The 144,000 and the Multitude
Chapter 10
The Overcomers
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. - Revelation12:17
We left off with this verse in the description of the woman in the wilderness. The dragon could not destroy her with the flood that he sent after her, so he is really, really mad at the woman. He then redirects his anger towards the remnant of her seed. He makes war with the remnant of her seed (the Multitude); the offspring (Multitude) of the remnant of Israel (the 144,000). The Multitude keeps the commandments of God and has the testimony of JESUS CHRIST.
The word testimony is defined as; evidence given, record, report, testimony, witness. [1] At this point, the Multitude has anointed their eyes with eyesalve and they can now see. It is clear, that in order to have the testimony of Jesus Christ, they must have the truth.
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. - Daniel 7:25
Daniel 7:25 is speaking about the Beast who will wear out the saints of God. Wear means; to afflict, wear out. [2] He is making war against them. Also note the timing that is referenced in the end of verse 25. What is stated there is “time and times and the dividing of time,” and is almost identical to the reference to the woman when she flies into the wilderness and is nourished for “a time, times, and half a time.”
I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; [22] Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. - Daniel 7:21, 22
In this verse we can see that the Beast has made war with the saints and prevailed against them. In other words, the beast is successful in his war against the saints. We can see that he prevails against them until Jesus Christ returns. We will receive further clarification in the next verse.
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. [8] And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. [9] If any man have an ear, let him hear. - Revelation 13:7-9
As we can see in this verse, the beast is given the power to make war with the saints and to overcome them. The word overcome is defined as; to subdue (literally or figuratively): - conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. [3] The Beast gets victory, overcomes, prevails, and conquers the saints of God.
This would only be referring to physical death; not spiritual death. In fact, this is how they receive eternal life. Remember, buying of the Lord gold and white raiment? In verse 8 we find that everyone worships the beast; who is not written in the book of life. So, those that are written in the book of life do not worship (obey or admire) the beast. The Beast will overcome all of those who do not worship the beast, as we will shortly see.
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: [10] And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? [11] And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. - Revelation 6:9-11
We will take a look at the passages above concentrating on another aspect of the souls under the altar in the fifth seal. After the white robes were given unto them, they are told “that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.”
The souls under the altar were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. Revelation 12:17 states that “the remnant of her seed keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Both the slain souls under the altar, and the remnant of her seed have the testimony.
The definition for testimony in both of these verses is the same: evidence given (judicially or generally):- record, report, testimony, witness. [4] The under-definition means; a witness (literally, judicially) or figuratively (generally); by analogy a “martyr”: - martyr, record, witness. [5]
That sheds more light on the matter. Under the altar are the souls that are slain. They held a testimony, and they are told to wait for their fellow servants and brethren that are also scheduled to be slain. The remnant of her seed have the testimony of Jesus Christ, and the root word for testimony is martyr.
Another point is that the martyrs were told to rest a little while, until their fellow-servants and brethren are killed as they were. Why did they die? They were slain for the word of God and the testimony which they held. This was their death sentence in the physical world. This shall also be the death sentence for the Multitude in the physical world, for they will be slain just as the souls under the altar were slain.
Let’s look at some more verses that will give us some more details about the Multitude and their sacrifice.
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, [10] The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: [11] And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. [12] Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of
God, and the faith of Jesus. [13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed
are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. - Revelation14:9-13
These verses are describing the mark of the beast which most of us are somewhat familiar with. If we go to verse 12, it speaks about the patience of the saints that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Both this description and the description of “the remnant of her seed” have the exact same wording of keeping of the commandments of God.
However, there is a slightly different wording concerning the testimony which they held. In Revelation 14:12, it states that the saints keep “the faith of Jesus.” Is the faith of Jesus the same as “the testimony of Jesus Christ?”
Faith is defined as; persuasion i.e. credence, morally conviction (of religious truth or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstract - constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. [6] When a person has faith in Jesus Christ, as a by-product, they have a testimony of their faith.
Testimony is a witness or a record. Faith in Jesus Christ, in effect, produces the testimony of Jesus Christ. When they keep the faith, they are giving evidence of their faith by the testimony which they have.
Verse 13 of Revelation 14 states “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” This verse is telling us that, at some point, the people who die in the Lord are Blessed. The word henceforth is; from now, i.e. henceforth (already)-from henceforth. [7]
To put it simply, the word henceforth means from here on out. At some point, there are going to be people that will die in the Lord, and the ones that die keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus which is the testimony of Jesus Christ. But when is the timing of “henceforth?” Just when does that occur? Is there something in scripture that can point us to that point and time? Yes there is, as we read the next verse:
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. [16] And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. - Revelation 13:15-17
There it is; the mark of the Beast. This is what causes many to die for the faith of Jesus, and to hold to the testimony of Christ. Thus far, we have been discussing the physical death of the Multitude; but what about the spiritual side of things? It is in the realm of the spirit where we find the hope and the patience the Multitude will be sustained with, throughout their terrible trial.
In fact, the word patience means; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:- enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). [8] The under-definition means; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: - abide, endure, (take) patient (-ly), suffer, tarry behind. [9] The patience is the endurance, fortitude, perseverance, and maybe a bit of hopefulness to know that they will be able to rest from their labours, as their works will follow them to their eternal reward.
These will serve God in His Temple day and night. They will live and reign with the Lord Jesus Christ for a thousand years. This will be their reward; Eternal Life with Jesus Christ. Now, let’s look at how they join the souls under the altar in the fifth seal.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. - Revelation 12:11
In this verse, it states that they (The Multitude) overcame him (the Beast), by the blood of the Lamb. Remember in Revelation 7:14 how “they washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.” They also overcome him “by the word of their testimony,” which we just covered. And “they loved not their lives unto the death.”
The word overcame used in this verse means; to subdue (literally or figuratively.): - conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. [10] The under-definition means; conquest i.e. (figuratively) the means of success: - victory. [11]
If you recall in Revelation 13:7, Satan is given the power to overcome the Multitude. That power is the power to kill them. He can kill their physical bodies, but not their souls. This is where they overcome Satan/The Beast.
They love not their physical lives unto death. They go to their deaths defying Satan/The Beast and holding onto the testimony of Jesus Christ. With this one act alone, they become an overcomer as this act is the sacrifice of their life. This is the ultimate price for salvation.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. [5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? - 1 John 5:4, 5
In 1 John 5:4, it clearly tells us that our faith overcomes the world. He that believes that Jesus is the Son of God “overcometh the world.” That is a simple statement, but it connotes a heavy price. In the case of the Multitude, that price is their physical lives. The word overcometh used in this verse is the same as Revelation12:11.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not
worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. - Revelation 20:4, 5
In this verse we can see that all of these points that have been discussed are coming together. We have more clarification on how the Multitude is killed. They are beheaded. Now, this could be an analogy to their lives being taken away. This does not necessarily mean that their heads are literally cut off. It is possible, but not definite.
Also notice that they were beheaded for “the witness of Jesus and for the word of God.” The word witness is the same word used for testimony. The other thing to note here is that none of the ones that were beheaded worshipped (obeyed) the beast, nor worshipped his image; and they most definitely did not receive the Mark of the Beast in their hands or foreheads.
We have this verse in Matthew that gives a reason for the Multitude to sacrifice their lives. This also shows that when Satan/The Beast overcomes the saints and kills them, he is killing the physical body, but not the soul.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. – Matthew 10:28
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. [3] And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. - Revelation 15:2, 3
This verse shows a group of people being described here that have gotten the victory over the beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name. These would be the same ones that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, which obeyed not the beast, his image, and have not received his mark.
The word victory in verse 2 the same word used for overcome or overcame in Revelation 12:11. They also sing the Song of Moses. We will cover that in a bit, but compare that with the 144,000 who sing “as it were a new song.” The Song of Moses is different than the “new song.” This also helps to signify that these are two different groups of people.
Once the trumpet judgments begin to fall, the Multitude will be faced with the stark reality that they have been in a delusion. Their future will then depend on the decision they make concerning which path they choose at that time. The Multitude will wake up and see the truth. They will make the correct decision to follow the truth. They will have the faith and testimony of Jesus Christ and they will keep the commandments of God.
They will not worship the beast, his image, nor will they receive his mark. They will be martyred and join the ones under the altar that were slain in the fifth seal. Satan/The Beast will make war with them and overcome them, by killing their physical bodies; but the saints of God will overcome Satan/The Beast by sacrificing their lives to the Glory of God. Through the sacrifice of their lives, they will enter into eternal life.
There are some verses in the gospels where Jesus spoke concerning the Tribulation. They will correlate with all these verses that we have been discussing.
But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. [10] Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: [11] And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. [12] But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. [13] And it shall turn to you for a testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: [15] For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. [16] And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. [17] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. [18] But there shall not an hair of your head perish. [19] In your patience possess ye your souls. - Luke 21:9-19
[24] And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. - Luke 21:24
Within these passages in Luke, we have some verses that coincide with the verses about the overcomers and the remnant of her seed. Notice in verse 13 when it states “And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” This would be the testimony of their faith; the record of their faith.
The Song of Moses includes a verse that states that the Song of Moses shall be “a testimony against them” (the ones that do these things). We will look at the song of Moses shortly. Meanwhile, in verse 16 of the above cited text from Matthew, it states “and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.”
Notice that the word “some” is italicized; again, meaning it was added to the text. Removal of the word “some” changes the verse to read instead of only some being put to death; all of them are put to death. Verse 24 states that they shall fall by the edge of the sword (death), and they shall be led away captive (delivering you up).
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
[8] All these are the beginning of sorrows. [9] Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. [10] And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. – Matthew 24:6-10
Another passage states that they will deliver you (read, betray you, just as they did Jesus) to be afflicted (persecuted), and they will kill you.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. [9] But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. [10] And the gospel must first be published among all nations. [11] But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. [12] Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father
the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. [13] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. - Mark 13:8-13
Here again, they will deliver you up (betray you) to be beaten (afflicted) and this will be a testimony against them. The brother will betray brother, father the son, and children their parents, “and shall cause them to be put to death.” It looks like at the time that this is happening, it won’t be very popular to be a remnant believer in Jesus Christ. Indeed, it is a death warrant. Jesus Himself stated these sayings, warning to all who would listen, that during the Great Tribulation these things will happen to them. Furthermore, He tells us in the next verse to be faithful unto death.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. - Revelation 2:10
This verse comes from the letter to the church of Smyrna. Again, in this verse, the word “some” is italicized. We can then read this “the devil shall cast of you into prison.” The verse then goes on to say, “be thou faithful unto death.”
What will be the reward for those that overcome the beast, and his image, and not receive the mark? Yes, they do have rewards coming. In the book of Revelation, there are seven letters to the seven churches. In each one of the letters, you will find the word overcometh. This word overcometh is the same word used in Revelation 12:11.
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus…[7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. - Revelation 2:1, 7
Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna….[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. [11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. - Revelation 2:8, 10, 11
Unto the angel of the church in Pergamos….[17] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. - Revelation 2:12, 17
Unto the angel of the church in Thyatira….[26] And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: [27] And he shall rule them with a rod of iron;
as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. [28] And I will give him the morning star. – Revelation 2:18, 26-28
Unto the angel of the church in Sardis….[5] He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. - Revelation 3:1, 5
Unto the angel of the church in Philadelphia….[12] Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. - Revelation 3:7, 12
Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans….[21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. - Revelation 3:14, 21
The seven churches that are in the book of Revelation are representative of the Apostate Church of the end times. In each of these churches, the Lord calls for them to repent. The ones that will repent will become an overcomer. The overcomers are the Multitude. They will make it, and they will be rewarded.
[1]. Strong’s 3141
[2]. Strong’s 1080
[3]. Strong’s 3528
[4]. Strong’s 3141
[5]. Strong’s 3144
[6]. Strong’s 4102
[7]. Strong’s 534
[8]. Strong’s 5821
[9]. Strong’s 5278
[10]. Strong’s 3528
[11]. Strong’s 3529
We left off with this verse in the description of the woman in the wilderness. The dragon could not destroy her with the flood that he sent after her, so he is really, really mad at the woman. He then redirects his anger towards the remnant of her seed. He makes war with the remnant of her seed (the Multitude); the offspring (Multitude) of the remnant of Israel (the 144,000). The Multitude keeps the commandments of God and has the testimony of JESUS CHRIST.
The word testimony is defined as; evidence given, record, report, testimony, witness. [1] At this point, the Multitude has anointed their eyes with eyesalve and they can now see. It is clear, that in order to have the testimony of Jesus Christ, they must have the truth.
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. - Daniel 7:25
Daniel 7:25 is speaking about the Beast who will wear out the saints of God. Wear means; to afflict, wear out. [2] He is making war against them. Also note the timing that is referenced in the end of verse 25. What is stated there is “time and times and the dividing of time,” and is almost identical to the reference to the woman when she flies into the wilderness and is nourished for “a time, times, and half a time.”
I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; [22] Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. - Daniel 7:21, 22
In this verse we can see that the Beast has made war with the saints and prevailed against them. In other words, the beast is successful in his war against the saints. We can see that he prevails against them until Jesus Christ returns. We will receive further clarification in the next verse.
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. [8] And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. [9] If any man have an ear, let him hear. - Revelation 13:7-9
As we can see in this verse, the beast is given the power to make war with the saints and to overcome them. The word overcome is defined as; to subdue (literally or figuratively): - conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. [3] The Beast gets victory, overcomes, prevails, and conquers the saints of God.
This would only be referring to physical death; not spiritual death. In fact, this is how they receive eternal life. Remember, buying of the Lord gold and white raiment? In verse 8 we find that everyone worships the beast; who is not written in the book of life. So, those that are written in the book of life do not worship (obey or admire) the beast. The Beast will overcome all of those who do not worship the beast, as we will shortly see.
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: [10] And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? [11] And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. - Revelation 6:9-11
We will take a look at the passages above concentrating on another aspect of the souls under the altar in the fifth seal. After the white robes were given unto them, they are told “that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.”
The souls under the altar were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. Revelation 12:17 states that “the remnant of her seed keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Both the slain souls under the altar, and the remnant of her seed have the testimony.
The definition for testimony in both of these verses is the same: evidence given (judicially or generally):- record, report, testimony, witness. [4] The under-definition means; a witness (literally, judicially) or figuratively (generally); by analogy a “martyr”: - martyr, record, witness. [5]
That sheds more light on the matter. Under the altar are the souls that are slain. They held a testimony, and they are told to wait for their fellow servants and brethren that are also scheduled to be slain. The remnant of her seed have the testimony of Jesus Christ, and the root word for testimony is martyr.
Another point is that the martyrs were told to rest a little while, until their fellow-servants and brethren are killed as they were. Why did they die? They were slain for the word of God and the testimony which they held. This was their death sentence in the physical world. This shall also be the death sentence for the Multitude in the physical world, for they will be slain just as the souls under the altar were slain.
Let’s look at some more verses that will give us some more details about the Multitude and their sacrifice.
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, [10] The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: [11] And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. [12] Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of
God, and the faith of Jesus. [13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed
are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. - Revelation14:9-13
These verses are describing the mark of the beast which most of us are somewhat familiar with. If we go to verse 12, it speaks about the patience of the saints that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Both this description and the description of “the remnant of her seed” have the exact same wording of keeping of the commandments of God.
However, there is a slightly different wording concerning the testimony which they held. In Revelation 14:12, it states that the saints keep “the faith of Jesus.” Is the faith of Jesus the same as “the testimony of Jesus Christ?”
Faith is defined as; persuasion i.e. credence, morally conviction (of religious truth or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstract - constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. [6] When a person has faith in Jesus Christ, as a by-product, they have a testimony of their faith.
Testimony is a witness or a record. Faith in Jesus Christ, in effect, produces the testimony of Jesus Christ. When they keep the faith, they are giving evidence of their faith by the testimony which they have.
Verse 13 of Revelation 14 states “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” This verse is telling us that, at some point, the people who die in the Lord are Blessed. The word henceforth is; from now, i.e. henceforth (already)-from henceforth. [7]
To put it simply, the word henceforth means from here on out. At some point, there are going to be people that will die in the Lord, and the ones that die keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus which is the testimony of Jesus Christ. But when is the timing of “henceforth?” Just when does that occur? Is there something in scripture that can point us to that point and time? Yes there is, as we read the next verse:
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. [16] And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. - Revelation 13:15-17
There it is; the mark of the Beast. This is what causes many to die for the faith of Jesus, and to hold to the testimony of Christ. Thus far, we have been discussing the physical death of the Multitude; but what about the spiritual side of things? It is in the realm of the spirit where we find the hope and the patience the Multitude will be sustained with, throughout their terrible trial.
In fact, the word patience means; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:- enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). [8] The under-definition means; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: - abide, endure, (take) patient (-ly), suffer, tarry behind. [9] The patience is the endurance, fortitude, perseverance, and maybe a bit of hopefulness to know that they will be able to rest from their labours, as their works will follow them to their eternal reward.
These will serve God in His Temple day and night. They will live and reign with the Lord Jesus Christ for a thousand years. This will be their reward; Eternal Life with Jesus Christ. Now, let’s look at how they join the souls under the altar in the fifth seal.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. - Revelation 12:11
In this verse, it states that they (The Multitude) overcame him (the Beast), by the blood of the Lamb. Remember in Revelation 7:14 how “they washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.” They also overcome him “by the word of their testimony,” which we just covered. And “they loved not their lives unto the death.”
The word overcame used in this verse means; to subdue (literally or figuratively.): - conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. [10] The under-definition means; conquest i.e. (figuratively) the means of success: - victory. [11]
If you recall in Revelation 13:7, Satan is given the power to overcome the Multitude. That power is the power to kill them. He can kill their physical bodies, but not their souls. This is where they overcome Satan/The Beast.
They love not their physical lives unto death. They go to their deaths defying Satan/The Beast and holding onto the testimony of Jesus Christ. With this one act alone, they become an overcomer as this act is the sacrifice of their life. This is the ultimate price for salvation.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. [5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? - 1 John 5:4, 5
In 1 John 5:4, it clearly tells us that our faith overcomes the world. He that believes that Jesus is the Son of God “overcometh the world.” That is a simple statement, but it connotes a heavy price. In the case of the Multitude, that price is their physical lives. The word overcometh used in this verse is the same as Revelation12:11.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not
worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. - Revelation 20:4, 5
In this verse we can see that all of these points that have been discussed are coming together. We have more clarification on how the Multitude is killed. They are beheaded. Now, this could be an analogy to their lives being taken away. This does not necessarily mean that their heads are literally cut off. It is possible, but not definite.
Also notice that they were beheaded for “the witness of Jesus and for the word of God.” The word witness is the same word used for testimony. The other thing to note here is that none of the ones that were beheaded worshipped (obeyed) the beast, nor worshipped his image; and they most definitely did not receive the Mark of the Beast in their hands or foreheads.
We have this verse in Matthew that gives a reason for the Multitude to sacrifice their lives. This also shows that when Satan/The Beast overcomes the saints and kills them, he is killing the physical body, but not the soul.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. – Matthew 10:28
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. [3] And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. - Revelation 15:2, 3
This verse shows a group of people being described here that have gotten the victory over the beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name. These would be the same ones that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, which obeyed not the beast, his image, and have not received his mark.
The word victory in verse 2 the same word used for overcome or overcame in Revelation 12:11. They also sing the Song of Moses. We will cover that in a bit, but compare that with the 144,000 who sing “as it were a new song.” The Song of Moses is different than the “new song.” This also helps to signify that these are two different groups of people.
Once the trumpet judgments begin to fall, the Multitude will be faced with the stark reality that they have been in a delusion. Their future will then depend on the decision they make concerning which path they choose at that time. The Multitude will wake up and see the truth. They will make the correct decision to follow the truth. They will have the faith and testimony of Jesus Christ and they will keep the commandments of God.
They will not worship the beast, his image, nor will they receive his mark. They will be martyred and join the ones under the altar that were slain in the fifth seal. Satan/The Beast will make war with them and overcome them, by killing their physical bodies; but the saints of God will overcome Satan/The Beast by sacrificing their lives to the Glory of God. Through the sacrifice of their lives, they will enter into eternal life.
There are some verses in the gospels where Jesus spoke concerning the Tribulation. They will correlate with all these verses that we have been discussing.
But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. [10] Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: [11] And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. [12] But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. [13] And it shall turn to you for a testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: [15] For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. [16] And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. [17] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. [18] But there shall not an hair of your head perish. [19] In your patience possess ye your souls. - Luke 21:9-19
[24] And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. - Luke 21:24
Within these passages in Luke, we have some verses that coincide with the verses about the overcomers and the remnant of her seed. Notice in verse 13 when it states “And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” This would be the testimony of their faith; the record of their faith.
The Song of Moses includes a verse that states that the Song of Moses shall be “a testimony against them” (the ones that do these things). We will look at the song of Moses shortly. Meanwhile, in verse 16 of the above cited text from Matthew, it states “and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.”
Notice that the word “some” is italicized; again, meaning it was added to the text. Removal of the word “some” changes the verse to read instead of only some being put to death; all of them are put to death. Verse 24 states that they shall fall by the edge of the sword (death), and they shall be led away captive (delivering you up).
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
[8] All these are the beginning of sorrows. [9] Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. [10] And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. – Matthew 24:6-10
Another passage states that they will deliver you (read, betray you, just as they did Jesus) to be afflicted (persecuted), and they will kill you.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. [9] But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. [10] And the gospel must first be published among all nations. [11] But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. [12] Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father
the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. [13] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. - Mark 13:8-13
Here again, they will deliver you up (betray you) to be beaten (afflicted) and this will be a testimony against them. The brother will betray brother, father the son, and children their parents, “and shall cause them to be put to death.” It looks like at the time that this is happening, it won’t be very popular to be a remnant believer in Jesus Christ. Indeed, it is a death warrant. Jesus Himself stated these sayings, warning to all who would listen, that during the Great Tribulation these things will happen to them. Furthermore, He tells us in the next verse to be faithful unto death.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. - Revelation 2:10
This verse comes from the letter to the church of Smyrna. Again, in this verse, the word “some” is italicized. We can then read this “the devil shall cast of you into prison.” The verse then goes on to say, “be thou faithful unto death.”
What will be the reward for those that overcome the beast, and his image, and not receive the mark? Yes, they do have rewards coming. In the book of Revelation, there are seven letters to the seven churches. In each one of the letters, you will find the word overcometh. This word overcometh is the same word used in Revelation 12:11.
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus…[7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. - Revelation 2:1, 7
Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna….[10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. [11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. - Revelation 2:8, 10, 11
Unto the angel of the church in Pergamos….[17] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. - Revelation 2:12, 17
Unto the angel of the church in Thyatira….[26] And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: [27] And he shall rule them with a rod of iron;
as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. [28] And I will give him the morning star. – Revelation 2:18, 26-28
Unto the angel of the church in Sardis….[5] He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. - Revelation 3:1, 5
Unto the angel of the church in Philadelphia….[12] Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. - Revelation 3:7, 12
Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans….[21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. - Revelation 3:14, 21
The seven churches that are in the book of Revelation are representative of the Apostate Church of the end times. In each of these churches, the Lord calls for them to repent. The ones that will repent will become an overcomer. The overcomers are the Multitude. They will make it, and they will be rewarded.
[1]. Strong’s 3141
[2]. Strong’s 1080
[3]. Strong’s 3528
[4]. Strong’s 3141
[5]. Strong’s 3144
[6]. Strong’s 4102
[7]. Strong’s 534
[8]. Strong’s 5821
[9]. Strong’s 5278
[10]. Strong’s 3528
[11]. Strong’s 3529