CHAPTER VIII
GREAT MULTITUDE
JEHOVAH gave to Jesus Christ a revelation of things that must come to pass, and Jesus sent an angel and caused John to write about those things in symbolic language. (Revelation 1: 1,2) That revelation discloses that the church of God, which is built upon Christ Jesus, the precious Foundation Stone or Rock, is composed of 144,000, who are also pictured as living stones. (Revelation 7:4; 1 Peter 2:1-10) John in this great revelation stands for or represents those persons on the earth at the time of the appearing of Christ Jesus at the temple, and such persons are anointed and are permitted to have an understanding of The Revelation.
John was on the isle of Patmos when the Lord gave him that vision. He was first told of the sealing of the 144,000 who are to be associates of Christ Jesus in the royal house of Jehovah God. Then John says: "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." (Revelation 7: 9) The words "After this" apply to the time of John's seeing these things. This also shows that the remnant, whom John pictured, would see or discern the 144,000 and that thereafter the remnant would discern the true meaning of the "great multitude" and pass this information on
to others. The 144,000 are spirit members of God's organization and shall be for ever in heaven, whereas the "great multitude" is made up of "other sheep", or Jonadabs, or people of good will, who obtain the riches of earth and dwell for ever upon the earth in peace and endless joy. The Scriptures clearly show that it is after God has taken out or selected those who shall be of the heavenly class that he brings forth the "great multitude", and this he does shortly before the battle of the great day of God Almighty. — Revelation 16:14.
POSITION
Concerning the "great multitude" the scripture reads that they "stood before the throne". The fact that they "stood" shows that they are approved by the Most High, because "the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous". (Psalm 1:5) Stand where? Would they have to go to heaven in order to stand approved before the Lord? Certainly not; nor would they have to be in heaven in order to stand before the throne, even in reference to position or with reference to approval. While standing before the throne those of the great multitude are shown to be hungry and thirsty, whereas if they were in heaven there would be no occasion for them to hunger and thirst. Those who are hungry and thirsty for spiritual provender are the ones on earth who are seeking to be fed on that which will satisfy their heart's desire. Manifestly the great multitude are here shown as standing before the judgment throne of Christ Jesus, that is, the throne of God and where God, by proxy, judges, that is to
say, Jehovah judges by his beloved Son, to whom he has committed all judgment. It is written that those who stand before the throne are crying out: "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." — Revelation 7:10.
It was in 1914 that Jehovah put his beloved Son on the throne of authority. (Psalm 2:6) In the year 1918, or three and one-half years after enthroned, Christ Jesus began judgment at the temple. In standing before the Lord for judgment these need not be in heaven, for the reason, it is stated by Jesus, that when he assumes his throne for the judgment of the nations all nations shall be gathered before him, and surely these nations are not in heaven. "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats." — Matthew 25: 31, 32.
With whom does Christ Jesus begin judgment upon assuming his high office as Judge upon the throne? Not with the dead, but with the living. "The Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the [living] ... at his appearing and his kingdom." (2 Timothy 4:1) Christ Jesus is at the temple upon his throne of judgment and glory, and before him are gathered all the nations for the purpose of separating and judging. Even so the great multitude are "of all nations" on the earth, and are before Christ Jesus for judgment, which judgment shows that it is those of good will who take the side of the Lord and who become the "other sheep" of the Lord. To the "sheep" Christ Jesus says: "Come,
ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." These are the ones that get life eternal, on the earth. — Matthew 25:32-46.
Further describing the great multitude these words are used: "clothed with white robes." In verse fourteen of this picture is stated the means by which their robes are made white. The words "white robes" used in verse nine symbolically declare that members of the great multitude stand before the throne as approved ones.
At Revelation 6:9-11 a class of faithful men is described who suffered martyrdom because of their complete devotion to Jehovah, and to them "white robes were given "But it is not stated that they first "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb". The white robes given to those faithful men symbolically testify to their approval, without stating how they were made white.
They were faithful unto Jehovah even unto death, proving their integrity; and while the scripture does not state that they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, other scriptures plainly teach that they had and exercised faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus.
Revelation 19:8 describes the Lamb's wife to whom is granted that she be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white. But that text has no reference to the great multitude. What, then, is pictured by the robes given the individual members of the great multitude with which they are clothed? These white robes picture that they are clean and approved. Cleanliness results by reason of faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus,
who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood. (Revelation 1:5) The great multitude by reason of their faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus, and devoting themselves to God, thereby wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb and make themselves clean.
Every human creature that obtains life must obtain it as a gift of God through Christ Jesus, and this is the only way; and all such must have their sins washed away by exercising faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus. The people of good will, that is to say, the Jonadab class, are those who have faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus as the only means of redemption and salvation for the human race, and these voluntarily agree to do the will of God; and in taking this step of consecrating themselves to God by faith in the blood of Christ Jesus they stand approved before the judgment seat of Christ, and this approval is symbolized by the white robes which John observed that they wore. These keep their robes clean by continuing in faith and devotion to God and Christ Jesus, his anointed King. The great multitude, therefore, could not come into existence until the Lord Jesus Christ appeared at the temple and began his judgment, and therefore the great multitude could not appear prior to 1918.
PALMS
What is the meaning of "palms in their hands"? It was in 1918 that the "precious corner stone" was laid in Zion in its completeness, when Christ Jesus was presented to Zion as Jehovah's King. In due time the remnant saw that this Chief Corner Stone had
been laid in completeness, and they rejoiced. Thereafter others learned this great truth and believed it and hailed Jehovah's anointed Ruler, Christ Jesus, as the world's rightful King. This great multitude hails Christ Jesus as the King and rightful Ruler of the world and the Savior of mankind. When Christ Jesus rode into Jerusalem upon the ass and presented himself as King this was the laying of the Corner Stone in miniature, and foreshadowed the laying of the Corner Stone in completeness when Christ appears at the temple as King. When the Lord Jesus rode into Jerusalem he was there hailed by the multitude as King, as it is written: "And a very great multitude [And the most part of the multitude (R.V.)] spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest!" — Matthew 21: 8, 9.
In recording the account of the miniature laying of the Corner Stone John wrote: "On the morrow a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried out, Hosanna: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel." (John 12:12,13, A.R.V.) In the gospel by John and in The Revelation John makes mention of the palm branches, and that in connection with the great multitude. Thus at the miniature laying of the Corner Stone what took place foreshadowed that which John saw in vision of the laying of the Corner Stone in completeness.
Let this be carefully noted, that when Jesus entered Jerusalem the great multitude that spread down their garments and waved their palm branches were not then the disciples of Jesus Christ, as the facts subsequently showed. Only a short time before that triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem he had addressed his disciples, speaking to them as a "little flock". (Luke 12: 32) It was afterwards and when Jesus was riding upon an ass as King that the great multitude appeared and shouted: 'Hosanna to the son of David; blessed is he that cometh in the name of Jehovah.' Likewise when Jesus Christ is enthroned, the great multitude are not recognized, discerned and understood and are not the disciples of Christ Jesus. It is after he is presented as King and seated upon his throne of judgment that the great multitude are discerned with palms in their hands. It seems, therefore, that the miniature laying of the Corner Stone in Zion and the incidents connected therewith picture the laying of the Corner Stone in completeness and the events that co-ordinated therewith. This would prove that the great multitude mentioned in Revelation 7: 9 began to come into existence after the Lord appeared at the temple for judgment.
Manifestly those with "palms in their hands", as mentioned in The Revelation, are not the footstep followers of Christ Jesus, that is to say, the remnant on earth; but that great multitude is made up of others who hear about Jehovah and his kingdom under Christ and who desire that kingdom. It is seen that these are gathered out of the nations and tribes, kindreds, peoples and tongues; and when they learn that God's gracious kingdom has come, they take their stand on the
side of Jehovah and his King and they wave their palm branches as an evidence that they are heartily in accord with and support the King, about whom they have learned.
When human creatures learn of something that is to their great benefit it is difficult for them to refrain from giving expression to their joy. No good news could come to man that would make him so glad as the news that salvation is provided for him. This is shown to be the frame of mind of those who compose the great multitude standing before the throne with palms in their hands and with what they see as they there stand. Concerning this John writes: "And [they] cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." — Revelation 7:10.
This great multitude cried out with gladness, even as the great multitude cried out with gladness at the miniature laying of God's Corner Stone, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem. When the people of earth of good will learn that the King of righteousness has come and that God has provided salvation by and through the blood of Christ Jesus and his kingdom, and that there is no other means of salvation, they shout the praises of Jehovah, who is the Author of salvation, and they devote themselves to his service. The people of good will on the earth today who hear the truth do not remain mum, but vigorously join Jehovah's witnesses, the remnant, in crying out the kingdom message. They have the good news which they have received at the mouth of Jehovah's witnesses, and which the witnesses at the command of the Lord their King have brought to the "sheep" class and have said to them: "Let him
that heareth say, Come." (Revelation 22:17) And being thus invited this sheep class, the Jonadabs, do say to others: 'Come and learn the only way of salvation.' This is shown by the words of Revelation 7:10, when those of the "great multitude" class are saying to others: "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, in A.D. 33, the great multitude then cried out in the words of the Psalm, or song, previously written: "Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: 0 Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity." (Psalm 118: 25) They shouted: "Hosanna to the son of David." The Hebrew word Hosanna means "Save now, we beseech thee"; which is the language of Psalm 118:25, R.V. Likewise when Christ Jesus the Chief Corner Stone of Jehovah's organization is laid in Zion in completeness, his faithful followers begin to cry out: "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord; this gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee; for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, 0 Lord: 0 Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord; we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord." (Psalm 118:19-26) Since then the people of good will now on earth, the sheep class, the Jonadabs, who have heard the glad cry of Jehovah's witnesses,
have also taken up that blessed message and continued to cry it out that others might hear.
"Salvation" consists in the vindication of Jehovah's name and his Word, and results to those who maintain their integrity toward him, and who praise his holy name. There is no other means of salvation, and that salvation comes to those who heartily avail themselves of Jehovah's means for their salvation. (Acts 4:11,12) The Devil deceives the people and turns them away from God, and puts forth his agents who claim that the salvation of the people comes by reason of his agents. A striking example of this is the exaltation of one Hitler in Germany. He issues the command that all persons shall "Heil Hitler", which in the English language means "Salvation is by Hitler". But all people who have faith in God know that neither Hitler, Mussolini, the NBA scheme nor any other scheme nor any creature can bring salvation to the people.
Those who have faith in God and in Christ Jesus, and who take their stand on the side of God and his kingdom, by their course of action loudly acknowledge, confess and acclaim Jehovah as their Savior, which salvation is given to them through Christ Jesus, and these are represented in the Revelation account as saying: "Salvation to our God [Jehovah] which sitteth upon the throne and [salvation] unto the Lamb [Christ Jesus]." Thus all such "Heil Jehovah and Christ". They do not "Heil Hitler" nor any other creature, and they could not be faithful to Jehovah God by exclaiming to any creature "Heil", for the reason that no creature has any power of salvation. These persons of good will now discern and gladly confess Je-
hovah as King Eternal and the Supreme One, and that Jehovah, and Christ Jesus, his anointed King, together constitute "the Higher Powers", to which powers all persons that get life must be subject. Those people of good will hear and believe that the kingdom of God under Christ has come and that Jehovah reigns, and they cry out, as it is written in the Psalm: "The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof." — Psalm 97:1.
This corresponds with the cry of A.D. 33 by the great multitude of that time; and now the great multitude of the present day cry out: 'Salvation is come; save now, send us prosperity.' They attribute the work of God's salvation or vindication unto his great Vindicator, Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God, who sits upon the throne, which Jehovah God has provided for him, and that their own salvation is from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus, and not from any other source. The facts and the evidence that have come to pass during the past five years conclusively prove that the great multitude is made up of human creatures who hear and accept and rejoice in the Kingdom of God under Christ. The palms in their hands in effect say: "We hail our King and Savior; our allegiance and our devotion are to him. Our salvation comes from Him, the King Eternal, who is Jehovah, and through Christ Jesus, his anointed Ruler of the world." They openly confess that they are on the Lord's side.
TEMPLE ASSEMBLY
At this point in the vision had by John, as recorded in Revelation seven, there appears an assembly of those who are wholly devoted to Jehovah. Mark now
who are shown to be present at that assembly: "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." (Revelation 7:11) Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God, is seated upon his throne of glory. By authority from Jehovah God he took that exalted place in 1914, but it was three and one-half years thereafter until the assembly at the temple took place, when he comes for judgment. Standing round about the throne, as shown in the Revelation picture, are all the holy angels. This must refer to the time described by Jude: "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints [holy ones (R.V.)], to execute judgment upon all; and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him." (Jude 14,15) That marks the time of the appearing of the Lord Jesus at the temple for judgment.
Moses had prophesied of the same thing, when he said: "The Lord... came with ten thousands of saints [holy ones (R.V.)]." (Deuteronomy 33: 2) These holy angels are assembled for the service of Jehovah and Christ Jesus, and the Revelation picture shows that it was the time of the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple; and this is further supported by the words of Jesus, to wit: "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory." (Matthew 25: 31) It is the judgment seat of Jehovah, and there
is seated Christ Jesus as the presiding Justice to render judgment.
The apostle Paul, describing this same thing, says: "Ye are come ... to the general assembly . . . and to God the Judge of all, . . . and to Jesus." (Hebrews 12:22-24) The judgment at the temple begins with the house of God. (1 Peter 4:17; Malachi 3:3) By these scriptures the time is definitely fixed and proves beyond all doubt that the great multitude of Revelation 7: 9 does not appear until after the coming of the Lord to the temple, and that could not have been possible prior to 1918, and was, in fact, later and after the pouring out of the holy spirit on all of God's servant class. — Acts 2:17,18.
Note that Revelation 7:9 gives the description of the great multitude, that these "stood before the throne, and before the Lamb", whereas the description of the assembly of the temple company, as stated in Revelation 7:11, says: "The angels stood round about the throne." The temple assembly includes the holy angels, the elders and the four living creatures, as shown by Revelation 4:4, to wit: "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold."
Those "four and twenty elders" include all those who are able ministers of the new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6), and which includes the remnant, that is, Jehovah's witnesses, because these have been brought to maturity in Christ and have become elders in fact. No one could be of this elder class until he is an elder
in fact by reason of being in Christ and brought to maturity. — Ephesians 4:11-13.
This time is fixed by the cleansing of the temple, which God's people discerned for the first time in 1932 (Daniel 8:14); and now Jehovah permits them to discern the true meaning of the "great multitude". These elders are shown as standing with Christ Jesus, because they are his brethren. (Hebrews 2:11) These elders are therefore "ambassadors for Christ". (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6: 20) This picture, therefore, shows the 144,000 present at the assembly, which assembly could not take place until the coming of the Lord to the temple; and therefore the great multitude could not be in existence until after that time.
The vision also discloses Jehovah's four-square universal organization composed of his living creatures, all supporting Jehovah and appearing in complete contrast with Satan's organization; and this is shown by the words (verse 11), "the four beasts [four living creatures (R.V.)]"; "full of eyes before and behind." (Revelation 4:6) Jehovah and Christ Jesus are in the throne, and the four living creatures, picturing Jehovah's universal organization, are round about the throne. — See Light, Book One, page 57.
Jehovah's organization, appearing to the remnant, is one of the 'two great signs in heaven' (Revelation 12: 1, 3), and is in exact contrast with the other great sign appearing and which sign pictures the Devil's organization. These two great signs appear for the first time at the birth of the Kingdom, but they were discerned by Jehovah's faithful people on earth for the first time about 1924; and here we are more than ten years later discerning the Scriptural meaning of
the "great multitude". Those who compose the great multitude must first receive some information in order to know of the two great organizations, pictured by the signs, before they could choose; and therefore it is certain that the great multitude could not come into existence until after the appearing of the Lord Jesus at the temple, and after that the "other sheep" class receive the information at the mouth of Jehovah's witnesses. This sheep class, receiving the information, align themselves on the side of Jehovah and his King, and they get up into the "chariot", that is to say, the organization of Jehovah, at the invitation of the Greater Jehu, and thus they go along with Jehovah's witnesses.
The vision of the temple assembly shows all the angels and all the elders and all the living creatures, that is, all of Jehovah's organization, giving praise and worship to God. And they "fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God". This is in exact accord with the statement of Revelation four, to wit: That the four beasts, and the four and twenty elders "fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever". (Revelation 4: 8-10) This they do regardless of all opposition, and they do not ask any creature or any part of Satan's organization as to how they shall worship God and when they shall worship him, but all these of Jehovah's organization do worship God according to his commandments. Thus it is seen again that it would be entirely contrary to God's will for Jehovah's witnesses to ask permission of any of the worldly organization or for a license to engage in preaching the gospel. All of these faithful ones of Jehovah have deci-
sively settled the matter as to whom they will worship, and therefore they worship Jehovah God in spirit and in truth. These witnesses of Jehovah now bear testimony, or 'the fruit of the kingdom', before the people of good will, and these latter ones do see their privilege of taking their stand on the side of Jehovah and of giving praise and service to him; and this they do.
To whom are those described in Revelation 7:11 saying "Amen"? They are saying "Amen" to what the great multitude has cried out, and are expressing themselves as in full accord therewith. Concerning this great heavenly assembly the record says: "Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 7:12) The remnant and all, including the great multitude, are in full accord, and all giving praise to Jehovah God; and this shows that they love him and serve him in harmony with his commandment. That leaves nothing to the credit of creatures or persons, church organizations, or any other organization of men. These are not committing the "sin of Samaria". (Amos 8:14) They are not holding to some man's teaching and giving him the credit therefor. They recognize that all their blessings proceed from Jehovah God and that he is the one that is worthy of praise. These show full and complete devotion to God, and such is true worship in spirit of the Most High. The scriptures at Revelation 7:11,12 do not apply specifically to the great multitude, but the words of verse twelve show that the great multitude is in full accord with and doing the same thing that all others are doing who are wholly devoted to Jehovah God.
Manifestly verses eleven and twelve appear in the record here to emphasize the absolute requirements of Jehovah, that there shall be undivided devotion to him, and show that all whom he approves are wholly devoted to him. All of these acknowledge that their devotion for ever is for Jehovah God, because they say: "Unto our God for ever and ever." They have not the slightest desire for one moment to compromise with the Devil and his crowd, and are not 'more or less contaminated with the ideas and ways' of the Devil's organization. The same attitude and devotion of God's approved ones is shown in the words of the record at Revelation 4:11, to wit: "Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Such must be the attitude of all creation that receives everlasting life, including, of course, those of the great multitude. The question that each creature must answer in due time is, "Am I on the side of the Devil or on Jehovah's side?" There is no halfway ground, and no one can be honest with God and at the same time try to please the Devil's crowd.
In God's organization creatures hold different positions, some higher than others in rank, but there is no reason to say that there is a difference in the degree of faithfulness required on the part of each and all. All must be completely devoted to Jehovah. Disloyalty is the identifying mark of Satan's organization and of all creatures therein. Loyalty to God marks every part of Jehovah's organization. The prophets maintained their integrity toward Jehovah and were subjected to the same kind of tests as have come
upon the royal house. The position of the faithful prophets of old will be less exalted than that of the royal house. The position of the great multitude is less exalted than that of the members of the royal house and the princes in the earth, but that makes absolutely no difference. Whatever is the position occupied by any creature in God's organization, that position is an honorable one. It is the most blessed favor to receive life from Jehovah God, and the condition precedent to receiving this blessing and occupying any position is to love Jehovah with all one's heart, mind and soul. The entire organization of Jehovah is honorable and blessed, and happy is the creature that has any place therein. Some have selfishly craved to be in heaven and help run the universe. Others have said: "Whatever my position given me by the Lord, I shall be glad." The latter is the proper attitude.
The picture here shows the host of angels and the saints all in full accord, and likewise the great multitude in full accord with them, and all together singing praises to the name of Jehovah.
FURTHER IDENTIFICATION
The identification of the great multitude has not heretofore been clear to those creatures on earth who serve God. Now, however, we see that the great multitude could not be identified by the followers of Christ Jesus until the coming of the Lord to the temple. Evidently John, being in doubt, propounded the question as to the identity of the great multitude. Had he known, he would not have asked the question; and
had the John class known, they would not have been inquiring in the years past.
"What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?" (Revelation 7:13) The question here propounded is the very question that the remnant of Jehovah's witnesses have been asking for some time, and particularly since the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple. When the remnant saw that each one must maintain his integrity toward Jehovah, and that the chief purpose of Jehovah is the vindication of his name, then they were not satisfied with the identification heretofore given concerning the great multitude. They began to ask questions concerning the great multitude, and they would not be asking such questions about a Bible picture of themselves. Evidently the question propounded in verse thirteen is propounded because the remnant cannot see that the picture of the great multitude applies to the 144,000 members of the body of Christ as a whole or to any part of it; and further, because it is inconsistent for any company to be halfway devoted to Jehovah. Had the remnant identified the great multitude as themselves, they would not have asked the question here propounded.
It seems quite evident that because John had propounded the question the "elder" repeated it to see whether or not John could give the answer. It was the elder who said: 'Who are these which are arrayed in white robes?' (R.V.) The fact that an elder propounds the question shows that the question was not settled prior to the bringing of the church to maturity in Christ, which time is marked by the cleansing of the temple or sanctuary, which did not take place
until 1932. (Daniel 8:14) It was then that the remnant understood the true meaning of an elder in fact, and how one becomes an elder; and it is after that time that the question of the identification of the great multitude is settled. That there is to be a great multitude in God's organization was seen a long while ago; but the question of the identity of that great multitude and whence it comes was not understood, otherwise the question would not arise.
'But who are they, and whence came they?' For many years God's people have understood that there is a great multitude of spirit-begotten persons who are members of and in the denominational churches or religious systems, and who are prisoners to such systems and who must yet come out from these organizations and take their stand against the organization and on the Lord's side, and that such would entail great tribulation or suffering upon them. For many years the remnant have been looking for such people in the church systems and have tried to find them, and at this late date they have not seen them. Can it be said that those who are now in the church denominational systems (which systems are in accord with other parts of Satan's organization) are spirit-begotten, and do in fact love God, and that they merely remain there until Armageddon and then, by the circumstances forced upon them, take their position on God's side? Such does not seem consistent with our God's righteous law.
Is there any Scriptural evidence proving that the great multitude is in fact a spirit-begotten company? Since all "are called in one hope" (Ephesians 4:4) and from the called ones God has 'taken out a people
for his name', why should we conclude that he has a great multitude of spirit-begotten creatures that occupy places in his organization different from others and which are not called to the kingdom? John already knew that this great multitude had come out 'of every nation, tribe, people and tongue', and therefore his question "Whence came they?" must apply to something other than that fact. It must mean that those composing the great multitude have come out of some common experience, or that they are about to come out of some such experience, which experience it is for Jehovah to determine what it must be.
Prior to the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple many of the followers of Christ Jesus, and particularly the "elective elder" company, thought themselves to be teachers and interpreters of prophecy, including the prophecy of The Revelation. It was not an unusual thing during the Elijah period of the church to see at conventions some "leading brother" with a group around him, while he was looking wise and expounding his "recently discovered interpretation" of some prophecy, particularly The Revelation. They had every man of any prominence in the church foretold by the prophetic utterances and were giving much praise and adulation to some of these.
Now note the contrast between the attitude of such and that of John, to whom The Revelation was given: "Sir [My lord (R.V.)], 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." (Revelation 7:14) John here represented the remnant, and his attitude corresponds with the correct attitude of the remnant;
and this shows that the remnant admitted that they did not know the correct answer and that they are not interpreters of prophecy, nor are they teachers. The remnant recognize God and Christ Jesus as the Teachers, and to them they give the honor and the glory. (Isaiah 30:20) The words of The Revelation show that the elder knew the answer; therefore that means that when God's remnant reach the point of real eldership, that is to say, maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:13), then the remnant would know the correct answer, having learned the answer from the Lord their Teacher. The Lord has his own due time to reveal his secrets, and it is hardly to be expected that his time to give understanding of this matter to the faithful would precede the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple. He does not reveal his secrets to the rebellious ones, but only to those who are unselfishly devoted to him. — Proverbs 3: 32; Psalm 25:14.
Jehovah has made the necessary arrangements within his organization to instruct his people, and all recognize that for some years The Watchtower has been the means of communicating information to God's people. That does not mean that those who prepare the manuscript for The Watchtower are inspired, but rather it means that the Lord through his angels sees to it that the information is given to his people in due time, and he brings to pass the events in fulfillment of his prophecy and then invites those devoted to him to see the same. God through Christ Jesus feeds his people upon the "food convenient" for them, and gives it to them at the proper time. (Proverbs 30: 8) The angels of the Lord that accompany him at the temple judgment serve under his commandment, and
the proof heretofore submitted through the WATCH TOWER publications shows conclusively that thus the Lord deals with his faithful ones on earth. The fact that the words are used, "And he said to me," shows that Jehovah would by his visible channel give answer to the question which has long been mooted, and this he would do in his due time, and that the answer would be given to the remnant when they arrived at the point of true eldership. It is reasonable to expect, therefore, that after the cleansing of the sanctuary those who stand approved and in the temple would be instructed and then the proper meaning of the great multitude would be understood.
TRIBULATION
Is the "great tribulation", mentioned in verse fourteen, "sent in special mercy to effect in the great multitude proper penitence for sin, and a proper appreciation of the divine standard of truth, and righteousness," as has been understood by many? Is that tribulation, as has been heretofore stated, sent upon the great multitude "that the suffering of the great multitude might be greater than that experienced by the little flock"? The reasonable answer to that question is, No. There is no scripture that would warrant a different answer. Other translations render this text (verse 14) in this manner: "Which come out of the great tribulation." (R.V.) "These are those coming [present participle in the Greek] out of the great affliction." (Diaglott) "Out of the great tribulation." (Rotherham) The thought has been often expressed that the great multitude have been developed alongside the "little flock" all down through the years of
the Christian era, and hence these have often been called "the tribulation saints".
If the tribulation mentioned is the 'great tribulation, such as never was' (Matthew 24: 21), and which comes at the end of the world, then the great multitude could not be a class developed throughout the years past. Not even the entire church of God suffers the same degree of tribulation. The Scriptures clearly indicate that it is the remnant that will see the greatest tribulation. Concerning the faithful followers of Christ Jesus, who make up the 144,000, it is written: that 'in the world these have tribulation'; they are 'delivered up to be afflicted'; 'through much tribulation shall we enter the kingdom'; 'we glory and are patient in tribulation'; 'they fill up that which is behind of the affliction of Christ'; 'they are made a gazing stock, both by reproaches and afflictions, and as companions in tribulation'; 'have tribulation ten days.' — John 16:33; Matthew 24:9; Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3; 12:12; Colossians 1:24; Hebrews 10:33; Revelation 1: 9; 2:10.
Is such tribulation, taken as a whole or collectively, "the great tribulation" out of which the great multitude comes? The answer is, No. Those of the royal house, that is, the 144,000, have great tribulation, and such tribulation has extended over the entire Christian era so far as this is concerned; but the greatest of all tribulations mentioned in the Scriptures must come after the great multitude appears and must be that which is mentioned by Christ Jesus as "tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time". (Matthew 24: 21) That tribulation period began with the "day of Jehovah", to wit, in 1914,
when the war started against Satan's organization in heaven (Revelation 12:7-10), and reaches the great climax at the time of the battle of Armageddon, the great day of God Almighty. In harmony with this, Revelation calls it "the great tribulation". — Revelation 7:14, R.V.
Clearly it follows that this tribulation does not come for the purpose of developing or completing the great multitude, but it is the tribulation that comes upon Satan's organization, both visible and invisible, and which will completely wreck that entire organization. (2 Thessalonians 1:6; Romans 2:5-9; Revelation 2:22) As we have observed, "the day of Jehovah" began in 1914, at the birth of the Kingdom. (Revelation 11:17,18) Had that tribulation, then begun, continued to its finality without interruption, all flesh would have been destroyed. The tribulation was shortened by the Lord approximately when the World War ended, thus affording an opportunity for his witnesses under his commandment to go forth and bear testimony to his name and his kingdom as a witness to the world. It is during this period of giving testimony, that is, the 'preaching of this gospel of the kingdom', that the great multitude class come out. The tribulation is not for the benefit of the great multitude. Let that be settled once and for all, because the tribulation is upon Satan's organization.
To "come out of the great tribulation" (R.V.) not alone means to survive that trouble as 'flesh that shall be saved' (Matthew 24: 22), but primarily means that the great multitude come out from Satan's organization and take their stand on the side of Jehovah during the period of time that elapses from stopping the
World War until the day of Armageddon, that is to say, during the time that the "days should be shortened", and during which time period this gospel of the kingdom is preached.
What is the purpose of shortening those days of tribulation? The Lord answers: "For the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:22) During that period of time the elect have a work to do as witnesses for Jehovah and under his commandment, and at least a part of that work is the marking of the great multitude in their foreheads, as commanded by Jehovah. (Ezekiel 9:4) That means that Jehovah's witnesses must proclaim the message of truth and thus give an intellectual understanding of the truth to those of the great multitude class, which class "flee into the mountains", taking their place and stand in the city of refuge. (Matthew 24:16; Numbers 35: 6) This is "immediately after the tribulation of those days'" (Matthew 24: 29), that is to say, the first part of the tribulation, from 1914 to 1918. The great multitude will also survive Armageddon, because God's promise to those who seek meekness and righteousness is that they may be hid in that time. (Zephaniah 2:3) All these scriptures negative the thought that the tribulation is for the purpose of developing or perfecting this class of God's people. The great tribulation is the execution of Jehovah's judgments against Satan's organization, and is not for the purpose of developing anyone.
ROBES
God's people came out of Babylon with soiled garments, that is, wearing "filthy garments", because
they were contaminated with the doctrines and practices of the Babylonish system. (Zechariah 3:3) (See Preparation, page 56.) They held to and taught many selfish doctrines that dishonor the Lord, among which doctrines were that of "character development", namely, that one might bring himself to the point of being worthy to help Jehovah rule the world; another, the adulation or worship of men; and the practice of formalism, and things of that nature. When the Lord Jesus appeared at the temple for judgment, he there began a work of cleansing his people in order that the cleansed ones might "offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness". (Malachi 3:3) At the temple trial the cleansing progressed and the Lord said of and concerning the temple company: "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel." (Zechariah 3:3) But this cleansing work refers exclusively to the temple company, and not at all to the great multitude.
Concerning the great multitude the record is, "They . . . have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14) "Robes" here appears in the plural number and could not refer to the "robe [singular number] of righteousness", which the Lord provides for the approved temple company, as stated at Isaiah 61:10. Nor is the reference to anything official, such as "the purple robe". (John 19:2,5) Nor does it refer to the "white raiment" of Revelation 4:4, or to Revelation 19:13,16. The "robes" of the great multitude clearly mean their own public profession by which they identify themselves as trusting in the blood of Christ Jesus as the redemptive price of mankind, and by their openly
taking a stand on the side of Jehovah. Robes were worn on festive occasions, such as the time when the prodigal son returned and was clothed with the "best robe". (Luke 15: 22) Many honest persons have been led to believe that the "higher powers" are and were the visible rulers of this wicked world; but when God enlightened his people and made known to them that the "Higher Powers" are Jehovah and Christ Jesus, this information was passed on to other honest people of good will, and many others have since joyfully accepted and recognized and acknowledged Christ Jesus and Jehovah as the "higher powers". To them it has been a time of joy, and they have gladly confessed before men that they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and that they are trusting implicitly in Jehovah and are on his side.
Their robes symbolically thus identify them as on the Lord's side, and they are rejoicing that such is their position. Many of these had previously claimed to be believers in the Lord, and had given their hearts to the Lord, but in ignorance they had held to the things of the world. With the coming of Christ Jesus as the world's Rightful Ruler, and this information being given to the people of good will, it enabled them to see that they were under Satan's organization and that there was a necessity for cleaning themselves up by getting out. And this they do by forsaking Satan's organization and identifying themselves with God's organization.
According to the language of Revelation the great multitude do their own washing; that is, by reason of the course of action they take they break away from the unclean organization of Satan and openly
show themselves on the side of Jehovah, and this they do by openly confessing their devotion to God. "With the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10) Coming to a knowledge of the fact that Jehovah's name must be vindicated, and that that is the important question, they not only confess themselves on the side of Jehovah but give assistance to the temple company in bearing witness to the honor and name of Jehovah God, and thus they get up into the "chariot".
How do they make their robes "white in the blood of the Lamb"? The shed blood of Christ Jesus is the basis for the forgiveness of sins and the basis for God to forgive uncleanness. By believing that Christ Jesus' shed blood is the redemptive price of mankind, and by consecrating themselves to do the will of God, based upon such belief, and by serving, worshiping and obeying the Lord, and not men, these take their stand on the side of Jehovah and participate in his service, and that is the only course that would give them a white and clean appearance in the sight of God. No man can take his stand on the side of Jehovah without believing in the shed blood of Christ Jesus as the means of salvation.
Millions of church-goers claim to believe in Christ; but having been improperly taught that he is merely an example to follow, they do not understand about the blood of Christ and its efficacy. When the eyes of their understanding are opened, and they take their stand on the side of Jehovah as above stated, they clean themselves up. They previously desired to do right, but had not been properly taught the right way, and the false and faithless clergy have been respon-
sible for their being taught the wrong way, seeing that these deny that there is any virtue in the shed blood of Christ Jesus. When these honest ones come to fully appreciate that Christ Jesus is King, and "is in the midst of the throne" with Jehovah, they hail Christ Jesus as King and cry out by publicly testifying: "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." They leave no doubt as to where they stand. Their situation is also illustrated by the unwitting manslayer, who flees to the city of refuge. (Numbers 35:11) Those of the great multitude now flee to Jehovah and Christ, "the Mountains," and there find refuge in Jehovah's organization and there abide 'till the death of the high priest' (Matthew 24:16; Numbers 35: 32-34); that is to say, they abide there until the end of the great antitypical day of atonement is finished. — Leviticus 16: 6-34; Hebrews 9:24-28.
Now we see a company that exactly fits the description given in Revelation seven concerning the great multitude. During the past few years, and within the time when 'this gospel of the kingdom is preached as a witness', there have come forward great numbers (and they are still coming) who confess the Lord Jesus as their Savior and Jehovah as their God, whom they worship in spirit and in truth and joyfully serve. These are otherwise called "the Jonadabs". These are being baptized in symbol, thus testifying that they have consecrated themselves to do the will of God and have taken their stand on the side of Jehovah and serve him and his King; thus they have cleaned up and are now "arrayed in white robes". Thus the great multitude is definitely identified, not as a spirit-
begotten class whose hopes are for a place in heaven, but as a class trusting in the Lord, and who hope for everlasting life on the earth as a gift from Jehovah God through Christ Jesus our Lord.
These continue to 'seek meekness and righteousness' and have the promise of Jehovah that they may be hid during the greatest part of the tribulation, that is, at Armageddon. (Zephaniah 2:3) This is further proof that their development is not the result of the great tribulation but that they "come out of the great tribulation", that is to say, come out of the world within the period of the tribulation from the time of the coming of Christ Jesus until Armageddon. They must wash up before Armageddon comes. It would be too late to wash at the time of Armageddon. They 'flee to the Mountains', and this they do before the "winter" time, that is, the great climax of tribulation at Armageddon. (Matthew 24:16, 20) They have come out and still they come, and now together with the remnant they are singing, "Salvation to our God . . . and unto the Lamb." (Revelation 7:10) They honor Jehovah God and his King, and they refuse to give any glory to any part of Satan's organization. They are certainly not 'contaminated with the ideas and ways of this world'. They are against it.
Those honest-hearted ones who have left Satan's organization are now on the Lord's side, and they want that fact to be known and they make it known, and they worship the only true God, Jehovah, and his King. "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.
They look to the throne of God and Christ, and to no other place, and therefore they are "before the throne" and in the sight of Jehovah and his King. They vote for the kingdom of God, and they participate in the publication work of advertising the King and the kingdom. They have the recognition of the throne, and God turns his favorable attention to them to the end that they may be hid in the day of his anger. Jonadab being used as a type of the great multitude, God's promise to Jonadab now applies to the great multitude: "Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever." — Jeremiah 35:19.
Revelation 7:15 really is the key to the identification of the great multitude. Heretofore the position was erroneously taken that the great multitude is a spirit-begotten class, the members of which have been negligent of their privileges and decline to participate in the service of the Lord, and yet look forward to or expect Jehovah to bless them by reason of their deathbed repentance. But this description in Revelation of the great multitude is that "they are before the throne of God, and publicly serve him" (Diaglott); "and are rendering divine service unto him." (Rotherham) Heretofore they have, like others in the world, ignorantly "worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator". (Romans 1: 25) But now they see and understand and obey the words of Jesus, the Lamb of God, saying to them: "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve"; which words apply to all creatures whom Jehovah approves. — Matthew 4:10.
To what extent do the great multitude serve Jehovah? The Revelation answers: "They . . . serve him day and night." Daytime and nighttime means all the time, and this description shows that the great multitude serve Jehovah all the time, regardless of hours. They are not satisfied to work eight hours a day and quit on the strike of the clock and refuse to do what some call "overtime", but are ready and respond to the call for service at any time day or night. Reports from the field in recent months fully corroborate this conclusion. Many of those who are now Jonadabs hear of the truth one day, give themselves wholly to the Lord, and immediately join in the field service and are rejoicing and are anxious to do whatsoever they can. Also, these are studying with diligence the Word of God, and thus they seek meekness and righteousness, striving to obey Jehovah's commandments.
Jehovah's temple is his capital organization and therefore is on Mount Zion. The great multitude "serve . . . day and night in his temple". They must come to Zion, God's organization, with Jehovah's witnesses, who are a part of the temple, and this is foretold by the words of the prophet Zechariah: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I will go also. Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take
hold, out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you; for we have heard that God is with you." — Zechariah 8:20-23; see Preparation, page 139.
The words uttered by Moses to Israel now apply with greater force to spiritual Israel, the remnant, to wit: "Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes. . . . Then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; . . . Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest; but in the place which the Lord shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee." — Deuteronomy 12:8-14.
The same rule must be obeyed by the great multitude, because they have become a part of God's organization. They must come to Zion, God's temple, and worship there, and not at any worldly organization called "the church". Says Jehovah: "Mine house [the temple] shall be called an house of prayer for all people." (Isaiah 56:7; 1 Kings 8:41-43) The great multitude must follow after Jehovah's witnesses on the highway to Zion. (Isaiah 35: 8-10; 62:10) They must keep in mind and give heed to the words of God's prophet, to wit: "But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him." (Habakkuk 2: 20) Jehovah's temple is not anywhere in Satan's organization, and therefore the great multitude must flee out of Babylon, which is Satan's or-
ganization, and must boldly take their stand on the side of the Lord and associate themselves with God's anointed people.
"In his temple," where the great multitude serve, does not mean the inner court, because such inner court is exclusively for Jehovah's priestly class. The great multitude are separated to the "outer court" and "lower pavement" of the temple, and they serve Jehovah day and night, that is, continuously. (Ezekiel 40:17,18; 44:19; 46: 3, 9,10, 20-24) Manifestly this statement is made of their continuous service to show that they do not compromise with Satan's organization at any time and to completely negative the claim that they do compromise.
With Jehovah, and not with Satan, is the place of habitation of all who love and serve God. "And he [Jehovah] that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." (Rev. 7: 15) Christ now begins his rule even in the midst of his enemies. (Rev. 11:17; Ps. 110: 2) By this rule all of Jehovah's organization dwell under his protection. He "will tabernacle over them" (Diaglott); "shall spread his tabernacle over them." (R.V.) Thus the Jonadabs or great multitude are hid in the day of God's wrath. — Revelation 21: 3, Diaglott.
The Christ is that which stands in the tabernacle of God. Through Christ Jehovah dwells with and overshadows the great multitude for their protection and relief. Jehovah thus dwells with them representatively through Christ because they have fled there to the city of refuge. The Greater Jehu has invited them into the chariot, that is, into the organization of Jehovah, and he tabernacles over them. The great multitude have been marked in their foreheads by
Jehovah's 'man in linen, with the writer's inkhorn by his side', that is to say, by those who have brought to them the message of God's name and kingdom. (Ezekiel 9:3) God and his King are their hope and stay. "In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it [a tree of hope as a tabernacle]; and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell." — Ezekiel 17:23.
There are millions of persons on earth who have hungered and do hunger for something better than the "husks" upon which they have been fed in the Babylonish systems called "churches". Since the coming of the Lord to the temple Jehovah's witnesses have been privileged to carry to these hungry ones God's message of truth, and those who have fed upon it have no occasion to ever hunger and thirst: "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat." — Revelation 7:16.
In Satan's organization, or under it, more particularly speaking, the honest ones have hungered and thirsted both figuratively and literally. Satan's big "tree in the midst of the earth" (Daniel 4:10) furnishes them no shade. Those of Satan's world claim to be the sunlight of the world, and then they scorch and blister honest people; but now since the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple, and the sounding of the fourth trumpet (Revelation 8:12) and the pouring out of the fourth vial (Revelation 16:8, 9), these have caused the self-styled "sun of the world" to suffer an eclipse, and now it is "not so hot" to those
of the sheep class under it, who have heard and read the message of God's name and his kingdom. These honest ones have turned themselves to God's organization, which is God's "woman", who is "clothed with the sun". (Revelation 12:1) No more does the self-styled "sun of the world" heat them up. This is exactly in accord with the word of the prophet Isaiah concerning the honest people of the world now seeking meekness and righteousness: "They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. . . . Behold, these shall come from far; and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim." — Isaiah 49:10-12.
Christ Jesus at the temple as head of Jehovah's capital organization now leads and feeds those who honestly put themselves under his leadership. "Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people." (Isaiah 55:4) He is the real Sun, "the light of the world." (John 8:12) No more shall the great multitude, which stands before the throne, hunger and thirst: "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 7:17) Into the hand of the Lord Jesus all power is committed, and the Lamb of God shall be their Shepherd. He is the real Shepherd-King, of whom King David was merely a type. "And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the LORD will be their
God, and my servant David a prince [in the midst of the throne] among them; I the LORD have spoken it." — Ezekiel 34:23,24.
The great multitude or Jonadab company manifestly are those whom Jesus called his "other sheep". To the faithful disciples, the remnant, Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine [the remnant]. . . . And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold [members of the royal house]; them also [the earthly sheep class] I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be [(R.V.) and they shall become] one fold [one flock], and one shepherd." — John 10:14-16.
All who come into and remain in Jehovah's organization must be of one harmonious flock, whether in heaven or in earth. The words of Jesus apply upon his coming to the temple in 1918 and thereafter, to wit: "And before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep [the sheep (R.V. and Diaglott)] from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left." — Matthew 25:32, 33.
He is The Christ, the Leader and Commander, and all creation that lives must acknowledge him, and every knee shall bow to him and every tongue confess that he is Christ the Lord, whether they are in heaven or in the earth, and all must thus acknowledge him to the glory of the Almighty God. — Philippians 2:9-11.
Whether any creature gets life in heaven or on earth, he must acknowledge and worship Jehovah as the only true and almighty God, and Christ Jesus as
his King and Chief Executive Officer, and every creature that receives life on earth or in heaven must be absolutely loyal and faithful unto God; which requirements are precedent to entering into life. It is entirely inconsistent and unscriptural to say that God will look with approval upon a qualified or limited faithfulness to him. To say that the great multitude are an indifferent class but that God is merciful to them because they have a little faith, and will ultimately save them in heaven, is wholly without Scriptural authority. The great multitude must be led by Christ Jesus and fed by him before Armageddon, and must be under his protection and be taken through Armageddon. And the Lamb of God "shall lead them unto living fountains of waters". (Revelation 7:17) Over the 'highway of holiness' Christ Jesus goes, and his flock of sheep, the anointed members of the royal house, follow him. (Isaiah 35:8-10) Then says the Lord: "I will make all my mountains [parts of God's organization] a way, and my highways shall be exalted." — Isaiah 49:11.
The "other sheep", that is, the great multitude, follow after and with Jehovah's witnesses and are led "unto fountains of waters of life". (R.V.) For this reason all who are thus led shall thirst no more. No longer do they go to the dried-up waterholes of the cruel devilish system, but by the grace of Jehovah and by the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ they are led to the fountains of living waters. (Jeremiah 2:13) The leading of the honest ones away from the brackish waters began when the Lord sounded the third trumpet and poured out the third plague or vial. (Revelation 8:10,11; 16:4) Thus were dis-
closed the 'bitter waters of this world'. Then the Lord led, and still leads, those who love him unto the waters of life.
REJOICE
The great multitude are not "tribulation saints". They are not developed by tribulation. They are a company of joyful creatures who are active and zealous for Jehovah and his kingdom. Every honest seeker after God and righteousness has, before finding the Lord, been deeply grieved because of the wickedness seen among those who profess to be followers of Christ and who operate through church organizations in his name. These honest-hearted ones have shed tears because of the abominations they have observed committed in the name of the Lord. They have seen this in all the church denominational systems, particularly in the Roman Catholic Hierarchy crowd. But with the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple, arid the gathering of the faithful unto him, the faithful ones have shouted for joy. Many of these came out of the denominational systems and rejoiced greatly when they knew the Lord. These the Lord has sent forth with the message of good news and informed the honest people that his purpose is to destroy Satan's wicked and oppressive organization and to follow this up with a government of righteousness; and this message received into good and honest hearts has made many glad and caused them to rejoice. Those who have turned wholly to God and his kingdom have therefore ceased to weep.
"God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17, R.V.) Tears were shed because of
the reproaches brought upon the holy name of Jehovah, and which were brought there by the false persons who claimed to be servants of God. The honest ones shed tears because they could not understand why men who profess to serve God reproach his holy name at the same time. Upon receiving the message of truth and learning that Satan has ever reproached Jehovah's name and that all of his servants have, by fraud, deceit and false pretenses, brought reproach upon His holy name, and that soon Jehovah will vindicate his name by and through his kingdom under Christ, the tears of these honest ones have ceased to flow, and in the place thereof joy has filled their hearts, and their faces have been made to appear glad and they have fully turned to the Lord.
Even John the revelator "wept much" until he was informed that Christ Jesus had qualified as Jehovah's Vindicator, and that He is the One who discloses the purposes of Jehovah and executes his judgments. (Revelation 5:4) Every honest creature who sees and appreciates the purpose of Jehovah rejoices. In this way the honest seekers of the truth have received 'the mark in their foreheads', and they have intelligently fled to the Lord. (Ezekiel 9:4) They know that all good things and all blessings proceed from Jehovah, and thus he wipes away all their tears. The "holy city", which is God's organization, comes down from heaven, and now righteousness shall be established for ever, and then there shall be no more tears to those who remain, in harmony with God. — Revelation 21: 1-4.
Let Jehovah's anointed servant class, the remnant, now pause and consider for a moment what privileges
Jehovah has given to them since 1918. The tribulation upon Satan's organization began in 1914, when that wicked one and his angels were east out of heaven. Satan, realizing his time was short, then became very angry and since has been bent upon the complete destruction of all flesh (Revelation 12:12), and he would accomplish this purpose except for the intervention of Jehovah God. "For the elect's sake," that they might be witnesses to the name of Jehovah, he stopped the World War. (Mark 13:20; Matthew 24:21,22) Jehovah then removed the restraint that had been put upon his people during that war, that they might organize for and carry on his service. To the remnant the commandment was then given: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end come." — Matthew 24:14.
That testimony must be delivered; and when it is delivered, there will follow the worst tribulation that shall ever come. It is within this period of time, and immediately preceding Armageddon, that Jehovah's witnesses have been privileged to go forth with the message of truth. Under the commandment of the Lord they have gone forth to "gather out the stones" and "lift up a standard for the [honest] people". (Isaiah 62:10) Jehovah's witnesses have gone forward to this work with songs of joy upon their lips because they know the King is upon his throne and the vindication of Jehovah's name is near. With their going the enemy has put forth his greatest endeavors to devour them, because they are delivering the testimony of Jesus Christ in obedience to God's commandment. (Revelation 12:17) No amount of persecution
has dampened the zeal of the faithful ones. They have observed the hand of the Lord dividing the people, and they have seen the "goats" assembling together under the commandment of Gog to carry out Satan's will, and they have observed the honest "sheep" class gathering themselves into a company under the leadership of the Lord. Now they behold that the "other sheep" class are all brought into the city of refuge before the greatest of all tribulations falls upon the world.
With this knowledge and privilege comes greater responsibility to those of Jehovah's witnesses to perform with increased zeal and earnestness their work of bearing testimony to the people of good will. Seeing and appreciating these things, they are determined that no amount of opposition or persecution shall deter them in the faithful performance of their assigned duty. Let the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and all others of Satan's wicked crowd do what they will. Soon that modern-Philistine organization will fall, and then the honest Catholics will increase the number of the "great multitude".
