The 144,000 and the Multitude
Chapter 4
The Bride of Christ
Now we are going to look at the Bride of Christ. Exactly who is the Bride of Christ? Can we get some indication of whom the Bride is comprised of? To study this, we’ll take a look at the marriage of the Bride to the Lamb.
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. [8] 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. - Revelation 19:7
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. - Malachi 4:2
Notice that the bride is arrayed in fine linen, white and clean, and this fine white and clean linen is the righteousness of the saints. Again, in Malachi 4:2, we have the Sun of righteousness being Jesus Christ. The woman in the wilderness is clothed with the sun.
Is it possible that being clothed with the sun and the fine linen which represents righteousness; is one and the same? Also, this verse states that “his wife hath made herself ready.” In some way she was prepared to meet the groom, being arrayed in white and clean fine linen.
Let’s look at a passage that speaks about the marriage supper.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. - Revelation 19:9
What is interesting to note in this verse is the ones that are called to the marriage supper are blessed. The pertinent thing of note in this verse is that this verse is speaking about the ones that are called to the marriage supper. When is the marriage supper? The marriage supper occurs after the wedding. The marriage supper is likened to a wedding reception. The wedding or marriage has already occurred by the time the supper has begun. Supper is defined as; dinner, i.e. the chief meal (usually in the evening): feast, supper. [i]
We can also look at the parable of the king that made a marriage for his son in Matthew 22:1-14.To paraphrase the story, His servants went forth to bid the guests to the wedding supper. It makes reference to the oxen and the fatlings that have been killed and all things being ready. Those that were bidden would not come, so finally, the King’s servants go out into the highways and bid all to the wedding supper, and the wedding was furnished with guests. You will note here that the ones that come to the supper are not the bride, but the guests.
Let’s look at another parable that speaks about a lord returning from a wedding.
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; [36] And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. [37] Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. [38] And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. - Luke 12:35-38
There are several things to note about this verse. The lights that are burning means; a portable lamp or other illuminator. [ii] The under-definition for the word lights, means; white. [iii] This will be compared to another verse later on.
In this parable, “their lord” returns from a wedding; and says that when he returns and knocks, the servants are to open the door to him immediately -- for those servants that open the door immediately are waiting for their lord’s return. Their lord then sits down to supper with them. Let’s compare this to the next verse.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. - Revelation 3:20, 21
This verse in Revelation 3:20 is located in the letter to the angel of the church of Laodicea. In this verse, the Lord is standing at the door knocking, and if any man will open to Him, He will set down and eat supper with him.
The parable in Luke 12:35-38 has the same type of wording as Revelation 3:20. The only difference is that in the parable, the lord is returning from the wedding and being let in by his servants. This means the marriage has already occurred and they are waiting for their lord to knock so they may let him in and sit down for supper.
These verses are speaking about the Multitude. I only show this here in the section on the 144,000 as a comparison between the marriage of the Bride to the Lamb and the marriage supper. The participants are two separate parties – the 144,000 being the Bride, and the Multitude being the guests. The Multitude will also become part of the Bride of Christ, but only when they have gone through the purification process of the Tribulation as the “guests” and the ones that participate in the “marriage supper.” This will be covered more thoroughly in part 2 of the Multitude.
And now we come to the parable about the ten virgins.
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. [6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. [7] Then all
those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. [9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. [11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. - Matthew 25:1-13
The word virgins used in the above passages is defined as; a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter, virgin. [iv] This is the same word used in Revelation 14 to describe the virgins of the 144,000.
The next word to look at is the word lamps. Lamps are defined as; lamp or flambeau: lamp, light, torch. [v] The under-definition means; beam, radiate brilliantly (literally or figuratively) give light, shine. [vi] When we look at the word lamps; we see that it is a more vivid definition than the definition for lights as used in Luke 12:35. In visualizing the 144,000 as the woman that is clothed with the sun, this definition describes the brilliance of the light that she is clothed with.
When we study this parable of the ten virgins, you will notice that all ten virgins had lamps, all ten virgins had their lamps lit, and all ten virgins slumbered and slept. All ten heard the call of the bridegroom. These are the only similarities between the two. This is where it takes a turn. The five foolish ones didn’t bring vessels with oil with them and their lamps burned out (they were no longer shining forth). They are forced to go to them that sell to buy some oil.
An interesting note here is that, at the time this occurs (during the tribulation period), “No man may buy or sell, save he that had the mark.” [vii] While they are gone to get some more oil, the bridegroom came and the five wise virgins went in with him to the marriage -- and the door was shut.
Another interesting parallel to this parable is related to the accounting of Noah and the ark. When Noah and his family entered the ark, the Lord shut the door and no one else could enter in. When the five foolish virgins came back, the door was shut; and not only could they not enter in, the Lord said that he didn’t know them. The marriage of the five wise virgins to the Lord occurred after they entered in, and the door was shut. Did not Jesus say the these days would be like the days of Noah?
The oil within the lamps that causes the lamps to shine so brightly could only be the spiritual light that causes the lamps to burn. They are filled with the Spirit of the Lord. They are filled with the Truth and the Truth is Jesus Christ himself. Jesus Christ is also the Light and those that have the Light have the Light of life and will shine forth as a Light because they are filled with Jesus Christ. Those that are in Jesus Christ have put on Christ and will bear the Light of the world for all to see.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. [9]That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. – John 1:8, 9
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.– John 3:19-21
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. - John 8:12
The 5 wise virgins (144,000) lamps were burning brightly whereas the 5 unwise virgin’s (Multitude) lamps went out. They lost the Truth that they had and went into falsehoods and lies and became darkened. This is why at the time of the marriage they were shut out. They were not in the Truth and could not become a partaker as the Bride of Christ at that time. Their light had gone out and they no longer have the Light in their lives; they are walking in darkness.
Can we get an indication as to the timing of the marriage? Is it at the sealing, or the end of the tribulation, or at the beginning? In this next verse, there may be a hint to answer these questions.
Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: [16] Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. - Joel 2:15,16
This verse is speaking about the 144,000. If you will notice “gather the children, and those that suck the breasts” is the exact opposite of “and woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days.” - Matthew 24:19. The verse in Matthew 24:19 is a reference to the Multitude.
The verse in Joel 2 speaks about a calling together of God’s people. It also references the bridegroom going forth out of his chamber and the bride out of her closet.
This sounds like the parable of the ten virgins. “…the bridegroom came; and they that were ready (the bride came out of her closet) went in with him to the marriage.” - Matthew 25:9. This would mean that the timing of Joel 2:15 is at the time of the sealing, and prior to the first trumpet when the 144,000 are sealed. The sealing of the 144,000 is when the bride is married to the Bridegroom.
We may also compare this with what the prophet Joel says; “Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.” - Joel 1:8
This would be the five foolish virgin’s (Multitude’s) realization after the Lord told them “I know you not,” when they are lamenting for the husband (bridegroom) that she knew at one time.
If you read Joel chapters one and two, and compare them to each other, you will find many similarities, and you will also find many differences. The difference is that Joel chapter one is speaking about the Multitude, while chapter 2 is describing the 144,000. What happens to each of these groups is apparent.
There is another mention in Revelation about the bride. It is called the Holy Jerusalem.
And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. [10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, [11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; - Revelation
21:9-11
The bride, New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ. The Bride of Christ would include all of the believers and followers of the Truth from the beginning of time including the 144,000 and eventually the Multitude.
And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: [13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. [14] And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. [15] And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates
thereof, and the wall thereof. [16] And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. [17] And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. [18] And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. – Revelation
21:12-18
This is Holy Jerusalem; the bride, the Lamb’s wife. What a beautiful picture that is described here! There are some interesting points to address here. There are twelve gates with names written on the gates, the names are the twelve tribes of Israel. There are twelve foundations with the names of the 12 apostles written in them. Also, the wall is measured at 144 cubits, the measure of a man; interesting number.
New Jerusalem is built of the 12 tribes of Israel, which has the 12 foundations of the apostles with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. The wall of 144 cubits is built upon Jesus Christ and the teachings of the apostles. This is a spiritual temple comprised of the believers of Jesus Christ which is the House of God, the True Church of God, the Holy Jerusalem.
There is another interesting verse that bears looking at. It is in Revelation 18:22, 23.
And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the
sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; [23] And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. [24] And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. - Revelation 18:22, 23
Verse 23 states that the voice of the bridegroom and the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee, this being Babylon. This would be referring to the bridegroom (Jesus) and the bride (144,000) who no longer are located with the confines of Babylon, the Harlot Church; for the wedding has taken place and they are now in Sion/Zion. That is why the voice of the bridegroom and bride are no longer heard in Babylon. They are both no longer in the apostate church.
The Multitude will later join as the Bride of Christ for they will flee from Babylon. They will have to endure persecution as the martyrs of Jesus Christ. In doing so, they will enter into the Kingdom.
[i]. Strong’s 1173
[ii]. Strong’s 3088
[iii]. Strong’s 3027
[iv]. Strong’s 3933
[v]. Strong’s 2985
[vi]. Strong’s 2989
[vii]. Revelation 13:17
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. [8] 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. - Revelation 19:7
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. - Malachi 4:2
Notice that the bride is arrayed in fine linen, white and clean, and this fine white and clean linen is the righteousness of the saints. Again, in Malachi 4:2, we have the Sun of righteousness being Jesus Christ. The woman in the wilderness is clothed with the sun.
Is it possible that being clothed with the sun and the fine linen which represents righteousness; is one and the same? Also, this verse states that “his wife hath made herself ready.” In some way she was prepared to meet the groom, being arrayed in white and clean fine linen.
Let’s look at a passage that speaks about the marriage supper.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. - Revelation 19:9
What is interesting to note in this verse is the ones that are called to the marriage supper are blessed. The pertinent thing of note in this verse is that this verse is speaking about the ones that are called to the marriage supper. When is the marriage supper? The marriage supper occurs after the wedding. The marriage supper is likened to a wedding reception. The wedding or marriage has already occurred by the time the supper has begun. Supper is defined as; dinner, i.e. the chief meal (usually in the evening): feast, supper. [i]
We can also look at the parable of the king that made a marriage for his son in Matthew 22:1-14.To paraphrase the story, His servants went forth to bid the guests to the wedding supper. It makes reference to the oxen and the fatlings that have been killed and all things being ready. Those that were bidden would not come, so finally, the King’s servants go out into the highways and bid all to the wedding supper, and the wedding was furnished with guests. You will note here that the ones that come to the supper are not the bride, but the guests.
Let’s look at another parable that speaks about a lord returning from a wedding.
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; [36] And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. [37] Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. [38] And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. - Luke 12:35-38
There are several things to note about this verse. The lights that are burning means; a portable lamp or other illuminator. [ii] The under-definition for the word lights, means; white. [iii] This will be compared to another verse later on.
In this parable, “their lord” returns from a wedding; and says that when he returns and knocks, the servants are to open the door to him immediately -- for those servants that open the door immediately are waiting for their lord’s return. Their lord then sits down to supper with them. Let’s compare this to the next verse.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. - Revelation 3:20, 21
This verse in Revelation 3:20 is located in the letter to the angel of the church of Laodicea. In this verse, the Lord is standing at the door knocking, and if any man will open to Him, He will set down and eat supper with him.
The parable in Luke 12:35-38 has the same type of wording as Revelation 3:20. The only difference is that in the parable, the lord is returning from the wedding and being let in by his servants. This means the marriage has already occurred and they are waiting for their lord to knock so they may let him in and sit down for supper.
These verses are speaking about the Multitude. I only show this here in the section on the 144,000 as a comparison between the marriage of the Bride to the Lamb and the marriage supper. The participants are two separate parties – the 144,000 being the Bride, and the Multitude being the guests. The Multitude will also become part of the Bride of Christ, but only when they have gone through the purification process of the Tribulation as the “guests” and the ones that participate in the “marriage supper.” This will be covered more thoroughly in part 2 of the Multitude.
And now we come to the parable about the ten virgins.
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. [6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. [7] Then all
those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. [9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. [11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. - Matthew 25:1-13
The word virgins used in the above passages is defined as; a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter, virgin. [iv] This is the same word used in Revelation 14 to describe the virgins of the 144,000.
The next word to look at is the word lamps. Lamps are defined as; lamp or flambeau: lamp, light, torch. [v] The under-definition means; beam, radiate brilliantly (literally or figuratively) give light, shine. [vi] When we look at the word lamps; we see that it is a more vivid definition than the definition for lights as used in Luke 12:35. In visualizing the 144,000 as the woman that is clothed with the sun, this definition describes the brilliance of the light that she is clothed with.
When we study this parable of the ten virgins, you will notice that all ten virgins had lamps, all ten virgins had their lamps lit, and all ten virgins slumbered and slept. All ten heard the call of the bridegroom. These are the only similarities between the two. This is where it takes a turn. The five foolish ones didn’t bring vessels with oil with them and their lamps burned out (they were no longer shining forth). They are forced to go to them that sell to buy some oil.
An interesting note here is that, at the time this occurs (during the tribulation period), “No man may buy or sell, save he that had the mark.” [vii] While they are gone to get some more oil, the bridegroom came and the five wise virgins went in with him to the marriage -- and the door was shut.
Another interesting parallel to this parable is related to the accounting of Noah and the ark. When Noah and his family entered the ark, the Lord shut the door and no one else could enter in. When the five foolish virgins came back, the door was shut; and not only could they not enter in, the Lord said that he didn’t know them. The marriage of the five wise virgins to the Lord occurred after they entered in, and the door was shut. Did not Jesus say the these days would be like the days of Noah?
The oil within the lamps that causes the lamps to shine so brightly could only be the spiritual light that causes the lamps to burn. They are filled with the Spirit of the Lord. They are filled with the Truth and the Truth is Jesus Christ himself. Jesus Christ is also the Light and those that have the Light have the Light of life and will shine forth as a Light because they are filled with Jesus Christ. Those that are in Jesus Christ have put on Christ and will bear the Light of the world for all to see.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. [9]That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. – John 1:8, 9
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.– John 3:19-21
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. - John 8:12
The 5 wise virgins (144,000) lamps were burning brightly whereas the 5 unwise virgin’s (Multitude) lamps went out. They lost the Truth that they had and went into falsehoods and lies and became darkened. This is why at the time of the marriage they were shut out. They were not in the Truth and could not become a partaker as the Bride of Christ at that time. Their light had gone out and they no longer have the Light in their lives; they are walking in darkness.
Can we get an indication as to the timing of the marriage? Is it at the sealing, or the end of the tribulation, or at the beginning? In this next verse, there may be a hint to answer these questions.
Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: [16] Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. - Joel 2:15,16
This verse is speaking about the 144,000. If you will notice “gather the children, and those that suck the breasts” is the exact opposite of “and woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days.” - Matthew 24:19. The verse in Matthew 24:19 is a reference to the Multitude.
The verse in Joel 2 speaks about a calling together of God’s people. It also references the bridegroom going forth out of his chamber and the bride out of her closet.
This sounds like the parable of the ten virgins. “…the bridegroom came; and they that were ready (the bride came out of her closet) went in with him to the marriage.” - Matthew 25:9. This would mean that the timing of Joel 2:15 is at the time of the sealing, and prior to the first trumpet when the 144,000 are sealed. The sealing of the 144,000 is when the bride is married to the Bridegroom.
We may also compare this with what the prophet Joel says; “Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.” - Joel 1:8
This would be the five foolish virgin’s (Multitude’s) realization after the Lord told them “I know you not,” when they are lamenting for the husband (bridegroom) that she knew at one time.
If you read Joel chapters one and two, and compare them to each other, you will find many similarities, and you will also find many differences. The difference is that Joel chapter one is speaking about the Multitude, while chapter 2 is describing the 144,000. What happens to each of these groups is apparent.
There is another mention in Revelation about the bride. It is called the Holy Jerusalem.
And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. [10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, [11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; - Revelation
21:9-11
The bride, New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ. The Bride of Christ would include all of the believers and followers of the Truth from the beginning of time including the 144,000 and eventually the Multitude.
And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: [13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. [14] And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. [15] And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates
thereof, and the wall thereof. [16] And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. [17] And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. [18] And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. – Revelation
21:12-18
This is Holy Jerusalem; the bride, the Lamb’s wife. What a beautiful picture that is described here! There are some interesting points to address here. There are twelve gates with names written on the gates, the names are the twelve tribes of Israel. There are twelve foundations with the names of the 12 apostles written in them. Also, the wall is measured at 144 cubits, the measure of a man; interesting number.
New Jerusalem is built of the 12 tribes of Israel, which has the 12 foundations of the apostles with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. The wall of 144 cubits is built upon Jesus Christ and the teachings of the apostles. This is a spiritual temple comprised of the believers of Jesus Christ which is the House of God, the True Church of God, the Holy Jerusalem.
There is another interesting verse that bears looking at. It is in Revelation 18:22, 23.
And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the
sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; [23] And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. [24] And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. - Revelation 18:22, 23
Verse 23 states that the voice of the bridegroom and the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee, this being Babylon. This would be referring to the bridegroom (Jesus) and the bride (144,000) who no longer are located with the confines of Babylon, the Harlot Church; for the wedding has taken place and they are now in Sion/Zion. That is why the voice of the bridegroom and bride are no longer heard in Babylon. They are both no longer in the apostate church.
The Multitude will later join as the Bride of Christ for they will flee from Babylon. They will have to endure persecution as the martyrs of Jesus Christ. In doing so, they will enter into the Kingdom.
[i]. Strong’s 1173
[ii]. Strong’s 3088
[iii]. Strong’s 3027
[iv]. Strong’s 3933
[v]. Strong’s 2985
[vi]. Strong’s 2989
[vii]. Revelation 13:17