Symbolic Death by means of the "world"

A QUESTION I RECEIVED:
"Dear Pearl,
You teach that the deaths which the faithful suffer in the Book of Revelation, are symbolic. You teach that being disfellowshipped from the Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, fulfills that symbolic death. What scriptural proof do you have, to assert such an interpretation? I do know that those inside the Congregations do view those disfellowshipped as spiritually dead. But do you have a scripture to prove that being killed in Revelation, can be interpreted as being disfellowshipped by the Watchtower?"
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MY RESPONSE:
Thank you for pointing out this missing piece of the puzzle, when it comes to the interpretations which I teach, and the opportunity to fill it in by means of scripture.
Fearing the congregational "death" of expulsion, is not new to Christians.
Those who confessed the truth of Christ in the first century, faced the same threat (John 9:22; 7:13; 12:42-43; 9:17,24-25,28-33,34-35).
Jesus made plain, that his genuine and faithful followers, would face a future time when this threat would be common practice......

"They will put you out of the "synagogues" (Greek for "congregation"/"to lead together"); yes, *the time is coming* that anyone who kills you will think that he offers God divine service." (John 16:2)

Luke 21:12,17 put it this way...
"But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison (Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10,7; Col.2:8), and you will be brought before kings (Rev.9:7) and governors ("Governing Body" Mark 10:42-45), and all on account of my name...Everyone will hate you because of me." (1John 4:20; 2:11) (John 13:34-35; Matt.25:37-40,41-46) (Matt.24:11-13)

Mark also mentions the "hatred" that prompts the expulsions, and how prevalent it would become against Christ's faithful brothers...
"You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." (Mark 13:13)
Would this hatred be coming from strangers?

"When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." (Mark 13:11-13)
Whoever hates, is counted by God as a murderer (1John 3:15,12).

The faithful anointed brothers of Christ, are expected to experience a death for truth in imitation of Jesus 

(Mark 8:35; Rom.6:5; Rev.6:9-11; 12:10-11; Matt.16:24-25; Matt.25:6; Heb.13:13; John 16:2).

 1Pet.2:21,24; Rom.6:8; 7:6;  2Tim.2:11; Gal.2:19; Col.2:20; 3:3

When we are thrown out of the Congregation
(meaning of Greek "synagogue"), we are being cast out and hated by a "world"... (lit. Greek: "cosmos" = harmonious, self-inclusive system of thought/present age-system-arrangement-embellishment LINK)
...to which we once belonged.
Jesus helps to clarify who it is that persecutes us.....

"Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If THEY persecuted me, THEY will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." (John 15:20)

Who are "THEY" who persecuted Jesus?
Ps.119:161 clarifies that it was "rulers".... leaders 

(John 8:37; 15:24; 7:7; Matt.23:13,33-35,36-38; Rev.18:20,24).
  Weren't the secular rulers (Romans), the ones who persecuted Jesus?
Although the secular authorities were used to execute Jesus, they were not the source of his persecution.
The scriptures sort out the blame for us...

"6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!" But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."
11 Jesus answered, "You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." 12 As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, "If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.
15 But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" "Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered." (John 19:6,11-12,15)
(See Acts 3:14-15)
Clearly, the "leaders" that were responsible for the persecution and death of Jesus, were the religious leaders of God's people.
Ps.119:161; Isa.66:5 ... Jesus' brethren.
Jesus told us, that if they persecuted him, they will persecute us also.

  It is the same today. 

Just as the first-century leaders of God's people resorted to using the Gentiles, to kill for them; so does the false prophet do today 

(Rev.19:20; 13:11,14-15; 11:7; John 16:2).

Jesus explained this in an additional way....
(see John 15:18-20) >>>
<<< He said that he was no part of the "world"...
(Greek: "cosmos" = harmonious, self-inclusive system of thought/present age-system-arrangement-embellishment)
...that persecuted him (John 17:14,16). Jesus overcame that "world" (John 16:33), as we also must (1John 5:4-5; 5:19; 2:13-14).
Because we are no part of that world, the world will "hate" us as it did Christ.
Who is the "world"
(Greek: "cosmos" = harmonious, self-inclusive system of thought/present age-system-arrangement-embellishment)
that Jesus was referring to?
In speaking to the religious leaders (who later killed him),
Jesus said...
"But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world." (John 8:23)

The apostle John makes this "world" even clearer, at 1John 4:1,4-6.
Can you see there, that the "world" is where false prophets speak falsehood? Those who belong to their world, "listen to them".
The "world" that persecuted Christ (and will also persecute us) is where Jesus was sent to, by God (1John 4:9). Where was that "world" to which God sent Jesus?
Scripture tells us, at John 1:9,11 and Matt.15:24.
The "world" into which Jesus was sent, was the realm of God's nation at that time.

We have learned that the "world" (Greek: "cosmos" = harmonious, self-inclusive system of thought/present age-system-arrangement-embellishment) into which Jesus was sent, was God's own wayward Nation, dominated by false prophets and their teachings.
Those who accept such teachings, belong to that world, and are loved by their own (John 15:19). Yet Jesus made clear to the faithful, that they were to be no part of that world of falsehood and rebellion against God's will (Deut.32:5-6; Heb.10:39).
As a result of Christ's disciples lack of conformity, the world would HATE them, and persecute them as they did Christ (John 15:19).
In "a time to come", such hatred would become prolific (Matt.24:11-12;  2Tim. 3:1,3,5;  1Tim. 4:1), even displayed by beloved family members. The expulsion of the faithful from the congregation would be motivated by a misguided service to God (John 16:2), and a resulting hatred by everyone. This would occur in the time of the end, because that is how long such victims would need to endure (Mark 13:13; Matt.16:27).

Now, to get back to the symbolic death.
Can you see that those thrown out of the Congregation, are "hated" by those expelling them? (Isa.66:5; John 15:18,24)
Although you agree that from the perspective of "Jehovah's Witnesses" those expelled, are considered spiritually dead...
what of God's perspective...
and as you ask... where in God's Word, is being the target of such hatred qualified as a death?

"Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." (1John 3:15)
Can you see that God himself views hatred among his people, as equal to murder? The "world" lead by false prophets and their hateful doctrine, is displayed by a cutting off, even by beloved family members. For this reason, such condoning family members are seen as surrendering the faithful over, to be killed (Mark 13:12-13;  2Tim. 3:1,3,5). Despite that "death", they would still have to "endure until the end", after their "death" (Col.3:1-3; 2:20 a).
For this reason, those "killed" can still speak, and ask how long the end will take to arrive (Rev.6:9-11).

God considers hatred, the same as murder (1John 3:15).
Those who hate are guilty of murder in His estimation... and those hated, as murdered.

"No murderer has eternal life", but those who endure in love (Matt.5:21-22,44; 25:40; John 13:34-35; 8:51; 14:21; Rom.13:10; Gal.5:14; Matt.7:12), do live eternally...
 "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death" (1John 3:14).
So,
these previous scriptures speak, NOT of a physical life or death, but a spiritual one.
After all, that is the only life that should matter to us (John 12:24-25) and the only life that matters to God (Matt.22:32; Luke 20:38; John 6:63) (Mark 8:35 -LINK).
If God's beloved faithful are slandered and publicly charged and sentenced as losing their spiritual life (by those who hate them); then God considers that hateful condemnation as a murder (1John 3:15,12; John 16:2).
(Rom.1:25,28-32; Eze.22:6-9,25; 11:6; Ex.20:16; Lev.19:16)
(Hab.2:12; Nahum 3:1; Matt.23:28-36; Rev.17:6; 18:4,20,24)
(Hosea 5:2; 2:10; 6:9; Jer.11:9; 7:9-10; Eze.7:23; 11:6; Rev.11:8; 6:9-10)

(Luke 12:1;  1John 4:20; Matt.5:20-26,20; 7:21-23; Luke 16:11-12,1-2) (LINK)

We are told by the (original Greek -link) of Rev.1:1 (LINK), that the scroll to follow is written entirely in allegory and symbolism.
The symbolic "death" it depicts, is interpreted by 1John 3:15,16. (Luke 6:22-23; John 16:2)

I hope these scriptures address your question. If not, please follow up.
In Christ,
Pearl
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The Sting of Death -- First Death, or Second Death?

Questions I received:
When the world was destroyed in the day of Noah; Did that symbolize the removal or cleansing, of the first death? I have a problem understanding the timetable of the end of the two deaths. I know these are the last days, and the final and total judgment of life or death. Does the meaning behind Noah's day (as it pertains to the final judgment and salvation for Noah and his family), count as both the deadly power (of the flood), and then the removal, of both the first and second deaths, at once? I hope you can understand what I am asking   ?
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My Reply:

I also hope that I understand what it is you are asking. Please let me know.

I wanted to tell you that there is a post about what the meaning of the flood is for us today.

Here it is:

(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/06/symbolic-earth.html)

If you did not read that one, please do, as a primer to this response of mine. 

You asked if the "death" that is brought by the "elder"army/symbolic flood/Great Tribulation (Greatest-Trib-Why?)(tails-stingers-scorpions), 

is the first or second death.

I did not know. 

I said a prayer, and some scriptures came to mind. Here is the result of what the scriptures caused me to perceive.....

The second death, is the "Lake of Fire", and is a symbol for God's condemnation and judgment (Rev.20:15; Matt.10:28) (search-lake-fire). Those thrown there, are then destroyed by Satan... because they have been abandoned by God and He does not rescue or protect them if they did not repent (1Cor.10:10-11; Rev.9:11).  

       (To read more about the Destroyer:   

       (who-is-destroyer)

It is a spiritual death (meaning, you do not get eternal life).

The first death, is physical. All die this death. Adam lost spiritual life for us all. Christ offers life for our spirit (Rom.3:23; 5:12; John14:6; 5:24; 6:63; 5:40; 3:36). If we are like all those who do not know God (2Thess.1:8; 2Cor.4:4; Eph.4:18), we die the first physical death. We have no other life, because we are not alive in our spirit (Sheol/hell/Hades). Spirit life only comes to those who are sons of God, or to the children of those sons of God (who are not anointed, but who are baptized in water, by them) (Matt.28:19-20; 1Pet.3:20-21) (meaning-of-baptism). Spirit life is sustained by God's spirit.

The anointed can lose their spirit life/being born again as spirit... returning to their dead condition (Jude 1:12; Eze.18:24), as do their spiritual children who continue to follow them (Matt.15:14; Job 33:22). That puts them back under the first death of Adam, because their spirit has now died (because the anointed leave the spirit of their Father, God -Gal.4:6) (or those not anointed, leave their father Christ - Isa.9:6; Ps.45:16). 

I would like to illustrate this by analogy, in the hope of making it clearer.

We are physically alive. That life can be symbolized as being like a battery that is charged. Without re-charging, that battery eventually weakens and dies. When Adam lost the Tree of Life, he lost the ability to re-charge his spiritual and physical life.

       (who-tree-of-life?)

Spirit life is from Christ. He offers a spiritual birth. In order to sustain our spiritual life, we need to remain connected to Christ. If we lose connection to holy spirit sourced in Christ, our spirit dies.

  If those who had previously received the gift of spirit life, lose spirit, and do not repent before the end, they are thrown into the lake of fire (second death).

If the "elders" and false prophet can mislead the anointed, they can cause both... a return to the first and consignment to second death.

The first condemnation and death is standard (John 3:18; 1Cor.15:45; Rom.5:12) The second death happens as soon as someone is no longer saved by Jesus Christ, and they have left the teachings of Jesus, by following the Beast (Rev.13:8). 

  The second death happens, when God's final judgment and condemnation, arrives (fire-from-heaven). All those who have not repented of their idolatry to the Beast and false prophet, are thrown there (Rev.13:8; 20:15) 

This primarily refers to the anointed.

Those who are not anointed (but are baptized and think they are worshiping Yhwh),

are judged according to the leader/spiritual parent, they are following... whether true, or false. That leader is like a parent, and their children are those who follow and obey them (Hosea 2:2; 4:5; Eze.14:10; Rev.2:20,23; Jer.5:30-31). That relationship between false prophet and their followers, is sometimes illustrated within scripture, as the fruit produced by the branches of a vine. That branch is the parent. It's fruit are it's teachings, and the "children" that consume them. Spiritual children cling to the branch, feeding from it. What they become, is a result of what they have received from the branch. The vine/root, is either the teachings and spirit of Christ (John15:4-5,8; Luke 10:16), or of Satan (Deut.32:32-33; Rev.13:11; 14:19; 16:13; 13:16,18; Ps.58:3-4; Zech.7:11) 

(winepress) (mark-of-beast) (666).

If we are obeying a faithful slave and steward of Christ (Luke 12:42; John21:17; Matt.7:20; Luke 7:35; John7:38-39; Rev.22:17; Gal.4:26), we receive spiritual life through them, as a spiritual mother (pregnant/nursing)
(Matt.5:14-15; Rev.1:20; 2Cor.4:6; 3:18; Mal.2:7; Rev.1:5-6; 5:9-10) (Matt.18:10).

But if we are obeying an unfaithful slave and wicked steward, we receive death from them (Rev.2:20,23) 

(Jezebel) (2-mothers). 

The harlot (unfaithful, false prophet), uses the Beast under her (organization/"elder" Gentile army) to spread her poison waters of death to all her children. Those messengers, bring the sting of death to those who listen, learn, and obey. 

(obey-men?)

If we are taken captive by those teachings (Col.2:8; Rev.13:10; Luke 21:24), and we do not repent then we will end in the lake of fire/second death.

So, the answer to you is,

that the army of "elders"/spiritual flood (Dan.11:10)

            --(see the first Link above, "symbolic Earth")&(Satans-forces)

               (dark-army)(dark-army2)(satans-flood),

can bring both deaths, if we have accepted the mark of the Beast and do not repent before the end. 

If we do repent, then our previously being marked by the Beast, had only caused a return to the first death, from which we can get rescued (by repentance). 

Through the final watchman/last Elijah/messenger of the covenant; God's Temple will be restored, and salvation offered through God's flood covenant, to those who repent (Luke 17:26-27; Ps.18:16-17; 66:12; Isa.54:7-9; Gen.9:11-13; Rev.10:1; Mal.3:1; Zech.4:10,9; Rev.22:6). 
Leaving our slavery to the Organizational Beast behind us, compares to "leaving the City" (Matt.22:9; Rev.18:4). Is that enough? (See this link: leaving-enough?)
Is it enough to leave behind the Beast as the master over our hearts and minds? No. We must also turn to God and Christ as our masters, and be marked as their obedient slaves... 

...thereby avoiding the second death (Eze.18:21).

I hope that addresses your questions.

Please let me know,

Pearl

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Coming to Life

A QUESTION:
In revelation 20:4 in the kjv it says people have been beheaded and
are getting white robes and are crying out to God. That sounds like the immortal soul idea.
But if you read revelation 20:5, it says some of the other dead didn't come back to life until the 1000 years were over.
This sounds like the soul coming back to life idea.
So which one is right? Both or either or?
-------------------------

MY REPLY:

I think you may be thinking of Rev.6:9,10,11.

They are the ones given white robes and are crying out, after being slain.

Rev.20:4 and Rev.6:11 does not say that those in white robes, were never dead. 

It says they had died, and then, "came to life". 

They then "reign" (2Tim.2:12), "sit on thrones" (Matt.19:28; Rev.3:21; Eph.2:6), and have "authority to judge" (John 20:21,22,23;  1Cor.6:1,2,3) and they do this, during Christ's thousand year kingdom (Luke 22:69; Ps.110:1,2;  1Cor.15:25).

In fact, it says that they were beheaded. If you look more closely at Rev.20:5, it actually reads that "the rest of the dead" did not attain life, until after the first group. 

Do you not see that if the second group is "the rest of the dead"... that the first group was also dead?

Before you conclude that this is speaking of physical life and death, consider Rom.5:12,17; Eph.2:1,2.
These two groups come to life, when they accept and obey, the teachings of Christ 

(John 6:54,57,58,63;  1Pet.1:23) which birth, is by means of a death (Gal.6:14; Col.2:20;  1John 5:4; Mark 8:35).

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2023/03/when-are-we-born-again.html

--https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/symbolic-death-by-means-of-world.html

----https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2020/03/sources-of-persecution-against-holy-ones.html

Continuing in it's description of Rev.20:5 "the rest" do not come to life until after the thousand years. Regarding the first group, the end of verse 4 states; "And they lived and reigned with Christ during the thousand years".

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/04/two-kingdoms.html

Can you see that the difference in coming to life, is not about an immortal soul, but rather,

when the two different groups, come to life?

--The first group is "during the thousand years".

--The second group, "after the thousand years have ended".

During the interval between the two, 

   the first group is alive, 

   the second group is not yet alive.

It is not because one group is immortal and the other is not.

The most important thing to note in Rev.20:4,5, is WHY both groups, come to life.

Let's start with the group that are already alive, and see why.

They were beheaded, and given a white robe. AS we will see, this indicates why they have gained life.

Please compare that to Rev.6:9,10,11.

There we learn that a white robe is given for the righteous act of dying for Christ and truth (Mark 8:35; Rev.19:8), which the first group of Rev.20:4 has already done.

Apparently the second group, did not do that yet... But they will, after the "thousand years" have ended Rev.20:5). That later group is the same as those mentioned, at Rev.6:11.

Please continue to compare Rev.6:9,10,11 to Rev.20:4,5 until you perceive the two different groups mentioned in both citations, clearly.

The two eras that each group comes to life in, is also noted at Rev.1:19.

We begin to see what is required to gain a white robe (and eternal life), and that the first group achieves the required goal first. Then there is a second group, who attains the required goal, after the first group.

Is dying for divine truth, really a required goal in order to gain eternal life?

Rom.6:5 reads;
"For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his."

Were the martyrs in Rev.20:4 who were "beheaded", united with Christ in a death like his?
Well, why were they killed?
"And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God."

Of Jesus, John 8:40 Reads;
"As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God."
As we know, the Jewish leaders did kill Christ, for declaring God's truths.

Note what Jesus told us, at Mark 8:35...
"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it."
(he-who-seeks-to-save-his-life-will-lose)
There Jesus tells us, that if we lose our life for the gospel (the truths of God), we will, as a result, gain our life.

So, those beheaded, gained life. They suffered a death for the truths of God.
Not only did they declare those truths, they believed them and lived by them.

Of such ones, Jesus said;
"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24)
What kind of life?
Was this life... an indefinite extension of physical life, or an eternal spiritual life?

"Jesus answered “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit." (John 3:6)

"The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and life." (John 6:63)

Have you discerned from these scriptures, that life results from faith in the words of Christ (the truths of God),
--when a testimony about that faith is given...
--a death like Christ, follows that testimony,
 ---and this all results in the granting of spirit life by God's spirit?...
...even while we yet reside in our flesh (Rom.8:9-11,12-14; John 8:51).

You may wonder then, "How one can be alive physically, if they have already "died" for the truth?"
Note Rom.8:13 (and Col.3:5,6; Gal.5:24) to see that there are "deaths" other than physical.
A "death" for truth, also results, by the hand of those with whom we battle (2Cor. 10:4,5,6; Rev.17:14)... Satan's agents of religious deception (John 16:2; 8:40) have the power to expel and condemn as worthy of a spiritual death, those against whom they bring false charges (usually blasphemy, sedition, heresy, or apostasy) (Matt.26:65,66; John 12:42; 9:22; 16:2; Rom.6:5; John 15:20).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/symbolic-death-by-means-of-world.html)


We learn by Rom.6:5, that in order to attain such a spirit life, we must be willing to die like Christ, for testifying to those words of life and truth.
This is confirmed, at Rev.6:9-11, where we hear of others who have died such a faithful death, who are also, crying out.
Note what reply is given to them...

"When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been."

The "full number" of God's witnesses, must be killed for the word of God and a testimony to it.
Only when that full number is completed, will God's judgment and vengeance arrive.
Spirit life results from a death for truth (Mark 8:35).
Those already killed and crying out, have already attained their spirit life (Rev.20:4).
They are waiting for the "rest" "to be killed, just as they had been", so that "the rest" also, can come to life (Rev.20:5).

Since these killed ones (at Rev.6:9,10,11) are also speaking, we can safely conclude the truthfulness of Christ's words,
that they have "passed over from death to life" (John 5:24).
It is crucial that we keep in mind, that such eternal life is spiritual, not physical.
-  -  -  -  -  -  -

Review scriptures: (Rev.1:19; 6:10,11; 20:4,5; Rom.6:5; Mark 8:35; John 6:63; 5:24; 8:51)

-  -  -  -  -  -  -

You ask about "an immortal soul idea".
Well, had these martyrs not proven faithful, they would not have gained eternal spirit life.
They gained it after spirit granted it to them, as a reward,
based upon their "deaths" for truth (Mark 8:35; James 1:12; Rev.2:10).
They did not already possess it, but it was given to them.
An eternal spirit, is a reward for those who faithfully conquer the world and it's persecutions 

(Rev.21:7; 22:14; 2:17; 3:19,20,21).
  This idea of gaining spirit life as a reward for a faithful testimony to truth, unto the death...can also be seen, if we look at three scriptures...

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life, that the Lord has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)

"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown." (Rev.2:10)

"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. (Rev.3:11)

Can you see that our reward of eternal spiritual life, is compared to a crown?
Note that it is given to those who prove their love for Christ by being faithful, even to the point of death (Rev.12:10,11).
Note too, that such a crown can be taken away.


Since the life possessed by the martyrs in Rev.20:4, has been achieved through faithfulness,
there was a time in their lives, before that faithful witness and death was accomplished, correct?

Such ones did not always have that gift of life.
It was only given to them, after they had proven faithful.
Before they were granted spiritual life, they were still spiritually dead.
Remembering this, helps us with Rev.20:5...
"The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended."

So,
our first group of martyrs, "came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.".
Clearly,
they attained living spirit during the symbolic "thousand years".
They were faithful witnesses of the truths of God and Christ, and died for that testimony, during Christ's "thousand year" reign.

Not so those in Rev.20:5, of which we read;
"The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years had ended."

"The rest of the dead" indicates that the first group had also been spiritually dead,
but they "came to life" during the "Thousand Years".
This second group "did not come to life until the thousand years were ended".
So this second group, also comes to life.
The difference, is  when.

It will not be possible for you to understand these two verses, if you are viewing life and death as physical.
Not only are these verses speaking of life as spiritual;
they are speaking of death, as spiritual.

One can be alive or dead in a spiritual sense, even while physically alive.
Some examples of being spiritually dead, while physically alive, are:

"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." (Rev.3:1)
Here Jesus is speaking to someone physically alive, yet is considered by Christ, to be spiritually dead.
That person has not yet, "come to life".

"The widow who lives for pleasure is dead, even while she lives." (1Tim. 5:6).
(See also Eph.2:1,5; Col.2:12,13)
 
And so,
when we read Rev.20:4,5,
we see that there are witnesses of God who are given the gift of spiritual life during two different time periods.

The first group to share in Christ's resurrection to spirit (1Pet. 3:18; Rom.8:9; Mark 8:35; John 16:2), are killed for their testimony and receive spirit life during Christ's thousand year reign.

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/symbolic-death-by-means-of-world.html

-  -  -  -  -  -  -

The "rest" of those to receive such a reward (Rev.20:5), (who are also mentioned at Rev.6:11);
receive their eternal spirit lives for their testimony to the death,
after Christ's thousand year reign.

Why is this?
Well, if you read more of Rev.20, we learn in verse 7, that Satan is let out of the abyss at the end of that "Thousand years". He has an alliance working with him (Rev.20:8,10) which alliance is also described in various other depictions, throughout Revelation.

Verses 8-10 go on to explain the result of Satan's release
 (also shown at Rev.16:13,14,15,16; 17:14).

At the end of the thousand years and Satan's release,
there is a widespread and all consuming deception, released by Satan and his two agents...
the Wild Beast and the false prophet.
Scripture discloses that God's people are completely devoured by this great force 

(Rev.13:7,10; Col.2:8; Luke 21:24,20; Rev.20:7-9).
They are unable to "come to life" through a death for truth...

       (receive their "crown"/get "sealed" as slaves of God), 

...while under the influence and dominion of Satanic deception through his agents, during the Great Tribulation (Rev.9:6).
(LINK)**
Rev.13:7 confirms...
"The Wild Beast ("locust-scorpion" collective**) was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation."

Dan.7:21,25; 8:11,12,17,19,24,25; 11:31-32,33,34,35,36,37;  2Thess.2:4;  1Cor.3:16

(who-are-gods)

Those who are faithful servants of God and His laws, are symbolically marked as such (Deut.11:18).
Those conquered by the Beast, submit to it, and receive it's mark on their forehead (Rev.13:16,15).

(what-is-mark-of-beast?)
Any who refuse to render such worship to the Beast's Image, are killed (Rev.13:15).
If any were to wake up, and take a stand against the lies of the Beast (in order to testify to God's truths), they would,
like the faithful martyrs before them, be killed (Rev.11:3,7; 13:10; 6:11; Matt.5:11,12).

It was the same in the first century (John 9:22; 7:13; Matt.23:29,30,31,34,35,36,37,38). 

So it is the same, today (Rev.18:24; John 16:2; Rev.11:3,7).

Yet those who receive spirit life after Satan's release (and after the thousand years), would be "coming to life" "after the thousand years have ended", just as Rev.20:5 stated.

For more confirmation of this interpretation,
let us return to the latter half of verse 4;
In speaking of those resurrected first...
"They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

Note that those who gained spirit life first,
never worshiped the Beast or it's image, and had not received it's mark.
  The Beast had not yet been released from the abyss along with Satan (Rev.20:7).
Yet after the thousand years ends, Satan is released...
and his Beast and False prophet then emerge in the era of the second group. (Rev.16:13,14;  1Tim.4:1). 

They succeed in conquering and slave-marking, the Chosen Elect (Matt.24:24,25; Rev.13:7).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-of-beast.html)

Previous to their waking up, repenting, and giving testimony (Matt.25:5,6,7; Rev.11:3; Joel 1:13),
God's chosen ones alive in this post-thousand year period,
were still spiritually dead (Eph.2:1,13; John 3:18).
They do not come to life, until they conquer their circumstances...
   the final, great machination of Satan, against them (Rev.12:17; 13:7,10).
  They too must give their testimony, and be killed 

(Rev.11:3,7; 12:10-11; 6:11; Mark 8:35; Rom.6:5;  1Pet. 3:18; Rev.15:2).

The Bible defines that final great assault, as the "Great Tribulation".
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-greatest-tribulation-why.html)

This is why the faithful who reign with Christ during the "Thousand Years", are depicted separately from those anointed priests who gain life during the Great Tribulation. (compare Rev.7:4 to Rev.7:9,14,17)

To grasp the truth about the thousand years, life, death, resurrection, and tribulation...
you must first adopt a spiritual viewpoint, and realize that it is just as Jesus said...
"the flesh counts for nothing" (John 6:63).

For more information about how each group comes to life:
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/little-flock-sheep-and-goats.html
 -  -  -  -  -  -  -

I hope my reply has given you a clear answer, sourced in the Bible.
The difference between the two groups cited at Rev.20:4-5,
is not IF they always had a living spirit...
But WHEN they receive that gift, and how.

Thank you for your good question, and if any question remains,
please follow up.

Love in Christ,
Pearl

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Who has the "key" to the abyss?

Do you have a key to your house?
Does your marriage mate and perhaps your children, also have a key?
It is true, that more than one person can hold the same key, and be able to open and lock the same home.
We are told by the book of Revelation, that there are identities which hold symbolic "keys".
The book of Revelation is symbolic. "Keys" represent authority and power, to open and to shut.
What about the abyss of deception and death?
How many persons, according to Revelation, gain power and authority (a "key") over deception and death?
We know that the first one to acquire this power, was Satan
(Gen.3:3,4,5,13,19; John 8:44; Heb.2:14; Eph.6:12) - (James 1:15; Rom.5:12;  1John 3:8; John 8:44)
Satan was first, to open the abyss of death. In Eden, through sin, he obtained the power to reign over the power of death and destruction, which he brought upon all of God's creation (Rom.8:20-21;  1Cor. 15:21-22,25-26,53-56).
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/04/what-is-sheole-hades.html
By Jesus conquering death, he also received the power to "open" and "shut" knowledge, deception, life, and death
(Heb.2:14; 9:26; Rev.1:18; 20:1; 3:7; Matt.28:18; 13:11; John 12:31; Luke 10:17,18,19,20).
And there is a third identity mentioned who is "given" the "key" to the "abyss" (Rev.9:1).
That identity is described as a "fallen star" who was "burning as a lamp" (Rev.8:10).
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=fallen+star
Jesus holds "seven stars" in his right hand of power (Rev.1:20). Those stars are angelic messengers of light, to his "seven congregations" (Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3,10). This "fallen star", is introduced to us, in Rev.8:10,11, as "Wormwood" (and at Rev.13:11 and Rev.19:20, as the "false prophet" "who speaks like a dragon").
Yes, that one also, has gotten a "key" to the deep, dark deceptions of Satan and the death that results (symbolized by, the Abyss).
Since Wormwood's fall results in a polluting of the springs of waters of truth (John 7:38; 4:10; Rev.8:11), does she use the deceptive power of the abyss ("key") to open the abyss, or to close it? Rev.9:1,2 tells us.
Which holder of the abyss's key would give Wormwood the power to open up and release, Satan's deceptions? Satan? Or Christ?

Christ does not empower the unfaithful to release darkness, deception and death.
Satan does (Rev.9:2;  1John 1:5; John 1:4,5,9; 10:10;  2Cor. 11:13-15). This conclusion is in harmony with the original king of the abyss (and original holder of the key), who is described as over Wormwood and the agents of the abyss, and is named "Destroyer" (Rev.9:11; John 10:10; 8:44; Isa.33:1).
Although Christ has been given authority over the abyss (and therefore possesses a set of keys to it); he does not release everyone from it's authority. God allows some to be deceived by Satan and his agents (Wormwood and the "locust/scorpions") (2Thess. 2:9,10,11,12;  1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:13,14,15).
Some remain under Satan's authority, and some are released from deception and death, by Christ's authority. Both hold keys to the abyss, for a time.

 --Satan empowers his agents (messengers/angels) with his power of deception
            and death (gives key to the abyss);
            (Then Wormwood gives that power and authority to
              the "locust-scorpions" under her -Rev.9:3,19; 13:14-15,12; 19:20)
       (http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/tails-stingers-scorpions-rev910.html)
--Christ empowers his agents (messengers/angels), with his power of Truth and Life (symbolized by the keys to the kingdom and release from the power of the abyss of deception and death -Rev.11:3; 12:6,14)
(Matt.16:19; John 20:23; Luke 10:19; 21:15;  2Cor. 10:4,5; Rev.12:7) (Acts 26:18;  1Tim. 4:16).
These two forces (truth/deception) collide, and result in Armageddon (Rev.16:13-16; 17:14).

The following addition about this subject of the symbolic "key" to the abyss,
has been added to this past post:
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/08/what-happened-in-1914.html

as follows:

"Jesus Christ restricted Satan's deceptive ability to mislead his faithful brothers (Luke 10:19; Matt.28:18; 26:64; John 3:35; Rom.14:9; Eph.1:20,21; Luke 10:17,18,19,20;  1Pet. 3:22;  1Cor. 15:24,25,26). This was fully accomplished when he himself conquered Satan's authority, by his faithful death. He then trumped Satan's authority over the abyss of death, enabling him to release his faithful chosen ones from it's power (1Pet. 2:9; Col.1:13;  1Thess 5:5,9 (John 10:10) ; Eph.2:1,2,3; Ps.94:17; Jer.31:11;  1Cor. 15:57;  2Cor. 2:11; Luke 8:10) (2Cor. 4:4;  2Thess. 2:11,12;  2Thess. 1:9; Col.1:13;  Luke 4:18; Rev.13:10, 7; Gal.5:13; Col.1:13; John 8:32).

Satan does not lose his key (authority) to the abyss of deception and death, until the harvest is finished, and all have been sealed as either slaves of God (Deut.11:18; Rev.7:3) or slaves of the abyss and it's agents (Rev.13:16-18; 16:13-16).
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-of-beast.html

http://pearl-666.blogspot.com/
(Rev.20:10,14; 21:4) (Rev.11:7 A; Rev.13:1,4,16; 9:10)
pearl-obeymen.blogspot.com
Satan retains his authority (key) over death among the unfaithful
(2Thess. 2:9,10; John 8:44; Eph.2:3;  2Pet. 3:7;  2Thess. 1:9).
Christ has attained a "key", to release his faithful from the power of Satan's abyss of deception and it's resulting death, by means of the word of life (John 5:24; James 1:21;  1Cor. 15:26) and the gift of Holy Spirit so that it may be interpreted and understood correctly, through the Body of Christ
(1John 2:27; John 16:13; Luke 8:10; Rev.2:17; Rom.12:4,6,7,8;  1Cor. 12:18; Eph.4:12,11;  1Thess. 5:19,20;  1Cor. 14:32,33; 12:28; Eph.2:22,20).
But Satan still retains that "key"...not over the faithful, but over those unfaithful at present, and those who remain unfaithful and become sealed as such.
(Heb.2:14;  1Cor. 5:5; Dan.12:10;  2Tim. 3:13).
(Heb.2:14; Matt.8:29;  2Pet. 2:4;  1Pet. 3:18,19; Jude 1:6; Rev.1:18; 5:6,5,9; Matt.28:18; Luke 10:17,18,19).

All releasing from deception and death will be accomplished, when all "144,000" are faithfully sealed, and set free
(2Pet. 3:9; John 8:32; Acts 26:18; Eph.1:7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14; Rom.8:13; Eph.2:1,2,5,6,7; Rev.6:9,10,11; 7:3; 9:4; Zech.13:9; Rev.9:2; 8:12; Zech.13:9; Mal.3:3; Rev.14:1) along with those who receive an invitation to the marriage feast and appreciate it's provisions
(Matt.22:8,9,10; Rev.22:17; 21:6; Matt.10:41;  1Cor. 4:1).

ANOTHER ADDITION:

all are under a death sentence (Rom.5:12;  1Cor. 15:22;  1John 2:2), and must be ransomed from Satan's dominion over humanity (1John 5:19; Rom.8:20-21; Rom.5:12; Heb.2:14).

Satan does not allow any to be freed from his power over death (Heb.2:14; Rev.9:11; Job 38:17) (Matt.16:18; John 1:5; Luke 10:19;  1Cor. 15:55-57; Rev.2:26-27; 3:9), without a ransom (Heb.9:22; Job 33:23-24; Rev.5:9-10; Luke 10:19;  2Cor. 10:4-5).

Just as Satan had the "key" to open death (Gen.3:1-2,3-4,19; John 8:44; 10:10; Heb.2:14; Rev.9:1-3,10;  1Cor. 15:56; Rev.9:11; John 10:10).

Christ and his Bride have the key to release those held captive there, having the "keys" to truth and life. 

see: https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2021/11/why-was-satan-put-into-abyss.html

("Key" = power and authority to open and close) 
(Rev.1:18; John 11:25; Matt.13:11-15;  1Sam. 2:6) 
(Matt.16:19; Rev.22:17; John 20:21-23) 

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Harlot and Beast

A thought from a friend:

 Just read Rev 18:4 again and i found it very investing
that John was inspired to use the words 'my people' - i think that
proves that this organisation is 'Babylon the great'. Jehovah never
uses those words except for when speaking to or about his people.
Just thought I'd share that with you.

My response:

Thank you so much for your view of Rev.18:4. It is true. "My people" are the anointed...(Heb.8:10; Jer.31:33;  1Pet.2:9,10).
"Babylon the Great" is a covenant. Remember, it is called the "mother" of the "harlots" (Rev.17:5). "Mother"s, are Covenants (see Gal.4:26,24).
(pearl-thewoman.blogspot.com)
Babylon the Great, is the Covenant of Death (see Isa.28:15,18)....but this covenant is represented in the flesh, by her Harlot daughters
(Isa.1:21; Eze.16:44). These ones rule through the "wild beast". That is each harlot's power. That Beast is the Gentiles who serve her, obeying her commands. She directs them (Rev.17:3). It is the "Watchtower" organization ("Wild Beast" from the "sea" - Gentile), under the Governing Body ("wild beast" from the "earth" -Rev.13:11 -"Jew" - Rom.2:28,29; Gal.3:29).
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/-jew--gentile)

 

I tell you these things, because the "organization" is not "Babylon the Great", but it's anointed leaders are in that covenant with death. This brings all the "waters", upon which the harlots sit, under this Covenant with Death (Rev.17:15). That "marriage" covenant, is with Satan. They entered into it, when they accepted the "key" (authority and power) over the Abyss of deception and death (Rev.9:1; 8:10,11). Satan gave it to these sell-out harlots (unfaithful slaves), in order to restrain the true faithful anointed, within that abyss of lies and death (Matt.24:24; Rev.12:15). That is where Satan wants all the "remaining ones of her seed" (Rev.12:4), which are the ones he has "waged war" with (Rev.12:7,11,17; 16:13,14,15,16; 17:14; 19:11,14; 20:8). 

"She"...(Babylon the Great/Covenant of Death)...through "her" harlot Babylon daughters, helps Satan to take them captive (Rev.13:7,10; Col.2:8)...by those Harlot daughters (spiritual leaders) releasing the locust/scorpions (Rev.9:1,2,3) 

(stinging with death-dealing lies Rev.9:10;  1Cor.15:55; Eze.2:6; Col.2:8; Rev.13:10).

After those who choose faithfulness, awaken and take their stand for truth,

That Wild Beast collective of locust-scorpions, does "kill" them (Rev.11:7; 13:7,14,15; 9:18; John 16:2). 

The "death" Satan prefers, is the judgment that would come from God to the Chosen ones (Matt.10:28), if they are tricked into accepting demonic lies and death, through the locust-scorpion/Gentiles (Rev.9:10;  1Cor.15:55,56,57) who trample them.
If that stinging threat doesn't work, then the faithful can be "killed", by being cut off and silenced from the midst of God's people (John 16:2; Rev.11:7; 20:4; 6:9,11) in order to mitigate the damage which the truth can do to deception. Through the Abyss, "Wormwood" has been given the power to do both (key)... take captive to demonic teaching and to silence those who are set free.
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/08/who-has-key-to-abyss.html)

Like the leaders of God's first-century people, power is considered more valuable than truth (John 11:47,48,49,50)
The book of Revelation is symbolic. Whether this symbolic "killing" is actual disfellowshipping only (to silence them within the "Congregations"), or will turn out to be a literal murdering of the faithful; ...this has not yet been disclosed to me.

So to clarify, Babylon the Great is a covenant with death/Hades and it's king, the Destroyer (Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1). That covenant grants the receiver with all Satan's power to deceive, along with all manner of worldly reinforcements... both servants, riches, and influence.

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/11/who-is-destroyer.html)

Those in that covenant were formerly Christ's "virgins" (Rev.14:4,5; 20:4) (under the covenant of life -Gal.4:26), but they gave away that purity when they bought lies to shine in their lamps (Matt.25:8,9,11,12; Rev.9:1,2; 8:10,11; 13:17,18) ("666").

Once they exchange their purity (Rev.14:5; 3:18) (Matt.25:10;  2Cor.11:2,3,4; Rev.2:20) for untruth, they are no longer virgins, but defiled harlots.
Their precious intimacy with Christ, was sold over to Satan's desire and will (Eph.5:23; Col.2:19; Matt.4:9; Mark 10:42,41,44). Their heart has come to seek to do the will of their new owner... to be a dominating liar and a man-slayer (John 8:44; Isa.44:20;  1John 3:10,11,12,14,15; Isa.1:21). They unwittingly join with Satan in his desire to do away with the other anointed proving faithful (Mark 12:7; Micah 2:2), due to their desire to be in power over what does not rightly belong to them (Matt.20:25,26,27;  1Pet.5:3). They justify the compromise of Truth, to keep their power solidified and consolidated. The lesser ones in subjection to them who sell out, do so to keep harmony with corrupted "Wormwood", who is at the top (1Cor.6:15,16,17).

Due their desire and deeds... their loss of love for God's truth... all Chosen who compromise, become daughters of a new covenant. Satan becomes their father, and the covenant with death, their mother 

(John 8:44; Rev.9:11; Rev.17:5).
Just as the virgin daughters have a promise/covenant as their mother (Gal.4:26; Rev.3:12;  2Cor.11:2,3), and later will actually become that heavenly covenant when it's promise is fulfilled (Gal.4:28; 3:29; Heb.12:22,23);
The harlot daughters have the covenant of death as their mother (Babylon the Great -Rev.17:5), and become sealed representatives of that bottomless abyss of death/Covenant, when they are sealed through their sins (Rev.17:6). This is when they mature, and go from "daughters" of their mother covenant and Satan, to ambassadors/wife of Satan / becoming the mother covenant.
  That follows the same pattern as the faithful anointed and their mother covenant. They are daughters of Jerusalem above/New Covenant (Lam.2:13; Micah 4:8; Isa.52:2; 37:22; Zeph.3:14; Rev.3:12), until they are sealed. Their heavenly hope is to actually become members of that Holy City in Heaven, installed as it's living representatives. They then become, not virgin daughters of Christ's Bride (1Thess.2:7,8;  2Cor.11:2)...but Christ's Bride herself (Eph.2:6; Rev.3:21; 21:9,10,2,3).

Just as the virgins become the Covenant of Life, upon being sealed through bearing witness to the truth/Jesus, and giving their lives for it (and therefore helping to save others)...

      (John 12:24; 15:12,13; Mark 8:35; Rom.6:5; Phil.2:17;  2Cor.12:15).
...the Harlot daughters also become the Covenant of Death, upon killing the virgins and spewing forth Satan's lies (and therefore helping to kill all who drink their poisoned waters).

Each group becomes sealed for life, or death....they either are sealed in heaven as the New Jerusalem and become the New Covenant of life for the benefit of "new earth", or they are sealed in the Abyss as the Great Harlot, drunk with the blood of the faithful witnesses and brothers of Christ, and cause the death of the entire old "earth" 

(2Pet.3:7,13; Rev.14:19; Jer.25:29,30,34; 2:21; Isa.5:7; Joel 3:13; Deut.32:32,35,36,39).
(see pearl-winepress.blogspot.com )
These will descend into the second death, and eternal destruction (Isa.5:14; 14:9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17; Rev.20:10,14,15). Their rule will be brief.

Those who become the Covenant of freedom and life (when the promise/covenant is fulfilled), will ascend into the heavens and immortality. The heavens are not a physical place, but a spiritual standing that can exist anywhere. They will rule as kings on the earth with Christ, forever (Rev.20:12; Dan.7:9,10,21,22,18). Their power and glory will be of grace and truth, reflecting the humility and servitude of Jesus (John 1:14; 18:33,34,37).

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/12/glory.html)

So I am hoping that you might see more clearly, that  all those under the unfaithful leaders [anointed who enter into the Covenant of death (by accepting the "key" from Satan)], are included and come under that same covenant of Death ...by being in subjection to these unfaithful ones.
This is why God's Word tells the other anointed, "Get out of her"! (the covenant of death, Babylon the Great). They do this by removing the mark of her beast from their "heads" and "hands"...no longer thinking her lies, nor obeying her un-scriptural directions (Rev.13:16).

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-of-beast.html

Babylon the Great is not the organization, but the covenant which the leaders of the organization have entered into (as well as all those who feed from them). By being in subjection to those harlots who did directly enter into that covenant, all her "children" also, are consigned to death (Rev.2:20,21,22,23; Hosea 4:6).
Within the book of Revelation, the "organization" is singled out and represented by, the "wild beast" who those harlot leaders ride, sit enthroned upon, and direct.
Accordingly, we know that it is prophesied that the organization will turn on the Governing Body at some point, and become the eighth king without them (Rev.17:11). This is already happening, as the wild beast/man of lawlessness, has already raised himself over the anointed who are lesser ones than the Governing Body...Yet, they have also begun to raise themselves over the Governing Body, in that the magazines and books are now largely written by non-anointed ones. 

The Governing Body has appointed the Gentile elders (Rom.2:28,29) to take over the job that Jesus assigned and expects of the anointed priests. The governing body have "appointed priests for themselves" (2Chron.13:6,9) to serve over the symbolic "sanctuary of the temple of God" (2Thess.2:4;  1Cor.3:16;  1Pet.2:5,9; Eph.2:20,21,22). 

Spiritual Gentiles (non-anointed) have taken over the job of anointed priests (Eze.44:6,7,8,9; La.1:10; Dan.11:31; Matt.24:15,16;  1Cor.6:2,3). They will pay dearly for this disrespect to YHVH. The harlot replaces the anointed priests whom God has chosen, because the Gentiles obey them better.

 Why? The interests of the Gentiles is not one of enduring an ignominious death for truth (Matt.25:6; Heb.13:13; 12:2; Phil.3:10; John 16:2), but they are enticed by power, dominion, prominence, and prestige (Dan.11:39,21,22,23). For this very reason, their subjection to the last harlot, will change (Rev.17:16,17).

(https://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com)

The Beast has not yet violently turned on it's leadership. That is yet future. But this preliminary loss of power and position is moving toward facilitating that.
So,
Babylon the Great = The Covenant of Death
                                 The daughter harlots of it, become the
                                 Covenant of death, once they are
                                 sealed/consummated with Satan
                                 (through the persecution of the faithful
                                  anointed by the organization/beast.)

The Organization = The "Wild Beast" who is ridden by the
                                Harlot. It does "Wormwood's" dirty work.
                                                                                                                                                                           
The many waters that the Harlot sits upon = all those in subjection to the Harlot leaders, the wild beast organization, and in subjection to the teachings that come from these (Rev.17:15) = all those under the covenant of death (Rev.17:2; 18:4).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/mark-of-beast.html)

The seven mountains/hills where the woman sits on top = This is the antithesis of the "seven congregations" (Rev.1:20; 17:9,10). This is the entire scope (7) of the power of all the harlots (and all those who exercise the power of the Covenant of Death). 

Just as each of the "seven Congregations" had over them an anointed star/angel (Rev.1:20; Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3; Matt.5:15; 24:16; Eze.36:8); so too each "mountain"/king of the Harlot Covenant is a "fallen" star (Rev.17:9,10; 8:10; 9:1) and false prophet (Rev.13:11; 19:20). 

As the Head of the seven congregations, Christ is in the midst of the seven golden lampstands (Rev.2:1); Satan is in the midst of the seven heads/kings/hills upon which the mother covenant of death, sits enthroned (Rev.17:9). Satan's spirit is in the midst of the toxic smoke of the abyss, which darkens and veils all "light" (Rev.9:2; Eph.2:2; 2Cor.4:4). 

As Jesus is King of his anointed kings (Rev.1:5), Satan is king of all those in association with his abyss of lies and death (Rev.9:11).
While each anointed star serves the congregation of sheep who they are responsible for; the Organized Beast and Harlot head, serve all who are marked by the Beast....for their domain is "all the earth" (Rev.13:8) at once.
                          [the "ten" kings "who have not yet received their kingdom with Christ,

                           are those who rule one hour
                           with the wild beast--(anointed in subjection
                           to both the organization, the Governing
                           Body, and the covenant of Death)

                           These "ten" are "horns". They are NOT the Governing Body (7 heads)
                           themselves.] (Rev.17:12,13,17)...
                                                (note:"purpose")

                           In fact, those unsealed anointed join the beast, in turning on "her"

                          (Rev.17:12,13,16,17).

                (Who-are-kings-of-earth?)

I hope that clarifies the identities of the organization, and their relationship to "Babylon the Great".

Now that I have written you regarding Rev.18:4, I wanted to write you more personally.
My circumstances are not all those of support. I am losing my daughter, and it is very dramatic and painful. She is like your wife. The whole Congregation is in an uproar against me. I believe that our heavenly Father does not let us be tested beyond what we can bear. Perhaps this is why my husband has changed from being abusive to being supportive through the worst of the Organization's persecution against me.
EVERYONE who now writes me and has the real truth (and is still in the organization) is being unjustly and intensely persecuted also. This includes by close family members (Matt.10:36,37,38,39). 

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-mans-enemies-will-be-persons-of-his.html)

I wish I could post an article made of just all these letters, but those who write about this are afraid of the "beast", and being identified (Rev.13:15,16) as not in subjection to it, so they ask me not to post it.
They do not realize how common it has become, and that it is time to "flee" (Matt.24:15,16; Rev.18:4; Zech.2:6,7). The approval of family and friends is the least of our problems. We must now run for our lives (and not look back-- Luke 17:31,32,33). Where do we run? Jesus' disciples asked the same question...Luke 17:37.
Those who have been blessed with spiritual insight, are to go to feed where those who have been killed/"slain", are providing spiritual food (Job 39:27,28,29,30; Matt.24:28 > RSV). 

(Rev.12:14,6;  1Cor.10:17; Eze.14:22; Isa.41:27; Matt.24:16)
You may notice that these are the very scriptures which first opened this website, and are found in it's heading.

Please continue to write me for our mutual encouragement.
For more info. on the harlot and Beast, and the Beast's image...
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-thousand-years-image-of-beast.html)

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"He who seeks to save his life, will lose it."

A comment which was left after (who-really-can-be-saved)
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
Dear Pearl and others,
I thought about the idea that ones in the Watchtower who do not allow themselves to be killed by it in disfellowshipping. Surely we can compare to 1st century and Christ said his followers would be persecuted and killed but not every Christian was put to death but generally speaking none escaped some form of persecution. So these ones may not be of the number who are killed does not mean they subject to the beast? 

-  -  -  -  -  -

My Reply:

If they do not get killed, are they subject to Jesus Christ? 

(Mark 8:35; 13:13; Matt.25:5-6; Heb.13:13; John 16:2; Rev.12:11; 6:9-10,11; Rom.6:5;  2Cor.4:10)

In the first century... every "Christian" who did not obey Jesus and flee Jerusalem (Matt. 24:15,16), likely died under God's disfavor for their disobedience, when Jerusalem was destroyed.

The destruction of the Beast and false prophet, is also certain (Rev. 20:10) as is the destruction of all who remain under their influence (Rev. 13:8; 20:15; Eze. 14:10) or do not get out 
(Rev. 18:4; Luke 21:21,22; Isa. 52:11; 48:20; Jer. 51:6; Ps. 26:4;  1Cor. 10:21;  2Cor. 6:16,17).

For what reason, would any Christian remain in first century Jerusalem, despite Christ's warning?

Would it not be because his words at Matt. 23:38 and Matt. 21:43 were not taken to heart?

Jesus made plain, that the Jewish system was about to end (Matt. 24:2), and that God's favor and spirit was no longer with it.

That is the stark reality today, regarding the "Watchtower" (WT-crumble). 

So,

for what reason would someone stay inside?

Those "not perceiving" the "Watchtower's" standing with God, are still in darkness (What-is-Hades?).

Why would anyone have a reason to remain inside an organization condemned by God, and about to be destroyed,

unless they were still under it's deluding influence?...not taking seriously the warnings of Christ? (John 14:15)

(Rev. 13:8,14,15; Matt. 24:4,5,24,25; Rev. 14:9,10,11; 18:4; Luke 21:21,22)

The influence of the Beast upon one's heart, is made evident and manifest, by the symbolic mark of "666", on your forehead and hand.

(mark-of-beast) (666)

Those who were still swayed by the physical appearance of Jerusalem in the first century (previous to it's destruction), could also have that influence made evident, by their reluctance to leave (Luke 21:5,6,12,13,15,16,17,19).

Jesus warned his disciples, to "Flee"... comparing that exodus to Lot fleeing "Sodom" (Luke 17:26,27,28,29,30,31,32; Rev. 11:8).

Was it enough that Lot did not agree with the corruption he saw around him? (2Pet. 2:7,8)

Would that have saved his life from God's fire and sulfur that turned Sodom to ashes?

Or, did Lot need to "get out"? 

(Gen. 19:12-13,15,17,24,25,26,27,28,29; Jer. 51:6; Rev. 18:4)

(hide-or-herald/stay-or-flee?)

Jesus also made clear, when to flee, at Matt. 24:15,16 and Mark 13:14.

If we are capable of perceiving that the abomination (man of lawlessness 2Thess. 2:4) is now over the Holy Place (God's Temple 1Cor. 3:16) (Disgstg-thing);

then what are we waiting for ?... 

...if not under the spell of a deceptive aura, 

      a veneer of divinity leading the unwary to destruction (Luke 21:36), 

      a lethal facade, 

      a demonic guise and hoax, 

      inebriation by the harlot's sorcery

...convincing it's victims that they should remain inside the abomination for some reason?

  Would you justify remaining inside a Catholic Church, a mosque, or some other temple, if you knew God commanded you to get out? 
Do you view the "Watchtower" as  somehow different from those? If so, why?

Of all places, it is most deserving of God's wrath (WTs-end) (winepress) because it is lead by those who were in, but broke, a covenant with God (Rev. 21:9,10; Isa. 1:21; Rev. 17:6; Matt. 23:37,35; Rev. 18:24; 13:15; 11:7; 6:9,10,11; 19:2). 

Please examine your heart carefully, as to why, like Lot's wife, one should look back to Sodom (Rev. 11:8).

Lot's wife's heart, was somehow attached to that abhorrent city. She was not wholehearted in her willingness to leave it all behind.

Was she attached to something good?

We cannot serve two masters (1King 18:21). 
We either cherish the lifesaving truth of Christ, who mercifully extends his saving guidance;

or we diminish that truth, as secondary to false reasoning 

(Jer. 51:7; Col. 2:8; Rev. 13:10,7; Luke 21:24).

Though you say that not all Christians lost their lives in the first century...

every single one of the faithful did lose their lives (symbolically) within the corrupt Jewish system. They were condemned by the religious leaders as heretics, apostates, and blasphemers who were deserving of death. Those condemned and cast off, were then treated as dead, by all followers. Their previous life was over.
(John 9:22; 12:42; 16:2; Luke 12:8,9; Mark 8:35; 13:13; Heb. 13:13).
(symbolic+death+for+truth)

The requirement for faithfulness before Christ, is the same today 
(2Cor. 11:2,3,4; Rev. 2:20; 6:9,10,11; 12:10,11;  1John 2:14; Rev. 2:7; 3:12,21) (1Pet. 4:12,13,14;  2Cor. 1:5; Phil. 3:10,11).

Please meditate on Christ and God's words, about the reality and necessity of our sacrifice:

[John 12:24,25; Rev. 6:9,11; (Eze. 33:6; Rev. 19:15); Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5; 8:17; (Matt. 16:24; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 13:13); Mark 8:35].

Of course we know that thus far, this death today, is not literal.

If we shrink back 

       (Heb. 10:38) from declaring truth and the 

       "death" which naturally must follow (Rev. 13:15); 

what are we gaining? (Matt. 16:25,26,27; Mark 8:36,37,38).

If we belong to Christ, we will confess his saving truths before men, and die for it 

(Eph.4:25; Luke 9:26; 22:28; Rev. 14:4,5;  1Pet. 2:21). 

If we remain silent, then we are still in subjection to the law of the Beast... which decrees and enforces, that no doctrine but the Beast's, may be exchanged (Rev. 13:16,17)(buying-and-selling). 

If we cower before that law, we disobey Christ's counsel (Rev. 3:18; Matt. 25:14; 13:52; 25:25,28,30;  2Tim. 1:7,8;  2Cor. 4:1,2; 10:5; Eph. 4:25; Matt. 5:14) ("Lukewarm"), and are still marked by the laws of the Beast.

So when you ask;
"These ones may not be of the number who are killed does not mean they subject to the beast?"...
How can anyone obey Christ by sharing the truth, and not be condemned to spiritual death within the organization?
How can anyone avoid organizational death, unless they are, "subject to the Beast"? 

(John 9:22; 12:42; 16:2; Luke 12:8,9; Mark 8:35).
(symbolic+death+for+truth)
I hope you can perceive that in our time, escaping death for truth is not possible for those faithful, 
just as Jesus foretold (Mark 8:35).
(keep-awake) (hide-or-herald/stay-or-flee) (fear-of-men-lays-snare)

What was Lot's wife willing to give up, "in exchange for her soul"?

(Mark 8:36-37,38)

Not enough, and so, she lost it.

Are we willing to give up an abomination causing desolation to God's children,

   and fully obey Christ's warning to flee,

or not?

As far as where we need to flee to, Jesus gave us that information. 

Please see this link: "Flee! - Where?"

Regardless of our own reasoning (Prov. 3:5,6;  1Tim. 6:20;  1Cor. 3:18; James 1:22,23,24,25; Prov. 28:26; Matt. 4:4);

...If we remain inside the "city" (Rev. 17:18; 11:8) (kings-of-earth); 

our mark of citizenship to it, is made manifest before God and men (Mal. 3:18; Joel 3:14; James 1:12; Rev. 3:11). 
If you have been chosen as a priest, to serve in God's Holy place, you have an obligation...
(TEACH THE DISTINCTION)
(you-will-indeed-drink-my-cup)

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