Is the Great Company, referred to as the Great Multitude in Revelation 7: 9-17 and Revelation 19: 1-9, a spiritual class or the Restitution class?
We understand that they belong to a unique spiritual group, which means they’re not part of the Restitution class. The Restitution class includes those who are set to inherit paradise on earth. This difference is beautifully shown in Revelation 19:6, where their voice stands out distinctly among the loud sound of many waters, symbolizing the large number of people in the Restitution class. The distinction becomes even clearer in Revelation 19:7-9, where they are specifically mentioned as those receiving invitations to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. In this lovely picture, Jesus is seen as the Bridegroom, the Little Flock is the Bride, and the Guests at the Marriage Supper are recognized as the Great Multitude.
When we take a look at the usual flow of events in a family, it’s clear that these Guests aren’t part of the Restitution class. The order matters: first, there’s the marriage, then the marriage supper, followed by having children, and finally, the arrival of those little ones. So, since the Great Multitude is called the Guests at the Marriage Supper, they can’t be seen as part of the Restitution class. The Restitution class will actually be the children born from this special Marriage, coming into being after the Marriage Supper is done.
If we take a friendly peek at the Levites and Noblemen mentioned in Revelation 7:15, it’s pretty clear that they don’t belong to the Restitution class. The phrase “serve him day and night in his temple” shows that they act a lot like the antitypical Levites. Here, we’re chatting about the roles of Priests, Levites, and Israelites. The Priests represent Jesus and the Church, while the Israelites are seen as part of the Restitution class. Plus, it’s interesting to point out that some of the Levites are actually recognized as the Great Company, which we can check out in Malachi 3:2, 3. Also, since the Levites didn’t have any land inheritance, it suggests that the Millennial Levites will all be or eventually become spiritual beings. So, it makes sense that none of these Levites will really fit into the Restitution class, highlighting the differences between these groups.
Being in the presence of God’s royal throne, as mentioned in Revelation 7:15, means you’re part of the Kingdom, enjoying the wonderful roles of a nobleman and officer. This is really special because it highlights that you’re not just standing before His judgment throne, which we see in Revelation 20:12. In this Kingdom setting, the vibe is all about honor and service, not like a courtroom where He’s acting as Judge. Instead, Christ shines as the King, and the Great Company, serving right alongside Him, takes on the joyful responsibilities of officers and nobles, all while being in His glorious presence.
On the other hand, the Restitution class has a different role in the Kingdom. They are the King’s subjects and serve under His nobles, which means they don’t quite fit into this grand palace scene. Their true place is actually outside the palace, showing a clear difference in status and function within the divine hierarchy. This separation really emphasizes the special privileges and responsibilities of those who stand before the throne as part of the royal court, compared to those who are still on their journey to restoration.
The Great Company as Bridesmaids
Psalm 45 has some really interesting points that are fun to dive into! Right from the first verse, we meet God, who kicks off the story in a big way. Then, in verses 2 through 9, Jesus takes center stage, showing just how important He is. As we continue to verses 9 through 13, the spotlight turns to the Church, which is wonderfully depicted as the Bride of Christ, highlighting the close bond between Jesus and His followers.
In verses 14 and 15, we get to know the Great Company, who joyfully step into the delightful role of Bridesmaids, supporting and cheering for the Bride on her journey. Then, verse 16 brings us to the Ancient Worthies, who are like Christ’s beloved children and serve as the princes of the restitution class, adding even more richness to the story with their esteemed status. Finally, in verse 17, the text shines a light on the Restitution class, making it clear that they are a distinct and special group, emphasizing their important role in the overall message of the psalm.
Psalm 107 presents some interesting distinctions that deserve to be noted for a deeper understanding. In the first verses, particularly from 2 to 9, the text speaks of the Little Flock, a term often associated with a faithful and devoted group. In contrast, the subsequent verses, from 10 to 17, shift the focus to the Great Company, which represents a broader assembly with a different relationship with God.
As we move on to verses 17 through 22, the psalm talks about Fleshly Israel, a group that was once set aside from God’s favor but, thanks to His amazing mercy, was later welcomed back into His grace. After that, verses 23 to 32 explore what humanity goes through during and right after the Great Tribulation, a time filled with challenges and trials.
Next up, in verses 33 to 38, we meet the Restitution class, which is all about the Millennium — a time filled with restoration and peace. Then, the psalm wraps up with verses 39 and 40, talking about what happens to the wicked, while verses 41 and 42 highlight the righteous, especially during that short Little Season that comes after the Millennium. Each part of this psalm gives us meaningful insights into the different groups and their unique journeys in connection with God’s big plan.
When Paul talks about that person involved with his father’s wife, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:5, it really shows us that the Great Company is meant to be a spiritual group, separate from the Restitution class. Paul says, “Hand that person over to Satan so that their flesh can be destroyed.” This guidance is all about helping the individual move past their wrong behavior and encouraging them to stop their fornicating ways. It’s a bit like what happened with Hymenaeus and Alexander, who were also handed over to Satan to learn not to blaspheme anymore, as we see in 1 Timothy 1:20. By taking this step, Paul highlights that the main goal is for the spirit, representing the New Creature, to be saved and eventually restored as a spirit on the day of the Lord Jesus.