How to study the book of Revelation, Part 31

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Words and Phrases

The Twenty Four Elders

We would now like to present scriptural support for the 3rd view in our study in which it is believed that the 24 elders represent the Church in its glorified condition.

As was stated in our previous post, the identity of these “elders” is considered by some brethren to be a reference to the office of the church’s priesthood and by others a reference to the books of the Hebrew Scriptures. A quick glance at the priesthood in the typical temple of Solomon will reveal a priesthood office of 24 COURSES, (1 Chron 24) which prefigures the work of the Church in the Kingdom.

A comprehensive analysis of the24 eldersin the Book of Revelation seems to indicate that they represent the 24 divisions of the predestined office of the priesthood the Church members are to fill.

Once again, please note the following summary of the characteristics, actions, position, etc., of these “24 elders

Rev 4:4

And round about the throne (thronos) were four and twenty seats (thronos) and upon the seats (thronos) I saw four and twenty elders sitting . . .”

How appropriate to find the predestined Church encircling the Heavenly Father’s throne on thrones —just like promised to the over-comers of the seventh stage of the church. “To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I overcome and am set down with my Father on his throne” (Rev. 3:21). “And I appoint you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:29, 30).

Please note these 24 thrones, “thronosdenote a royal, ruling authority in contrast to the “bema” throne Herod sat on as a Judgment-Seat (Acts 12:21). (See Vine’s)

Clothed in white raiment” —contextually in the Book of Revelation, the Church class is consistently prophesied to be clothed in white: “…And they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment …” (Rev 3:4, 5); “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed” (Rev. 3:18); “And white robes were given unto every one of them” (Rev. 6:11); “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” (Rev. 19:8).

The other references to wearing white refer to the Great Company and the seven angels who are closely associated with the Church.

On their heads crowns of gold” —thecrownof royal divine authority is promised to the Church in the Book of Revelation (Rev 2:10; 3:11). The beasts of Chapters 12 and 13 also have crowns and claim to have royal authority to rule (though we know this is not so).

Rev. 4:10

The four and twenty elders fell down before him that sat on the throne…and cast their crowns before the throne…” The predestined Church of God in symphonic harmony with God’s four attributes will praise God forever. “All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee” (Psa. 145:10). “Praise waits for thee, O God in Zion” (Psa 65:1).

The Church by casting crowns before God WILL NOT be abdicating their authority but figuratively acknowledging or recognizing the source of their authority.

We will continue this with our next post.

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