Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Under The Altar - Revelation 6:9-11

Revelation 6:9-11 ESV 

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

Those under the altar are the servants of Israel. They are still tied to the altar of sacrifice. They anticipate the resumption of sacrifices in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. The Holy of Holies will still be behind the veil of separation. 

In contrast, the Church has become a living sacrifice unto the Lord beyond the altar and have entered the Holy of Holies which is the raised body of Christ. 

The fate of Israel is to experience the great tribulation, the time of Jacob's troubles. A remnant will be saved and they will gather at the feet of Christ and give witness to the Lord. A great multitude will join the presence of God as a result. 

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