 16,000 Jews became footstep followers. But this number was short of the 144,000. Hence, in due time, the privilege was extended to one nation after another. SM175:T[SM175]
The complete Church. Hence, the resurrected saints as well as the changed living saints. R170:3*
Numbered and limited--a Little Flock--the very reverse of innumerable. It is another class altogether that is described as "a great multitude which no man could number." (Rev. 7:9) R3026:1[R3026:1]
The inhabitants of a spiritual mountain will themselves be spiritual. R155:5*
If the whole world were to keep the Law they would not belong to the spiritual seed, for God wants only 144,000. R5837:1[5837:3]
If all the Jews living in Jesus' day had loved God and had made a full consecration, God might have increased the number of the elect. R5837:5[R5837:10], 5640:6
In their foreheads – Their advantage is largely in the divine wisdom and knowledge granted them because of their obedience to their consecration. Sealed intellectually, that they may not be in darkness with the world. R1470:5[R1470:6]
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| 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: |
With their harps – The symbolic harp symbolizes the Word of God, which is the source and accompaniment of this song. NS634:5
"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down; yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof." (Psa. 137:1-3) NS634:1
Like those on the sea of glass. R170:3*, 168:5*
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| 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. |
And they sung – Declared before men the lengths and breadths and heights and depths of the goodness and grace of the divine plan. R2570:1[R2570:4]
All who receive this "new song" into good and honest hearts are prompt to give utterance to it; and are singing it daily, as they find opportunity, to those who have ears to hear. R2432:5[R2432:10]
The song sung is after they are seen on Mount Zion with the Lamb, and this is in harmony with the type. After Moses and Aaron met in the Mount, Aaron did his work. R170:5*
"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" (Psa. 137:4) NS634:2
Here and there, in a very humble manner, the saints did hum the song of Zion, though ultimately many of its joyful notes were lost, forgotten. NS634:2
As it were – It is not a new song, for it is the "Song of Moses and the Lamb." (Rev. 15:3) It is the old, old story of the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) NS634:2
A new song – A new theme, a new message has been received into the heart and it is so happifying that it continually overflows through the lips--the Scriptures' joyful message, harmonious, metrical. NS633:3
"He giveth songs in the night." (Job 35:10) NS635:2
Before the throne – Before the exaltation to the glory of power. R170:5*, 168:5*
Not on it. This is likely the position referred to in Luke 21:36, viz. "that ye may be accounted worthy to escape." R168:5*
No man – It is necessary to be somewhat of an "overcomer" of the world ere any would have the courage to sing this song. R2570:1[R2570:4]
Only the "saints," and not the worldly. NS634:4
How is it possible for those who are under the delusions of error to honor God in their hearts or to sing this song? NS635:2
The new song can be appreciated and sung only from the standpoint of "The Divine Plan of the Ages." NS635:3
We need not imply that those able to sing the song could not fall from their steadfastness and become castaways, and lose the privilege of singing it. R2570:2[R2570:5]
Whoever leaves the way of humble faith and consecrated obedience, loses his power to sing "the song of Moses and the Lamb" harmoniously, properly. R2432:5[R2432:10]
The Great Company, not being overcomers, cannot be of the Bride or sit with him on the throne of his highly exalted dominion. R828:4[R828:6]
"But the people that do know their God [his character and plan] shall be valiant and do exploits." (Dan. 11:32) R2570:1[R2570:4]
Could learn – Clearly and harmoniously. R2432:5[R2432:10]
But the – Such as are "taught of God"--only such as have been called to the high calling, and have accepted the call, and are in the way of obedience. R2432:5[R2432:10]
Redeemed – Greek, agorazo. The thought is that of public purchase. E430
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| 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. |
Not defiled – As his Bride, we are to be separate from the world, pure in heart, undefiled by wrong union with Babylon. R3031:4[R3031:3]
Whoever, for social, financial or other mercenary reasons, holds to that which he sees is built upon a wrong principle, and upholds wrong theories, is defiling his conscience. R3600:2[R3600:3]
Not that one is necessarily defiled by having become a member of the Methodist or other churches. There are saintly and pure people in all those churches. They are in her, but not of her. Q63:1
Some are in Babylon and not of Babylon, just the same as the children of Israel were carried captive into Babylon, but they were not Babylonians. Q63:1
The blame comes to the person who, after seeing the real facts of the case, stands in and indorses these systems and upholds them--then his whole conscience is defiled. Q65:T
The point where defilement begins is after the light of truth has opened the eyes of understanding to see the difference between the Church and human organizations. R3600:1[R3600:3]
Those who fail to lift up heart and pen and voice and every talent possessed on the Lord's side of the question, will not be reckoned among the overcomers. R1257:4[R1257:5]
With women – Churches. Only corrupt churches would defile. R155:5*
No reference to the female sex, but it refers to the ecclesiastical women mentioned in Revelation. Q61:4
Earthly systems, in contrast to the heavenly system. Q64:1
They are virgins – The Church is a virgin Church, not united to the world at all. The early Church, in leaving Christ as the prospective Bridegroom, and becoming united with the nation of Rome, constituted an illicit union. Q61:4; SM406:2
Compare Rev. 21:9. R454:4
Follow the Lamb – As Moses and Aaron went together in their work. R155:5*
Whithersoever he goeth – Whithersoever he leadeth. NS554:1
Through evil as well as good report--those who follow his teachings and example. R2418:5[R2418:7]; SM346:2
Full discipleship. NS592:2
Laying down their lives, not instantly, but daily, hourly, throughout life, seeking to spend and be spent in the service of the Lord, his cause, the truth, the brethren, the Church. NS236:4
Who put far away everything akin to wrath, anger, evil speaking and bitterness. R5765:6[R5765:18]
They must not faint before they reach the end of the journey. R5914:1[R5914:1]
Some, especially in civilized lands, still maintain a partial ear and partial appreciation of righteousness, though they have not the full hearing of faith. NS14:1
The firstfruits – An "elect" sample. NS787:1
The Church of Christ. R5640:6[R5640:13], 4645:3[4645:7], 170:3*
Implying that ultimately there will be others of God's family later born--after-fruits. R5870:1[R5870:1], 5640:6[5640:13], 4702:4[4702:6], 4645:3, 2490:2, 33:6*
This implies an after-fruit much more numerous. R4702:4
As in the type, after the firstfruits were taken out, the field of grain was not destroyed, but harvested. The chaff was thrown away in both cases. R33:6*
The completion of the specially elect Church will therefore be but the beginning, and not the ending, of the great plan of salvation which God had purposed. R2490:2[R2490:2]
The Church's resurrection means, indirectly, the uplifting of mankind, the opening of the grave to every member of the human family. R4645:3[R4645:7]
The King and priest company are the first ripe, and therefore the throne of the heavenly city is established first. R156:3*
Israel is not first in this sense, but is to be the firstfruits unto God of the nations. R1405:5*
Overcomers. R170:3*
"If the firstfruits be holy, the lump is also holy." (Rom. 11:16) R33:6*
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5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. |
Without fault – They did not walk perfectly, without a blemish; but they were careful to keep their garments by going often to the Lord. R5924:4[R5924:11]
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| 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, |
Another angel – Partly fulfilled by colporteurs and their work. CR63:5
Of heaven – In the Church. R474:5, 304:1
The ecclesiastical powers. CR340:2
The everlasting gospel – The restitution from Adam's sin was the good news to Abraham, to us of the Gospel age, and is to be good news to the whole world in the Millennial age. R217:3
The message which God has sent us, preaching peace and life by the blood of the cross, to every one that believeth. R924:3
Together with the judgments, the everlasting Gospel will be preached. R60:5*
To preach – It is already being sounded forth, and must, during the Millennial age now dawning, reach every nation. R924:3
During the coming age. R217:3
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| 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. |
Saying – After the exaltation of the Little Flock, and contemporary with the judgment scene. R155:6*
This language seems to be addressed to the Great Multitude who, at the time the Little Flock are exalted, are found in adulterous union with the world, and therefore defiled with corrupt churches. R155:6*
Proclaiming to all Christians--the Great Company and the world, during the three plagues which precede the "seven last." R172:4
The object of this message and the attending judgments is to cause the downfall of Babylon by producing a complete separation between Christians and the world with whom they have been united. R156:1*
As the people of Israel were separated from the people of Pharaoh by the three first plagues, while Aaron was a prophet and they believed his words; so here God's people will come out of Babylon by this proclamation made manifest by the veiled saints. R171:5*
Fear God – Never did the Israelites serve the Egyptians more slavishly than is the nominal church serving the world. R156:1*
The hour – Not only the age-lasting good news (Gospel) but also the time element. R474:5
We are in this hour of judgment. HG488:5
His judgment – Greek, krisis. Question and answer analyzing this word with related Greek words. R2425-2426
This overthrow of the kingdoms by the strong hand of judgment is what will break the proud spirit of the nations. R60:5*
Is come – That the "harvest," or time of trial (judgment) commenced with 1874, and would last for forty years. R474:5, 304:1
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| 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
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Babylon is fallen – Babylon is the religious element of the fourth empire, Papal Rome. It embraces all the church-state organizations of the Christian nations. HG90:2
Unhealed Babylon is now sentenced to destruction. The whole system--a system of systems--is rejected. C156
Babylon means confusion, mixture and improper relationship. Q63:1; C153; R5092:3
Babylon--the confused, mixed condition of worldly-mindedness and lukewarm Christianity. R474:6, 304:2, 171:5*
Because of the confusion they are called Babylon. R156:1*
Mother and daughters. NS377:2
It was in the spring of 1879 that, through the parallels, we saw that the nominal Gospel church was rejected and spewed out in 1878. R474:6, 304:1; Q150:5
Evidently now being fulfilled in the demoralized condition of the nominal church, and in her culpable negligence and willful ignorance of the character of God, and the plan of redemption. R717:3
In contrast with Jerusalem, Babylon's unrighteous character is described, and its violent and sudden overthrow predicted. R1352:5
Compare Jer. 51:7-9. R1371:6, 436:5
Is fallen – She is falling, but not fallen. When the civil power refuses any longer to carry the church, Babylon will have fallen. The fall of Babylon and the "division of that great city" is one and the same. HG90:3
The wine – False doctrine. R3112:6[R3112:18]
Antichrist "intoxicated with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus," and with its phenomenal success, continuing to intoxicate and deceive the nations. (Rev. 17:6) C104
Intoxicating errors which have misled the so-called Christian world. R3104:3; C156
Intoxicated with the spirit of the world, or of Babylon. R3055:4
Fornication – Any illicit fellowship with the world on the part of those who have betrothed themselves to be God's consecrated people. R2300:1; C164
Union between church and state constituted figuratively the Roman Catholic, German, English and other national churches a harlot system, living not in pure conformity with her vow to the Lord. Q62:T
Fornication here means the union of church and state, and the fall of Babylon is the dissolution of that union. In other words, it is "the woman" being thrown from the beast. HG90:3
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| 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, |
And the third – As with the preceding two, so with this third message, it could not have been more accurately fulfilled than it was by repeating truth due to the Lord's children. R475:1[R475:2], 304:3
Beast and his image – The beast and his image represent great religious systems which already exist, and have millions of devotees among Christian peoples. HG305:3; Q225:5
The image will yet, by closer federation of smaller religious systems, become much more influential and arbitrary. HG305:3
Showing the nominal church in the colors which the Word of God paints it. R475:1, 304:2
Receive his mark – See comments on Rev. 13:16.
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| 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: |
The same shall drink – All who remain in her will be subject to torment and vexation as long as they are worshipping creeds and doctrines and organizations of men. R475:1, 304:2
Tormented – That system is to have torment, and it is to collapse--not the people. Q226:T[Q225:3]
Fire and brimstone – Fire and brimstone signify destruction. The fumes of brimstone are destructive to life. It is frequently used as a disinfectant. The mention of it here is positive proof of utter destruction. R487:1*
If a literal worshipping of a beast and image were meant, few in civilized lands are liable to the penalty. If the beast and his image are symbols, so also are the torments, smoke, fire and brimstone. R2609:6, 1040:5
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| 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. |
Smoke of their torment – The confusion already existing in and among these systems and individuals is well symbolized by smoke, which will become more and more dense. R487:4*
Anything annoying is tormenting. Individuals with a desire to cling to the "traditions of elders" are today annoyed by unfolding truth. R487:4*
For ever and ever – The remembrance of Babylon's distress will never be forgotten. R475:1, 304:2
All those who are finally brought out of those systems will forever remember how the systems--(beast, etc.) were tormented. R487:4*
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12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. |
The patience – Possibly some may live on, far into the dark night of trouble--though our expectation is to the contrary. C212
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| 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. |
Blessed – Uniformly throughout the Bible, except in this one instance, death is represented as a dreadful disaster. R474:3, 303:3; C240
In was in the fall of 1881 that, for the first time, we were able to read understandingly these words. R475:2, 304:4
Because they may now be "clothed upon with their house which is from heaven." (2 Cor. 5:2) R344:5
The dead – Those dead to the world--crucified with Christ--"Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Col. 3:3) R474:5, 2982:5, 303:6; Q760:2, 764:4
Reckoned dead, but alive as new creatures in Christ. Q760:2; R2982:5, 2123:2; C241
Faithful ones who die during the presence of the Lord. R6015:2*
As one by one the number beyond the veil increases and the members this side correspondingly decrease, this great privilege looms larger and larger before our mental vision. R5930:3
Along with verse 4, misapplied by some ministers to honor those who died in fighting for their country. R5755:1
Which die – Not fall "asleep," but be "changed" in the moment of death, resurrected as part of the blessed and holy first resurrection. D622
There are three kinds of death mentioned in the Scriptures--the Adamic death; the sacrificial death, or death of Christ; and the second death. Q764:3
All who become sacrifices must die. R514:6
Theirs is a sacrificial death, and they die daily (1 Cor. 15:31) until they have finished the dying process in actual death. Q760:2, 764:4
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." (Psa. 116:15) R2290:6
The Lord Jesus died, not as a convict, but as a sacrifice for the sin of the world. Q764:4
Each member of the Body of Christ must finish his sacrifice in actual death. C241
The human must be entirely sacrificed before the divine is perfected. R304:6
Sanctified believers, when they die, are not counted as dying in Adam. They are reckoned as dying with Christ, their Redeemer. R1454:4
It is a dying daily to the spirit, hopes, aims and ambitions of the world which control other men and women. R2123:2
In the Lord – It will not henceforth be a blessing to all mankind, but only to those "in the Lord." For all others death will continue to be an enemy until its final destruction. R474:4, 303:6
From henceforth – The application is limited by the word "henceforth"--not always, but henceforth death may be a blessing. R303:6
Marking a particular time--1878--before which it would not be a blessing to die, but after which it would be a blessing. R5566:4, 4914:5, 2982:4, 2154:1, 475:4, 344:5; Q117:1
The seven preceding verses give three specific messages which must be proclaimed in the church, which, we believe, have been in process from 1874 to 1881. R474:5, 304:1
The proclamations of Rev. 14:6-11 having been given; Paul's mystery, "we shall not all sleep," is now due. R328:5*
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump." (1 Cor. 15:51, 52) R5566:5, 4914:5, 2982:4[2982:7], 475:4, 328:5*
1878 marked the time for the beginning of the glorification. The "change" is to occur at the moment of dying, to all the living members from that date through the harvest period. R3823:2, 1379:5
Since 1878 those of the church now alive need not sleep even a moment; but in the instant of dying are changed to spiritual beings. R665:6, 2982:4, 558:1, 515:1, 475:2, 344:5, 304:4; Q760:2
From the time of the beginning of the reaping of the "harvest" of this age by the crowned reaper (the spring of 1878). R2982:3
The favored time of the Lord's presence. R474:3
The time of the Lord's second presence for the setting up of his kingdom. R3314:1
Rest from their labours – Toil and weariness. R3314:1, 2982:4, 2154:4, 665:1; C238
The labor and toil incident to the mortal body--the frail "earthen vessel." R475:4, 304:5
Meantime it is ours to press on with renewed zeal until the work be done and we at last receive the crown. R6018:2*
Their labors shall cease, but their work shall continue. R845:6*
Their works – Instead of the Kingdom waiting for the living members to finish their course, the Kingdom work began at once, and the living ones on this side of the veil are privileged to engage in Kingdom work before their "change." D622
As soon as they are changed, they are with the Lord, and like him are present but unseen, and engaged with him in the present work. R631:4
Their work will not cease with this change; for all those who shall be counted worthy of the change to glory will be already enlisted in the service of the Kingdom on this side the veil. C238
We are not Scripturally informed what is the character of the work of the Church beyond the veil, but we may be certain that it in some way pertains to the "harvesting of the wheat" and the binding of the "tares." R3314:4
Follow them – Follow with them. (Diaglott) R631:4, 474:3
Their death will not interrupt their works, which will continue under more glorious and more favorable conditions. R2982:4, 475:4, 304:5
That is, they will continue their work untrammeled by earthly hindrance. R631:4
Without interruption or hindrance. R665:1
Beyond the veil. R3314:4
It is now the privilege of the saints to be ushered into the presence of the Lord as soon as the earthly body is laid down. R702:4*
Our labors are not in vain in the Lord. R845:6*
Beyond the veil of the flesh the anointed company will enter into the glorious reign prefigured by the reign of Solomon. R1901:6
When Dorcas was dying she was surrounded by the Lord's people. And when she was restored to life, these were there to bid her welcome. How suggestive this thought! R1451:4
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| 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. |
Upon the cloud – "In like manner" as he departed (Acts 1:11), unknown alike to the world and the lukewarm, or Laodicean Church. R773:2*
The Son of man – The Lord of the harvest. R1362:1
The harvest of the Gospel age, like that of the Jewish age, is under the supervision of the chief reaper, our Lord Jesus, who must then be present. A238
As the harvest of the first advent did not begin until Christ came, so this harvest begins with Christ's personal presence. HG71:1
His glorious presence as a reaper of his ripening harvest. R547:4
Recognition of the harvest work in actual process is proof of the Lord's presence. B150
Our Lord came for his Bride in 1874, and has an unseen work as Reaper of the firstfruits of this Gospel age, separating wheat and tares, and gathering the living into a condition of readiness for their change. R152:6
To the Jewish house Jesus presented himself in three characters--as Bridegroom, Reaper and King. To the Christian house he presents himself in the same three characters. B238; R2982:3
A golden crown – 1878 clearly marks the time for the actual assuming power as King of kings by our present, invisible Lord--the time of his taking to himself his great power to reign. (Rev. 11:17, 18) B239
Identifying himself with the prophecy of Dan. 7:13. E151
Divine authority. R1362:1
Immediately after taking the crown in the Spring of 1878, our Lord gathered to himself those of his saints who slept, awaiting the time for the establishment of the Kingdom. R2982:5
Christ comes as King before the end of the harvest. R116:2*
In his hand – In his power. R1362:1
A sharp sickle – The Reaper of the harvest of the Gospel age. E151
That which tried fleshly Israel in the beginning of their age was the truth then presented to them. The truth then due was the sickle. So also is the harvest of this age. A238
The sickle of Present Truth, the clear unfolding of the Word of God, which is "sharper than any two-edged sword." (Heb. 4:12) R1362:2, 547:4; NS94:1
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| 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. |
The temple – The 144,000 being the firstfruits to the spiritual life, are God's Temple in heaven. R155:6*
Thrust in thy sickle – The thrusting in of the sickle of truth and the gathering in of the ripe grain has been progressing since October, 1914, as never before. Ci
He is sending forth such "laborers" into this harvest as he sent forth into the harvest of the Jewish age--his consecrated and faithful disciples, bearing the harvest message. R1362:2
The sickle of truth the Lord is now thrusting here, there, everywhere, for the purpose of gathering, not the tares, but the wheat. (See Psa. 50:5; Mal. 3:17) NS94:1
Truth, like a magnet, gathers to itself all who have an infinity for it. Thrust it in wherever you will. It will invariably accomplish its work of finding the loyal and faithful. R1362:2
Beginning the work of reaping the harvest of this age. R2982:3
The harvest will go on without outward demonstration, the chief and under-reapers being present but unseen. R264:2, 20:2
An invisible work by invisible, because spiritual, beings--Jesus, the chief reaper and angels the under-reapers, quietly and invisibly separating wheat from tares. R189:4
We are in the harvest of this age, and the errors must fall before the "sharp sickle" of truth, which the Lord is now thrusting in. R1002:6
The time is come – Due to begin in 1874. R189:4; HG71:3
Compare Jer. 51:33. R1371:6
The harvest – The harvest work will occupy forty years for its full accomplishment, ending with AD 1914. B150
The Jewish age ended with a harvest in which Jesus in the flesh was the reaper, the disciples being the assistant reapers. Our age is also to end with a harvest of the spiritual house in which Jesus, a spiritual body, is the reaper; while the angels, also invisible spiritual bodies, are the assistants. R175:4
Greek, Therismos, reaping harvest. R223:1*
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| 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. |
Thrust in his sickle – The first work of our Lord in the harvest of this age will be to separate the true from the false. Wheat will be separated from tares, ripe wheat from unripe, etc. A238
Now separating the true from the false, the matured from the immature wheat. R547:4
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| 17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. |
Another angel – Before "we who are alive and remain" are taken, the "vine of the earth" is gathered, to be cast into the winepress of wrath--"Gather ye first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn." (1 Thes. 4:15; Matt. 13:30) HG71:3
Also having – There would be two harvests--a gathering of the fruit of the true Vine, and subsequently a gathering of the clusters of the "vine of the earth." R2464:6
Two harvests, or two parts of one harvest, are shown. R264:2, 230:4, 20:2
First of all, it is a harvest of the saints. Secondly, it is a time for the world to reap its whirlwind harvest. B171
Both of these ripenings will be completed in a period of forty years, ending with the year AD 1915. B171
The first seven years of gathering the "first fruits of the wheat" and a succeeding period of 33 years harvesting the "vine of the earth." The first a time of favor, the latter a "time of trouble." R230:4
Speaking of the two harvests: first for the Little Flock; and afterward for the Great Multitude. R223:1*
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| 18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. |
Thrust in – The "ten thousand" (Psa. 91:7), the Great Company, will be partakers with Babylon in her sins and have part in her great fall. R4926:4
And gather – At the second coming of the Master. R5505:5
The law of cause and effect is nowhere more prominently marked than on the pages of history. Seeds of past sowing must of necessity germinate, develop and bring forth fruitage; and a harvest at some time is therefore inevitable. D51
Love is not the controlling motive amongst men. Selfishness is the controlling principle, and is bearing its own bitter fruit and ripening rapidly for this great vintage. D311
Joel 3:18 and onward refers to the same harvest, though perhaps first to the Jewish harvest. R223:1*; NS59:1
The clusters – The matured fruits of the false vine--Babylon. D51
There is a difference between the fruits of the true vine and the fruits of the vine of the earth. The branches of the vine of the earth bear fruitage which has the form of godliness without its real spirit or power. NS377:1
How different are these fruits than the kind commended by the Apostle and produced by the holy Spirit of the Lord operating in the heart, transforming the mind and cleansing and sanctifying words, thoughts and deeds. NS377:2
The iniquitous clusters. D18
The fruitage of the True Vine is Love, and is precious to the Father; but the fruitage of the vine of the earth is selfishness in various forms. F207
The vine of the earth – Nominal Christendom. NS59:1; R3104:5
Sectarianism, with its various branches--which in the end of this age will appear in a confederate form as the one great vine of the earth. NS376:5
A false church, not of the Father's planting, which shall be rooted up. F207
The Lord never authorized the formation of denominational systems. They are of the "vine of the earth" for they are of earthly, or human, origin. Q810:3
The false vine which has misappropriated the name Christian and Christ's Kingdom. D18
The great and prosperous human institutions which are more or less duplicating the Lord's Kingdom all over the world. OV126:3
The vine of the earth has spread its branches in every direction. It glories in numbers, boasting 400,000,000 Christians, many of these, alas, in prisons and penitentiaries. NS377:2; R3544:3
A counterfeit of the true vine. (John 15:1) R3544:2, 2464:6; NS59:1
As the true Vine represents the true Church, so the vine of the earth represents a false church, an untrue, ungenuine one. R2464:6, 3544:2
The fruitage is manifested in boastfulness, pride, show--a form of godliness without the power thereof. R5505:5
Not composed of murderous thugs, but composed of very intelligent, refined, cultivated people, unwittingly representing the "prince of this world" in that they are propagating false doctrines and misrepresenting the Lord and his cause. NS377:3
Fully ripe – See Joel 3:9-16. R3327:5 Revelation 14:19
Gathered the vine – Though branches of the true Vine may be in the different denominations, the earthly institutions themselves the Scriptures designate "the vine of the earth." R4873:1
Cast it – The fruitage. R4873:1
The great winepress – We are now fast nearing the latter end of the harvest period, when the burning of the tares and the gathering and treading of the fully ripe clusters of the "vine of the earth" are due. D51
The treading of the winepress is the last feature of harvest work. The reaping and gathering is all done first. D18
It pictures to our minds the last features of the great time of trouble which shall involve all nations. D18, D51; F207
The time of trouble with which this age will close. F207; R5055:5, 3544:3, 264:2
The great time of anarchy with which this age will close and the new dispensation be ushered in. NS377:3
By that time the true vine will have been glorified. R3544:4, 2464:6
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| 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. |
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| 20 And the winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. |
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