by Timothy W. Burnett
After the day of Christ is fulfilled, it will no longer be available to get born-again and saved from the terrible tribulation period. But people will still have an opportunity to believe unto being filled with holy spirit. Based on Acts 2:20, this will be available until the completion of the period of time known as the notable day of the Lord.
During the period of time recorded in Revelations there will be at least two categories of saints. We find one of these in Revelation 7:9, �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.�
Verse 14 reveals their identity, �These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.� In essence they will be people who have believed with their hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead unto righteousness, which is to be filled with holy spirit. To be washed in the blood of the Lamb is basically the same as being baptized with holy spirit in the name of Jesus Christ.
The number of these saints referred to as a �great multitude that no man can count.� In contrast, the same chapter seven reveals another group of saints, �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� (Revelation 7:4). The 144,000 of Israel is distinguished from the unnumbered saints.
Because of God�s matchless love, many people during the Revelation period will also be filled with holy spirit and washed in the blood of the Lamb. Sadly, many others will not believe. According to Revelation 19:19 the kings will lead armies to war with our Lord Jesus and his armies. The terrible tribulation period will involve the mass murder of many saints.
With all of that, God�s love will still stand strong. As it is written, �For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son. That whosoever believes on him shall not perish, but have everlasting life� (John 3:16). Even if some will not tap into it, God�s love will still be there for �whosoever� believes with their hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9-10).
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