The 144,000 and the Multitude
Chapter 9
A Great Multitude To Be Purged
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. [11] And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, [12] Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. [13] And one of the elders
answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. [16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sunlight on them, nor any heat. [17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. - Revelation 7:9-17
Within these passages we can discern many things about the Multitude. For one, they are called “a great multitude.” Why are they called a great multitude? There is a huge amount of people seen here. There are so many, in fact, that no man could number them. That’s a lot of people. This is a vast number of people that make up the Multitude.
Secondly, they come from all nations, kindreds, and people, and tongues. This would signify that the people that make up the Multitude are from all over the world.
In verse 13, an elder asks John ‘What are these which are arrayed in white robes and whence came they?’ In simpler terms, ‘who are these people, and where did they come from?’ John answered back to the elder “Sir, thou knowest.” Again, in simpler terms, John is saying, ‘I don’t know, but you do.’ The elder then tells John “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
The people that comprise this “great multitude” came out of great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. This verse gives us two key clues to discovering who these people are and what they must do to wash their robes.
This is what part 2 of this book will be focusing on. The great multitude comes out of great tribulation. What does that mean? We know that the Tribulation is spoken about in the book of Revelation, but is this the same tribulation this text speaks of? Let’s look at some verses that will give us clarification.
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. [22] And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be
saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. - Matthew 24:21, 22
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; [19] I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
[20] Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. [21] And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
[22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. [23] And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. - Revelation 2:18-23
In both of these passages, you will find the words “great tribulation.” This would be the great tribulation that the “great multitude” comes out of. If you will notice in Revelation 2:22, it says that the Lord will cast “her” into a bed, and them that commit fornication with her into great tribulation. Who would this be referring to? Perhaps the Harlot Church System is in view here? And who are these that are (obviously spiritually) fornicating with the Harlot Church System that get cast into great tribulation? These would be the people that are still in the Harlot churches that have not come out for they didn’t love the Truth and wanted to believe lies.
The second item to look at is the robes. It states that they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Let’s look at a couple of passages that also speak about robes.
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 fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. – Revelation 6:9-11
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 andwhite: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saint s. - Revelation 19:7, 8
These two passages are describing two different groups of people. The first, in Revelation 6:9-11, are the martyrs under the altar that have been killed for the word of God and the testimony which they held. Notice that white robes were given to them. The robes that were given to them were already white.
The second group of people is the Bride of Christ that was discussed in Chapter 4. The fine linen which the bride is wearing is clean and white. What makes these two groups different from the Multitude? The Multitude washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. That means that they originally had robes, but the robes were dirty, spotted, and blemished. They had to wash the dirt of defilement out of their robes. Look at the verse below.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish. - Ephesians 5:27
Unclean robes represent unrighteousness, and the Lord cannot accept them. The robes must be white and clean, without spots or even wrinkles. The white, clean robes represent righteousness. This is why the martyrs are given white robes. They have paid the ultimate price when their lives are sacrificed for the Word of God and the testimony which they hold. The Bride of Christ has white and clean linen which she is granted for she is without fault before God. [i]
The Purging of Silver and the Trying of Gold
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. [9] And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will
refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. - Zechariah 13:8, 9
This is a key text for establishing the division of the church into the apostate and the Multitude. It states that 2/3 shall be cut off and die, and 1/3 shall the LORD bring through the fire and will refine them and try them. What exactly does this mean? Who is this describing? This is describing the Harlot Church. 2/3 of the Harlot Church will be cut off and die and 1/3 shall be brought through the fire. This 1/3 is what is described as “a great multitude.”
A brief overview is useful here to provide an overall understanding of what is going to happen to the church during the tribulation. Remember, in the study of the 144,000, the church includes all believers in the current time frame.
Prior to the first trumpet there are 144,000 that are sealed. They have come out of the Harlot Church System. These are the true believers in Jesus Christ covered by His Grace, and they are walking in His Truth.
What is left after the sealing is the apostate church. People who say they are believers, but who are not walking in His truth. Out of this apostate church comes the Multitude. This would be represented by the 1/3 that is brought through the fire. The other 2/3 that are cut off and die are truly apostate. They are so far gone, that they are not worthy of any type of redemption. Remember, judgment begins at the house of God. [ii]
There is a great cleaning out of the church that must be done. It has become the habitation of devils, full of every foul spirit, and every unclean and hateful bird. [iii]
This is what the process of the tribulation will accomplish; the purification of the church. 2/3 of the church has refused the leading of the Lord to the degree that their branches will be cut off and die, and they will be burned. 1/3 of the church is worth redeeming.
These would be people that love God in their hearts but have been led astray. They will have to ultimately pay for their inattendance to the truth with their lives; but, they will make it in the end. They will overcome. Let’s look at another example in scripture where there is another description of 2/3 and 1/3.
And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. [2] And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. – 2 Samuel 8:1, 2
David conquered Moab in a battle. He then took those who remained and made them lie down on the ground. He measured them with a line. 2/3 that he measured he put to death and 1/3 he allowed to live. The surviving Moabites became David’s servants.
This bit of history strikes an interesting parallel to Zechariah 13:8, 9. David is a type of the Lord, and Moab is a type of the Harlot Church. The 2/3 that are put to death are a type of the 2/3 of the Apostate within the church that are cut off and die; a physical and spiritual death.
The 1/3 that live are a type of the Multitude that are brought through the fire. Notice that the 1/3 of the Moabites that were allowed to live became David’s servants. David is a type for Jesus Christ. Take a look at this next verse.
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. - Revelation 7:15
This is the Multitude that serves God day and night in His temple. They are the servants of God. What an interesting parallel we see between those two passages. Now let’s now go back to Zechariah 13:8, 9. Keep in mind that all of these things were done for examples for us upon whom the ends of the age have come. [iv]
The words cut off used to describe the 2/3 that are cut off and die is defined as; cut (off, down or asunder) by implication destroy or consume. [v] The word die means; to breathe out (i.e.) by implication expire: - die, to be dead, give up the ghost, perish. [vi] This phrase, cut off and die definitely denotes not only physical death, but spiritual death as well. This can be further clarified in the following passage.
….because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: [21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. [22] Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. - Romans 11:20-22
This passage of scripture is describing the olive tree representing the Church of God. It describes natural branches (the physical Jews) being broken off in verse 20. In verse 22 it warns that if you do not continue in the goodness of God, you can also be cut off. That is the same wording used in Zechariah13:8 where 2/3 shall be cut off and die. When a branch is cut off of a tree, it dies. We have another description of this in the following verse. Dried up branches are shown no favor.
When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on
them, and he that formed them will show them no favour. - Isaiah 27:11
This verse states that when branches of a tree are withered (no longer bearing fruit, or dried up), they are to be broken off; or cut off, as in Romans 11:22. They then are burned. This pretty well describes the phrase “cut off and die.” They die not only a physical death but a spiritual death as well.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. - Zechariah 13:9
Let’s now look at the words used in Zechariah13:9. The word refine is defined as; to fuse (metal) i.e. refine, (literally or figuratively) cast, refine (er), melt, pure, purge away, try. [vii] The word try means; to test (especially metals) generally and figuratively to investigate, examine, prove, try (tried). [viii]
Notice that the word refine has as one of its definitions the words purge and try. In the definitions for the word try is; to investigate, examine, try. A person that is tried is examined and tested as if they went through trials and tribulations to perfect them. This is exactly what occurs with the Multitude; they are tried and tested as they are refined and brought through the fire of the Tribulation.
These two words used for refine (silver) and try (gold) will come up in the following verses several times. These verses will begin to show the connection to the Multitude.
And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. [34] Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. [35] And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. - Daniel 11:33-35
This verse is describing the 144,000, “they that understand among the people shall instruct many,” as those that lead the Multitude. It then goes on to state “yet they shall fall.” This would be referring to the Multitude and their ultimate death and sacrifice.
In verse 35, it states “And some of them.” This would tend to make a person think that only “some” of them will be tried and purged. Notice the word “some” is italicized. Any word that is italicized in the KJV was text that was added during the translation to make the sentence flow better. Knowing that the word has been added allows us to interpret the Scriptures without that word, without changing the original text. In fact, the original text states “and of them” This will totally change this verse to read that all, as opposed to some, are tried and purged.
Now we can look at the words used in verse 35 for a better understanding of this thread. The word try is same word that is used in Zechariah 13:9 for the word refine. The word purge means; to clarify (i.e. brighten) examine, select, make bright, choice, cleanse (be clean) pure (ify) purge (out). [ix]
Look at the statement in verse 35 that states that “they shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white.” In Revelation 7:14, the Multitude washes their robes in the blood of the Lamb “and made them white.” That is a direct connection. Let’s look at this next verse.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. - Daniel 12:10
First, you will notice the phrase “made white” tying this to Revelation 7:14 and Daniel 11:35. The word purified used in this verse is the same word used for purge in Daniel 11:35. The word tried is the same word used for refine in Zechariah 13:9. Let’s now take a look at a few more verses on this same train of thought.
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: [3] And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. - Malachi 3:2, 3
This verse states that the Lord is “like a refiner’s fire” and “fullers’ soap.” Refiner’s and refine in verse 2 the same word used for tried in Daniel 12:10, the word try in Daniel 11:35, and refine in Zechariah 13:9.
Fullers’ is defined as; trample, hence washing by stamping of the feet. [x] Do you think that this may be related to making their robes white? The word purifier and purify in verse 3 means; to be bright; i.e. (by implication) to be pure (physically sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically; uncontaminated; morally innocent or holy); - be(make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify (ier, self). [xi] The word purge means; to strain (figurtively) extract, clarify - fine, pour down, purge, purify, refine. [xii] This sure sounds like a cleansing. Let’s look at another one.
And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross,and take away all thy tin: [26] And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. [27] Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. – Isaiah1:25-27
In this verse the Lord says that He will turn his hand upon them and “purely purge away the dross.” There is a process of refining silver in which the silver is heated to extreme temperatures. All of the impurities in the silver will float to the surface where it is skimmed off. The impurities that are skimmed off are called dross. It is good for nothing.
For the dross to rise to the surface, the silver must be heated to extreme temperatures. I will refer back to Zechariah 13:8 where it says that He will bring 1/3 through the fire. There are many similitudes here to ponder.
There is one more verse that will put all of this into perspective. In Revelation 3:18-20, in the letter to the church of Laodicea, the Lord states the following.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [20] 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 3:18-20
The word counsel in this verse is defined as; to give or take advice. [xiii] The word buy means; (purchase, redeem) properly to go to market, i.e. (by implication) to purchase; specially to redeem: - buy, redeem. [xiv]
Three things need to be pointed out in these verses. I will cover the gold and the white raiment in a moment. First, in verse 18 it states “anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Because this verse is telling them to anoint their eyes with eyesalve so they can see, this would mean that prior to this they were blind and could not see the truth. They did not have the truth, were not walking in the truth, and therefore were not a part of the 144,000. They do see when they anoint their eyes with eyesalve. They wake up from their slumber and realize that they are in the Great Tribulation.
Secondly, verse 20 parallels Luke 12:35-38 that we covered in the section on the 144,000. The Lord returns from the wedding, and when he knocks, the servants open the door to him and he sits down to supper with them. An interesting detail worth noting here is the Lord returns from “the wedding,” not just a wedding. It seems to be referencing a particular wedding; the wedding of the Bride, the 144,000. Now for the third point that requires a more in depth explanation.
This verse advises the people that he is speaking to, that they should buy gold tried in a fire and white raiment from Him. What is this? People can buy gold and white raiment from the Lord? Yes they can.
It is a symbol of the righteousness that they purchase from the Lord. However, to purchase something you must have payment to purchase that which you wish to buy. What will be the price? When Jesus died on the cross, He died for our sins. We are covered under that grace. In the case of the 144,000, they have accepted that sacrifice and are thereby covered under that grace. The Apostate Church has rejected His sacrifice by not abiding in Jesus Christ in truth and in holiness.
The Lord has purchased us with His Blood. He has paid the price. The 144,000 are bought and paid for in full. The people being addressed in this verse are not paid for. In fact, they have to buy from the Lord, gold and white raiment. If they have to buy these things from the Lord, then it is indicated that they are lacking. They are not bought and paid for at this point.
When the Multitude removes herself from the Apostate Church, each one will need to purchase the gold and white raiment. How do they do that? Since they rejected the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and placed themselves under the law, grace no longer abounds. There is no remission of sins without the shedding of blood. Since they rejected the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and there must be shedding of blood for the remission of sins; [xv] to make their robes white, they must sacrifice their own lives in order for their robes to be white. That is the price that must be paid for the purchase of the gold tried in a fire and the white raiment they are to be clothed in.
Once the sealing has occurred and it is evident that the trumpet judgments have begun, many will wake up and see the lies that they were following for what they are; LIES. They will then begin to understand how they came to the position they find themselves in.
Most importantly, they will understand the sacrifice they must give. They will do it willingly. And, there are a lot of them that will make that decision. Remember, a Great Multitude is describing this group that will make the ultimate sacrifice. How do I know that they will give up their lives? That’s what we are going to look at next.
[i]. Revelation 14:5
[ii]. 1 Peter 4:17
[iii]. Revelation 18:2
[iv]. 1 Corinthians 10:11
[v]. Strong’s 3772
[vi]. Strong’s 1478
[vii]. Strong’s 6884
[viii]. Strong’s 974
[ix]. Strong’s 1305
[x]. Strong’s 3526
[xi]. Strong’s 2891
[xii]. Strong’s 2212
[xiii]. Strong’s 4823
[xiv]. Strong’s 59
[xv]. Hebrews 9:22
answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. [16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sunlight on them, nor any heat. [17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. - Revelation 7:9-17
Within these passages we can discern many things about the Multitude. For one, they are called “a great multitude.” Why are they called a great multitude? There is a huge amount of people seen here. There are so many, in fact, that no man could number them. That’s a lot of people. This is a vast number of people that make up the Multitude.
Secondly, they come from all nations, kindreds, and people, and tongues. This would signify that the people that make up the Multitude are from all over the world.
In verse 13, an elder asks John ‘What are these which are arrayed in white robes and whence came they?’ In simpler terms, ‘who are these people, and where did they come from?’ John answered back to the elder “Sir, thou knowest.” Again, in simpler terms, John is saying, ‘I don’t know, but you do.’ The elder then tells John “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
The people that comprise this “great multitude” came out of great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. This verse gives us two key clues to discovering who these people are and what they must do to wash their robes.
This is what part 2 of this book will be focusing on. The great multitude comes out of great tribulation. What does that mean? We know that the Tribulation is spoken about in the book of Revelation, but is this the same tribulation this text speaks of? Let’s look at some verses that will give us clarification.
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. [22] And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be
saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. - Matthew 24:21, 22
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; [19] I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
[20] Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. [21] And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
[22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. [23] And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. - Revelation 2:18-23
In both of these passages, you will find the words “great tribulation.” This would be the great tribulation that the “great multitude” comes out of. If you will notice in Revelation 2:22, it says that the Lord will cast “her” into a bed, and them that commit fornication with her into great tribulation. Who would this be referring to? Perhaps the Harlot Church System is in view here? And who are these that are (obviously spiritually) fornicating with the Harlot Church System that get cast into great tribulation? These would be the people that are still in the Harlot churches that have not come out for they didn’t love the Truth and wanted to believe lies.
The second item to look at is the robes. It states that they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Let’s look at a couple of passages that also speak about robes.
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 fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. – Revelation 6:9-11
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 andwhite: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saint s. - Revelation 19:7, 8
These two passages are describing two different groups of people. The first, in Revelation 6:9-11, are the martyrs under the altar that have been killed for the word of God and the testimony which they held. Notice that white robes were given to them. The robes that were given to them were already white.
The second group of people is the Bride of Christ that was discussed in Chapter 4. The fine linen which the bride is wearing is clean and white. What makes these two groups different from the Multitude? The Multitude washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. That means that they originally had robes, but the robes were dirty, spotted, and blemished. They had to wash the dirt of defilement out of their robes. Look at the verse below.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish. - Ephesians 5:27
Unclean robes represent unrighteousness, and the Lord cannot accept them. The robes must be white and clean, without spots or even wrinkles. The white, clean robes represent righteousness. This is why the martyrs are given white robes. They have paid the ultimate price when their lives are sacrificed for the Word of God and the testimony which they hold. The Bride of Christ has white and clean linen which she is granted for she is without fault before God. [i]
The Purging of Silver and the Trying of Gold
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. [9] And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will
refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. - Zechariah 13:8, 9
This is a key text for establishing the division of the church into the apostate and the Multitude. It states that 2/3 shall be cut off and die, and 1/3 shall the LORD bring through the fire and will refine them and try them. What exactly does this mean? Who is this describing? This is describing the Harlot Church. 2/3 of the Harlot Church will be cut off and die and 1/3 shall be brought through the fire. This 1/3 is what is described as “a great multitude.”
A brief overview is useful here to provide an overall understanding of what is going to happen to the church during the tribulation. Remember, in the study of the 144,000, the church includes all believers in the current time frame.
Prior to the first trumpet there are 144,000 that are sealed. They have come out of the Harlot Church System. These are the true believers in Jesus Christ covered by His Grace, and they are walking in His Truth.
What is left after the sealing is the apostate church. People who say they are believers, but who are not walking in His truth. Out of this apostate church comes the Multitude. This would be represented by the 1/3 that is brought through the fire. The other 2/3 that are cut off and die are truly apostate. They are so far gone, that they are not worthy of any type of redemption. Remember, judgment begins at the house of God. [ii]
There is a great cleaning out of the church that must be done. It has become the habitation of devils, full of every foul spirit, and every unclean and hateful bird. [iii]
This is what the process of the tribulation will accomplish; the purification of the church. 2/3 of the church has refused the leading of the Lord to the degree that their branches will be cut off and die, and they will be burned. 1/3 of the church is worth redeeming.
These would be people that love God in their hearts but have been led astray. They will have to ultimately pay for their inattendance to the truth with their lives; but, they will make it in the end. They will overcome. Let’s look at another example in scripture where there is another description of 2/3 and 1/3.
And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. [2] And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. – 2 Samuel 8:1, 2
David conquered Moab in a battle. He then took those who remained and made them lie down on the ground. He measured them with a line. 2/3 that he measured he put to death and 1/3 he allowed to live. The surviving Moabites became David’s servants.
This bit of history strikes an interesting parallel to Zechariah 13:8, 9. David is a type of the Lord, and Moab is a type of the Harlot Church. The 2/3 that are put to death are a type of the 2/3 of the Apostate within the church that are cut off and die; a physical and spiritual death.
The 1/3 that live are a type of the Multitude that are brought through the fire. Notice that the 1/3 of the Moabites that were allowed to live became David’s servants. David is a type for Jesus Christ. Take a look at this next verse.
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. - Revelation 7:15
This is the Multitude that serves God day and night in His temple. They are the servants of God. What an interesting parallel we see between those two passages. Now let’s now go back to Zechariah 13:8, 9. Keep in mind that all of these things were done for examples for us upon whom the ends of the age have come. [iv]
The words cut off used to describe the 2/3 that are cut off and die is defined as; cut (off, down or asunder) by implication destroy or consume. [v] The word die means; to breathe out (i.e.) by implication expire: - die, to be dead, give up the ghost, perish. [vi] This phrase, cut off and die definitely denotes not only physical death, but spiritual death as well. This can be further clarified in the following passage.
….because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: [21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. [22] Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. - Romans 11:20-22
This passage of scripture is describing the olive tree representing the Church of God. It describes natural branches (the physical Jews) being broken off in verse 20. In verse 22 it warns that if you do not continue in the goodness of God, you can also be cut off. That is the same wording used in Zechariah13:8 where 2/3 shall be cut off and die. When a branch is cut off of a tree, it dies. We have another description of this in the following verse. Dried up branches are shown no favor.
When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on
them, and he that formed them will show them no favour. - Isaiah 27:11
This verse states that when branches of a tree are withered (no longer bearing fruit, or dried up), they are to be broken off; or cut off, as in Romans 11:22. They then are burned. This pretty well describes the phrase “cut off and die.” They die not only a physical death but a spiritual death as well.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. - Zechariah 13:9
Let’s now look at the words used in Zechariah13:9. The word refine is defined as; to fuse (metal) i.e. refine, (literally or figuratively) cast, refine (er), melt, pure, purge away, try. [vii] The word try means; to test (especially metals) generally and figuratively to investigate, examine, prove, try (tried). [viii]
Notice that the word refine has as one of its definitions the words purge and try. In the definitions for the word try is; to investigate, examine, try. A person that is tried is examined and tested as if they went through trials and tribulations to perfect them. This is exactly what occurs with the Multitude; they are tried and tested as they are refined and brought through the fire of the Tribulation.
These two words used for refine (silver) and try (gold) will come up in the following verses several times. These verses will begin to show the connection to the Multitude.
And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. [34] Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. [35] And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. - Daniel 11:33-35
This verse is describing the 144,000, “they that understand among the people shall instruct many,” as those that lead the Multitude. It then goes on to state “yet they shall fall.” This would be referring to the Multitude and their ultimate death and sacrifice.
In verse 35, it states “And some of them.” This would tend to make a person think that only “some” of them will be tried and purged. Notice the word “some” is italicized. Any word that is italicized in the KJV was text that was added during the translation to make the sentence flow better. Knowing that the word has been added allows us to interpret the Scriptures without that word, without changing the original text. In fact, the original text states “and of them” This will totally change this verse to read that all, as opposed to some, are tried and purged.
Now we can look at the words used in verse 35 for a better understanding of this thread. The word try is same word that is used in Zechariah 13:9 for the word refine. The word purge means; to clarify (i.e. brighten) examine, select, make bright, choice, cleanse (be clean) pure (ify) purge (out). [ix]
Look at the statement in verse 35 that states that “they shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white.” In Revelation 7:14, the Multitude washes their robes in the blood of the Lamb “and made them white.” That is a direct connection. Let’s look at this next verse.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. - Daniel 12:10
First, you will notice the phrase “made white” tying this to Revelation 7:14 and Daniel 11:35. The word purified used in this verse is the same word used for purge in Daniel 11:35. The word tried is the same word used for refine in Zechariah 13:9. Let’s now take a look at a few more verses on this same train of thought.
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: [3] And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. - Malachi 3:2, 3
This verse states that the Lord is “like a refiner’s fire” and “fullers’ soap.” Refiner’s and refine in verse 2 the same word used for tried in Daniel 12:10, the word try in Daniel 11:35, and refine in Zechariah 13:9.
Fullers’ is defined as; trample, hence washing by stamping of the feet. [x] Do you think that this may be related to making their robes white? The word purifier and purify in verse 3 means; to be bright; i.e. (by implication) to be pure (physically sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically; uncontaminated; morally innocent or holy); - be(make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify (ier, self). [xi] The word purge means; to strain (figurtively) extract, clarify - fine, pour down, purge, purify, refine. [xii] This sure sounds like a cleansing. Let’s look at another one.
And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross,and take away all thy tin: [26] And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. [27] Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. – Isaiah1:25-27
In this verse the Lord says that He will turn his hand upon them and “purely purge away the dross.” There is a process of refining silver in which the silver is heated to extreme temperatures. All of the impurities in the silver will float to the surface where it is skimmed off. The impurities that are skimmed off are called dross. It is good for nothing.
For the dross to rise to the surface, the silver must be heated to extreme temperatures. I will refer back to Zechariah 13:8 where it says that He will bring 1/3 through the fire. There are many similitudes here to ponder.
There is one more verse that will put all of this into perspective. In Revelation 3:18-20, in the letter to the church of Laodicea, the Lord states the following.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [20] 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 3:18-20
The word counsel in this verse is defined as; to give or take advice. [xiii] The word buy means; (purchase, redeem) properly to go to market, i.e. (by implication) to purchase; specially to redeem: - buy, redeem. [xiv]
Three things need to be pointed out in these verses. I will cover the gold and the white raiment in a moment. First, in verse 18 it states “anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Because this verse is telling them to anoint their eyes with eyesalve so they can see, this would mean that prior to this they were blind and could not see the truth. They did not have the truth, were not walking in the truth, and therefore were not a part of the 144,000. They do see when they anoint their eyes with eyesalve. They wake up from their slumber and realize that they are in the Great Tribulation.
Secondly, verse 20 parallels Luke 12:35-38 that we covered in the section on the 144,000. The Lord returns from the wedding, and when he knocks, the servants open the door to him and he sits down to supper with them. An interesting detail worth noting here is the Lord returns from “the wedding,” not just a wedding. It seems to be referencing a particular wedding; the wedding of the Bride, the 144,000. Now for the third point that requires a more in depth explanation.
This verse advises the people that he is speaking to, that they should buy gold tried in a fire and white raiment from Him. What is this? People can buy gold and white raiment from the Lord? Yes they can.
It is a symbol of the righteousness that they purchase from the Lord. However, to purchase something you must have payment to purchase that which you wish to buy. What will be the price? When Jesus died on the cross, He died for our sins. We are covered under that grace. In the case of the 144,000, they have accepted that sacrifice and are thereby covered under that grace. The Apostate Church has rejected His sacrifice by not abiding in Jesus Christ in truth and in holiness.
The Lord has purchased us with His Blood. He has paid the price. The 144,000 are bought and paid for in full. The people being addressed in this verse are not paid for. In fact, they have to buy from the Lord, gold and white raiment. If they have to buy these things from the Lord, then it is indicated that they are lacking. They are not bought and paid for at this point.
When the Multitude removes herself from the Apostate Church, each one will need to purchase the gold and white raiment. How do they do that? Since they rejected the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and placed themselves under the law, grace no longer abounds. There is no remission of sins without the shedding of blood. Since they rejected the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and there must be shedding of blood for the remission of sins; [xv] to make their robes white, they must sacrifice their own lives in order for their robes to be white. That is the price that must be paid for the purchase of the gold tried in a fire and the white raiment they are to be clothed in.
Once the sealing has occurred and it is evident that the trumpet judgments have begun, many will wake up and see the lies that they were following for what they are; LIES. They will then begin to understand how they came to the position they find themselves in.
Most importantly, they will understand the sacrifice they must give. They will do it willingly. And, there are a lot of them that will make that decision. Remember, a Great Multitude is describing this group that will make the ultimate sacrifice. How do I know that they will give up their lives? That’s what we are going to look at next.
[i]. Revelation 14:5
[ii]. 1 Peter 4:17
[iii]. Revelation 18:2
[iv]. 1 Corinthians 10:11
[v]. Strong’s 3772
[vi]. Strong’s 1478
[vii]. Strong’s 6884
[viii]. Strong’s 974
[ix]. Strong’s 1305
[x]. Strong’s 3526
[xi]. Strong’s 2891
[xii]. Strong’s 2212
[xiii]. Strong’s 4823
[xiv]. Strong’s 59
[xv]. Hebrews 9:22