Chapter Twenty-Nine/Singing the Triumphal New Song - Followers of the Lamb

 Continuing his description of the 144,000 who are "bought from the earth, "John tells us: "These are the ones that did not defile themselves with women; in fact, they are virgins. These are the ones that keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were bought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb, and no falsehood was found in their mouths; they are without blemish." (Revelation 1:4, 5) The fact that the 144,000 "are virgins" does not mean that members of their class are necessarily unmarried in the flesh. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians who had a heavenly calling that, whereas there are advantages to Christian singleness, marriage is preferable under certain circumstances.  (1 Corinthians 7:1, 2, 36, 37) What characterizes this class is a spiritual virginity. They have avoided spiritual adultery with worldly politics and with false religion. (James 4:4; Revelation 17:5) As the betrothed bride of Christ they have kept themselves pure, "without a blemish in among a crooked and twisted generation." - PHILIPPIANS 2:15.

Next time: Chapter Twenty-Nine/Singing the Triumphal New Song - Followers of the Lamb

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