The Overcomers and the Church
In this message, Stephen emphasizes the significance of the church and the believers' role in God's divine plan, using vivid imagery from Revelation. He highlights two main pictures: first, the 144,000 standing on Mount Zion with the Lamb, symbolizing a faithful, purified remnant who have experienced full union with Christ, marked by God's recognition and singing a unique, unlearnable song. These are described as virgins, pure, following the Lamb wherever He goes, and speaking truth without lies, representing spiritual maturity and faithfulness. Stephen clarifies that this group is distinct from the 144,000 in Revelation 7, emphasizing that the latter are sealed before tribulation, while the former have already arrived at Mount Zion, symbolizing their spiritual fullness and victory. The second picture depicts the harvest, with Christ sitting on a white cloud, waiting to reap the earth’s harvest when the Father signals. This harvest includes the church’s overcomers, who are the firstfruits—those who ripen early, are perfected, and are presented to God as offerings. Stephen underscores that overcomers are not for personal enjoyment but for God's satisfaction, serving as the guarantee of the harvest and the maturity of the entire church. Ultimately, he affirms that Christ’s return involves gathering His firstfruits and the harvest, calling believers to be committed to this divine purpose.
Outline of Main Points
- Revelation as a book of vivid pictures illustrating spiritual truths.
- The first picture: 144,000 on Mount Zion, representing a faithful, purified remnant sealed and recognized by God, singing a new song, following the Lamb, and without deceit or blemish.
- Distinction between the 144,000 in chapter 7 (sealed before tribulation) and in chapter 14 (already on Zion, spiritually mature).
- Mount Zion symbolizes heavenly fullness and union with Christ.
- The 144,000 as the firstfruits: a select, mature group offering themselves to God, not for personal gain but for His satisfaction.
- The second picture: Christ sitting on a white cloud, waiting to harvest the earth’s harvest when the Father signals, representing the gathering of the church’s overcomers.
- The overcomers as the firstfruits, ripened early, perfected, and presented to God, serving as a guarantee for the full harvest.
- The purpose of overcomers: maturity of the church and preparation for Christ’s return.
- The return of Christ involves the firstfruits and the harvest, emphasizing readiness and divine purpose.
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
9 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 sun light 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.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
