Who are the 24 Elders in Heaven, and Their Position?
On an Adventist forum recently, I was asked these words: "Okay, Ed, I just stopped by for the day, haven't read the whole thread. Since you like to make the points quickly, give me the short version. What's your point with the 24 elders?"
The 24 Elders are "redeemed" [Rev.5:9]
ex-sinners from this earth. They are alive and well, setting on 24 seats in the
presence of the Father, who is also sitting down, on "His Throne" [5:2]. The
"Lamb", [5:6] is Jesus; He is standing. The same number of angels that are
present in this assembly [5:11] is the same number that Daniel spoke of in
Now this "him" above is God the Father. The "books were opened" above, is the book that the "Lamb" takes from the Father's hand, and unseals one generation of names at a time. Only the names of those that professed faith in God are considered [GC 480] in this Investigative Judgement now in process.
This book contains the deeds of those people who were dead, as this necessary judgement begins. The angels present are the record keepers of those deeds. The 24 ELDERS [the jurors] want to look them right in the eye as each piece of the evidence is presented. These 24 ELDERS have the same roots as the people's names being judged, [our peers] as the life and death issues proceeds. Each name is searched as with "lighted candles", one at a time.
The name of Samson finally is called out. The record of him crawling back to that harlot's bed even after he knew God's power was running unlimited in his body when duty was on the throne, must be examined. The 24 ELDERS wanted to know, did he REALLY DO THAT! Yes, he did, according to the books! But there is someone standing as the 24 ELDERS and the Father are seated, He has something to add to this judgement scene. He holds up His hands, He is saying something about blood to this Judge and pleading in Samson's defense. He is acquainted with blood being shed, Him being the innocent Lamb that was slain.[Rev.5:6]
Jesus tells the angels to keep turning the pages, He wanted the 24 ELDERS to SEE the evidence of Samson coming to his senses after years of foolish living. Samson DID repent, the blood of the Lamb covers every hook and cranny of a selfish, up and down life. Jesus can now plead with even a greater plea, the 24 ELDERS are satisfied and nod.
Now the Father can announce that justice has been met.
"Just write Samson's name in the book of life" is the order given, as the 24 ELDERS ponder whose name will be next.
After all the dead are judged the same exact way, with individual names going either in the Book of Life or in the Book of Death, then the cases of the living are considered next with their cases remaining open until the cut off date when Jesus must speak!
"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which Is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" Rev.22:11,12.
After Jesus says those words, the 24 ELDERS get up and start packing for at least a 14 day trip, back to where their roots are on this earth. Not to touch down, but to greet their former friends of years gone by in the air.
Does anyone remember that song that goes like this:
"I dreamed I searched heaven for you...oh friend want you prepare to me up there, lest I search heaven for you"? Well I plan on doing a little "searching" on my journey up. Someone may even point out to me one of the 24 ELDERS immediately, but if not, there will be another opportunity-My search surely will include Sarnson, knowing that "Physically, Samson was the strongest man upon the earth; but in self-control, integrity, and firmness, he was one of the weakest of men. Many mistake strong passions for a strong character, but the truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real greatness of the man is measured by the power of the feelings that he controls, not by those that control him."
Reading such words encourages me that there
is hope for a sinner like me. I read where Samson's name is mentioned in
PS - I purposely did not quote from Ellen White in the above "short version" just this one time to those that are Offended by the "Other books". The longer version? It's on an audio CD where the SOP inspired quotes is freely used. For the CD send me your address.
Ed White
edwhite65@gmail.com
http://www.ed-white.us