Who are the 144,000 and the great multitude of Revelation 7?

And, who are the first-fruits or virgins of Revelation 14:1-4?

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This essay studies the identity and timing of the 144,000 and the great multitude of Revelation 7, and the virgins of Revelation 14:1-4 – that is, who those groups really are, and when they came or come into existence.

There are many kinds of dogmas regarding who God's first-fruits really are, and regarding the 144,000 and the innumerable multitude. Often, preachers have caused their followers to think that they are "the first-fruits". In that way, the saints (people of the apostles' day) who were the true first-fruits group in God's spiritual harvest, are handily swept aside, as if they never existed. And then, there are many other kinds of teachings regarding Revelation 7 and 14.

Seeing that there is confusion and many kinds of teachings, the important question is, what does the Bible say about this matter? Indeed, who are the "one hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel" who are mentioned in chapter 7 of the book of Revelation? That chapter also mentions "a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations and kindreds and people and tongues", standing before the throne of God.

In short: Who are the 144,000 and the great multitude of Revelation 7? And, who are the first-fruits or virgins of Revelation 14:1-4 – are they the same group as that of Revelation 7, of are there two different groups consisting of 144,000 individuals?

It is important to understand that matter. This essay takes a closer look at what the Scriptures have to say on the 144,000 and the great multitude of Revelation 7 – who they are, and more. The first-fruits or virgins of Revelation 14 will also considered.

Here is the passage that talks about the "virgins" of "first-fruits":

Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and there was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion! And with him were one hundred forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder; the voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they sing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the one hundred forty-four thousand who have been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins; these follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been redeemed from humankind as first fruits for God and the Lamb, 5 and in their mouth no lie was found; they are blameless. (NRSV)

Are these 144,000 the same group as that which is mentioned in Revelation 7? And anyway, who are these people?

Here, it is good to realise and then always keep in mind that the apostle John wrote that letter, not to people of our day but to the saints who lived here on Earth in John's own day, in the first century. That gives a clue to an answer to one part of the question regarding the identity of those first-fruits. For more, please read on.

(A note: The virgins of Matthew 25, the parable of the ten virgins, is a slightly different matter. The essay eb07d.htm has more on that passage and subject.)

Revelation 7 and the sealing.

The apostle John saw a vision regarding, on the one hand the one hundred and forty-four thousand, and then, on the other hand, the great multitude who were too many to be counted.

Revelation 7

[...]

8 Of the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000; Of the tribe of Joseph, 12,000; Of the tribe of Benjamin, 12,000.

9 After this I looked, and a vast host appeared which it was impossible for anyone to count, gathered out of every nation and from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in long white robes, and carrying palm-branches in their hands.

(WEY)

The 144,000 sealed ones are said to be of the "tribes of Israel", 12 times 12,000. It is clear that in some way they are a special group, compared with the "vast host" whom John also saw at that time. And, most probably these 144,000 are the same group as the first-fruits of Revelation 14:1-4.

The latter group in Revelation 7, the innumerable multitude, was said to be of "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues". And, at first glance, the group of one hundred and forty-four thousand might appear to be "racial Israelites":

Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of those having been sealed: one hundred forty four thousands, having been sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel (LIT)

Please note the past time tense in verse 4, "having been sealed". That is what the Greek text says, using the perfect passive participle. In other words: Revelation 7:4 does not state when the 144,000 had been sealed.

We know that the great multitude will be sealed in the "end time", but when it comes to the first-fruits (the saints, people of the apostles' day), well, they were sealed a long time ago, of course. But, a careless reading of Revelation 7 might cause one to fail to notice this fact.

Whether the 144,000 are physical, racial Israelites, or instead spiritual Israelites without connection to physical race, will be considered in more depth, later in this essay.

The saints' sealing consisted of the Holy Spirit. In other words, it was the Holy Spirit that they were sealed with (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13 Ephesians 4:30).

A note: Here, the word "saints" refers to people of the apostles' day.

The apostle Paul wrote to the saints in Corinth and Ephesus, mentioning the seal they had received:

2 Corinthians 1:21 Now, he that confirmeth us, together with you, for Christ, and hath anointed us, is God: 22 Who also hath sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (EB)

Ephesians 1:13 In whom, ye also—hearing the word of the truth, the glad-message of your salvation,—in whom also believing,—were sealed with the Spirit of the promise, the Holy Spirit (EB)

Ephesians 4:30 And be not grieving the Holy Spirit of God, wherewith ye have been sealed unto a day of redemption (EB)

These passages show that the seal or the sealing that the saints had received, was the Holy Spirit. (Please note that the apostle Paul was addressing the saints, people of his own day, and not people of our day.)

Despite this, some preachers have claimed that the other group who are to be sealed in the "end time" (the great multitude), supposedly already have the Holy Spirit before they are "sealed". But the Bible does not say that. For the saints (people of the apostles' day), the sealing consisted of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, it will be the same, also for the great multitude of Revelation 7:9.

Then, it seems that as quickly as the sealing of the great multitude (those who are to be sealed by the Holy Spirit in the "end time") has been done, angels will take them up to Jesus (Revelation 14:14-16, Revelation 7:9-16, and more).

Please note that the sealing and taking up of the great multitude will take place before the "Time of the Lord" (which some call "the Day of the Lord"). That event is a part of the sixth seal which is mentioned in Revelation 6:12. Jesus will come down as the Lord or lords only at the end of the events of the seventh seal. The opening of the seventh seal comes much later (see Revelation 8:1). The great multitude is already in Heaven by that time (see Revelation 7:9-16).

A note: The seven seals on the book-scroll mentioned in Revelation 5, having nothing to do with the seal which the saints received and which the great multitude will receive.

Is there a time-gap between Revelation 7:8 and 7:9?

The 144,000 are called aparchê, often translated as "first-fruits" (see Romans 8:23, Revelation 14:1-4 and so on). Even this shows that the group of 144,000 simply must consist of the saints – people of the apostles' day. As all know, it is they who were first.

Many preachers deceive people and tickle their egos, and cause them believe that they (the followers of the preacher in question) supposedly are "the 144,000". But, followers of some preacher in our day cannot be "the first-fruits". It is clear that the "first-fruits" consist of the saints, people of the apostles' day, and not of people of our day.

But, is there a "time-gap" between Revelation 7:8 and 7:9 as some have claimed? Not necessarily. The apostle John saw a vision regarding a future event. In that vision, he saw both the 144,000 and the great multitude. But, that does not tell us when the group of 144,000 had come into existence; that only tells us that in that vision, John saw them also.

Revelation 7:9 records John's words "after this I looked". Following that, we read how he described that then he (in that vision) saw the uncountable multitude of people from all kinds of ethnic background standing by God's throne.

Does the phrase "after this" in verse 9 mean, "at a later time, much later than the previously mentioned group"? Or, does that merely mean that first, John saw a special group of people, and that then he (in that vision) turned his head and saw also another group of people who likewise were standing there by God's throne, at the same time? It seems that that vision was about a future event at which time both groups will stand by God's throne, at the same time.

But, that does not tell us when the smaller first-fruits group, the 144,000, had come into existence.

The timing of the event which is described in the following passage, clearly seems to be that of the "end time":

Revelation 6:17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

Revelation 7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind could blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2 I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to damage earth and sea, 3 saying, "Do not damage the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have marked the servants of our God with a seal on their foreheads."

(NRSV)

Does this say that the group of 12 times 12,000 will be sealed at that time? No. The true "first-fruits" (the saints, people of the apostles' day) were sealed almost 2000 years ago. The "seal" they received was the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30).

Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of those having been sealed: one hundred forty four thousands, having been sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel [...] (LIT)

Please note that the Greek wording literally means "having been sealed". Perfect participle, past time. Revelation 7 does not at all say that that group would be sealed in the "end time". It only says they had been sealed, at some previous time.

Again, many preachers cause their followers to think that they supposedly are "the first-fruits" or "the 144,000". But that is not true. It is the saints, people of the apostles' day, who are the "first-fruits". People of our day cannot be that. And, the saints were sealed with the Holy Spirit a long time ago, in the first century.

The 12 times 12,000 saints of the 'tribes of Israel' of Revelation 7, and the 144,000 first-fruits or virgins of Revelation 14:1-4.

In Revelation 7, the Greek text has the word ek, "out of". ("Out of the tribe of Judah", and so on.) But then, it must be understood that most probably, Revelation 7 talks about the "tribes" of a spiritual Israel. Also: Revelation 14:1-4 shows that the group of 144,000 are "the first fruits".

Revelation 7 shows that along with those 144,000, there will be a great multitude which is said to consist of people from "all nations". In John's vision, that multitude was too large to be numbered.

In Revelation 14:4, the Greek word which many translate as "first-fruits", was aparchê. It really had the meaning "the beginning of a sacrifice", "the firstlings for sacrifice", "the first-fruits".

In the New Testament, the word aparchê occurs in Romans 8:23, 11:16 and 16:5, 1 Corinthians 15:20, 15:23 and 16:15, James 1:8 – and also in Revelation 14:4 which shows that the 144,000 are the "first-fruits":

Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and there was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion! And with him were one hundred forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder; the voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they sing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the one hundred forty-four thousand who have been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins; these follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been redeemed from humankind as first fruits for God and the Lamb, 5 and in their mouth no lie was found; they are blameless. (NRSV)

Verse 4 calls the 144,000 "first-fruits" (aparchê, which meant such things as "the firstlings for sacrifice"). Are those 144,000 the same as the 12 times 12,000 Israelites who are mentioned in Revelation 7? Even though the Bible does not spell that out, most probably they are. It is not likely that there would be two different groups of 144,000.

Now, were it so that the 144,000 would be physically racial Israelites, then what happened to the saints who came from the other nations? Were they not a part of the "first-fruits"? But, other New Testament passages show that such an exclusion on the basis of physical race is not even thinkable. Thus, a reasonable explanation is that the group of 12 times 12,000 who are mentioned in Revelation 7, is not related to tribes of physical Israel, but refers to a spiritual Israel and its "tribes". Thus, also the saints who came from other nations could be included in that group of 144,000.

Also: The great multitude will also include people who were physical Israelites, and not only people from the other nations. That huge crowd will consist of people from all nations:

Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (NRSV)

All nations and all languages; all kinds of people. That does not exclude any nationality.

So, the 144,000 seemingly "racial" Israelites in John's vision, are probably to be understood to refer to the "first-fruits" and "tribes" of a spiritual Israel, without any reference to physical race. And, the great multitude will also contain Israelites.

Both groups are shown to stand by God's throne.

In his vision, John saw both groups, the 144,000 and the great multitude, standing before God's throne. Wordings in some English translations of the book of Revelation might make it seem that only the great multitude will stand there, but a closer study shows that there is no difference between those groups, in that regard. Again, in that vision, where John saw things to come, both groups stood before God, at his throne.

A note: Certain preachers have poisoned their followers' minds, and have caused them to have a deep aversion against God's Holy Dwelling, Heaven. That makes it very hard for those people to understand these things properly. The Bible says only good things about Heaven, and it makes it clear that the saints were to go there – and not only the saints (people of the apostles' day), but also the great multitude.

The essays eb04c.htm, eb05b.htm and ex11b.htm study what the Bible has to say about the saints and Heaven.

What about 'the great tribulation'?

Again, many preachers have swept aside the real "first-fruits", the saints (people of the apostles' day). They have caused people to think that those who follow the preacher, supposedly are "the 144,000" or the "first-fruits". And, some of them have even claimed that those who do not follow them (the preacher), "will have to go through the great tribulation", while those who follow them are promised a "place of safety".

But, the Bible does not promise a "place of safety" for anyone, prior to the time Jesus comes for those who are sealed in the "end time". Many of those who turn to God in those days, will have to suffer, and many of them will be killed. And, as for those who survive – yes, they will escape and will be saved from more troubles, but that saving will be done by taking them away to Heaven and making them immortal. In other words: Their "place of safety" is not an earthly one. (Again, the essays eb04c.htm and eb05b.htm have more on the saints and Heaven.)

The Bible simply does not mention any earthly "place of safety", in connection with the persecution that is to come, nor in connection with the horrors of the "end time". The only "place of safety" in those days, is in Heaven.

A note: It is of course true that the 144,000, the "first-fruits", will not have to suffer during the events of the "end time". This is simply because that group consists of the saints, people of the apostles' day. Their tribulation and martyrdom took place in the first century, and they no longer live here on Earth.

But, it seems clear that even in the "end time", there will be a time of intense persecution of people who turn to God (the great multitude). It seems that in many ways, that time of persecution will be similar to what happened to the saints in the first century.

It is important to note and understand that that time of persecution will precede the event when Jesus comes for the multitude who are sealed in the "end time". Further: Several things in the Bible indicate that that time of persecution ("tribulation") will occur when the two witnesses are active. The essay et01e.htm has more on the two witnesses. The essay et04c.htm has more on the great tribulation.

A note: Many preachers talk about a "tribulation" of a kind which Scripture says nothing about. Please read the essay et04c.htm for more on the true nature of the coming tribulation (persecution).

In summary.

2 Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30 show that the "sealing" consists of the Holy Spirit.

The first ones who were "sealed" were the saints, people of the apostles' day.

In other words: Obviously, the first-fruits, the group of 144,000, consists of them. People of our day cannot be a part of that "first-fruits" group. It seems that in John's vision (Revelation 7), the "tribes" are only symbolic and refer to "tribes" of a spiritual Israel. That harmonises with the fact that there were saints of many kinds of ethnic backgrounds.

It is the great multitude's sealing that will take place in the "end time". Both groups, the 144,000 and the great multitude, are mentioned in that same vision, but again, that does not mean that they are or were sealed at the same time. Revelation 7 is merely a record of John's vision where he saw both groups at God's throne. That a long time had passed between the sealing of those groups, was not the point, and was consequently not especially mentioned either.

A note: Of course, the sealing of the great multitude will take place before Jesus' return. It seems that that group will come into being during the work of the two witnesses, and that it will contain both Israelites and non-Israelites. The essay et01e.htm has more on the two witnesses.


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Additional reading at the Bible Pages, on related as well as other issues:

A clarifying explanation of the short names for the bible-versions quoted or mentioned at this site, such as that NKJV stands for New King James Version, YLT for Young's Literal translation, HCSB for Holman Christian Standard Bible, NRSV for the New Revised Standard Version, and so on. es09c.htm

How to understand the Bible. Easy keys to interpreting and understanding Scripture in a better and deeper way, by avoiding certain fundamental but common mistakes and errors in bible study. These vital keys are really the basics for objective bible study. Knowing these keys will make many things easier to interpret and comprehend, and one will see several central matters in the Bible from a new and different perspective, especially in connection with the Gospels and the Epistles. eg02c.htm

Matthew 25, the parable of the ten virgins. The five wise virgins, the five foolish ones, the lamps and the oil. eb07d.htm

Predestination. The destiny of humans: Is it already fixed and decided, as some have claimed? Are all people, or some individuals, "predestined"? eb03d.htm

The Promises spoken to Abraham, and the saints' heavenly Rest and Inheritance. How the earthly Land of Israel symbolised and foreshadowed a Promised Land in Heaven. Also, how the words Promise, Inheritance, Rest and Land in certain bible passages point to the same thing. eb05b.htm

A clarification of the actual nature of the sabbatismos or Rest of Hebrews 4:9. ex11b.htm

What does the Bible say about calling, election, sanctification and justification? eb02c.htm

The concepts "saint" and "sainthood" analysed. Does the Bible define or clarify who is a saint and what sainthood consists of? Also: Are there saints here on Earth, in our day? What do the Scriptures say concerning these things? Further: What is the etymology of the word "saint", and what does it really mean? eg03c.htm

Gentiles, pagans and heathen or heathens – what do those words mean? This exposition makes it plain and clear what the concepts "gentile", "pagan" and "heathen" actually refer to, in the Bible. eg01c.htm

The two witnesses of the book of Revelation. Also: Similarities between their work and that of Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist. et01e.htm

On Elijah of the Old Testament and John the Baptist and the coming Elijah or Elias who is mentioned in the New Testament. et02c.htm

Check your bible knowledge. A basic self-test with 15 biblical questions (with answers and commentary). es04b.htm

What is the biblical teaching regarding the great tribulation? When is it, and what is it like? Who are subjected to it, and who are allowed to escape from it, to a place of safety? Also: Does Matthew 24 point to the future, the "end time", or to the events of the first century, or to both times? What do the Scriptures in actual fact say about that subject? et04c.htm

The meaning of the words Christ, Christian, Messiah and Messias. Also: Did the saints call themselves "Christians" – christianos or christianoi? eg07b.htm

Jesus warned his disciples about false prophets, teachers of falsehood, deceivers and deception. He said that many would be deceived. eo09e.htm

What does the Bible say about the antichrist or antichrists? The meaning of the Greek word antichristos. Also: The apostle John spoke about multiple antichristoi, plural, not a singular one only. eo02d.htm

The Holy Spirit – an outline and a no-nonsense synopsis of the matter of the distribution of God's Spirit, in the past, today, and in the coming days of the future. Also: Whose baptism is valid? Churches and preachers baptise people, but they are not notably changed and no obvious signs or fruit of the Spirit are seen in their lives. Why is that? Is the Spirit of God at all given to humans, at this present time? eb01c.htm

What does the word "righteous" really mean? What does the Bible say about righteousness? eg08b.htm

2 Corinthians 5:17 mentions a "new creation", or "new creature" as some translations have it. Apparently, some claim that passage to mean that the saints were "all done and ready", without anything to worry about. Is that true? What did the apostle Paul really mean? eb06b.htm

What happened to the saints, in the first century? Also, some notes on the "early church". eg04b.htm

Covenant signs, including the sign of the New Covenant which shows who really are God's people. The Old Covenant's sign was the circumcision of males. What is the New Covenant's sign, seal or token? ec09b.htm

Rapture and parousia – are they biblical concepts? eg05b.htm

What does the Bible say about resurrection? How many resurrections do the Scriptures talk about? eb09c.htm

On different kinds of prophetic trumpets that are mentioned in the Bible – trumps of God, and those of the seven angels. Also, what is the "last" trumpet which the apostle Paul wrote about? et06d.htm

What does the Bible say about Heaven? What does it look like? Were the saints to go there, and if so, for how long? What about others? eb04c.htm

The Great White Throne Judgment, a time when both living and dead will be judged. When will it take place, where, and who will judge? Also, there is more to take into consideration, because the Bible talks about more than one still future times of judgment. et07e.htm

What is the Kingdom of God? Where is it located? Does it exist already, or is it only going to be established in the future? Or, is it only something "in the hearts of men" as some have claimed, quoting the translation "within you" in Luke 17:21? eo01b.htm

Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you". What did Jesus mean? How were the disciples to go about "seeking the Kingdom"? Also, what did the expression "all these things" really refer to, and when and where were those things to be "added" to those disciples? eo10d.htm

Many people wonder, why does God allow evil, sickness, pain, war and suffering? What is the biblical answer – does the Bible explain that matter, or in some way make it understandable? ew01b.htm

How to study the Bible in a deeper way. Some simple guidelines and notes on study methods. Also, advice and information on easily available practical study helps and useful modern-day tools and resources which, on top of many other things, can help one to view and translate the Hebrew OT and Greek NT texts. es01d.htm

Matthew 16:18, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". What was Jesus talking about? What is the immortal assembly or ekklêsia which he said he would form, and where is it located? Is it an earthly religious organisation in this world – a church – or is it a heavenly assembly that has as its members the saints who have become immortals? ea01d.htm

The origin and meaning of the word "church". eg06b.htm

Church eras – do they exist? Are there seven "eras of the Church", as some have claimed – "Sardis era", "Philadelphian era", "Laodicean era" and so on? Is there any biblical basis for that dogma? The question in a nutshell: The seven assemblies mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3 – were they contemporary assemblies of saints in the days of John (as the book of Revelation describes them), or are they, as some have claimed, successive "eras of the Church of God" that exist in later times and continue to our day? ea03d.htm

Gog and Magog and the armies which will invade the land of Israel (Ezekiel 38, Ezekiel 39, Revelation 16:12, Revelation 20:8). et10b.htm

What did Jesus mean when he said to his disciples, "I am the true vine and my Father is the husbandman", and, "I am the vine, you are the branches" – John 15? This essay contains an analysis of the symbolism and spiritual meaning of the parable of the vinedresser, the vine, the branches and the fruit (the Gospel according to John, chapter 15). That is, it will be explained how the apostles were to bear spiritual fruit to God. ea11c.htm

What does Revelation 14:10 mean? Will men or angels be tormented with fire and brimstone, for ages and ages? et08b.htm

The Babylon of the book of Revelation, what or where is it? What about the Beast, or beasts, that are mentioned in the book of Daniel and in the book of Revelation? ew03b.htm

The lost ten tribes of Israel in prophecy. What happened to Israel's northern tribes? Where are they today? Does the Bible give any clues regarding their fate? ey01b.htm

Timings of certain events which the Bible mentions. keyw-t2.htm (Look under the heading "Time, times, timings".)


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The essays at this site are not in "bible lesson" or "bible study course" format, nor are they meant as on-line "bible study classes" of some kind. Even though this site gives ready answers to biblical questions of many kinds, its main goal is providing food for thought on a variety of biblical subjects, and challenging and encouraging people to get started with deep personal bible study and then continue with that. (Many religious organisations and denominations have their bible lessons and correspondence courses; they are ready-made "studies" which are shrewdly constructed and written in such a manner that they lead the reader to conclusions that fit the dogmas of the group in question.) A careful, closer study of the books of the Bible with proper tools will help a believer to gain better and deeper biblical understanding. In that way, one will find out more about what the Bible really says, means and teaches. One can then, with wisdom, use that knowledge as a guide for one's life, instead of accepting as "biblical truths" whatever commercial religion – churches and their ministers (preachers) – have taught and want people to believe.

A more thorough, bible-based study with care and with thought will, not only help one to learn more, but also show one how many a popular belief has no scriptural basis or support but is altogether false and not biblical at all. This applies, not only to prophecy and "end time" related things, but also to many other subjects where prevailing dogmas are often taken "for granted". For this reason, it is extremely important for believers to personally study the Writings, and to thoroughly analyse them down to the smaller details, in order to find out the real facts. For doing that, it is not necessary to know the Hebrew, Greek or Latin languages (even though learning their letters and alphabet can be a good idea); there are modern, advanced tools which can help one to study in an effective way – see the pages es01d.htm and es02c.htm for more on this. The essay eg02c.htm supplies a number of easy, elementary keys to acquiring a better and deeper understanding of the Bible, simply by consciously and methodically avoiding certain usual errors and pitfalls.


This site is non-denominational and non-sectarian. It is not connected to any church, sect or religious organisation or movement. This site looks at things from a biblical perspective, and not from a dogmatic one. It does not claim to be without error or to "know it all" or to have a perfect or complete explanation to all things – it consists of an ongoing bible study that has been made public, and as the study goes on, the contents of these pages are revised and also expanded, with new topics and themes being addressed. Readers are invited and welcome to write to the author with thoughts and comments, or to ask questions or to point out a mistake if they feel that they have found one. For more on this, see the page purpose.htm.

The address to this page is www.biblepages.web.surftown.se/et03c.htm

Please send or mention the address to this site to others, and link to these pages.

This page was created or modified 2010-02-28.