I love seeing the allusions to the Song of Songs in Revelation. This has always been one of my favorite verses from the Song:
We’ll compare this, in our study, to the promise we now find in Revelation 7.
This is the same promise Jesus gave us in John 10.
The same John who wrote the above, has a vision that repeats this promise. True believers are sealed spiritually, no matter what may come. We will suffer, but we are spiritually sealed! So though I used to fear that if I was tortured, I might cave and deny Christ, now I know I won’t. I am sealed, protected spiritually, if not physically.
And just as Job discovered, as long ago as Genesis, a day is coming when we in our new resurrection bodies will see our Redeemer on the earth. There will be a new heaven and a new earth.
Our Good Shepherd will lead us to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. (Rev. 7:17)
I know we can have doubts that we are eternally secure. As a young Christian, I used to ask my pastor (who was Sharon’s future father-in-law), “How can I be sure I haven’t or won’t commit the unforgivable sin?” He would smile and tell me: “Dee, because you are worried about it, you don’t need to be worried about it.”
Another reason we may have doubts is that, as Calvin said, “the default mode of the human heart is works righteousness.” We tend to think that we earned our way in and must continue to earn our permanent place. But we did nothing to get in and we can do nothing to lose our place. It is all of grace.
We also wonder about those who seemed to be true Christians and then reject the faith. My own daughter Sally had a long dating relationship with Josh Harris before he wrote: “I Kissed Dating Good-bye.” I was convinced he was a strong Christian, yet at least as of now, he has rejected Christ. There are others who have shocked us, like Rob Bell and Audrey Assad — people who looked like genuine believers, but at least for now, have rejected historical Christianity. This is why God tells us to leave it up to Him to separate the wheat from the tares, for we will make mistakes.
I have found John’s 1st letter to be reassuring, for he lists the things that will be characteristic of true believers. We will fail at all of them at times, but the characteristic incline of our lives is to walk in the light, to cling to the truth, and to walk in love. That is because, as John also writes in John 15, Christianity is organic. As we abide in Christ, that fruit will be seen in us. Though I fail every day, I see that fruit in myself — and I see it in you.
I also find great comfort in The Song of Songs. There are so many verses in which He reassures her that she is His and He is hers. He wooed us, He won us, and He is coming back to wed us. There is a ring on our finger, and an invisible seal on our forehead. We are His, and He is a Bridegroom who will never break His covenant to His bride.
On a side note, in case you missed it, yesterday our own Susan asked a good question concerning Dr. Campbell’s statement that the horses and riders are demonic in nature, bringing plagues, etc — but God is not the originator. She said, “But didn’t God originate the plagues in Egypt?” So I asked Dr. Campbell and he wrote back with a wonderful and lengthy explanation. He is truly giving us time and we are so blessed to have him in the background. You can see it on the end of last week’s comments. Thank you Dr. Campbell!
Here’s a virtual choir of persons from many tribes and nations singing “In Christ Alone.” The lyrics repeat the promise we are studying. See if you can hear it.
On Friday, here is a short optional video link:
Word Document Homework 13 Sealed
Sunday: The Promise
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Do you have doubts about the permanency of your salvation? If so, how could you replace the lies that bubble up with the truth of Scripture?
- (Optional challenge question) Read Song of Songs 8:5-7
A. The wilderness theme permeates Scripture. In the Song, the Bridegroom took his bride through the wilderness. How has it impacted her according to verse 5a, and how is this similar to what we are learning about true believers in Revelation?
B. It is not we who chose Him, but He who chose us. How do you see this in verse 5b?
C. Her Bridegroom is going away, and so she makes a request of Him in verse 6 a. What is it?
D. I may be seeing too much, but I think I see a hint of the resurrection and the promise of eternal security in verses 6-7. Do you?
Monday: Protection for Believers!
4. Read Revelation 7:1-3 aloud
5. Any initial comments or impressions?
6. With whom does Zechariah 6:1-6 identify the four winds?
7. For what purpose are the angels, or agents of God, holding back these agents of Satan (the winds or the horses?)
8. Read Dr. Campbell’s opening two paragraphs under The Sealing of Believers ending with “The Number of Sealed…”
9. Campbell compares the mark we receive to the mark the Israelites put over their doors at Passover or to the mark God put on Cain so he would not be harmed. What do you learn from these comparisons?
10. What else stands out to you from these two paragraphs?
11. Does it help you to know you are “sealed” in the midst of great trial? What thoughts do you have concerning this?
I thought about the historical account of Polycarp who was the elder martyred from the church of Smyrna. He told them not to tie him to the stake for he would stay for His Lord. Recently a woman in our in person study read accounts that indicated God protected martyrs from suffering as they died. I hope that is true! But in any case, we will be kept safe spiritually.
Tuesday: 144,000 Marked by God
12. Read Revelation 7:4-8 aloud.
13. What stands out to you from the first reading and why?
14. With what does 2 Tim. 2:19 identify the seal?
15. Read the third paragraph from Campbell beginning with “The Number…” and share what you learn about the sealing. (Are you glad like I am that it isn’t a literal number on our foreheads? : ) )
16. Read the final three paragraphs before THE GREAT MULTITUDE and explain what the 144,000 represent. Give Scriptural back-up for your case.
Wednesday: The Great Multitude
17. Read Revelation 7:9-14 aloud
18. What stands out to you from the above on first reading and why?
19. How does the great multitude that “no one could number” echo the promise to Abraham?
20. Read the opening two paragraphs from Campbell under “The Great Multitude” ending with “The Praise Ascends”
21. What significance does he see in the palm branches?
22. What parallel does he see with the Exodus?
23. What else stands out to you?
24. Read on in this section from the paragraph that begins “the praise ascends” up to the paragraph the begins with “the explanation of the heavenly elder.”
25. What stands out to you from this section?
26. Do you feel that the praise part of your prayer life is increasing with this study?
27. When does Campbell believe the time of the great tribulation is and what scriptural support does he give?
Thursday: The Now and The Not Yet
28. Read Revelation 7:15-17 aloud.
29. What stands out to you from the above and why?
30. Many of these promises seem to be for the new Kingdom and the new Earth – what do you find that sounds like that?
31. Yet Campbell says we have a taste of this now – how can you see that?
32. Finish Campbell’s section that begins with the paragraph “the explanation of the heavenly elder” to the end of the section. Share whatever stands out to you and why.
Friday: Sam Storms – Kept Safe (optional)
33. I recommend this 15 minute video! If you watch, share your comments.
Saturday
34. What’s your take-a-way this week?
145 comments
Sunday: The Promise
What stands out to you from the above and why?
a. “We will fail at all of them at times, but the characteristic incline of our lives is to walk in the light, to cling to the truth, and to walk in love. That is because, as John also writes in John 15, Christianity is organic. As we abide in Christ, that fruit will be seen in us” These words were very comforting to me.
b. There is a ring on our finger, and an invisible seal on our forehead. We are His, and He is a Bridegroom who will never break His covenant to His bride. This almost made me think of buying a ring and having Jesus’ name engraved on it! It will be a great reminder of whose I am!
c. This is my answer to your question about the song “In Christ alone”, Dee. These are the lines that seal true believers, I believe.
And as He stands in victorySin’s curse has lost its grip on me,For I am His and He is mine –Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
From life’s first cry to final breath,Jesus commands my destiny.No power of hell, no scheme of man,Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Do you have doubts about the permanency of your salvation? If so, how could you replace the lies that bubble up with the truth of Scripture?
As I grow in Christ and read His Word, I am confident that my salvation is permanent. Several verses come to mind:
Lie: I am not good enough; Truth: Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and it is not of yourselves; it is not from works so no one can boast.
Lie: I have blown it now, therefore, I have lost my salvation. Truth: Romans 8:31-39 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Lie: I can never measure up. Truth: Jude 24 Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling, and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before his glorious presence…
Bing — what a wonderful beginning — you are speaking truth to overcome the lies of the enemy. I love your ring idea! I have a simple gold wedding ring with “My Darling Dee” inside — I’m going to think of that as being from both Steve and Jesus! For, amazingly, that is how He sees me in Him.
Oh, how sweet are those words on your ring, Dee!
I love all that you wrote, Bing. Thank you so much for those comparison verses with the Lie and followed by the Truth. So profound.
I love the idea of the ring. Precious thoughts.
Love your way of sharing the Lie vs. the Truth of the scripture
Sunday 3b
Song 8 v5b-7
I have always been confused about who is speaking this, the man or the woman? I have bibles that attribute it to both.
P. S. to Cath — Davis’s commentary is Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. She gives more on why she believes it is the woman — such as Jer. 22:24 when people going into exile had their ring torn off, or Hag. 2:23
Also, just personally, if it would be the man, and I don’t think it is, it would put the responsibility for the security of our salvation on us rather than God, which goes against the teaching of Scripture. What are your thoughts?
Welcome, Cath! It is confusing, but commentators Hudson Taylor (wrote only on the Song of Songs) and a woman who I have so come to respect (Ellen F. Davis) says it is the woman. She writes: “In ancient cultures people often wore seals on their necks or arms. The seal was a personal signature affixed to letters and legal documents. …The woman wants to be wholly identified with her lover’s intentions and commitments.” Intriguingly, Davis also talks about how love cannot be undone by death — not even raging waters, which reminds me of the pictures of the raging tumultuous sea in Revelation representing Satan, and the sea like glass representing God. Mysterious, yet, oh so comforting. Great question.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
To let God take care of separating the wheat from the tares. I’m not sure why that stood out! I think God has been showing me how painful yet how wonderful it is to trust Him with people in my life, including trusting Him with me! On a side note, it broke my heart about Audrey Assad.
2. Do you have doubts about the permanency of your salvation? If so, how could you replace the lies that bubble up with the truth of Scripture? I used to many years ago but yes Jesus says no one will snatch you out of my hand-and that I am sealed. I think of just even being able to trust God in the middle of my world falling apart or extend Grace and Love that I initially fight against-He melts me. How can that be? Only Him in me-that is for sure. So evidence of His Spirit inside me is also what encourages me.
Oh Rebecca — my heart lept to see you back. How are you doing with driving your son to his job in the middle of the night?
So glad you (and I) have come to the point of trusting His love and “seal.”
I so wanted to come back earlier but I can catch up! Taking Isaac to work at 1:30am really messed up my mornings. God worked it out-Isaac wasn’t suited for the job. They tried various work strategies but nothing fit. He resigned and I am getting back into my early rise sleep pattern. 🙂
“There is a ring on our finger, and an invisible seal on our forehead. We are His, and He is a Bridegroom who will never break His covenant to His bride.”
❤️❤️❤️
Welcome back, Rebecca. But I do hope Isaac will find another job that suits him.
Welcome back Rebecca. I pray that the Lord will provide the perfect job that is a perfect fit for Isaac.
Rebecca, glad to see you back. Somehow I have forgotten Isaac’s schedule. Wow! 1:30 AM? God will work things out for him.
Thank you for praying for Isaac! My heart is so full-God has blessed me abundantly with all of you here. 💕
Rebecca I am sorry that Isaac’s job didn’t work out but so so grateful that you are able to be here ❤️
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I was stopped in my tracks and so saddened to see your comment about Audrey Assad rejecting historic Christianity. I had to stop and do some research. I haven’t really been following her music or career lately but I have loved some of her music. I listened to a podcast with her from 2019 which talks a little bit about her deconstructing her faith a bit but it doesn’t go into details, and some other references to her affirming homosexuality, and another brief article about her leaving the faith. I don’t know the whole story but it is so sad. It seems so many Christians are walking away from the faith now, including some who I know personally and love deeply. Her story and theirs is not over yet, and I will pray for them.
Yes. I honestly believe Satan has gotten in through the door of LGBTplus agenda. But God is greater.
Yes, Dee. I am so glad God is greater. I do not see an answer. We have to lean on God.
The book I recommended on Facebook, though written by a gay atheist man, helped me gain perspective on the root of the madness. It’s a book I might recommend to liberals and tell them it was written by a gay atheist. He says the people used to find meaning in religion, but now they find both their whole identity and their cause in their gender, race, or sexual preference and make it political. He realizes man cannot tolerate a void and has found it in this though much has no scientific basis or sanity.
Sunday: The Promise
1.What stands out to you from the above and why? Once we belong to God, we are sealed as His for eternity. I love John 10:29 : My Father, who has given them to Me is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. This really helps me when I fail daily. I also love the entire parable of The Good Shepherd in John 10. I have a magnet of a lamb that I read often: John 10:4 When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. I pray that I will daily hear His voice above all others.
2.Do you have doubts about the permanency of your salvation? If so, how could you replace the lies that bubble up with the truth of Scripture? Our sermon at church yesterday was on keeping your roots watered. When we take time watering the roots, we will spend time WITH Jesus. I think my salvation is permanent, but my faith is strengthened when I spend time with Jesus, in His Word and in prayer.
(Optional challenge question) Read Song of Songs 8:5-7
A. The wilderness theme permeates Scripture. In the Song, the Bridegroom took his bride through the wilderness. How has it impacted her according to verse 5a, and how is this similar to what we are learning about true believers in Revelation? The bride is leaning on her beloved. I love the idea that I am daily leaning on Jesus and not on myself or the world.
B. It is not we who chose Him, but He who chose us. How do you see this in verse 5b? “Beneath the apple tree I awakened you, there your mother was in labor with you and gave birth to you.” He knew each of us as we were woven together in our mother’s womb.
C. Her Bridegroom is going away, and so she makes a request of Him in verse 6 a. What is it? “Put me like a seal over your heart. Like a seal on your arm.” The seal is a mark of ownership; we belong to Him. In Christ Alone.
D. I may be seeing too much, but I think I see a hint of the resurrection and the promise of eternal security in verses 6-7. Do you? Yes, the love that is stronger than death and hell, is the Love of Christ; He endured death and hell for our sake. To seal us as His children. He gave us His life and sealed us for His own.
Patti — I know you have participated silently a long time, but may I say what a blessing it is to have you active with us?
Thank you, dear Dee. I am so blessed to be here. Thank you for this wonderful study, Dee. Such thoughtful, godly women. We are all blessed.
I loved this Patti:
“my faith is strengthened when I spend time with Jesus, in His Word and in prayer”
I know it to be true ❤️
We helped a friend move this weekend- I went out early to get coffee and forgot I needed a key to get back into the building. I sat outside for more than an hour. I had no phone with me- no distractions. I had such a sweet time of prayer. I was grateful to have been forced into a no screen time with the Lord.
I was also grateful that my husband decided to come look for me!
I have been a silent blogger for the most part during this series. I am trying to keep up with the homework because it is a wonderful study. I have been blessed by so many posts! Just want to say, I love God’s promises. John 10:29 is a special one. Yes, no one is able to “pluck or snatch” them out of my Father’s hand.
Assurance of salvation is such a blessing. Also the Song of Songs 8:5-7 is also a great teaching of committed love.
The song In Christ Alone truly blessed me. Yes, there will be representatives of all tribes and nations. Steve Green sings this one also, but love seeing each person singing!
Thanks, Dee, for so many great posts!
Shirley — love how you pointed out Song of Songs 8:5-7. People miss that book!
4. Read Revelation 7:1-3 aloud
5. Any initial comments or impressions? The four angels of God were holding back the four winds of the earth. The four winds were winds of judgment and destruction. Another angel was ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God; He said “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the bond servants of God.”
6. With whom does Zechariah 6:1-6 identify the four winds? I found this a bit confusing .My Bible notes call the four chariots: Angelic spirits as agents of divine judgment. The chariots are described a bit different from Revelations and they are in a different order. Are these Satan’s agents? It seems that they are, as the angels are holding them back.
7. For what purpose are the angels, or agents of God, holding back these agents of Satan (the winds or the horses?) I felt like this clarified the above. The angels, who had been given power to harm earth, are holding back the winds and are ordered by the angel with the seal of the living God, saying: “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”
8. Read Dr. Campbell’s opening two paragraphs under The Sealing of Believers ending with “The Number of Sealed…”
9. Campbell compares the mark we receive to the mark the Israelites put over their doors at Passover or to the mark God put on Cain so he would not be harmed. What do you learn from these comparisons? Both of these represent the Blood of the Lamb. Christ is the perfect Lamb, whose blood was shed for us. It is the mark that we receive when we accept Christ as our Savior. Our souls are protected by the Blood of the Lamb.
10. What else stands out to you from these two paragraphs? Comparisons to Ezekiel’s vision, in which God commands an angel to putt a mark on the foreheads of those faithful to him before striking Jerusalem in judgment. Ezek. 9:4-6. Ezekiel’s vision in turn is based on the mark of the blood on the door of the Israelites protecting them from harm during the first Passover. The cross references are so helpful.
11. Does it help you to know you are “sealed” in the midst of great trial? What thoughts do you have concerning this? Yes!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
” the default mode of the human heart is works righteousness”-such a comfortable but deadly default for me. It’s so easy to fall into that cycle and then feel strangled by its demands and unbearable expectations.
2. Do you have doubts about the permanency of your salvation? If so, how could you replace the lies that bubble up with the truth of Scripture?
I really never have doubted my salvation, back to my child-like faith I guess. I have no reason for Him to have chosen me but I know He did.
3. Read Song of Songs 8:5-7
A. The wilderness theme permeates Scripture. In the Song, the Bridegroom took his bride through the wilderness. How has it impacted her according to verse 5a, and how is this similar to what we are learning about true believers in Revelation?
She is leaning on Him. She is depending on His strength to be obedient to what He calls her to.
B. It is not we who chose Him, but He who chose us. How do you see this in verse 5b?
It is He who awakens us when we are sleeping.
C. Her Bridegroom is going away, and so she makes a request of Him in verse 6 a. What is it?
“set me as a seal upon Your heart”
D. I may be seeing too much, but I think I see a hint of the resurrection and the promise of eternal security in verses 6-7. Do you?
Yes I see it. Death is arrested in the resurrection, it has lost its power over us because His love for us conquers death. Just as love cannot be quenched, it cannot die, love is eternal.
4. Read Revelation 7:1-3 aloud
5. Any initial comments or impressions?
The power of the angels to hold back harm is comforting.
6. With whom does Zechariah 6:1-6 identify the four winds?
4 chariots of horses.
7. For what purpose are the angels, or agents of God, holding back these agents of Satan (the winds or the horses?)
Holding back harm.
8. Read Dr. Campbell’s opening two paragraphs under The Sealing of Believers ending with “The Number of Sealed…”
9. Campbell compares the mark we receive to the mark the Israelites put over their doors at Passover or to the mark God put on Cain so he would not be harmed. What do you learn from these comparisons?
This protection of believers, the sealing, is not absolute because we do suffer trials. But it is a spiritual protection primarily with possibly some measure of physical protection also.
10. What else stands out to you from these two paragraphs?
The reminder that we so need His protection. The enemy is at war. But by His grace poured out upon us we receive measure upon measure.
11. Does it help you to know you are “sealed” in the midst of great trial? What thoughts do you have concerning this?
I do not like to think ahead about more suffering, but when my thoughts wander that way, I love the promise that He will keep me, I am His, no one can snatch me from Him.
12. Read Revelation 7:4-8 aloud.
13. What stands out to you from the first reading and why?
The numbers, 12,000 from 12…complete, full.
14. With what does 2 Tim. 2:19 identify the seal?
The seal identifies God as Owner: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
15. Read the third paragraph from Campbell beginning with “The Number…” and share what you learn about the sealing. (Are you glad like I am that it isn’t a literal number on our foreheads? : ) )
I love this: trials “only serve to purify the faith of believers”. The sealing keeps us safe from falling amidst the pressure to give up our faith. The seal is the Holy Spirit.
16. Read the final three paragraphs before THE GREAT MULTITUDE and explain what the 144,000 represent. Give Scriptural back-up for your case.
The 144,000 represents God’s faithful, the Church, throughout history. Rev. 5:9 tells us that Christ ransomed people from every tribe and language.
Such good answers from Lizzy– I was slow to approve her new e-mail, but have it now!
I loved this in particular:
Death is arrested in the resurrection, it has lost its power over us because His love for us conquers death. Just as love cannot be quenched, it cannot die, love is eternal.
Monday: Protection for Believers!
1. Read Revelation 7:1-3 aloud.
2. Any initial comments or impressions?
Wow! The servants of God are promised to be sealed. God is faithful to hold fast who are His.
3. With whom does Zechariah 6:1-6 identify the four winds?
“These are the four spirits[a] of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.
4. For what purpose are the angels, or agents of God, holding back these agents of Satan (the winds or the horses?)
They are holding back the winds so they do not bring harm to land, sea, or on any tree.
8. Read Dr. Campbell’s opening two paragraphs under The Sealing of Believers ending with “The Number of Sealed…”
Campbell compares the mark we receive to the mark the Israelites put over their doors at Passover or to the mark God put on Cain so he would not be harmed. What do you learn from these comparisons?
The church is standing at the beginning of a new Exodus being led into a period of trial and testing, yet one in which it will be protected from spiritual harm by the hand of God.
10. What else stands out to you from these two paragraphs?
Their protection must be primarily spiritual…as some have died for their faith.
11. Does it help you to know you are “sealed” in the midst of great trial? What thoughts do you have concerning this?
Yes! The verses in Ephesians 1:13 and II Corinthians 1:22 talk about being sealed by the Holy Spirit.
I found this article from TGC supporting the security that I have when severe trials come. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/mean-sealed-holy-spirit/
Thank you for sharing this article, Bing. It is excellent. I love all of the scripture references. Praying that Ruth is home and doing well.
Patti, yes, Ruth is home and doing well. Thank you for your prayers for her and for us.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Loved Don’s response to your doubting I can just hear him saying that.
I am saddened to hear of those who question their faith and seemed to have rejected Christ. Alyssa Childers said this of Rhett and Link, who were members of a Christian punk band and they have said they’re no longer evangelical Christians but hopeful agnostics…”There’s one thing I respect about the deconstruction stories of Rhett and Link. They acknowledge Christianity means something. They understand if you cease to believe in core tenets of the faith – like sin, the atonement, the resurrection of Jesus, and the reality of heaven and hell – then you shouldn’t identify as a Christian.” Our young people are getting caught up in this and music seems to be a big part if it.
2. Do you have doubts about the permanency of your salvation? If so, how could you replace the lies that bubble up with the truth of Scripture?
I feel very fortunate that I have never doubted. I was taught as a child that I was sealed with the Holy Spirit and that was likened to seals of earthly kings that once made could not be undone. In Esther, king Xerxes made a decree to have the Jewish people killed and it was sealed with his signet ring, When Esther asked him to spare her life and the life of her people and reverse the order he said, “Now go ahead and send a message to the Jews in the king’s name, telling them whatever you want, and seal it with the king’s signet ring. But remember that whatever has already been written and sealed with his ring can never be revoked.” (Esther 8:8)
Ephesians 1:13. “In Him you also, after listening to he message of truth, the greatest of your salvation – having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels , nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing , will separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Love that from Alyssa Childers. And yes, Satan uses good gifts like music and twists them.
Perhaps you noticed my communication with a silent follower from England above on the seal and the Song. I love love love bringing the story of Esther in it and how seals from a king cannot be undone. That’s perfect!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I am learning so much in this study even though it is kicking my butt! So much material and SO rich. I am usually behind each week because of the challenge. Thank you Dee! Thank you for being a guide for me so I know all I need to know before Christ comes for us. Each day I share something that has stood out to me with someone (today it was the babies…they want to know why Jesus had to die, they want to know about the physical/soul body and how we will see Him again, I told them about the disciples and martyrs also…how they are protected by God in heaven, under the altar…I know it’s heavy but they do the YouVersion Bible study most mornings and they see Jesus on the cross. I am learning so much because of their questions!) the church at Sardis (tolerant), the relevancy to today’s world – how the persecution began at the death of Christ and continues through today, the four horses, and the best yet….the martyrs under the altar protected by God Himself. Oh, how I am changing! He has given me places to lean in this summer and I hope, release the idolatry I have these days.
“I am protected spiritually.” Thank You Jesus. This calms my soul.
2. Do you have doubts about the permanency of your salvation? If so, how could you replace the lies that bubble up with the truth of Scripture?
I don’t think I do, but I think there is always a bit of doubt in the back of my mind. Remember those like Mary Magdalene and Matthew. They were flawed people yet Jesus loved them so.
(Optional challenge question) Read Song of Songs 8:5-7
A. The wilderness theme permeates Scripture. In the Song, the Bridegroom took his bride through the wilderness. How has it impacted her according to verse 5a, and how is this similar to what we are learning about true believers in Revelation?
She is leaning on her lover. The true believers will give anything for Him. They rely on Him for everything also.
B. It is not we who chose Him, but He who chose us. How do you see this in verse 5b?
This is one of those “obscure to me” scriptures…I can’t make sense of it! I guess maybe, she came to Him but He was already there waiting for her? I will never understand SOS 🤷🏻♀️.
C. Her Bridegroom is going away, and so she makes a request of Him in verse 6 a. What is it?
She wants Him to place a seal of her on His heart.
D. I may be seeing too much, but I think I see a hint of the resurrection and the promise of eternal security in verses 6-7. Do you?
I think the analogy of love and death is showing eternal security. I’m not sure about the resurrection bit though.
Laura – this is such an encouraging post. And is there a You-Version for kids? Do you have a link?
https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app-for-kids/
This is a link to the app. If you have the YouVersion Bible app you can search for “kids” and you get several options for age and type of device. For some reason Cooper loves OT stories! Happy studying!
(Optional challenge question) Read Song of Songs 8:5-7
A. The wilderness theme permeates Scripture. In the Song, the Bridegroom took his bride through the wilderness. How has it impacted her according to verse 5a, and how is this similar to what we are learning about true believers in Revelation? She is clinging to Him in abandonment. It speaks to me how she is responding to His rescue of her. He won’t forsake her in her wilderness time, for she is His and He is Hers.
B. It is not we who chose Him, but He who chose us. How do you see this in verse 5b? He chose her before she was born.
C. Her Bridegroom is going away, and so she makes a request of Him in verse 6 a. What is it? To seal her in Him completely for she has tasted His passionate love for her even though she fails-and it is like nothing else and she wants Him more than anything else. Though we cling it isn’t because of our might but because we are His and His spirit in us consistently convicting us and wooing us back to repentance and faith when we fail. He is faithful even when we aren’t and that should melt us to turn and trust.
D. I may be seeing too much, but I think I see a hint of the resurrection and the promise of eternal security in verses 6-7. Do you? I think I might-not sure. We are frail and fallen so if we tried to seal us in Him we would break it constantly, but HE captured our affection and sealed us in Him. God is Holy, He keeps his covenant 100%-never failing love! So it is eternal and nothing we do can break it or take it away because we did nothing to earn it or create it. Is the resurrection hint here? – for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. Please do tell if it is or isn’t and what you see! I don’t have time to meditate more on it but I will try today and ask God to help me see.
I didn’t catch that, Rebecca, that He chose her before she was born. But I see it now as I look at it again, the part about “there your mother conceived you” and then her giving birth….but us being “roused” before we were even born.
Susan, yes “aroused”. He chose us before we were born so could the wooing start in the womb? 💕
The thing that was confusing to me in that verse was that it’s the woman talking. I could see it being the other way around, but that’s not how it’s portrayed.
Laura — I like that it is the woman — for if our Bridegroom asked us to do the sealing, we would not be certain we’d do it right — He does the sealing, the holding, the keeping. She’s asking Him to do it — He’s not asking her to do it.
Rebecca — What Ellen Davis says is that He is saying love is stronger than death, can overcome it, and, obviously, that’s exactly what He did with Jesus and will do with us.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The parallels between The Songs and Revelation because I never knew there were any! And that Christianity is “organic”. It’s not from us doing a lot of hard work, though Paul does write about putting off and putting on, and self-discipline, but we can’t work to make ourselves right with God.
2. Do you have doubts about the permanency of your salvation? If so, how could you replace the lies that bubble up with the truth of Scripture?
Actually, I’ve never had doubts about “eternal security”. My issue for many years was that I would be convinced that I was never really a “true” Christian, that I was only fooling myself into thinking that I was really saved in the first place. Comparing myself to other believers who seemed to be living the Christian life so much better than I was, I would conclude that I wasn’t really saved. I must have set a record for praying for salvation. A verse that I can use to refute those kinds of doubts would be something like when Jesus said that the one who comes to Him, He will never cast out. I still struggle with feeling very inadequate though in my faith, in living it out. How can I be the only believer in my family, for example? (I ask myself) Why aren’t my children walking with Him? My husband? Aren’t I supposed to be such a shining example that they’ll all fall in line, wanting what I have? That’s when I start to look at myself and doubt.
3. Read Song of Songs 8:5-7
A. The wilderness theme permeates Scripture. In the Song, the bridegroom took his bride through the wilderness. How has it impacted her according to verse 5a, and how is this similar to what we are learning about true believers in Revelation?
She is “leaning on her lover”. This is a picture, in my mind, of him supporting her, sticking very close to her through the wilderness time, not abandoning her to go it alone, and the time of testing producing more intimacy. We are learning that true believers in Revelation persevere through trials, and are praised by Jesus for their endurance and faithfulness. They may have “little strength”, like the church in Philadelphia, but Jesus assures them that He is right there to help them.
B. It is not we who chose Him, but He who chose us. How do you see this in verse 5b?
It says “Under the apple tree I (the Bridegroom) roused you. This shows that He took the initiative.
C. Her Bridegroom is going away, and so she makes a request of Him in verse 6a. What is it?
She wants Him to place her like a seal over his heart and on his arm.
D. I may be seeing too much, but I think I see a hint of the resurrection and the promise of eternal security in verses 6-7. Do you?
I see His love so so strong, that it’s like an unbreakable cord that will not break, will not let us go or relinquish us even when we die. We think of the grave as “unyielding”, yet His love is as unyielding as the grave. If the grave will not give up its dead, He also will not give us up to death….His desire for us described here as an intense jealousy burning hot. If death is like a tug-of-war, God wins it. He can only win it by making us alive for all eternity.
I can understand your discouragement in your family, Susan — though I have seen some hopeful signs in them. I see in you the things John says we should see — not perfectly, not the upward movement of love, truth, and light.
We went to our daughter-in-law’s sister’s wedding this past Saturday, at a Catholic church. My husband, who was raised Catholic, hasn’t taken Communion in years. I had taken the baby, our grandson, out of the sanctuary and was walking around with him but could still see inside. When it came time for Communion, I saw my husband go up to receive it. I took note of that. I asked him about it; he said oh, everyone else was going up. But I said, “You didn’t take Communion at any of our kids’ graduation ceremonies from their Catholic HS, nor did he take Communion at our son’s wedding in 2018. Not sure what moved him to go up. Recently, he said he thought maybe it was time for him to go back to church, but he hasn’t done anything further. I gave my daughter-in-law a copy of James Martin’s book, Learning To Pray, for her birthday in June.
That is encouraging. Sounds like some pride as he thought you couldn’t see him. We can pray about that. After I received Christ I didn’t tell my sister Sally (who really led me to the Lord) for a year because of pride.
I agree, it is encouraging. My husband didn’t tell me for 5 years ❤️
This does sound encouraging, Susan. I will pray for him to fully know Jesus. I pray that Jesus will prompt him to open his heart fully to Jesus.
4. Read Revelation 7:1-3 aloud
5. Any initial comments or impressions?
It seems like a scary time, like they almost started to harm the earth prior to the believers “getting out.”
I didn’t know the believers/servants of God were marked. I thought the ones “marked” were those that got marked with the “mark of the beast.”
6. With whom does Zechariah 6:1-6 identify the four winds?
The four heavenly spirits who stand before the Lord and are going out to do His work.
7. For what purpose are the angels, or agents of God, holding back these agents of Satan (the winds or the horses?)
Wait, I didn’t know they were of Satan, I thought they were all representing God! They are holding them back so that the believers can be marked. I guess this goes back to Susan’s question maybe? I didn’t have time to read all of the discussion, so maybe now is the time, for clarification.
8. Read Dr. Campbell’s opening two paragraphs under The Sealing of Believers ending with “The Number of Sealed…”
9. Campbell compares the mark we receive to the mark the Israelites put over their doors at Passover or to the mark God put on Cain so he would not be harmed. What do you learn from these comparisons?
God had them marked to protect them. This vision came prior to the sixth seal being opened (judgment) because the believers had to be sealed prior to judgment.
The marking of the believers in Ezekiel is to insure they aren’t killed by God’s helpers. This marking is based off of the one in Exodus that was to protect the Israelites as God judged the Egyptians.
10. What else stands out to you from these two paragraphs?
This vision reveals a “new Exodus,” where trials occur, but those of God are protected, at least spiritually. These trials began when Christ ascended to heaven, and still continue until His return.
I’m not sure I understand the comparison of the plagues in Exodus to the trumpets and bowls of Revelation? How are they “mirror images?” Not getting that.The Israelites suffered some of the plagues in Egypt, but were protected from others.
11. Does it help you to know you are “sealed” in the midst of great trial? What thoughts do you have concerning this?
Well, I have always wondered how people who don’t believe in God manage through trials in their lives. What/whom do they rely on? I suppose it makes me comforted, to know that I am protected. Sometimes I wonder if my sin is still considered by God, and when I get to heaven will He “take away” my right to be there (wow, did I say that out loud?). This isn’t a very strong feeling, just one in the back of my mind. A niggling. I know that I am His and He is mine. I know that He took my sin and gave me the right to be with God. It’s just a thought sometimes. I love how in The Chosen, the disciples are portrayed as so flawed, like Mary Magdalene falling “off the wagon.” It helps to remind me they were just like us.
I loved what I learned, Laura, about both marks — they are invisible, but indicative of where we set our minds and affections.
Laura, you and I have a similar love for “The Chosen”! I am never one to be so serious about a movie (except The Sound of Music lol) or a TV show but like you, The Chosen has really been warming my heart because of “they were just like us”. I often fall off the wagon especially in my thought life.
And then I saw a new word for me (smile)-niggling. Hahaha. Like Dee’s “gloaming”. I feel like I am improving my vocabulary here. Enough reason to stay on the blog. Just kidding.
That niggling thought sometimes ( He take away my right to be there) needs to be countered with truth. You are His no matter what! you will be there and we will hug and hold hands because there will be no Covid there!
12. Read Revelation 7:4-8 aloud.
13. What stands out to you from the first reading and why?
I have never understood the number 144,000, other than it does represent the twelve tribes. Wouldn’t there be more than that who are marked?
14. With what does 2 Tim. 2:19 identify the seal?
Those who are known by the Lord.
Laura — while some views take the numbers in Revelation literally, the idealist view believes they are symbolic. Rather than just being 144,000 believers, this is what I gather from Campbell and others who see the number symbolically.
12 Tribes (Old Testament believers)
12 Disciples (Representing Church Age Believers)
12 times 12 is 144
A thousand represents a big number or long time —
We will get into this again with different interpretations of the Millenium. The idealist view sees this not as a thousand literal years but the whole time between the resurrection of Christ and His return, which is a very long time — we certainly know that now.
4. Read Revelation 7:1-3 aloud.
5. Any initial comments or impressions?
When I read about the angel from the east, bearing the seal of the living God, and telling the four angels who were given the power to harm the land and sea to wait – don’t do anything until “we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God”, I though of her request in the Songs for Him to place her like a seal over His heart and on His arm. It’s like a seal promising protection because it identifies us as His.
6. With whom does Zechariah 6:1-6 identify the four winds?
Zechariah sees four chariots with horses, which the angel speaking to him identifies as the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord.
7. For what purpose are the angels, or agents of God, holding back these agents of Satan (the winds or the horses)?
Are these the same horses we read about in Revelation 6? These agents are being held back until the angels can put a a seal upon the foreheads of those who belong to God.
8. Read Dr. Campbell’s opening two paragraphs under The Sealing of Believers ending with “The Number of Sealed”.
9. Campbell compares the mark we receive to the mark the Israelites put over their doors at Passover or to the mark God put on Cain so he would not be harmed. What do you learn from these comparisons?
I found it interesting to see the links: In Revelation, God’s servants must be sealed for protection….this links to Ezekiel’s vision of the faithful Israelites being marked before the destruction of Jerusalem….his vision is linked to the blood on the doorposts during the Passover in Exodus….and this links back to God Himself marking the forehead of Cain as he is sentenced to the wilderness. God’s seal, or mark, is one of protection. It may be protection from physical harm, and it is always protection from spiritual harm.
10. What else stands out to you from these two paragraphs?
Campbell explains that this vision in chapter 7 happens chronologically before the vision in chapter 6. It’s kind of like a “back up” and we’re getting the story of what happened before the horses and their riders were let loose. He said that the purpose of the sealing is so that these believers will not be harmed when they go through the trials unleashed in chapter 6. So again, this makes the case that believers will not be raptured away.
11. Does it help you to know you are “sealed” in the midst of great trial? What thoughts do you have concerning this?
Sometimes I think about what it’s going to be like to die. It’s a bit scary, I will admit, thinking about how it’s going to happen. Will it be painful? I really liked looking at that verse in the Songs this morning. It’s like her Bridegroom went away (just like Jesus “went away”) but she asked Him to remember her, to place her like a seal on His own body. And, He did. So when death comes along and tries to take her away from Him, He jealously fights with Death. Now I see a picture of why Jesus set out to destroy and crush Death once and for all. Death – you think you are unyielding? I (Jesus) am even more so. I will not let my Beloved go. God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. He is not husband to a dead bride. That’s why I think there is a hint of the resurrection in that passage.
Hope all read this from Susan about death:
Sometimes I think about what it’s going to be like to die. It’s a bit scary, I will admit, thinking about how it’s going to happen. Will it be painful? I really liked looking at that verse in the Songs this morning. It’s like her Bridegroom went away (just like Jesus “went away”) but she asked Him to remember her, to place her like a seal on His own body. And, He did. So when death comes along and tries to take her away from Him, He jealously fights with Death. Now I see a picture of why Jesus set out to destroy and crush Death once and for all. Death – you think you are unyielding? I (Jesus) am even more so. I will not let my Beloved go. God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. He is not husband to a dead bride. That’s why I think there is a hint of the resurrection in that passage.
That is great! Thanks Susan
Absolutely beautiful 😊❤️
Susan,
I love what you wrote for answer 11. Dee posted it, so I won’t repeat it, but it is wonderful and thoughtful! Oh, I find that so comforting. I woke up for two hours last night, stressed and praying. The words and music of “In Christ Alone” kept going through my head. I think I just get overwhelmed with the world today in general. It was a great joy to get up and read all of the amazing comments you ladies all wrote. Your answer, Susan, really touched my soul!
just testing again. I posted a lot of answers yesterday but they’re not showing. I had to change the email I use for the blog so we’ll see. Love you all! 🙂
I did see one of your posts, Lizzy! Good to see you!
12. Read Revelation 7:4-8 aloud.
13. What stands out to you from the first reading and why? The number 144,000 seems to be symbolic. It lists that 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes were sealed. If this is a mathematical progression represented, maybe the 12,000 continues being multiplied in future generations; which would then mean an innumerable multitude. It could be an example of the lineage of believers increasing through each generation. It must be symbolic, because many believers are from tribes all over the world.
14. With what does 2 Tim. 2:19 identify the seal? The seal is identified with God’s ownership. The Lord knows who are His. Thankfully, it is a symbolic number not a tattoo!
15. Read the third paragraph from Campbell beginning with “The Number…” and share what you learn about the sealing. (Are you glad like I am that it isn’t a literal number on our foreheads? : ) ) The earth-dwellers have the “mark of the beast” on their foreheads, which is likewise his name, signifying ownership by the beast. The seal on the saved and the mark on the lost are both symbols of ownership not literal marks. The number 12 also means completeness. I looked up several Christian sites about the number 12 in the Bible and it is fascinating to see how many times it is used. In Campbell’s reference to Exodus 28:17-21, there are a variety of stones on Aaron’s breastplate; “The stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel; twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engraving of a seal, each according to his name for the twelve tribes.”
16. Read the final three paragraphs before THE GREAT MULTITUDE and explain what the 144,000 represent. Give Scriptural back-up for your case. According to Dr. Campbell, every number in Revelation is symbolic rather than literal. The number twelve represents the people of God, and is squared. There are 12,000 from 12 tribes. I love his idea: ” As Jewish Christians are the foundational root of the tree (Romans 11:17) they are also included,”…..”In Rev 5:9, it is said that Christ ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” This seems to imply that this number might be the beginning or “root” group of Christians, but it multiplies exponentially throughout the world. If every tribe and nation is represented, this number is just the root number (in more ways than one) and the followers of Christ have multiplied through the ages. Thus, this number is the beginning number which continues to be multiplied over and over until He returns. That is just my thought…
Great research on 144,000!
Monday
4. Read Revelation 7:1-3 aloud
5. Any initial comments or impressions?
No harm was to come to the earth nor the sea nor the trees until we seal (mark) the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.
6. With whom does Zechariah 6:1-6 identify the four winds?
Spirits of heaven who stand before the Lord. 7. For what purpose are the angels, or agents of God, holding back these agents of Satan (the winds or the horses?)
They are going out to do His work.
Tuesday: 144,000 Marked by God
12. Read Revelation 7:4-8 aloud.
13. What stands out to you from the first reading and why?
The 144, 000 encompassed all the tribes of Israel.
14. With what does 2 Tim. 2:19 identify the seal?
God is the author of the seal designating His knowledge of those who belong to Him.
15. Read the third paragraph from Campbell beginning with “The Number…” and share what you learn about the sealing. (Are you glad like I am that it isn’t a literal number on our foreheads? : ) )
Yes, I am very glad that it is not a literal number on our foreheads! The seal on the saved and the mark on the lost are symbolic of ownership…The seal is what guarantees believers access to the heavenly city. I faintly remember the end of the book, “The pilgrim’s progress” (did find a modern English 1964 edition), when Christian was about to enter heaven. “The pilgrims gave their certificates to the gatekeeper and were admitted to the eternal city.” Signed, sealed, and delivered!
And this was the comfort of all comforts- “The sealing keeps them safe from giving way to the pressure to compromise or deny Christ…the seal is to be identified with the Holy Spirit. And am so glad that the verses I looked up were written here, too! Ephesians 1:13 and 2 Corinthians 1:22. Thank you, Lord!
16. Read the final three paragraphs before THE GREAT MULTITUDE and explain what the 144,000 represent. Give Scriptural back-up for your case.
This section was a little bit much for me to comprehend and has been asking the Lord to enlighten me. The number 12 represents the people of God. Then the number is squared to include the faithful saints of the old and new covenant (including us, right?). This equals 144 and multiplied by a factor of one thousand. 144,000 thus represents an indefinitely large number of God’s faithful people throughout history.
2 Peter 3:8 One thousand alludes to the entire church age.
Revelation 21:13-14 12 tribes and 12 apostles together form the foundations of the new Jerusalem.
Revelation 5:9 Christ ransomed people from every tribe and language, and people and nation.
144,000 is identified with believers of every nation. All of God’s people of every tribe and nation and every stage of history must be considered sealed. True Israel is the descendants of Judah (David and Christ) and Israel as the kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6) is applied now to the church.
In summary, I think this is saying that the 144,000 is symbolic of all saints from OT to NT to the present who have been sealed by God. Being a true Israelite does not necessarily have to do with natural birth. And it has everything to do with a right relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb.
Terrific bullet point from Bing:
In summary, I think this is saying that the 144,000 is symbolic of all saints from OT to NT to the present who have been sealed by God.
I love this, Bing. I think this is saying that the 144,000 is symbolic of all saints from OT to NT to the present who have been sealed by God. Being a true Israelite does not necessarily have to do with natural birth. And it has everything to do with a right relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb.
Thank you, Dee, for pointing it out too.
Sunday: The Promise
What stands out to you from the above and why?I thought about this “So though I used to fear that if I was tortured, I might cave and deny Christ, now I know I won’t. I am sealed, protected spiritually, if not physically.”and I thought about Peter’s denial, I guess I imagine even if I would cave under that kind of pressure, he would till be interceding for me.This also stood out to me“There will be a new heaven and a new earth.
Our Good Shepherd will lead us to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. (Rev. 7:17)”And this:“He wooed us, He won us, and He is coming back to wed us. There is a ring on our finger, and an invisible seal on our forehead. We are His, and He is a Bridegroom who will never break His covenant to His bride.”
Do you have doubts about the permanency of your salvation?Not so much anymore, I have too many stones of remembrance to doubt that He has laid claim to my life, I do though struggle with believing that I am seen and loved. I imagine myself as being in Christ, but like an amoeba that is there but kind of indiscernible 🙂
If so, how could you replace the lies that bubble up with the truth of Scripture?
Psalm 33:18
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek himEphesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(Optional challenge question) Read Song of Songs 8:5-7
The wilderness theme permeates Scripture. In the Song, the Bridegroom took his bride through the wilderness. How has it impacted her according to verse 5a, and how is this similar to what we are learning about true believers in Revelation?It awakened her to his love.The persecution clarifies what really matters.
B. It is not we who chose Him, but He who chose us. How do you see this in verse 5b?
He awaked her? In the version I was reading, this was attributed to the maiden?
C. Her Bridegroom is going away, and so she makes a request of Him in verse 6 a. What is it?
That she be set as a seal on his heart.
D. I may be seeing too much, but I think I see a hint of the resurrection and the promise of eternal security in verses 6-7. Do you?I guess so, to be forthright, poetry makes me squirm a little 🙂
amoeba? poetry makes me squirm? Chris makes me smile.
As far as who awakens who, we remember subtitles are not inspired, and I really would have troubled seeing how this would be attributed to the bride. Would love to know their reasoning!
Thanks Dee, that does make more sense!
Not so much anymore, I have too many stones of remembrance to doubt that He has laid claim to my life,-Chris, I love this. Stones of Remembrance. I need to remember mine as well.
Monday: Protection for Believers!
4. Read Revelation 7:1-3 aloud
5. Any initial comments or impressions?
Interesting that the wind was held back, and that the angel was “ascending from the rising of the sun”I thought about God being in control- sovereign over what appears to be chaos.
6. With whom does Zechariah 6:1-6 identify the four winds? Chariots- the horsemen
7. For what purpose are the angels, or agents of God, holding back these agents of Satan (the winds or the horses?)Until all the number of saints might be brought in
8. Read Dr. Campbell’s opening two paragraphs under The Sealing of Believers ending with “The Number of Sealed…”
9. Campbell compares the mark we receive to the mark the Israelites put over their doors at Passover or to the mark God put on Cain so he would not be harmed. What do you learn from these comparisons?
That the Israelites in Exodus were protected and believers in this age will be too- not from all the effects of what is happening but in an ultimate way.
10. What else stands out to you from these two paragraphs?That the four winds signify things that involve the whole earth
11. Does it help you to know you are “sealed” in the midst of great trial? What thoughts do you have concerning this?
Yes, my work is to trust him, not in in my own strength.
Tuesday: 144,000 Marked by God
12. Read Revelation 7:4-8 aloud.
13. What stands out to you from the first reading and why?That all named appear to have a Jewish heritage.
14. With what does 2 Tim. 2:19 identify the seal?
An inscription-“The Lord knows those who are his”
15. Read the third paragraph from Campbell beginning with “The Number…” and share what you learn about the sealing. (Are you glad like I am that it isn’t a literal number on our foreheads? : )
I wondered about the sign of the Beast and how I had been taught that this would be like Upc symbol type of thing that would be used as a way to transact business- this still seems quite plausible. That identity theft will become so rampant that people will want a mark that cannot be stolen.
It makes sense to me, as Campbell (I think — or maybe John Stott) says the mark will be invisible but symbolically represents our mind (forehead) and our actions (hand)
Chris and Dee, I am not sure if this is related in any way to the invisible mark you are talking about. There are many times in the past where I have met a fellow Christian for the first time that I feel a sense of awareness that he/she is a Christian by their words (a product of their mind) and actions. It is interesting to read about the mark being a symbolic representation of mind and actions. And the reference to the forehead and the hand which seems the natural places where a mark will be made? Of course, we are not to judge anybody but I believe we need to be discerning, too so we can pray for that person in a way that is Spirit-inspired.
1. What stood out from the introduction and why?
The quote, we did nothing to get in and we can do nothing to lose our place – it is all grace. Someone shaped with me just yesterday that our thinking we contribute to our salvation is like a young child thinking they helped buy the new car.
It is so sad when people walk away from the Lord. We have known a couple men like that, at one time on fire for God and seeking to influence others for Him, and then just dropped faith completely. Dee, have you ever heard of the book ‘With’ by Skye Jethani? It is a fascinating look into how people see God, both in and out of the church. I highly, highly recommend it.
Really loved ‘He wooed us, He won us, and He is coming back to wed us. There is a ring on our finger and an invisible seal on our forehead.’ The ring made me think of a signet ring, and that He has given us authority in Him while we are here on earth. With the seal, I thought of how Moses’s face would shine after he had been with God. Eph 1:13 says we were marked in Him with a seal, which is the Holy Spirit. Could it be that the Spirit within us makes us shine in a spiritual way, not visible to our eyes?
2. Any concerns about your eternal security?
The day I came to Jesus, I knew I belonged to Him completely. That has never wavered. What I have struggled with is feeling I disappoint Him and it makes Him less loving toward me. I know that is a lie. Hebrews 13:5 assures me that He is always for me.
3. Song of Solomon 8:5-7.
A. How has the wilderness affected her?
She comes out of it leaning on Him. Hardship should help us lean more heavily on Jesus.
B. How do you see Him choosing her, rather than her choosing Him?
Referring to conception made me think of Ps 139:15-16, where God is well aware of us long before we even know we exist. And in Jer 1:4, God says He planned and chose Jeremiah before birth. John 15:16 Jesus says He chose us. But in Matt 10:32, Jesus says we need to acknowledge Him. I take that to mean we also need to choose Him. We could refuse Him our response. It wouldn’t be love if we couldn’t chose against Him. A woman years ago said it like this. “I don’t understand all these theological terms. But I know He will not let anything take me out of His hand. But there is nothing that says He wouldn’t let me walk out of it.”
C. She makes a request in 6a. What is it?
Place me like a seal…. God’s response in Isaiah 49:15-16 is that He will never forget us, and has engraved us on His hands. Engraving was what was done to the stones on the ephod for ancient Israel. Jesus wears the engraving of us on Him for eternity.
D. The hint of resurrection and eternal security in these verses.
Love goes on. It is not stopped by the grave, especially not God’s love. His love for us did not die on the cross, and now that He lives forever to intercede for us, His love continues. His love is infinite! There’s my word for the year again! I have to tell you, Dee, I’ve never focused on a word or phrase for the year and had no idea how to, or what to expect. But God keeps showing me….
I have not heard of Skye. Will have to look into it.
Infinite — a good word!
5. Comments on Revelation 7:1-3.
Two things came to mind. One was seeing wind as the movement of God’s Spirit, like at creation, and holding back the wind as holding back the Holy Spirit’s influence and movement on the earth. Second was seeing the wind as judgment being held back until the sealing of God’s servants was done.
6. Zechariah 6:1-6, and what it says about the 4 winds.
It says that they are the four spirits, or winds, of heaven going out from standing in the presence of God. ‘Winds’ in Psalm 104 are angels or messengers of God.
7. They are being held back until the servants of God have been sealed. Since being sealed looks like the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers, is this an additional layer of protection? In Campbell’s view, it doesn’t make sense to me, unless he would say that the seal is for protection against all that believers will face during their lifetimes.
8. Campbell says the four winds are worldwide events, judgements as described by the four horsemen. If the judgements are continual throughout the church age, how can they be ‘temporarily held back until the believers are sealed’?
9. Comparison of the mark to Passover and Cain.
In Exodus, to be under the blood was both a one time protection from the destroying angel for all who chose to come under that sign, and a picture for all that we need the blood of Jesus to protect us from eternal death. Reading further in Exodus as well as in Hebrews, it is clear that at Passover not all these were believers or were ultimately saved. Nor was Cain a saved individual. Yet God in His mercy temporarily protected Cain, just as He did the Israelites. I say that because Cain’s line died at the flood. So while I agree that these ‘marks’ were used for protection, and slaves were often marked for ownership, I think the mark in Revelation is different. The NIV says seal in Rev, and that brings me back to seeing this ownership and protection as being the Holy Spirit, and only for those who have chosen Jesus.
Mary — interesting thoughts on your last point. Are you referring to Hebrews 3:19?
Dee, the Hebrews passage certainly fits, but I should have looked up the reference I was thinking of rather than trusting my memory. It is actually 1 Cor 10:1-12.
15. Read the third paragraph from Campbell beginning with “The Number…” and share what you learn about the sealing. (Are you glad like I am that it isn’t a literal number on our foreheads? : ) )
I felt the need to go through all the scripture references he gave about seals and names. That took some time, but was really interesting.
The nature of the seal is spiritual.
The seal is the key to the entrance of heaven for His people.
The author believes the seal represents the Holy Spirit, as noted in several scriptures. I found this fascinating.
32. Finish Campbell’s section that begins with the paragraph “the explanation of the heavenly elder” to the end of the section. Share whatever stands out to you and why.
What stands out to me is that this is even now partially fulfilled within those who believe and follow the Lord. We are/can be before the throne of God, serving him. He shelters us. He is our Shepherd. He guides us to springs of living water in His Word. He wipes our tears.
I am familiar with these words but never before pictured myself among the throng right now, praising God and being protected by Him. This is awesome! I know the complete fulfillment is future, but it is also in part right now.
I agree, Diane – awesome to think of his wiping away our tears and leading us to spring right now!
Diane, how true!!
12. Read Revelation 7:4-8 aloud.
13. What stands out to you from the first reading and why?
Well, it didn’t strike me as an interesting few verses to read, with all those numbers! I’ve never understood what they mean.
14. With what does 2 Tim 2:19 identify the seal?
This verse says, in answer to some false teaching spreading around, destroying the faith of some, that God’s solid foundation will stand firm, “sealed with this inscription” – that the Lord knows those who are His, and that everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.
15. Read the third paragraph from Campbell beginning with “The Number” and share what you learn about the sealing.
The group of people with the seal is also pictured in Rev 14:1 as standing on Mount Zion with the Lamb, with the name of God and the name of the Lamb written on their foreheads. Campbell says therefore, that the seal and the name are identical.
The seal is identified with God’s ownership, as in 2 Timothy 2:19.
In contrast, the earth dwellers bear the mark of the beast and his name on their foreheads.
The seal of the saved and the mark of the beast are symbols of ownership and not literal marks.
The seal is primarily spiritual in nature – it is what guarantees those marked with it access into heaven.
16. Read the final three paragraphs before THE GREAT MULTITUDE and explain what the 144,000 represent. Give Scriptural back-up for your case.
In order to understand the identity of the 144,000, one must look at the entire context of Revelation. In Rev 5:9, for example, it says that Jesus ransomed people for God from every tribe, people, and nation. The same group of 144,000 is mentioned in Rev 14 as having been redeemed from the nations of the earth. This goes against the premillenial idea that suggests the 144,000 are a literal group of Israelites living during the tribulation before Christ’s return.
Campbell stresses that every number in Revelation is symbolic, not literal. The number 12 represents the people of God, and is squared. 144 is then multipled by a factor of one thousand, which represents an indefinite number, as in 2 Peter 3:8, where one thousand represents the entire church age. So 144,000 represents the indefinitely large number of God’s faithful people throughout history.
17. Read Revelation 7:9-14 aloud.
18. What stands out to you from the above on first reading and why?
It seems to make sense that after the previous verses talking about the 144,000, that John then sees a “great multitude that no one could count”, from every nation, tribe, people, and language. It struck me that they were holding palm branches in their hands, reminding me of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem in which the people waved similar branches and were praising Him. Then, many later condemned Him. But here, Jesus is fully victorious. He is being worshipped by everyone.
19. How does the great multitude that “no one could number” echo the promise to Abraham?
God had promised Abraham that his descendants would not be able to be counted; they would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
20. Read the opening two paragraphs from Campbell under “The Great Multitude” ending with “The Praise Ascends”.
21. What significance does he see in the palm branches?
The multitude in John’s vision is seen holding palm branches. The Israelites in the OT celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, when they used palm branches to build booths to live in during the festival. This feast was to remind them of God’s care for them in the wilderness. Christians are presented in Revelation, says Campbell, as living in the wilderness between their exit from spiritual Egypt and their entrance into the Promised Land. The palm branches signify that all Christians are the true Israel and are now celebrating the heavenly fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles.
22. What parallel does he see with the Exodus?
Since the believers in Revelation are holding the palm branches, identifying them with Israel, and, I guess, in a spiritual sense therefore taking part in the “Exodus” as did the ancient Israelites, the plagues that John sees in Revelation mirror those that God used to judge Egypt, and is not using to judge unbelievers.
23. What else stands out to you?
I guess I never realized just how closely our own spiritual lives mirror the Israelites and what happened to them: being slaves in Egypt, the plagues, being brought out of Egypt, the Passover, and the crossing of the Red Sea. Campbell says that our exit from spiritual Egypt happened at the Cross, and our entrance into the Promised Land will happen when He returns. It also makes me think of a lot of the problems I encounter along the way are similar to those ancient people who wandered in the wilderness.
I’ll bet teachers loved you in school, Susan. You pay attention, listen, and get it!
Well, I got in trouble a lot for talking! My 8th grade science teacher called me the “turn around wonder” because I was always talking to the person behind me!
Wednesday: The Great Multitude
17. Read Revelation 7:9-14 aloud
18. What stands out to you from the above on first reading and why?
It was almost like John was saying he saw that which represented the 144,000! a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language,…
19. How does the great multitude that “no one could number” echo the promise to Abraham?
Genesis 12:2 I will increase your numbers very, very much, and I will make you into nations…
20. Read the opening two paragraphs from Campbell under “The Great Multitude” ending with “The Praise Ascends”
21. What significance does he see in the palm branches?
This is an allusion to the (Leviticus) Feast of Tabernacles to remind the Israelites of God’s faithful provision for them in the wilderness. So the multitudes having palm branches in their hands is a celebration of the “heavenly fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles”.
22. What parallel does he see with the Exodus?
Living in the wilderness between their exit from spiritual Egypt (at the cross) and their entrance into the promised land (at the return of Christ).
23. What else stands out to you?
An affirmation of what I know in my heart: Romans 4:13-25 “Abraham’s fatherhood is by no means limited to believing Jews but includes those of all nations.”
24. Read on in this section from the paragraph that begins “the praise ascends” up to the paragraph the begins with “the explanation of the heavenly elder.”
25. What stands out to you from this section?
We also need to ask the question of how our worship of God reflects these heavenly scenes of glorified praise.
The great tribulation is a present reality, affecting both believers and unbelievers.
The church age and the great tribulation are one and the same thing. According to 1:1, the prophet Daniel’s last days have begun with the arrival of God’s kingdom in Jesus.
26. Do you feel that the praise part of your prayer life is increasing with this study?
Yes, but I feel there is more to pursue although I definitely have been experiencing more closeness with Jesus. I feel His enabling, His guiding my prayers to where I sense His sovereignty and His pleasure.
27. When does Campbell believe the time of the great tribulation is and what scriptural support does he give?
Dr. Campbell believes the great tribulation is the church age: The church age and the great tribulation are one and the same thing… According to 1:1, the prophet Daniel’s last days have begun with the arrival of God’s kingdom in Jesus.
Love this from Bing:Yes, but I feel there is more to pursue although I definitely have been experiencing more closeness with Jesus. I feel His enabling, His guiding my prayers to where I sense His sovereignty and His pleasure.
Bing, your explanation of the Festival was very, very helpful to me… thank you!
Mary, I am thankful for all the things that we are learning here. Am glad you are here and you are welcome. I know I learn much from you as well.
I loved that you shared this verse Bing! Romans 4:13-25 “Abraham’s fatherhood is by no means limited to believing Jews but includes those of all nations.”
Thursday: The Now and The Not Yet
28. Read Revelation 7:15-17 aloud.
29. What stands out to you from the above and why?
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
What joy (springs of living water) will it be when at last, I shall see The Lamb! No more tears because everything will be reasons for joy!
One of my favorite renditions of “No more night” All men group named Christian Edition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AwA9rdr3fU
30. Many of these promises seem to be for the new Kingdom and the new Earth – what do you find that sounds like that?
‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’[a]
nor any scorching heat. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes
31. Yet Campbell says we have a taste of this now – how can you see that?
Isaiah 49:6 “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
They shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. v.10
We, Gentiles have seen the light and are saved in Christ. These promises are spiritually fulfilled right now for the water of life without price is extended to all (Revelation 22:17). We are then given the assurance of great reward on account of our faithfulness and refusal to compromise with the world system.
Related verses for the taste of this promise now: (my own thoughts)
hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled Matthew 5:6
in the presence of God is fulness of Joy Psalm 16:11
we are able to stand through “wind or sun strikes” Ephesians 6:13
we are receiving what we need from Him everyday Ephesians 3:20-21
32. Finish Campbell’s section that begins with the paragraph “the explanation of the heavenly elder” to the end of the section. Share whatever stands out to you and why.
“This promise receives its consummated fulfillment in the eternal city.”
A promise is always in the future. The person of Jesus Christ is the Promise Keeper. Any taste of it right now is just a hint of what is to come (oh, joy!!!). So I pray that I will not hang on to what this passing world has to offer but to look to what is to come while living in gratitude for what He gives. Praise the Lord!
Great answers, Bing — I love men singing No More Night!
16. Read the final three paragraphs before THE GREAT MULTITUDE and explain what the 144,000 represent. Give Scriptural back-up for your case.
Numbers in Revelation are not literal. The people of God are represented by the number 12. It is squared, thereby representing the faithful saints of both the OT and the NT. 144 is multiplied by 1000, representing a multitude (2Peter 3:8). The thing that is confusing to me about this one is that this scripture is talking about time, not people.
In Revelation 21:13-14, a great mixed multitude of people (12 tribes and 12 apostles…Gentiles and Jews alike) make up the “new” Jerusalem. I do believe that it is a great multitude of all people who believe.
God’s plan includes people of every race and every nation.
“After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.”
Revelation 7:9 NLT
“This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb.”
Revelation 14:3-4 NLT
Christians of all nations and races will be considered as descendants of the Lamb of Judah.
“But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.””
Revelation 5:5 NLT
There are other symbolic references to time in Revelation — such as time, times, and half time. Also “one hour” just meaning short!
Wednesday: The Great Multitude
17. Read Revelation 7:9-14 aloud
18. What stands out to you from the above on first reading and why?
That the multitude was great and that they were of very tribe tongue and nation- I suppose it stands out because the people are not all of Jewish heritage- it also stands out that there is a multitude of believers- an innumerable number of them.
19. How does the great multitude that “no one could number” echo the promise to Abraham?God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that his descendants would be innumerable, this is neat to see side by side 🙂
20. Read the opening two paragraphs from Campbell under “The Great Multitude” ending with “The Praise Ascends”
21. What significance does he see in the palm branches?They point to the Feast of Tabernacles which celebrated God’s protection of his people in the wilderness.
22. What parallel does he see with the Exodus?That the church now is in the wilderness, being protected by God as was the nation of Israel was in Exodus.
23. What else stands out to you?I keep thinking of the lyrics to We Will Feast in the House of Zion and how well they point to what we are studying – we are being upheld and protected- we will be gathered up…it make me weepy
24. Read on in this section from the paragraph that begins “the praise ascends” up to the paragraph the begins with “the explanation of the heavenly elder.”
25. What stands out to you from this section?
The reassertion that the church age and not a time just before the end is what is being described.
26. Do you feel that the praise part of your prayer life is increasing with this study?I do, I really do…Christ is more wonderful to me since we have begun, it is easier to imagine the wonder of being in the throne room, belonging to and being a part of something wondrous
Your answer to 26 gives me joy. I’m sure you think much about your son while doing this as I think about my husband. What is it like for them now?
I do Dee ❤️, and it is a balm.
I have been especially moved by similar thoughts at CCEF conferences where the worship sessions are like nothing else I have experienced.
Monday
8. Read Dr. Campbell’s opening two paragraphs under The Sealing of Believers ending with “The Number of Sealed…”
9. Campbell compares the mark we receive to the mark the Israelites put over their doors at Passover or to the mark God put on Cain so he would not be harmed. What do you learn from these comparisons? I saw nothing in this section pertaining to Cain so I went back to Genesis 4 where it talks about Cain being banished from the land for killing Abel. Cain cries out saying, “anyone who finds me will kill me!” The Lord replies, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. All of these marks, Cains, blood over the doors and the mark spoken of here in Revelation are for protection. A big difference I do see though, is that the people put the blood over the doors, it’s not a mark that God put on the doors.
10. What else stands out to you from these two paragraphs? The one thing that really stood out to me is that this protection is mainly spiritual. I have always seen how our individual lives and the church seem to mirror the Israelites but never took it into Revelation. I think it was Polycarp too, who was tied to the stake and when they tried to set it on fire it wouldn’t start so they speared him thought the heart, which would of been a lot less painful than burning to death.
11. Does it help you to know you are “sealed” in the midst of great trial? What thoughts do you have concerning this? This being sealed helps me tremendously and always has as a Christian. But what I really think is wonderful is that He does the sealing. I’m not sealed because I chose Him but because He chose me. This is a guarantee that He will always be with me and protect me no matter the circumstances. Matthew 10:28. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Thank you, Sharon. This makes me weep for joy: But what I really think is wonderful is that He does the sealing. I’m not sealed because I chose Him but because He chose me. I am chosen!
Sharon, I never thought about that with the mark over the doors. I also love Matthew 10:28; We serve an awesome God. He alone is worthy. Yes, my soul is sealed by our Lord. We are so blessed. I have always loved that Dallas Jenkins named the series: The Chosen. I love that it is so relationship oriented. It truly brings God’s word to life in a new way for me.
Yes — He does the sealing! I can’t even seal an envelope well!
17. Read Revelation 7:9-14 aloud
18. What stands out to you from the above on first reading and why?
I think this is repeated from an earlier chapter. When things are repeated in the Bible they are important. It’s the worship I recall.
The crowd is from every tribe and nation. They hold palms and shout victory over their salvation. This reminds me of Palm Sunday!!!
Here are the seven attributes that describe Christ…blessing, honor, glory, power, thanksgiving, strength and wisdom.
Those clothed in white are the martyrs (I think).
Tuesday
12. Read Revelation 7:4-8 aloud.
13. What stands out to you from the first reading and why? The first time I ever read this I was intrigued as to why Judah was listed first since Reuben was the oldest, why Dan wasn’t listed, Levi is listed instead of Ephraim and Joseph is listed. It’s funny that the number 144,000 didn’t intrigue me more…just the way my mind works I guess.
14. With what does 2 Tim. 2:19 identify the seal? God’s truth, a firm foundation, a stone with the inscription, “the Lord knows who are His…”. It cannot be shaken and stands despite attacks (Amplified).
15. Read the third paragraph from Campbell beginning with “The Number…” and share what you learn about the sealing. (Are you glad like I am that it isn’t a literal number on our foreheads? : ) ) The same number is also mentioned in 14:1. The seal is a symbol of ownership and guarantees access to the heavenly city. I found it comforting that the sealing keeps us safe from giving way to pressure and compromise or deny Christ. It gives better understanding of how the persecuted have withstood. This number alludes to the entire church age of which we have no idea of what God’s timing is in how long it will last.
16. Read the final three paragraphs before THE GREAT MULTITUDE and explain what the 144,000 represent. Give Scriptural back-up for your case. These people are “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language, people and nation.” 5:9; 7:9 Redeemed from the earth and redeemed from mankind 14:3-4. Judah is mentioned first because Jesus is from this line as identified in 5:5 and this is significant because Christians of all races and nations are included in the number of the descendants of Judah, identified as the true Israel. This confirms the identification of the church of all nations as the new Israel named in 1:6 and again in 5:10, where the statement of Ex. 19:6 about Israel as a kingdom of priests I applied to the church.
Interesting you should ask that about the descendants of Judah — Norm Funk goes into great detail of that and why the different listing of names — if you are interested: https://www.wchurch.ca/qry/page.taf?id=332&file_type=file&file_id=1056 –
Dee, this takes me to an error page?🤷♀️
Sharon — I’m sorry — should have tested the link.
Try copying and pasting this in your browser — it’s Norm Funk on Revelation 7.
https://www.wchurch.ca/revelation
👍 Thank you!
4. Read Revelation 7:1-3 aloud
5. Any initial comments or impressions?
There is something about the four winds that the angels were given power over to harm the earth and sea, and I wonder since those of us who are His are sealed already, why would we need to be sealed again with His mark on our foreheads.
6. With whom does Zechariah 6:1-6 identify the four winds? Horses, or Spirits?
7. For what purpose are the angels, or agents of God, holding back these agents of Satan (the winds or the horses?) I’m not sure.
9. Campbell compares the mark we receive to the mark the Israelites put over their doors at Passover or to the mark God put on Cain so he would not be harmed. What do you learn from these comparisons? That we will be protected spiritually. We will also be protected physically though not absolute.
10. What else stands out to you from these two paragraphs? That God is in control of all of it and will protect us. Just as He set the boundaries of the skies, Oceans, Plagues, etc. He sets boundaries in this as well. That gives me confidence over fear.
11. Does it help you to know you are “sealed” in the midst of great trial? What thoughts do you have concerning this? Oh yes! Protection spiritually is huge. I’ve learned it’s even more important and bigger than physical protection though my first reaction would be I want protection physically. I can tell you with complete confidence that the only reason I haven’t succumbed to the hard trials in my life and backed away from God-though have many times, yet He woos me back-is because He is in me-His Holy Spirit-and I am sealed and I can’t explain it any other way for He convicts me and humbles me when I am bubbling over wanting justice, wanting situations in life to go my way, or trying to justify my sin. I can’t protect myself spiritually-only He can and that is why I love the picture of God hiding me under His wings Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. It is one thing to meditate and soak in His word, it is completely another to walk in it, deeply experiencing his protection through trials. Such joy I don’t deserve and yet He abundantly gives it just by being sealed in Him.
I love love Rebecca’s closing testimony. Please read everyone.
I don’t have the answer to your opening question — maybe someone else does!
Rebecca, this is golden…
“It is one thing to meditate and soak in His word, it is completely another to walk in it, deeply experiencing his protection through trials.”
Oh how sweet to trust in Jesus! Just to take Him at His word.
Me too dear Rebecca: “I can tell you with complete confidence that the only reason I haven’t succumbed to the hard trials in my life and backed away from God-though have many times, yet He woos me back”
Rebecca,
So Beautiful! Thank you! His Love is so deep, so wide, so high….hard to comprehend…I love this that you wrote too: Such joy I don’t deserve and yet He abundantly gives it just by being sealed in Him.
Thursday: The Now and The Not Yet
28. Read Revelation 7:15-17 aloud.
29. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The provision and tender care stand out to me- and that there will be tears at least initially. Tears that God himself wipes away.
30. Many of these promises seem to be for the new Kingdom and the new Earth – what do you find that sounds like that?
I am not sure this is what you had in mind but it sounds like the 23rd Psalm and like Isaiah 49:10“They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water”
31. Yet Campbell says we have a taste of this now – how can you see that?
I do see that when we have our eyes fixed on what is our final home, that it makes the truly terrible things in this life bearable. We have a hope- an anchor for our souls.
Since we have been in this study I have been pondering this passage:
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Since this study it just sank in that these are really hard-terrible things and yet Christ is loving us now, in them, through them. I don’t know, it just feels like a shift in my understanding of trials.
32. Finish Campbell’s section that begins with the paragraph “the explanation of the heavenly elder” to the end of the section. Share whatever stands out to you and why.
The theme of the promises of scripture being fulfilled stood out. There is a cohesiveness to it all.
The great emphasis on believers being faithful and refusal to comprise – I struggle a bit with. If I focus on me, my ability to be faithful and uncompromising, I quaver. I think my hope, my faith has to be in Christ who was faithful on my behalf, if I fix my eyes on him I am more likely to be steadfast, I want to be steadfast. But I don’t want to constantly worry about my ability to be better or foolish trust in myself, I want to trust in the one who is and was perfect on my behalf and then if real serious persecution comes, my ability to bear up under it will be real because of what and who I am hoping in.
The last line of the section that talks about food that will cause them you never hunger again made me think of Jesus telling his disciples “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”
Chris — that’s the big thing for me too — a shift in understanding our trials.
19. How does the great multitude that “no one could number” echo the promise to Abraham?
God told Abraham that he would have descendants that numbered more than the stars.
20. Read the opening two paragraphs from Campbell under “The Great Multitude” ending with “The Praise Ascends”
21. What significance does he see in the palm branches?
Campbell says the palms represent the feast of the tabernacles, which is something I was unfamiliar with until recently when this was portrayed in The Chosen.
22. What parallel does he see with the Exodus?
The plagues of the past are now presented in the post resurrection. They are placed on unbelievers. The believers represent the true Israel.
23. What else stands out to you?
I wonder how it is known that “after this” means the order that John saw the vision and not the actual order of events.
The saints were protected by God in the first few chapters (under the altar) and now are in worship.
Why does an elder ask John who the people are? That seems strange to me. Then, the elder proceeds to answer his own question. It’s this a rhetorical question?
The tribulation referred to here is an ongoing one.
24. Read on in this section from the paragraph that begins “the praise ascends” up to the paragraph the begins with “the explanation of the heavenly elder.”
25. What stands out to you from this section?
Praise and worship is a continuous thing in heaven. We should also have praise and worship as a “main course” of our day to day activities.
The saints were diligent in their mission to uphold God and His ideals no matter the cost.
“All those of every generation with their names written in the Lamb’s book of life are clothed in white garments (3:5)—not just saints of an extremely-short period before the Lord’s return.”
The washing of the robes is a precondition to entering heaven. It is noted throughout the Bible that the wearing of white is a sign of entering the “new Jerusalem.”
26. Do you feel that the praise part of your prayer life is increasing with this study?
Yes I do!
27. When does Campbell believe the time of the great tribulation is and what scriptural support does he give?
The time of tribulation is an ongoing event. Past, present, and future. There is much support for this idea. Rev 1:9 and 2:9-10, John 16:33, Matt 21:20,29 (not sure how verse 29 fits though?) Romans 5:3, 12:12, 2 Cor 1:4,8, 6:4, Ephesians 3:13, Col. 1:24, 1 Thess. 1:6, 3:3, 2 Thess. 1:4, Hebrews 10:33, and James 1:27. Reading all of these has bolstered my confidence in not being alone!
I did love how they portrayed that in The Chosen. Not sure it was that nice — but maybe!
Wednesday
17. Read Revelation 7:9-14 aloud
18. What stands out to you from the above on first reading and why? There is a multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes, peoples and languages and what they are crying out “Salvation belongs to our God…and to the Lamb.” This stood out to me, because if salvation belongs to God, it’s for Him to give. Again, He does the choosing, the giving and the sealing. I also appreciate the conversation between the angel and John, the angel asking a question and John saying, “you know” like the angel should know the answer, which the angel does and answers it…such a tender exchange.
19. How does the great multitude that “no one could number” echo the promise to Abraham? That he would be a father of a multitude of nations.
20. Read the opening two paragraphs from Campbell under “The Great Multitude” ending with “The Praise Ascends”
21. What significance does he see in the palm branches? They allude to the Feast of Tabernacle. They would use palm branches to make booths to live in during the festival. It was a reminder of the faithfulness of God and His provisions while they were in the wilderness.
22. What parallel does he see with the Exodus? He correlates Christians in Revelation as living in the wilderness, exit from “spiritual Egypt” (at the cross) and entrance into the Promised land (at the return of Christ). The plagues of Egypt John now sees as judgements on present-day unbelievers.
23. What else stands outside to you? Christians are true Israel and these saints are celebrating the heavenly fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacle. They have reached the Promise Land and can finally rest!
24. Read on in this section from the paragraph that begins “the praise ascends” up to the paragraph the begins with “the explanation of the heavenly elder.”
25. What stands out to you form this section? The worship of God is our primary activity in heaven. I once had someone say to me, “well, that sounds boring!” But Campbell is right, “if we don’t devote ourselves to His worship and praise on earth, how are we to be prepared for what we will do in heaven?” Worship should be our lifestyle…clothed in white – spiritual purity. Romans 12:1, worship is presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. We get too caught up thinking that worship is what takes place Sunday morning, but it’s so much more.
26. Do you feel that the praise part of your prayer life is increasing with this study? I would say yes, but that is because my prayer life has increased.
27. When does Campbell believe the time of the great tribulation is and what scriptural support does he give? It is a present reality, affecting both believers and unbelievers. 1:9 (John speaks of being a brother and partner in the tribulation). 2:9-10 (speaks of the church in Smyrna and how God knows their tribulation). 2:22 (speaks of throwing the church if Thyatira into great tribulation). There are 21 out of 23 times that Paul references tribulation to the present life and experience of Christians.
What has caused your prayer life to increase, Sharon?
Dee, I have felt an urgency knowing there are many of our brothers and sister in Christ who are suffering persecution (thankful to you for that) and also praying for those who have turned from Christianity within my own family (felt this while studying the 7 churches). I have been convicted of being too complacent and need to wake up. Jim and I have said that we are so thankful for the prayers of our parents for their grandchildren and I need to pray for mine as well…with more consistency and urgency. Thank you for the question and making me think.
Friday: optional on Sam Storms’ interview
Wow-kept for Jesus-love, love, love the title. The title is based on Jude 1 “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: I am overjoyed whenever I read a verse that I have skipped over before but now is radioactive! also, so happy to be more clear about the theological positions he elaborated on here. Please forgive me if my writing is off sequence. Thank you, Dee, for sharing this link.
Three words that he elaborated on were eternal security and perseverance.
a. Eternal security-our salvation is secured for eternity; it cannot be lost nor forfeited; we are secure in God’s love and in His eternal purpose. He will not let go of us.
b. Perseverance-ongoing experience that we will remain faithful; Even if we backslide or sin grievously, we will never finally or forever abandon Christ; in seasons of doubt, God will bring us back to a vibrant robust experience of His saving grace; God preserves us that is the reason why we persevere. God’s preservation of His people in their faith all the end of life and up to eternity.
This book is less about our character although it is important but more about God’s character.
Philippians 1:6 (one of my all-time favorite verses) God preserving power sustaining us in faith.
c. Assurance-subjective awareness of the fact that we are security in God’s love for eternity.
3 theological positions:
a. Armenianism (James Armenius) You can be generally born again; redeemed, forgive, we can have true saving faith of Christ, redeemed, etc; then through an act of your will, you can repudiate to such a degree that God will let you go forfeiting your salvation.
b. Antinomianism-“once saved, always saved” you are eternally secure, you were young, signed a card, raised your hand, and assented to Christ irrespective of how you lead your life; you should lead a godly life but what you stand to lose are the rewards but you keep your eternal salvation;
c. Calvinism believes in eternal security but will persevere till the end and progressively display the life of Christ; perseverance will be to the end
Armenians and Calvins both agree on “no holiness, no Heaven” and both insist on perseverance as essential to the entrance to heaven but Armenians think you can forfeit your salvation but Calvin says God will preserve you to the end and you cannot lose it.
3 legged stool of assurance of salvation
a. objective reality of the gospel Do you believe the gospel and you placed your faith in it John 3:16
b.internal conviction of the Spirit of the love of God is poured out and there is an awakening of the human spirit that I am the child of God (Romans 8 and 5)
c. perseverance- There needs to be ongoing evidence of a transformed life that there has truly been an experience of salvation
Assurance should be a normative part of a Christian life. But we have to be careful in saying this since there are some people who have a high, overly sensitive conscience and any little transgression or failure can send them to a tailspin of doubt. They are not sufficiently grounded in the reality of God’s love like in Romans 8. The book will help in understanding the assurance of salvation and eternal security.
What good notes on Sam Storms –so educational! I hadn’t known the Antinomianism belief, but I think many have it. It rather goes against the teaching of James, don’t you think? You are such a good student, Bing.
Thank you, Dee. Yes, Antinomianism goes against the teaching of James. True Christianity should have evidence of a regenerated heart and good works come with it. And our lives should reflect that. I like what I read from a website on the theme of James: “James writes to encourage his readers to live consistently with what they have learned in Christ. He wants his readers to mature in their faith in Christ by living what they say they believe.” Antinomianism contradicts this.
Thursday
28. Read Revelation 7:15-17 aloud.
29. What stands out to you from the above and why? He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence. What better place to be?
30. Many of these promises seem to be for the new Kingdom and the new Earth – what do you find that sounds like that? Being before the throne and serving Him in His temple. He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. No more hunger or thirst. No heat from the sun. The Lamb is leading them to fountains of living water. Every tear will be wiped away.
31. Yet Campbell says we have a taste of this now – how can you see that? We are serving Him now. He dwells within us. He is living water and leads us
32. Finish Campbell’s section that begins with the paragraph “the explanation of the heavenly elder” to the end of the section. Share whatever stands out to you and why. This is so comforting…”This picture of the entire body of the saints in God’s presence is written to give saints suffering on earth assurance of the great reward coming to them on account of their faithfulness and refusal to compromise with the world system.”
Friday
33. I recommend this 15 minute video! If you watch, share your comments. I’m not going to add anything that Bing said as she took wonderful notes. We belong to an Arminian/Wesleyan church and have been attending now for 25 years. We come from a Calvinist background and knew there was disagreement in the area of eternal security. I really liked what Storm said about perseverance being an ongoing experience that we will remain faithful as this is what we have seen in brothers and sisters at our church. There have been many interesting conversations and we have been able to point to scripture as to why we believe in eternal security, my main one being sealed with the Holy Spirit and there’s nothing we can do break that seal, but perseverance and fruitfulness must be evident. Bing, I think you said further up in the notes in regards to the seal not being literal that when you meet someone you just know they’re a child of God, there’s a bond that you feel and maybe we as Christians recognize the seal. I really wish y’all could of seen me when we first started in this church. Everything I believed was essential and you needed to believe the way I did or you just didn’t get it. God has done a real work on me and I think He purposely put me in our church. If not for that work I wouldn’t be doing this study. Philippians 1:6 and He’s still working!
This is so very interesting about your church and you, and your humble testimony. Have you noticed other theological differences being in an Arminian church?
Sharon, I love your heart sister!
There are 2 other theological differences.
Election, which not all Calvinist believe either or look at it as God already knowing who He was going to choose rather than God choosing us, period. I’ve always liked this quote by Jonathan Edwards, “To be predestined means God decreed your eternal joy prior to any foresight of faith or good works in you.”
The other is grace. They believe in Prevenient grace which is a grace that enables their salvation but doesn’t ensure it. I believe in Irresistible grace which is God’s grace effectually applied to those He has chosen.
One thing that is important to them is holiness and Smart is exactly right in his statement that both agree on, “no holiness, no heaven.” I really think that the Armenians are much stronger on preaching it though.
That’s all so interesting. Our first church as Christians was Free Methodist, which would have been in the Arminian camp, but I knew nothing then. You seem quite Reformed in your thinking. I don’t even know if Don was — I was such a baby Christian. When my grandmother heard we’d become Baptists, she said, “Dee Dee! That’s two steps down from Methodist!” 🙂
Sharon, I have so much to learn! And am so glad, I am here with you all. Things seem to be coming together for me and my priorities are getting rearranged. I am truly grateful to God.
Yes, I feel like I’m closer to being Reformed. Funny what your mother said…my father felt that way when we started attending our church here. We go to a Nazarene Church which is an offshoot of the Methodist. I know Don called himself a 3 point Calvinist and what 2 points he didn’t agree with I don’t know.
Sharon — that sounds like Don! 🙂 I can almost hear Steve laughing with him. They did that a lot.
Saturday
34. What’s your take-a-way this week? I’m going to make this short…this view makes so much sense to me. I’ve been fighting within myself but through prayer I feel good with it and want to learn more. Thank you Dee for being so courageous in doing this as I know it wasn’t easy. And I am so encouraged by what everyone has to share…thank you!
Sharon — would we all have hearts like yours.
Amen! 🙂
13. What stands out to you from the first reading and why? That the 144 thousand were divided up evenly among the tribes. There wasn’t a tribe that had more than the other.
14. With what does 2 Tim. 2:19 identify the seal? Those who are God’s
15. Read the third paragraph from Campbell beginning with “The Number…” and share what you learn about the sealing. (Are you glad like I am that it isn’t a literal number on our foreheads? : ) YES I am glad. The sealing keeps us safe from giving into the pressure to compromise or deny Christ. The sealing refers to the Holy Spirit. What stood out is it’s not about our personal comfort here on Earth but about His protection spiritually from compromise which purifies our faith. What is really spectacular is that the trials-tribulations here on earth are also meant to purify our faith.
16. Read the final three paragraphs before THE GREAT MULTITUDE and explain what the 144,000 represent. Give Scriptural back-up for your case.
1. Every number is symbolic, not literal
2. The number 12 represents the people of God and is squared. The squaring includes the faithful saints in both old and new covenants.
3. The resulting number 144 is multiplied by a factor of 1000 which represents a large indefinite number (2 Peter 2:8 -one thousand alludes to the entire church age.)
Therefore, 144,000 represents the indefinitely large number of faithful people throughout history.
Saturday
34. What’s your take-a-way this week?
I am sealed and nobody can take this status away from me. Thank you, Lord, for loving me and calling me to yourself. I am glad to belong to the family of God. And as Sam Storms said (and Jude 1), I am “kept for Jesus”!
Sam Storms elaboration on the theological positions really clarified things for me. And I learned how to spell Arminianism after the fact! So many links to follow and learn about the whats and the why’s of these positions. I am like Matthew in The Chosen when he told Philip he needed to catch up in learning about the faith. Philip then replied he doesn’t need to catch up; he is where he needs to be. I am where I need to be-that is reassuring.
And Amen! 🙂
28. Read Revelation 7:15-17 aloud.
29. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The wiping of tears from my eyes. How sweet that will be; no more pain inside.
30. Many of these promises seem to be for the new Kingdom and the new Earth – what do you find that sounds like that?
It seems as if you have to be there to have the experience.
31. Yet Campbell says we have a taste of this now – how can you see that?
At the same time I could apply this to myself. The peace that Gods Word brings; if I listen and try to apply it, I will not be hungry or thirsty, or sun scorched. If I follow the Lamb I will enjoy life.
32. Finish Campbell’s section that begins with the paragraph “the explanation of the heavenly elder” to the end of the section. Share whatever stands out to you and why.
There is reiteration that the saints will be protected. It is important if said more than once.
The words of the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah are brought forward here. Again, OT playing itself out in Revelation. In Isaiah, it is noted that all this would not just be for the tribe of Judah, but for all nations, races, etc.
“Water of life without price”….ahh, how sweet it is!
I will pay the price for following Jesus, in one form or another. Be it mild like social isolation, or even death. If I am faithful, I will receive these blessings in the future.
17. Read Revelation 7:9-14 aloud
18. What stands out to you from the above on first reading and why?
I’d never thought of this before but it sort of stood out that there are 7 things listed to give to God “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might”.
19. How does the great multitude that “no one could number” echo the promise to Abraham?
As innumerable as the stars in the skies.
20. Read the opening two paragraphs from Campbell under “The Great Multitude” ending with “The Praise Ascends”
21. What significance does he see in the palm branches?
The palm branches point to the Feast of the Tabernacles, when the Israelites used the branches to make booths to live in during the festival, which was focused on remembering God’s faithful provision for them in the wilderness. These are saints celebrating the heavenly fulfillment of the Feast.
22. What parallel does he see with the Exodus?
Christians are living in the wilderness between their exit from spiritual Egypt (the Cross) and their entrance to Heaven (return of Christ).
23. What else stands out to you?
Christians are the true Israel. The believers of every tribe and nation in vs 9-17 are the same as the picture of the 12 tribes in vs 1-8.
24. Read on in this section from the paragraph that begins “the praise ascends” up to the paragraph the begins with “the explanation of the heavenly elder.”
25. What stands out to you from this section?
Worship is the primary activity in heaven. Devoted ourselves to praise and worship of Him here, prepares us for heaven.
26. Do you feel that the praise part of your prayer life is increasing with this study?
Yes. I think it has reminded me of hos present He is with us, protecting us spiritually, sealing us in Him…so much to praise!
27. When does Campbell believe the time of the great tribulation is and what scriptural support does he give?
The great tribulation is the same as the church age, when Christians journey through a dangerous wilderness, subject to attack, but protected spiritually by God. Rev. 1:9, 2:9-10, 2:22. He gives several other references.
28. Read Revelation 7:15-17 aloud.
29. What stands out to you from the above and why?
We will serve Him, He will shelter us. We will have no need of anything else, no harm will come to us, no tears.
We will do what we were made to do-glorify Him, and He will fulfill all our needs.
30. Many of these promises seem to be for the new Kingdom and the new Earth – what do you find that sounds like that?
We will have no hunger, no thirst, we will be protected by Him physically. “He will wipe every tear”
31. Yet Campbell says we have a taste of this now – how can you see that?
We have His presence now, His protection over us spiritually.
Interesting on 7 things!
24. Read on in this section from the paragraph that begins “the praise ascends” up to the paragraph that begins with “the explanation of the heavenly elder”.
25. What stands out to you from this section?
Worship of God is the primary activity of heaven. We need to ask ourselves how our worship of God on earth reflects these heavenly scenes of glorified praise. Properly understood, worship is the presentation of our lives as a sacrifice living, holy and acceptable to God. And I think too….the presentation of our lives, in all of our messiness. God still loves us.
The “great tribulation” is alluded to in Daniel, and by Jesus in Matthew, and refers to the church age in which Christians journey through the wilderness, subject to attack, yet spiritually protected by God.
26. Do you feel that the praise part of your prayer life is increasing with this study?
I noted this past Sunday in church, during the liturgy of the Eucharist, the prayers of praise, and they reminded me of what we’ve been reading in Revelation. Often, words from these passages will come to my mind, and if prayer, by one definition, is the raising of the heart and mind to God, then yes, my prayer life is increasing.
27. When does Campbell believe the time of the great tribulation is and what scriptural support does he give?
He believes that the idea of a great tribulation happening immediately prior to Christ’s return and the church being raptured from the world is incorrect. He argues that Revelation consistently interprets the prophecies of Daniel as finding their fulfillment in the resurrection and ascension of Christ ( in that time period). He refers to Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 as the time of tribulation happening long before His return.
28. Read Revelation 7:15-17 aloud.
29. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The picture of God spreading a tent over His people. They are now shielded, protected, and will never go hungry or thirsty; they will never suffer the sun’s scorching heat. The Lamb, Jesus, will be their Shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water (reminds me of Psalm 23).
30. Many of these promises seem to be for the new Kingdom and the new Earth – what do you find that sounds like that?
God’s throne is there, and He is being served day and night. There is no suffering, only rest and satisfaction. God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.
31. Yet Campbell says we have a taste of this now – how can you see that?
I can “see” it in that inner place that God makes His home within me. When I go looking in the world to satisfy my hunger and thirst, it is never satiated. The world can also beat me down. Yet at home with God, He meets all my needs with great care. He is my Shepherd even here.
32. Finish Campbell’s section that begins with the paragraph “the explanation of the heavenly elder” to the end of the section. Share whatever stands out to you and why.
I had always heard teaching about the importance of a ‘restored Jerusalem’ on earth, but Campbell says that the sanctuary is not placed in a restored, physical Jerusalem, but is situated in God’s heavenly temple in the new Jerusalem. This seems to make sense because in His temple, no one is excluded; there is no ‘nationalistic pride’ of any one group over another. It also stood out that he said that all true, faithful Christians will pay a price in some form or another.