A question for all the bible experts:
Who or what does Revelation 11:1-4 apply to?
Revelation 11:1-4
by Smitty 24 Replies latest watchtower bible
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Smitty
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Smitty
Who or what does Revelation 11:1 apply to?
Quote(NIV):
"I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the worshipers there."Specifically the "Temple of God"?
Smitty
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willy_think
There are several points that must be noticed: 1. Who measures? 2. The measure used. 3. What is measured? (1) A reed is given to John to be used as a measure. It is not an angel who measures, but an apostle, the sole representative of the apostles then living. The apostle is a representative of the apostolic body. It is the apostles who are to measure. (2) The measure is not a human one. John did not make it, nor did any other apostle, nor any man, or body of men. The reed was given to him. It is a divine measure. Whatever is measured is to be compared with a divine standard. There is a divine standard for measurement which was given by our Lord to the apostles. This is the New Testament of Jesus Christ. (3) Measure the temple of God. This cannot mean the literal temple. It was not in the part of the world where John was, if it had been standing; nor was it then standing. What is meant is that of which the temple was a symbol; viz., the Church. And the altar. In the Jewish temple the altar was the place where the worship centered. Without the altar worship was impossible, and the altar is taken as a symbol of the worship. The sacrifices of the altar were all typical of Christ's atonement. Hence, the measurement has a relation to the death of Christ.
This prophetical passage about measuring the temple seems to refer to Ezekiel's vision. The design of this measuring seems to be the preservation of the church in times of public danger; or for its trial, or for its reformation. The worshippers must be measured; whether they make God's glory their end, and his word their rule, in all their acts of worship. Those in the outer court, worship in a false manner, or with dissembling hearts, and will be found among his enemies. God will have a temple and an altar in the world, till the end of time. He looks strictly to his temple. The holy city, the visible church, is trodden under foot. But the desolations of the church are limited, and she shall be delivered out of all her troubles.
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Will Power
John 2:19
and Jesus said, "destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.
Rev 21:22
I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. -
Smitty
Okay another question:
The most holy, holy and curtain that separates them. What do these represent in this temple? Please use scriptures to support. I'm not impressed by words. Thanks.
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Smitty
In other words, this temple we're speaking of has to meet one main criterion. It must reflect the pattern of the original tabernacle. Would you not agree? It also must have a Most Holy, a Holy and a Curtain that separates them? Right? Then, we must see a High Priest, sub-priest and sin offerings being made in behalf of a people. Right? So, does it exist today? Or is this speaking of a future temple here on earth, the old Jewish temple or The Heavenly Temple? Any takers?
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ElijahTheThird
,,, but then the Heavenly Jerusalem really had better stay in orbit instead of landing on earth! It is 1,500 miles square!
think about it,
Norval
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Smitty
It most definitely exist today! But, is it earthly or Heavenly?
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Smitty
Believe it or not, understanding these four scriptures is a key to understanding so much of other prophesies. If you can know what and where this temple is, we can more clearly see what God is doing.
I've watched this board for a long time. Many have been blessed with knowledge and understanding of the scriptures. But, it's reflected differently through each person. Why? Light outputs filter differently depending on the purity of its medium. In our case, our hearts. A good test of purity for a medium, in our case our heart, is the ease of viewing or clarity as it harmonizes with its original source. Simply put, can everybody see it clearly from the scriptures? Everybody! So, truth is basically going to be a race of clarity, simplicity.
Just because we have been blessed with knowledge does not make us special, just blessed. Remember, "ask and you will receive", "search and ye shall find". Jehovah is a generous God.Proverbs 2:1-13 says, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways"
Also, Daniel says, "But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge." (Daniel 12:4) It says many will increase in knowledge.
So, which is it? Is this temple of earth or heaven?
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bjc2012
Smitty,
Why would a heavenly temple need to be measured? It has to be earthly because the courtyard, which is not to be measured, is given to the nations to trample underfoot for forty-two months. Obviously those measured are the priests, that is the leadership. They have failed miserably in carrying out their responsibilities. That is why the two witnesses have to prophecy to them.
bjc