31. The 144,000 - the Spiritual Israel

From the sermon on August 8, 2004

Let’s read Rev. 17:13-14. “They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” Here, this scene will be after the devil, called the beast, will receive all power and authority from Satan and then will make war against the Lamb. But the winners in the war will be the Lamb and his followers.

For the two thousand years of Christianity, we have believed that God is almighty so that it is regarded as natural that everything will be easily accomplished by him. But if you

take a look at the Bible, you might notice that it’s not that easy. After Jesus became the high priest in the order of Melchizedek and learned all about the secret plan of God, he had to begin to work on the plan and so asked John the apostle to write about the spiritual war.

He chose seven churches and dictated a letter to John, which was sent to seven churches. “John, to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne” (Rev. 1:4).

The Revelation of John is not about earthly issues, but spiritual events to come. The names of different gods are clearly mentioned. One of them is referred to as the ancient serpent, called the Devil or Satan (Rev. 12:9). Those were named not by a human being, but by God to indicate them. Those names are used to identify another god who is against God and Jesus Christ.

Even Revelations describes the relationship between the gods and what is to happen to them. Therefore, Christians who believe that God is almighty would not understand Revelations well. They may say, “Who can dare be the enemy