In Heaven Or On Earth?

How do we know that "standing before the throne" does not mean that the great crowd is in heaven? There is much clear evidence on this point. For example, the Greek word here translated "before" (e-no'pi-on) literally means "in [the]sight [of]" and is used several times of humans on earth who are "before" or "in the sight of" Jehovah. (1 Timothy 5;21; 2 Timothy 2:14; Romans 14:22; Galatians 1:20) On one occasion when the Israelites were in the wilderness, Moses said to Aaron: "Say to the entire assembly of the Sons of Israel, 'Come near before Jehovah, because he has heard your murmurings.' " (Exodus 16;9) The Israelites did not have to be transported to heaven in order to stand before Jehovah on that occasion. (Compare Leviticus 24:8) Rather, right there in the wilderness they stood in Jehovah's view, and his attention was on them.

Additionally, we read: " When the Son of man arrives in his glory. . . all the nations will be gathered before him." The whole human race is not in heaven when this prophecy is fulfilled. Certainly, those who "depart into everlasting cutting-off" are not in heaven. (Matthew 25:31-33, 41,46) Instead, mankind stands on earth in Jesus' view, and he turns his attention to judging them. Similarly,the great crowd is "before the throne and before the Lamb" in that it stands in the view of Jehovah and his King, Christ Jesus, from whom it receives a favorable judgment.

The 24 elders and the anointed group of 144,000 are described as being "round about the throne" of Jehovah and "upon the [heavenly] Mount Zion." (Revelation 4:4; 14:1) The great crowd is not a priestly class and does not attain to that exalted position. True, it is later described at Revelation 7:15 as serving God "in his temple." But this temple does not refer to the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy. Rather, it is the earthly courtyard of God's spiritual temple. The Greek word na-os', here translated "temple," often conveys the broad sense of the entire edifice erected for Jehovah's worship. Today, this is a spiritual structure that embraces both heaven and earth. -Compare Matthew 26:61; 27:5, 39, 40; Mark 15:29, 30; John 2:19-21, New World Translation Reference Bible, footnote.

Next time: A Universal Shout Of Praise