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Nine events to take place before the last Feast of Trumpets
Fred R. Coulter—May 22, 2021
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Greetings, everyone! Welcome to Sabbath services! I'm going to cover a good deal of Scriptures on what we will do on the Sea of Glass.
Eph. 3 helps us to understand God's overall plan, because in a few verses Paul goes from where he is up to the completion of God's plan. I'm going to begin here so that we can get a perspective—and always keep this framework in mind—on what God is doing. Paul said that God gave him greater understanding of the mystery of His plan, what it is all about, and he was going to give it to the brethren at this time.
Ephesians 3:9: "And that I might enlighten all as to what is the fellowship of the mystery that has been hidden from the ages in God…"
Note our DVD: True Fellowship with God {truthofGod.org}. This is a introduction for what we're going to cover today. "…fellowship of the mystery that has been hidden from the ages in God…" Think about that! We covered how God has hidden things, but He reveals them and here we are getting closer and closer to the end-time.
God has given us more understanding, but that doesn't make us anything great or of our own, it's from God, because certain things cannot be revealed that begin along with what ends. We will see that here with what the Apostle Paul writes. He gives an overall outline.
"…Who created all things by Jesus Christ; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the Church to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, according to His eternal purpose… [what He proposed, He's going to do] …which He has wrought in Christ Jesus our Lord, in Whom we have boldness and direct access with confidence through His very own faith" (vs 9-12).
The faith that He gives to us so that we, with His Holy Spirit, can have access to Him! That's quite a thing to really understand when you go through the Scriptures.
Verse 13: "So then, I beseech you not to faint at my tribulations for you, which are working for your glory." In other words, this is so great that there is nothing to compare to it!
Verse 14: "For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (vs 14-15). This tells us what God is doing! That's why we are called the children of God!
Verse 16: "That He may grant you… [it comes from God; He give it] …according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith" (vs 16-17).
That can't happen until there is repentance and baptism! On Church at Home {churchathome.org] I just did two segments on What Do Mean Born Again? The other one is about baptism, which becomes very important.
We can have certain knowledge up to a certain point, and know certain things, but God wants us to have a relationship with Him spiritually, and that begins when we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. That's why I put up for today's message on the website, True Fellowship with God! That's what God wants. That comes:
- through prayer
- through study
- through living God's way
Verse 18: "And that being rooted and grounded in love…"
The epitome of love is everything is that God does, and we are to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and being so that:
"…you may be fully able to comprehend…" (v 18). God wants us to know! He doesn't want dumb, simple sheep that the only thing they know is to 'baaaa'!
"…with all the saints…" (v 18).
This is a vast verse that goes out beyond the new heavens and new earth. We have to get to the new heavens and new earth before this happens:
"…what is the breadth and length and depth and height… [that is of God's plan and what we're going to be] …and to know the love of Christ… " (vs 18-19).
That's the most important thing! The world has it all backward, because they only have half of it. God loves us, which He does. They say that God's love is unconditional, which it's not. But rarely do they say that we have to love back!
"…which surpasses human knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God" (v 19). That's what God wants!
When we look at ourselves and see that we're sinners, weak and we need God's Truth and love constantly."…so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Let's talk about this concerning the resurrection, the first resurrection, what Paul called a 'superior resurrection.'
Hebrews 11:35: "Women received their dead restored to life; and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a superior resurrection."
I don't know how we can think back upon it, but let's just consider all of the Waldensians and all of the ones in the Alps and the Celtic Church and in Europe. A high percentage of them were martyred, and willingly martyred!
There's an account in Foxe's Book of Martyrs, and it's quite a thing, it's two volumes. One young lady told the inquisitor, 'Let me go home and put on my best dress and I'll come back, because I don't want to meet the Lord in what I'm wearing.' She came back and gave her life!
Today our greatest discomfort is when the power goes out. Or we get too hot or too cold. That's why we need to keep our minds on what God has called us to, and that is a superior resurrection! Let's see why it is called a 'a superior resurrection.'
Think about it! The second resurrection is a resurrection to a second physical life for a first opportunity for salvation. Therefore, those who are raised from the dead at the return of Christ it is a superior resurrection!
Philippians 3:20: "But for us, the commonwealth of God exists in the heavens, from where also we are waiting for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ… [notice what He's going to do]: …Who will transform our vile bodies, that they may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the inner working of His own power, whereby He is able to subdue all things to Himself" (vs 20-21).
We will see how He looks. It will be a little less than what He is, but here is what John saw when Christ called him:
Revelation 1:13: "And in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of man, clothed in a garment reaching to the feet, and girded about the chest with a golden breastplate. And His head and hair were like white wool, white as snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire… [that's quite something] …and His feet were like fine brass, as if they glowed in a furnace; and His voice was like the sound of many waters. And in His right hand He had seven stars, and a sharp two-edged sword went out of His mouth, and His countenance was as the sun shining in its full power" (vs 13-16).
Will we look like that? Let's see what Jesus Himself said! Won't that be nice to have a body not too thin, not too fat; not subject to all of the things of the flesh. But spirit, composed of spirit!
To be able to understand how we're going to functions, that's one of the reasons for the Sea of Glass. Everything that Jesus said was true, and is true! Everything He said that would come to pass will come to pass!
Matthew 13:43: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father…."
That's something to really understand, that that's what we will look like. The Apostle John wrote about that. Every single one of the apostles had a great understanding of what it's going to be like to be in the Kingdom of God. Some more than others, but here John is stressing how we need to keep our mind on the very goal of God:
1-John 3:1: "Behold! What glorious love the Father has given to us…"
A lot of these verses are good to read and stop and think about it and understand that, yes, God loves us! Look what He wants to give us. That's why, brethren, and there are a lot of brethren that are out there under a hierarchy of men instead of under the love of God.
"…that we should be called the children of God! For this very reason, the world does not know us because it did not know Him" (v 1).
Think about how many people think that they know about God, but don't. They know about ideas that men have, but the Word of God is different than ideas of men. It is all God-breathed! It is true!
Verse 2: "Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be; but we know that when He is manifested, we shall be like Him…"
We just read two verses, one about what Jesus was like, and one about what we will be like.
"…because we shall see Him exactly as He is" (v 2).
- here's what this is to do for us
- here's what these things that are yet in the future to come are part of the goal that God has set before us
Verse 3: "And everyone who has this hope in him… [that's what we do when we read te Scriptures and it is in us, in our mind] …purifies himself, even as He is pure." That's called growing and overcoming!
We're also called a nation. Let's look at that, because that helps us understand what's going to take place on the Sea of Glass. Isn't it interesting how many times we find a precursor of the New Testament in the Old Testament. Remember that there are 356 prophecies of Jesus in the Old Testament. Here's a prophecy about all of us:
Isaiah 66:6: "A sound of noise from the city, a sound from the temple, the sound of the LORD repaying His enemies."
We will see that that ties in with the time on the Sea of Glass.
Verse 7—the resurrection: 'Before she travailed, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a man-Child…. [Christ] …Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things like these? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day?…. [that's talking about us] …Or will a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she also gave birth to her children" (vs 7-8). We're going to be a nation!
Remember that Jesus told the Pharisees that they were not bringing forth the fruit of the Kingdom of God, and that if they didn't that He would give the Kingdom to another nation. That is us! Let's see how Peter wrote of it, and this begins to tell us a little bit more about what we're going to do on the Sea of Glass, and what we're going to do when we come back to the earth. Peter starts out with Christ:
1-Peter 2:6: "For this reason it says in the Scripture, 'Behold, I place in Zion the Cornerstone, chosen and precious; and the one who believes in Him shall never be put to shame.' The preciousness is to you, therefore, who believe…" (vs 6-7).
All of the good thoughts of God, all of the blessings of God come with trials and difficulties, that is true, but all the preciousness is to us!
"…but to those who disobey, the Stone that the builders rejected has become the Head of the corner, and a Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offense; especially to those who stumble at the Word, being disobedient, unto which unbelief they also were appointed. But you …" (vs 7-9).
Notice how this ties in with the other Scriptures that we've already covered:
Verse 9: "But you are a chosen stock a royal priesthood…"
- Are you important? Everybody likes to be important!
- What happens with importance in the world? Sooner or later it's all gone and disappears!
"…a chosen stock…" by God the Father! We are His children. He's given us of His Spirit in our mind along with the Spirit of Christ so that we can grow, change and overcome, and have fellowship with God every day through:
- prayer
- study
- living
- good times
- difficult times
"…a royal priesthood…" (v 9).
What did it say in Rev. 20? Blessed are those who have part in the first resurrection, for they shall be kings, priests and reign a thousand years! We will be doing the ruling.
"…a Holy nation…" (v 9).
There it is again, the prophecy was: Can a nation be born at once? When Isaiah wrote that—and without the New Testament to understand it—that would seem like a foolish question. But with God, nothing is impossible!
"…a people for a possession of God, that you might proclaim His excellent virtues, Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (v 9).
Now you know why there are few chosen! If you really want to come to God His way. They might want to come to God their way, but to come to God His way, that's the key!
Verse 10: "Who once were not a people, but now are the people of God…"
Think of that! The Jews like to go around saying that they are 'the chosen people.' I've heard some Jews say, 'If we're the chosen people why do we go through so much difficulty?'
Chosen by God! Remember what Jesus said, that the Father has to 'draw us!' Then when we're baptized and receive the Holy Spirit of God, then God teaches us! He teaches us:
- through His Spirit
- through His Word
- through experience in living
All of that is preparation for the superior resurrection!
"…who had not received mercy, but now have received mercy" (v 10). That's really a great thing, indeed!
Now we are ready. There are three phases to Jesus' return. Two of them are centered and executed on Pentecost. The first one is here in Rev. 12. How do we know it's Pentecost? By Hosea 6 and the sealing of the 144,000 and the great innumerable multitude and saving them!
Revelation 12:12: "And when He opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as the hair of sackcloth, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell to the earth…" (vs 12-13).
When God intervenes, He's got the attention of everybody! This is something that everyone is going to see. This is the 'sign of the Son of man' in heaven. This is God's intervention! On all the Holy Days there are great interventions of God.
"…as a fig tree casts its untimely figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the heaven departed like a scroll that is being rolled up…" (vs 13-14).
All of a sudden there are things going on in heaven. Stars are falling and people on the earth are wondering what's happening. Then all of a sudden the heavens open and they see the 'sign of the Son of man.' That's like a second sun! And at first they believe that it's the return of Christ, but later—because He doesn't come right then—they change their minds.
"…and every mountain and island was moved out of its place" (v 14).
Talk about shaking the whole earth. Think of that! All of you out there who have your island and places of safety out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, do you know how to tread water? It will disappear!
- no man is going to save himself
- no woman is going to save herself
Verse 15: "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the powerful men, and every bondman, and every free man hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, 'Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him Who sits on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of His wrath has come, and who has the power to stand?'" (vs 15-17).
So, the first thing that He does—this being Pentecost—is save the 144,000 and great innumerable multitude. There are some people, even in the Churches of God, who say that only 144,000 will be saved. Apparently they never read Rev. 7.
- Is a great innumerable multitude more than 144,000?
- Besides, if that's the case, how do you know which tribe you belong to?
Picture this line: from Pentecost to Pentecost. From Pentecost to Rev. 8 when the trumpets begin is 4-1/2 months. Why do they need the 4-1/2 months? Because they have to straighten everything out so they can continue fighting each other! They have that fight in Rev. 8 & 9, and Rev. 10 are the 7 thunders, and John was told 'don't write them.' Yet, some people claim they know what they are. If John was told not to write them, that means nobody knows!
Then we come to the next Pentecost, which is Rev. 11 and that begins with the resurrection. Remember what Jesus said concerning the tares and the wheat: let them grow until the end and then He will send His angels out to gather the grain—that's us—and to destroy the wicked!
So, here's the sequence that happens: The two witnesses die and after 3-1/2 days they are raised. Let's look at that sequence of this and see what is said so that we know that this is the resurrection, and that we are going to end up on the Sea of Glass.
Revelation 11:11: "Then after the three and a half days, the spirit of life from God entered into them and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. And they heard a great voice from heaven, say, 'Come up here!'… [they start rising] …And they ascended into heaven in a cloud; and their enemies saw them rise. And in that hour there was a great earthquake…" (vs 11-13)
Verse 14: "The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming immediately. Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet…" (vs 14-15)—right as the two witnesses had ascended up into the clouds!
The seventh trump is blown, and remember that the only place in the Bible where there is a sequence of numbered trumpets, because in order to have the last trumpet you have to have a first trumpet, and whatever is in between.
In the book of Revelation that's the only place that the trumpets are blown, called the trumpet plagues. But notice what they say in heaven:
"…and there were great voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign into the ages of eternity.' And the twenty-four elders, who sit before God on their thrones, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, 'We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come; for You have taken to Yourself Your great power, and have reigned. For the nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time for the dead to be judged, and to give reward to Your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to all those who fear Your name, the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth.' And the Temple of God in heaven was opened…" (vs 15-19).
We know that in Exo. 24 that Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and 70 of the elders of Israel saw God walking on a Sea of Glass, and they had a meal of confirmation of the first covenant. Think about what's going to happen here:
Revelation 15:1: "Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and awesome: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is filled up. And I saw a Sea of Glass mingled with fire, and those who had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, standing on the Sea of Glass, having the lyres of God" (vs 1-2).
- Why do we need to be on the Sea of Glass?
- How does this Sea of Glass get there? Very probably this way:
Speculation: The 'sign of the Son of man' as the sun will be seen all the year from the time it appeared on Pentecost to the time just before the resurrection. Then it will come streaking to the earth and spread out like a giant Sea of Glass.
- Why is that necessary?
If the resurrection and every takes place on the Feast of Trumpets:
- how is everybody going to know:
- what to do?
- where to go?
- how to use their immortal bodies?
If you're resurrected and say, 'Oh, there's Jesus.' And Jesus says, 'Follow Me and let's go down there.'
- Where are we going, Lord?
- What are we going to do, Lord?
- Why do all need to be on the Sea of Glass?
- How many will there be? We're not told!
- Don't you think that taking over the whole world is a gigantic task?
- How much preparation do we need?
Think about this by comparison: the greatest military operation the world has ever seen was the invasion of Normandy (WWII). How long did it take them to prepare for that, which is nothing compared to what we're talking about? Two whole years and more!
That great Sea of Glass is going to be there and the whole world is going to see it in the clouds above Jerusalem.
We will go through eight things that will happen, and maybe more, on the Sea of Glass!
(break@41:00)
- When you're resurrected what's the first thing that you're going to receive? A new body, that's correct!
- Are you going to be wearing your burial clothes? No!
- New Clothes
Talking about the marriage supper of the Lamb:
Revelation 19:8: "And it was granted to her that she should be clothed in fine linen, pure and bright; for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints." First thing you're going to do is be clothed!
- New Names
What do you do when a child is born? We'll be given a new name!
Revelation 2:17: "The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes…
Remember, all of these messages are to all of the Churches; in particularly to each one and jointly to all of them.
"…I will give the right to eat of the hidden manna; and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except the one who receives it" (v 17).'
Let's see that there may be differences in the names given, Everybody wants to be a Philadelphian, but that can't necessarily be. But if you're in the Kingdom of God, how great are you? Jesus said that 'the one who is in the Kingdom of God, or enters into the Kingdom of God, is greater than John the Baptist. That's the least! So, you get a new name.
Revelation 3:12: "The one who overcomes will I make a pillar in the Temple of My God, and he shall not go out anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God… [just like you receive a first, middle and last name] …and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which will come down out of heaven from My God; and I will write upon him My new name."
There we have at least three new names!
- Rewards
This is part of the song of the 24 elders. Revelation 11:18: "For the nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time for the dead to be judged, and to give reward to Your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to all those who fear Your name, the small and the great…"
We don't know what it is! We also know that we're going to be given jobs.
- Presented to the Father
Here we are all on the Sea of Glass. We've all been given a new name, dressed in great bright linen, standing on the Sea of Glass and now comes one of the most important ceremonies that we will ever participate in. It will be a one-time thing, but it will be forever!
This is going to be something, and be officiated by Jesus Christ to God the Father. Remember what Jesus said about those whom He was teaching. He says that they're of the Father, and You—the Father—gave them to Me! So, we are the children of the Father and salvation is through Christ. This is why Jesus went through everything that He did.
Hebrews 2:9: "But we see Jesus… [we're going to see Jesus literally] …Who was made a little lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor on account of suffering the death …"
We're going to see Jesus all arrayed in His glory with His crown, breastplate, garments and everything. Picture this great ceremony.
"…in order that by the grace of God He Himself might taste death for everyone… [through baptism] …because it was fitting for Him, for Whom all things were created, and by Whom all things exist, in bringing many sons unto glory… [all the sons and daughters of God glorified] …to make the Author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He Who is sanctifying and those who are sanctified are all of one…" (vs 9-11).
When we are on the Sea of Glass we are all of one. Rev. 11 says that the tabernacle in heaven above was opened. We should be able to see God the Father.
- Don't you think He wants to see His children resurrected from the dead?
- Don't you think we want to see Christ and the Father?
Of course! But we have to be presented!
"…for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, 'I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the Church I will sing praise to You'" (vs 11-12).
Right as He's presenting us, He's going to be singing praise to God the Father. I wonder how it's going to be to hear Jesus sing? I'm sure that it's going to be more than a joyful noise!
Verse 13: "And again, 'I will be trusting in Him.' And again, 'Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.'" Presented to God the Father!
- Assignments
After that is done, then we start getting down to business! Every one of us will has specific instructions. There will be whoever God puts in charge of however He breaks down the whole world. There are going to be different ones of the patriarchs in charge of this, in charge of other things.
Remember that Abraham was called... Why was his name changed from Abram to Abraham? Because he's the father of many nations! We're going to get our assignments, and of course, God is going to have everything organized so that when we come down off the Sea of Glass with Christ we're going to know:
- what to do
- where to go
- how we need to help these people
Remember that the earth is going to be a terrible mess. I think one of the first things we're going to be doing is healing and restoring.
You've heard of being 'shell shocked' from war? Think about what the world is going to be like with all the plagues and everything that comes down. We'll see the seven last plagues in a little bit.
Luke 19:12: "Therefore, He said, 'A certain nobleman set out to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and to return…. [talking about Himself] …And after calling ten of his servants, he gave to them ten pounds… [a pound each] …and said to them, "Trade until I come back"'" (vs 12-13).
- God gives us choice
- God gives us abilities
- He wants us to love and serve Him
- He wants us to work at and growing in overcoming
Verse 14: "But his citizens hated him… [talking about the Jews and the people of the world] …and sent an ambassador after him, saying, 'We are not willing to have this man reign over us.' And it came to pass that when he returned after receiving the kingdom, he directed that those servants to whom he had given the money be called to him, in order that he might know what each one had gained by trading. And the first one came up, saying, 'Lord, your pound has produced ten pounds.' Then he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities'" (vs 14-17). There will be:
- authority over ten cities
- priests
- counselors
- administrators
Everything that needs to be done for human beings on the earth, we're going to have to do, and make it right. The first employment is going to be to clean up the mess!
Verse 18: "And the second one came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has made five pounds.' Then he also said to this one, 'And you be over five cities'" (vs 18-19).
This gives us just a little inkling of what is going to be done. Some may have two cities, some may have different things. There may be those who are interested in rebuilding:
- what are the plans going to be
- how it's going to happen
- what are we going to do with all the scrap
If you want to get an idea of what this is going to be like, look at the recovery of Germany right after WWII. All those bombed out buildings, the bricks everywhere, and people had to clean up the mess. Back then it was mostly women, because most of the men had been killed in battles.
Talk about a pitiful thing! You look at the apocalypse of WWI and the end of that. Pitiful! You see so many men getting around with crutches or two canes, and only one leg.
- Will we have the ability to restore limbs? I think so! Think about that!
- What is it going to be lifting the pall of all the fear from people and pointing them to God? Letting them know that
- we are here to help them
- we are here to help them rebuild the world because now the Kingdom of God is on the earth
What we're going to do is have you bring all your weapons of war and get rid of them. All the toys of children that picture war are going to be eliminated.
No more war, nor will the learn war! That's our job! Over cities, whatever that will be!
- Marriage of the Lamb
- Wedding Supper
You have the wedding and then the supper!
Revelation 19:1: "And after these things I heard the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, 'Hallelujah!….'"
I wonder what that's going to be like when Jesus says, 'All right, everybody, on My signal you say Hallelujah!' That's going to be heard on the earth! Then they say it again, which is praise to God.
"'…The salvation and the glory and the honor and the power belong to the Lord our God. For true and righteous are His judgments; for He hasjudged the great whore, who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and He has avenged the blood of His servants at her hand.' And they said a second time, 'Hallelujah! And her smoke shall ascend upward into the ages of eternity'" (vs 1-3).
Isn't that something? Once something gets out of the atmosphere of the earth it goes out into the reaches of space and keeps going. Notice how great this is:
Verse 4: "And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, Who sits on the Throne, saying, 'Amen. Hallelujah!' And a voice came forth from the Throne, saying, 'Praise our God, all His servants, and all who fear Him, both small and great'" (vs 4-5).
There's going to be whatever kind of praise thing; wonder what kind of hymns we're going to sing?
Verse 7: "Let us be glad and shout with joy; and let us give glory to Him; for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.'"
That's up to us in our character and in growing and overcoming. This is going to be quite a thing! There's a lot happening on the Sea of Glass. That's why we are there from the Pentecost resurrection to Trumpets, 4-1/2 months, so we can prepare to take over the world.
We're also going to get used to a spirit body. I mentioned this one time before, but I don't know if it will happen: We're going to have the learn about this spirit body.
- When do we make ourselves look like human beings?
- How do we do that?
- When do we turn on our glory?
We will be able to do that. Remember the transfiguration of Jesus to Peter, James and John. That vision, when it was over, He was back as a human.
I've often thought about this: Will we have something that is going to startle the world? I mean, absolutely startle the world! Jesus will give us the instructions and tell us, 'Now that you know how you can shine in glory…' because we have to know how to do that.
Maybe He will say, 'All right, we're going to let the world know that we're here and we're just about ready to come down to the earth. On the count of three, everybody turn on your glory.' The whole heavens light up with the great glory of God!
Remember, it says that we will shine like the sun! think about how many of the saints will be there. Millions! It will take millions to recuperate this world! If you don't believe me, sit down and stop and think:
How many nations are there in the world? Think about all their bureaucracies that they have. People need to do that; that will be our job. Think about all of those who are taking care of other things, all the bureaucrats. All of those positions will be filled by us as spirit beings.
There it is, the marriage of the Lamb and the wedding supper.
Verse 9: "And he… [the angel] …said to me, 'Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'…. [that's going to be something] …And he said to me, 'These are the true words of God.'…. [think about that] …And I fell at his feet to worship him. Then he said to me, 'See that you do not do this! I am a fellow servant of yours, and of your brethren, who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy'" (vs 9-10).
- Saints will Witness the Seven Last Plagues Being Poured Out
That's going to be something to see! As we read this, you will see that this takes place over a period of time. That's why the period of time from Pentecost to Trumpets—4-1/2 months—will also be the time that on the earth the seven last plagues are poured out.
We're up there on the Sea of Glass in the clouds and we're going to see it. We've been promised by God in many different places that we will see the vengeance of God. How are you going to see the vengeance of God unless you die and are resurrected? You can't!
Revelation 15:5: "And after these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. And the seven angels who had the seven last plagues came out of the temple; they were clothed in linen, pure and bright, and girded about the chest with golden breastplates. And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden vials, full of the wrath of God, Who lives into the ages of eternity. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from His power; and no one was able to enter inside the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled" (vs 5-8).
What's going to be the situation of the people on the earth? They're going see this great Sea of Glass up there. They're going to see that this is probably an invasion from outer space, which it is; think about that!
Think about all the plagues and difficulties that have taken place and have occurred on the earth. Now here is this great Sea of Glass up there, and they're desperate. They don't want to be conquered from outer of space. So, they're going to want to fight. It starts out with the angels pouring out their vials.
Revelation 6:1: "Then I heard a loud voice from the Temple say to the seven angels, 'Go and pour out the vials of the wrath of God onto the earth.' And the first angel went and poured out his vial onto the earth; and an evil and grievous sore fell upon the men who had the mark of the beast, and upon those who were worshiping his image" (vs 1-2). Why? Because that's worshipping Satan!
Verse 3: "And the second angel went and poured out his vial into the sea; and it became blood, like that of a dead man; and every living soul in the sea died."
Sidebar: All life has a soul, which is the physical life that God gave it. A soul can die!
Verse 4: "And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers, and into the fountains of waters; and they became blood. Then I heard the angel of the waters say, 'You are righteous, O Lord, Who are, and Who was, even the Holy One, in that You have executed this judgment. For they have poured out the blood of saints and of prophets, and You have given them blood to drink; for they are worthy'" (vs 4-6).
Here we are on the Sea of Glass and we see this plague poured out and all the water everywhere is of blood. God says that's the payback for the killing of the saints.
Verse 7: "And I heard another voice from the altar say, 'Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.' And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given to it to scorch men with fire" (vs 7-8).
This doesn't last too long, otherwise they would all be burned up. Just a big flash of power coming from the sun scorching everything!
Verse 9: "Then men were scorched with great heat; and they blasphemed the name of God, Who has authority over these plagues, and did not repent to give Him glory."
Now it gets down to real desperation at this point!
Verse 10: And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the throne of the beast; and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain, and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; yet, they did not repent of their works" (vs 10-11).
Sidebar: What's it going to take for some people to repent? There will be some who won't repent! In spite of everything that went on starting with the Tribulation on down to the time when the heavens were rolled back as a scroll, on down to the time of the resurrection and the saints are there. They could have repented if they wanted to, but they chose not to. So, what they're going to do is God is going to let them come for the final battle, and it's going to involve all nations.
Verse 12: "And the sixth angel poured out his vial into the great River Euphrates; and its waters were dried up… [the second time; Rev. 9 was the first time] …so that the way of the kings from the rising of the sun might be prepared."
They're going to look at this and say that they have one last chance. The river is dried up. Think about what's happening with China today. You're going to see that not man is going to be able to turn back China. Why? Because God is raising it up for this mighty battle! Then the battle that come seven years into the Millennium.
This is going to be a great battle! It's going to be empowered, we will see:
Verse 13: "Then I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet; for they are spirits of demons working miracles, going forth to the kings of the earth, even of the whole world, to gather them together to the battle of that great day of the Almighty God" (vs 13-14).
That's the Battle of Armageddon! I don't know what they're going to be thinking. I don't know how they're going to be thinking, but they're going to be deluded into thinking that they can come and somehow, maybe… They get all nations there, get all their weapons there and everything and start shooting up at this great platform up there in the sky. Maybe we will discourage the aliens from outer space and they'll go back to outer space and leave them alone. I don't know, that's just a guess (speculation)!
Something has to give them the frame of mind that they are going to be willing for a complete suicide war!
We will leave the rest of that for the Feast of Trumpets. Now we're ready for the ninth thing to happen on the Sea of Glass, and this overlaps to the Feast of Trumpets.
- We will all be organized into God's army and will come down from the Sea of Glass with Christ and fight and begin to establish the Kingdom of God
Revelation 19:11: "And I saw heaven open; and behold, a white horse; and He Who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He does judge and make war."
This will be the war to end all wars during the Millennium. However, as we know, at the end of the Millennium there yet one more war. So, we'll have to save that for the proper time.
Verse 12: "And His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written that no one knows except Him."
He has many names written on His crown, as we will see, but this is a special name for Him between Him and God the Father.
Verse 13: "And He was clothed with a garment dipped in blood; and His name is The Word of God. And the armies in heaven were following Him on white horses… [there are our white horses] …and they were clothed in fine linen, white and pure" (vs 13-14). That's going to be spectacular!
Verse 15: "And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He might smite the nations; and He shall shepherd them with an iron rod; and He treads the winepress of the fury and the wrath of the Almighty God. And on His garment and on His thigh He has a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords" (vs 15-16).
Then we go down to the earth and the battle begins!
Let's look at what Jesus said in Matt. 5, and let's think about how many of these things can also be applied to all the saints that are resurrected and on the Sea of Glass.
Matthew 5:1: "But seeing the multitudes, He went up into the mountain; and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven'" (vs 1-3). That can't happen until the resurrection!
Verse 4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
The greatest comfort is going to come when we're resurrected and we're on the Sea of Glass. God is comforting them from all their troubles, sorrows and everything that they went through.
Verse 5: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
That doesn't happen until we come back off the Sea of Glass to take over. Are we not co-heirs with Christ? Yes!
Verse 6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled."
Think about what it's going to be where we started out, to be filled with the fullness of God!That could apply there, too. So, it has an earthly application, and a Divine application at the resurrection.
Verse 7: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy." The greatest mercy will be the resurrection!
Verse 8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." That requires a resurrection!
Verse 9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."
That will not be put into practice until we come back to the earth to bring peace to the earth.
Verse 10: "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
That's quite a thing! You can take these and apply them to all the events that happen on the Sea of Glass.
Now then, with all of this in mind, let's think about:
- what's taking place in the world now
- what's going to be happening
and most of all how we can
- grow in grace and knowledge
- understand the Word of God through:
- prayer
- study
- yielding to God
Always having this in the forefront of our mind. Where we began, we will finish, and let's apply this to everything that will be happening on the Sea of Glass.
Ephesians 3:14: "For this cause…"
- this is our cause
- this is our calling
- this is what the Word of God tells us
There can be no greater cause, no greater thing! Look at all the phony causes in the world that fail.
"…I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (vs 14-15).
There we will be on the Sea of Glass all clothed in linen, having our new names, harps to play. And we will see when we come to the Feast of Trumpets then we're also going to have a horse, a spiritual horse! If you've never been on a horse, you're going to learn to ride one real quick.
Verse 16: "That He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory…"
- receiving the glory of God
- receiving inherit within ourselves
"…to be strengthened with power by His Spirit in the inner man… [that's where conversion and all of this is] …that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; and that being rooted and grounded in love…" (vs 16-18). Never forget that!
- loving God
- God loving you
That's how it is every time you get on your knees to pray to God, He is there!
"…you may be fully able to comprehend with all the saints…" (v 18).
Here's what God wants us to know. I hope we understand a little more today. But think about what it's going to be like when we're spirit beings and have a spirit mind, and we can hear, see and comprehend this:
"…what is the breadth and length and depth and height… [that goes on for all eternity, because God's plan goes on for all eternity] …and to know the love of Christ, which surpasses human knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God" (vs 18-19).
That's going to be an amazing thing, to be the spirit sons and daughters of God, our Father, with Jesus Christ at His right hand. We're all together in the Kingdom of God! Then He's going to tell us, 'Let's go to the earth!' What a day that's going to be!
Don't think that these things won't happen, because they will!
Verse 20: "Now, to Him Who is able… [has the power] …to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…"
That's amazing! The greatest thought you can possibly have even in contemplating this is nothing compared to what it's going to be when we're resurrected.
"…according to the power that is working in us, to Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, even into the ages of eternity. Amen" (vs 20-21).
I hope this helps you understand why the Sea of Glass is there, and all the events that will take place, and that God is going to do it all. And we will have part in it!
Scriptural References:
- Ephesians 3:9-19
- Hebrews 11:35
- Philippians 3:20-21
- Revelation 1:13-16
- Matthew 13:43
- 1 John 3:1-3
- Isaiah 66:6-9
- 1 Peter 2:6-10
- Revelation 12:12-19
- Revelation 11:11-19
- Revelation 15:1-2
- Revelation 19:8
- Revelation 2:17
- Revelation 3:12
- Revelation 11:18
- Hebrews 2:9-13
- Luke 19:12-19
- Revelation 19:1-10
- Revelation 15:5-8
- Revelation 16:1-14
- Revelation 19:11-16
- Matthew 5:1-10
- Ephesians 3:14-21
Scriptures referenced, not quoted:
- Revelation 20
- Hosea 6
- Revelation 7-10
- Exodus 24
Also referenced:
- DVD: True Fellowship with God
- Book: Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe
FRC:bo
Transcribed: 5/26/21
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