Š‡ ’Žƒ ‘ˆ •ƒŽ˜ƒ–‹‘ ‹• …‘’Ž‡–‡†

Sir,

In Revelation 4 and 5, the setting is that of the Father on the throne, round about the throne are 24 seats; and upon the seats 24 elders, clothed in white raiment; they had on their heads crowns of gold (Rev 4:4).

The 24 elders sung a new song - a song of redemption, saying; “You have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and has made us unto our God kings and priests, Rev 5: 8-10. Who are these 24 elders and from where did they come from?

It will be observed that the 24 elders are clothed in white raiment, and have on their heads crowns of gold, which are tokens both of a conflict completed and a victory gained. From this we conclude that these elders were once participants in the Christian warfare, they once lived on this earth, but have overcome; and for some good purpose, in advance of the great multitude of the redeemed, are wearing their victor crowns in heaven.

Redeemed

These, then, were a class of redeemed persons - redeemed from this earth, redeemed as all others must be redeemed, by the precious blood of Christ. Going back to the events that occurred in connection with the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, we read: “And the graves were opened: and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many,” Matt.27: 52, 53.

“When Jesus, as he hung upon the cross, cried out, it is finished, the rocks rent, the earth shook, and some of the graves where shaken open; for when Jesus arose from the dead, many of the righteous dead came forth as witnesses that He had risen. Those favoured, resurrected saints came forth glorified. They were a few chosen and holy ones who had lived in every age from creation, even down to the days of Christ.

Ascended

Paul refers to the same company when he writes to the Ephesians; “Wherefore he saith, When Christ ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” The marginal reading is, He led a ‘multitude of captives’

(Eph.4: 8).

Thus the answer to our question comes back, gathered unmistakably from the sacred page. The 24 elders, we conclude, embraced those who came out of their graves at the resurrection of Christ

(Matt.27: 52, 53) and they were led up from the captivity of death’s dark domain when He ascended in triumph on high

(Eph.4:8).

Matthew recorded their resurrection, Paul recorded their ascension and John, in Revelation, beholds them in heaven, performing the sacred duties which they were raised up to accomplish. During His ministry, Jesus raised the dead to life. He raised the son of the widow of Nain, the ruler’s daughter and Lazarus. But these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised, they were still subject to death. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ’s resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave.

When the plan of salvation is completed, the few who now minister in Heaven, together with the multitudes who will resurrect at the second coming of Christ, will reign as kings and priests. Dear reader, the presence of the 24 elders in Heaven clearly shows us that they finished their course, and taken their places among the citizens of heaven. This gives us the assurance that if we also run the race faithfully and finish our course we will surely make it to heaven.

By the resurrection of these saints, the sacred truth of the resurrection of the dead was immortalised. The risen saints bore witness to the truth of the words, “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise.” Their resurrection was an illustration of the fulfilment of the prophecy.

Bopoto Gwinyai