The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

7. The most conclusive proof, however, that the twenty-four elders symbolize the
redeemed Church and not the personification of the utterances of twenty-four Old
Testament Prophets, is their knowledge of heavenly, Divine things--the "hidden mystery."
The Old Testament Prophets do not portray heavenly things, neither were the matters
pertaining to the Church's earthly history, which are the subjects of the larger part of the
Revelation visions, foretold by them. The Mystery hidden from other ages was first made
known to the Church through its Prophets. St. Paul referring to this said, "which in other
ages was not made known to the sons of men." (Eph. 3:5.) Again, he informs us: "Wherein
He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom. and prudence; having made known unto us
the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in
Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one
all things in [under] Christ." (Eph. 1:8-10.) As further bearing on this, these twenty-four
elders are represented in the succeeding visions as having an intelligent understanding of
everything that occurs in connection with the Church's earthly career--an understanding
which the Old Testament Prophets did not have.
In the vision of chapter 5, one of the elders shows his intelligence of heavenly things by
informing St. John of the worthiness of the Lamb to open the sealed book; and the twentyfour
show their intelligence by giving a reason for their worshipping the Lamb: "Thou
wast slain and hast redeemed [us] by Thy blood," etc. In chapter 7:13-17, the question as to
who is represented by the white-robed Great Company is answered by one of the elders:
"These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God,
and serve Him day and night in His temple." In chapter 11:16-18, describing events that
are to occur in connection with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, these elders all fall
down and worship God, giving thanks and rehearsing everything that is to occur in
connection with the reign of Christ. There is but one class in all the Scriptures that is
represented as having such knowledge of heavenly, Divine Truth, and that one is the
Church, the Body of Christ. Even angels are represented as only desiring to look into these
things.--1 Pet. 1:12.
We need to keep in mind, however, that the vision does not represent the Church as
actually in heaven at the time of the vision, but only in an anticipatory sense--the mystical,
symbolical sense--as symbolizations of their exalted privileges "in Christ." All through the
visions which describe the Church in the Gospel Age we find her suffering, witnessing,
toiling, etc.; but her position by faith is that of seated with Christ in the heavenly places,
already enjoying by faith the privilege of understanding and making known the great
mysteries of the Divine Plan.
In concluding this consideration of the significance of the twenty-four elders, we give
quotations from Mr. Barnes, whose expositions in general, and this in particular, show
deep spiritual insight, as well as erudition:
"'And round about the throne were four and twenty seats.' Or rather thrones--the same
word being used as that which is rendered throne. The word, indeed, properly denotes a