Revelation - What It Means for Your Future - WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR FAITHFUL ONES

 In a vision, the apostle John sees two groups who support Jehovah's rulership and receive the blessings of everlasting life.  The first group numbers  144,000. (Revelation 7:4)  They are taken from the earth to form a government, or Kingdom with  Jesus in heaven. Along with him, they rule over the earth.  (Revelation 5:9, 10; 14:3, 4) In the visiojn, John sees them standing with Jesus on heavenly Mount Zion. - REVELATION 14:1. 

Down through  the centuries, thousands have selected to be part of the 144,000.  (Luke 12:32; Romans 8:17)  John, however, is told that only a remnant, or a small numer, would be alive on earth during the last days.  These "remaining ones" will receive their final "seal" of Jehovah's approval  before the outbreak of the great tribulation. (Revelation 7:2, 3; 12:17)  Then sometime during the great tribulation, this remnant will be taken to heaven to join the rest of the 144,000, who have already died faithful.  There they will become corulers with Jesus in God's Kingdom.  - MATTHEW 24:31; REVELATION 5:9, 10. 

After seeing the heavenly group, John sees "a great crowd."  Unlike the 144,000, this group cannot be numbered.  (Revelation 7:9, 10) What do we learn about them?  John is told:  "These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14) Upon surviving  the great tribulation, this "great crowd" will live here on earth and enjoy amazing blessings. - PSALMS 37:9-1; PROVERBS  2:21,22; REVELATION 7:16, 17.

Whether we have been selected to go to heaven or will remain here on  eartg, do we see outselves in this description recorded in Revelation chapter 7?  We should.  What an exciting time that will be for both groups of God's servants!  We will be overjoyed that we chose to support Jehovah's rulership.  What else does the book of Revelation tell us about the great tribulation? - MATTHEW 24:21.

Next time: Revelation -What It Means for Your Future - WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO OPPOSE GOD

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