WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN?
WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN?
Revelation 14:4-5
John saw the 144,000 around the throne as
representatives of God's elect. The number is not to be
taken as a literal figure. It represents a great
multitude, which no man can number, out of every
nation, kindred, tribe and tongue upon the earth, the
whole Israel of God. But there it is a definite number
of elect sinners, chosen of God from eternity, who will
make up that great multitude. Who will they be? John
tells us.
- THEY ARE ALL CHASTE VIRGINS. "These are they which
were not defiled with women; for they are virgins."
Though polluted and defiled by nature, grace has made
them pure. They are washed in the blood of Christ,
sanctified by the Spirit and justified by God (I Cor.
6:9-11). And, though persecuted by the beast and
surrounded by the delusions of the false prophet, they
did not become unfaithful to Christ (II Cor. 11:1-3).
Being preserved by grace, they could not be enticed
into the bed of the great whore and her daughters,
false religion (Rev. 13:8).
- THEY ARE FOLLOWERS OF THE LAMB. "These are they
which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." They
follow the example of his life, the rule of his Word,
and the direction of his Spirit. And they follow him
all the way home. By nature they all went astray. But
grace bought them, sought them, found them, brought
them to the Lamb and keeps them in the fold.
- THEY WERE REDEEMED BY THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST.
"These were redeemed from among men." This is special,
particular, effectual redemption! They were redeemed
from among men, because they are God's elect, "being
the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." All who
where chosen by God were redeemed by Christ. And all
who were redeemed by Christ shall be with Christ in
heaven.
- THEY ARE WITHOUT GUILE. "And in their mouth was
found no guile." These are Israelites indeed, true,
sincere, unpretentious worshippers of God (Phil. 3:3).
- AND "THEY ARE WITHOUT FAULT BEFORE THE THRONE OF
GOD." This is the finality of the work of grace. They
were chosen, redeemed and called to be holy. And holy
they shall be, holy as God himself, in Christ Jesus.
Grace will accomplish its work!
Don Fortner is pastor of
Grace Baptist Church
Danville, KY