First-Fruits Of The End Time Harvest

[GospelS]

They (the 144,000) have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as first-fruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless (Revelation 14).

We know God will set apart 12,000 from each tribe and seal them, the identity of whom is known only to God, to prepare the way for His coming (Revelation 7). God keeps them to Himself as they are His first-fruits of the end time harvest to speak for Him before all people and prepares them for a special task during the Great Tribulation. I can imagine they will be severely trained and tested. They could be mocked by some people who call themselves Christians/God’s people just as it had always happened in the history with the prophets.

Now, they could be here today and considering the literal meaning of this and most Christians (not knowing they belong to one of the tribes) choosing celibacy now, could this be a hint of the soon coming of our Lord and the reason why He is enabling some men to remain celibate at the present time? In Torah, all firstborn males/sons belong to God. We also read in the history that some men made themselves eunuchs so they could serve as special agents of king/in a kingdom. Jesus said some men will live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:12).

Please share your thoughts.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Please share your thoughts.

The 12000 chosen from each tribe are not Christians.

 

[solid_core]

The 12000 chosen from each tribe are not Christians.

Of course they are. They follow Christ wherever He goes, its said.

 

[GospelS]

The 12000 chosen from each tribe are not Christians.

Thanks for sharing. Do all Christians know their real ancestral history dating back to the period of Genesis and who knows some of us could be from the line of Jacob (father of the 12 tribes).

 

[GospelS]

The 12000 chosen from each tribe are not Christians.

They are all scattered among all the nations.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Of course they are. They follow Christ wherever He goes, its said.

Do you recognize the difference between Ekklesia throughout Scripture , the called out ones, born again by the will of the Father in heaven, set apart by Him,
and those , Jews and gentiles, who are not ?

Today's meaning of Christian is not the same as Scripture's meaning of Ekklesia , is it? Was it ever ?

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Thanks for sharing. Do all Christians know their real ancestral history dating back to the period of Genesis and who knows some of us could be from the line of Jacob (father of the 12 tribes).

It doesn't matter if Christians know or not.

 

[solid_core]

Do you recognize the difference between Ekklesia throughout Scripture , the called out ones, born again by the will of the Father in heaven, set apart by Him,
and those , Jews and gentiles, who are not ?

Today's meaning of Christian is not the same as Scripture's meaning of Ekklesia , is it? Was it ever ?

Who follows Christ is a Christian. There is not Jew or Greek in Christ.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Who follows Christ is a Christian.

Yes, but not the other way around. (unless you believe contrary to Scripture that ALL JEWS were GODLY because they were called JEWS)

 

[solid_core]

Yes, but not the other way around. (unless you believe contrary to Scripture that ALL JEWS were GODLY because they were called JEWS)

You are the only one using the word "Jew" here. As if it matters somehow.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

You are the only one using the word "Jew" here. As if it matters somehow.

Perhaps someone(s) from the few dozen or so others on the forum, if they happen to read this thread, who know from Yahweh's Revelation in Scripture will describe from Scripture what is important and true ?

 

[GospelS]

Perhaps someone(s) from the few dozen or so others on the forum, if they happen to read this thread, who know from Yahweh's Revelation in Scripture will describe from Scripture what is important and true ?

That did come to my mind while I was writing this thread.

 

[BrotherD]

They (the 144,000) have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as first-fruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless (Revelation 14).

We know God will set apart 12,000 from each tribe and seal them, the identity of whom is known only to God, to prepare the way for His coming (Revelation 7). God keeps them to Himself to speak for Him before all people as they are His first-fruits of the end time harvest. He prepares them for a special task during the Great Tribulation. I can imagine they will be severely trained and tested. They could be mocked by some people who call themselves Christians/God’s people just as it had always happened in the history with the prophets.

Now, they could be here today and considering the literal meaning of this and most Christians choosing celibacy now, could this be a hint of the soon coming of our Lord and the reason why He is enabling some men to remain celibate at the present time? In Torah, all firstborn males/sons belong to God. We also read in the history that some men made themselves eunuchs so they could serve as special agents of king/in a kingdom. Jesus said some men will live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:12).

Please share your thoughts.

Excerpt from "Daniel and the Revelation" by Uriah Smith:

The number sealed is here stated to be one hundred and forty-four thousand; and from the fact that twelve thousand are sealed from each of the twelve tribes, many suppose that this work must have been accomplished as far back at least as about the beginning of the Christian era, when these tribes were literally in existence. They do not see how it can apply to our own time, when every trace of distinction between these tribes has been so long and so completely obliterated. We refer such persons to the opening language of the Epistle of James: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations,” etc. Those whom James here addresses are (1) Christians; for they are his brethren; (2) They are not the converts to Christianity from the Jews, the twelve tribes of his own day; for he addresses them in view of the coming of the Lord. (See chapter 5.) He is thus addressing the last generation of Christians, the Christians of our own day; and he calls them the twelve tribes scattered abroad. How can this be? Paul explains in Romans 11:17-24. In the striking figure of grafting which he there introduces, the tame olive tree represents Israel. Some of the branches, the natural descendants of Abraham, were broken off because of unbelief (in Christ). Through faith in Christ the wild olive scions, the Gentiles, are grafted into the tame olive stock, and thus the twelve tribes are perpetuated. And here we find an explanation of the language of the same apostle: “They are not all Israel which are of Israel,” and “he is not a Jew which is one outwardly, ... but he is a Jew which is one inwardly.” Romans 9:6-8; 2:28, 29. So we find on the gates of the New Jerusalem — which is a New Testament or Christian, not a Jewish, city — the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. On the foundations of this city are inscribed the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Revelation 21:12-14. If the twelve tribes belong exclusively to the former dispensation, the more natural order would have been to have their names on the foundations, and those of the twelve apostles on the gates; but no, the names of the twelve tribes are on the gates. And as through these gates, so inscribed, all the redeemed hosts will go in and out, so, as belonging to these twelve tribes, will all the redeemed be reckoned, whether on earth they were Jews or Gentiles. Of course we look in vain for any marks of distinction between the tribes here on earth; and since Christ has appeared in the flesh, the preservation of the genealogy of the tribes is not necessary. But in heaven, where the names of the church of the first-born are being enrolled, we may be sure there is order, and that each name is enrolled in its own tribe. Hebrews 12:23. DAR 446.2

It will be observed that the enumeration of the tribes here differs from that given in other places. The twelve sons of Jacob, who became the heads of great families, called tribes, were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, and Joseph. But Jacob, on his dying bed, adopted the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, to constitute two of the tribes of Israel. Genesis 48:5. This divided the tribe of Joseph, making thirteen tribes in all. Yet in the distribution of the land of Canaan by lot, they numbered but twelve tribes, and made but twelve lots; for the tribe of Levi was left out, being appointed to the service of the tabernacle, and having no inheritance. But in the passage before us, Ephraim and Dan are omitted, and Levi and Joseph put in their places. The omission of Dan is accounted for by commentators on the ground that that tribe was the one chiefly addicted to idolatry. (See Judges 18, etc.) The tribe of Levi here takes its place with the rest, as in the heavenly Canaan * the reasons for their not having an inheritance will not exist, as in the earthly; and Joseph is probably put for Ephraim, it being a name which appears to have been applied to either the tribe of Ephraim or Manasseh. Numbers 13:11. DAR 447.1

Twelve thousand were sealed “out of” each of the twelve tribes, showing that not all who in the records of heaven had a place among these tribes when this sealing work commenced, stood the test, and were overcomers at last; for the names of those already in the book of life will be blotted out, unless they overcome. Revelation 3:5.

 

[Murray J]

They (the 144,000) have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as first-fruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless (Revelation 14).

We know God will set apart 12,000 from each tribe and seal them, the identity of whom is known only to God, to prepare the way for His coming (Revelation 7). God keeps them to Himself to speak for Him before all people as they are His first-fruits of the end time harvest. He prepares them for a special task during the Great Tribulation. I can imagine they will be severely trained and tested. They could be mocked by some people who call themselves Christians/God’s people just as it had always happened in the history with the prophets.

Now, they could be here today and considering the literal meaning of this and most Christians choosing celibacy now, could this be a hint of the soon coming of our Lord and the reason why He is enabling some men to remain celibate at the present time? In Torah, all firstborn males/sons belong to God. We also read in the history that some men made themselves eunuchs so they could serve as special agents of king/in a kingdom. Jesus said some men will live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:12).

Please share your thoughts.

This has already happened because Jesus said it would in His generation. He told Caiaphas the High Priest that he would see Jesus come in the clouds (Math 26:64). He told John not to seal the Revelation (Rev 22:10) because it was the time of the end. (In contrast, he told Daniel to seal his prophecy because it was not the time of the end.) Jesus came back in the clouds and redeemed His disciples and took them to the Father's House as he had promised he would (John 14:3). This was after they had fled from Jerusalem (at Passover in 70AD) when the Roman armies encircled and besieged Jerusalem as Jesus had warmed them (Luke 21:20-21).

 

[GospelS]

This has already happened because Jesus said it would in His generation. He told Caiaphas the High Priest that he would see Jesus come in the clouds (Math 26:64). He told John not to seal the Revelation (Rev 22:10) because it was the time of the end. (In contrast, he told Daniel to seal his prophecy because it was not the time of the end.) Jesus came back in the clouds and redeemed His disciples and took them to the Father's House as he had promised he would (John 14:3). This was after they had fled from Jerusalem (at Passover in 70AD) when the Roman armies encircled and besieged Jerusalem as Jesus had warmed them (Luke 21:20-21).

Thanks for sharing.

 

[GospelS]

Excerpt from "Daniel and the Revelation" by Uriah Smith:

The number sealed is here stated to be one hundred and forty-four thousand; and from the fact that twelve thousand are sealed from each of the twelve tribes, many suppose that this work must have been accomplished as far back at least as about the beginning of the Christian era, when these tribes were literally in existence. They do not see how it can apply to our own time, when every trace of distinction between these tribes has been so long and so completely obliterated. We refer such persons to the opening language of the Epistle of James: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations,” etc. Those whom James here addresses are (1) Christians; for they are his brethren; (2) They are not the converts to Christianity from the Jews, the twelve tribes of his own day; for he addresses them in view of the coming of the Lord. (See chapter 5.) He is thus addressing the last generation of Christians, the Christians of our own day; and he calls them the twelve tribes scattered abroad. How can this be? Paul explains in Romans 11:17-24. In the striking figure of grafting which he there introduces, the tame olive tree represents Israel. Some of the branches, the natural descendants of Abraham, were broken off because of unbelief (in Christ). Through faith in Christ the wild olive scions, the Gentiles, are grafted into the tame olive stock, and thus the twelve tribes are perpetuated. And here we find an explanation of the language of the same apostle: “They are not all Israel which are of Israel,” and “he is not a Jew which is one outwardly, ... but he is a Jew which is one inwardly.” Romans 9:6-8; 2:28, 29. So we find on the gates of the New Jerusalem — which is a New Testament or Christian, not a Jewish, city — the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. On the foundations of this city are inscribed the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Revelation 21:12-14. If the twelve tribes belong exclusively to the former dispensation, the more natural order would have been to have their names on the foundations, and those of the twelve apostles on the gates; but no, the names of the twelve tribes are on the gates. And as through these gates, so inscribed, all the redeemed hosts will go in and out, so, as belonging to these twelve tribes, will all the redeemed be reckoned, whether on earth they were Jews or Gentiles. Of course we look in vain for any marks of distinction between the tribes here on earth; and since Christ has appeared in the flesh, the preservation of the genealogy of the tribes is not necessary. But in heaven, where the names of the church of the first-born are being enrolled, we may be sure there is order, and that each name is enrolled in its own tribe. Hebrews 12:23. DAR 446.2

It will be observed that the enumeration of the tribes here differs from that given in other places. The twelve sons of Jacob, who became the heads of great families, called tribes, were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, and Joseph. But Jacob, on his dying bed, adopted the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, to constitute two of the tribes of Israel. Genesis 48:5. This divided the tribe of Joseph, making thirteen tribes in all. Yet in the distribution of the land of Canaan by lot, they numbered but twelve tribes, and made but twelve lots; for the tribe of Levi was left out, being appointed to the service of the tabernacle, and having no inheritance. But in the passage before us, Ephraim and Dan are omitted, and Levi and Joseph put in their places. The omission of Dan is accounted for by commentators on the ground that that tribe was the one chiefly addicted to idolatry. (See Judges 18, etc.) The tribe of Levi here takes its place with the rest, as in the heavenly Canaan * the reasons for their not having an inheritance will not exist, as in the earthly; and Joseph is probably put for Ephraim, it being a name which appears to have been applied to either the tribe of Ephraim or Manasseh. Numbers 13:11. DAR 447.1

Twelve thousand were sealed “out of” each of the twelve tribes, showing that not all who in the records of heaven had a place among these tribes when this sealing work commenced, stood the test, and were overcomers at last; for the names of those already in the book of life will be blotted out, unless they overcome. Revelation 3:5.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[GospelS]

The 12000 chosen from each tribe are not Christians.

They are God’s chosen of the each tribe of Israel (that is the criteria).

 

[jgr]

They (the 144,000) have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as first-fruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless (Revelation 14).

We know God will set apart 12,000 from each tribe and seal them, the identity of whom is known only to God, to prepare the way for His coming (Revelation 7). God keeps them to Himself to speak for Him before all people as they are His first-fruits of the end time harvest and prepares them for a special task during the Great Tribulation. I can imagine they will be severely trained and tested. They could be mocked by some people who call themselves Christians/God’s people just as it had always happened in the history with the prophets.

Now, they could be here today and considering the literal meaning of this and most Christians choosing celibacy now, could this be a hint of the soon coming of our Lord and the reason why He is enabling some men to remain celibate at the present time? In Torah, all firstborn males/sons belong to God. We also read in the history that some men made themselves eunuchs so they could serve as special agents of king/in a kingdom. Jesus said some men will live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:12).

Please share your thoughts.

The Church and the 144,000

Revelation 7:3-4 describe the 144,000 as “sealed.” That description is reserved in the NT for believers in Christ – His Body and Bride – the Church:

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

Ephesians 1:13
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 4:30
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.


The Revelation 7 passage is therefore conveying the insight that the OT Israelitish faithful saints of God are included under the NT banner of the Church. This is further confirmed by the meanings of the names of the listed tribes and substitutes (Levi and Joseph replacing Dan and Ephraim), describing spiritual qualities and experiences of those who comprise the Church:

• Judah means “praise” (Gen 29:35)
• Reuben means “see, a Son” (Gen 29:32)
• Gad means “fortunate” (Gen 30:11)
• Asher means “happy” (Gen 30:13)
• Naphtali means “wrestling” (Gen 30:8)
• Manasseh means “forgetting” (Gen 41:51)
• Simeon means “heard” (Gen 29:33)
• Levi means “attached” (Gen 29:34)
• Issachar means “wages” (Gen 30:18)
• Zebulon means “dwelling” (Gen 30:20)
• Joseph means “He will add” (Gen 30:24)
• Benjamin means “Son of the right hand” (Gen 35:17–18)

Similarly, the meanings of the names of Dan and Ephraim convey the reasons for their exclusion:

• Dan means “a serpent by the way”(Genesis 49:17)

Satan in the guise of the serpent was responsible for the fall of mankind in Genesis 3, and for the bruising of Messiah's heel in Scripture's first recorded prophecy of Genesis 3:15. It was the same serpent Satan whose head Messiah bruised at Calvary.

• Ephraim means “fruitful in the land of mine affliction” (Genesis 41:52)

The reference to “the land of mine affliction” in Ephraim's name's meaning is to that of Egypt, which in Scripture is both a literal and spiritual reality and symbol of bondage. But the Church, God's Chosen People, do not inhabit a land of spiritual affliction and bondage. Rather, they inhabit the Heavenly Jerusalem on Mount Sion (Hebrews 12:22,23), located in the Heavenly Country that God has prepared for the faithful (Hebrews 11:16).

Of additional significance is the order in which the names are presented, differing from the usual presentation by order of birth. In particular, Judah appears first, in recognition of its role as the tribal progenitor of Christ, the Lion of Judah.

While rebellion and apostasy were repetitive afflictions of the OT Israelites, there were still thousands who remained faithful (1 Kings 19:18). Their number is depicted as 12, a scriptural value representing faithfulness; multiplied by 12, representing the faithful from each of the twelve tribes; multiplied by 1,000 representing the indeterminate but large number (Psalms 50:10; Psalms 91:7; Revelation 5:11) of the total faithful in Israel; thus, 144,000.

Revelation 14 continues the descriptions further reflecting the qualities and experiences of the redeemed – the Church. Absent here is any mention of tribal, ethnic, or other distinctions, thus conveying the reality of the inclusivity and oneness of the NT Church which now embraces both Israelite and Gentile. Its number can also be depicted as 12, representing faithfulness; multipled by 12 representing the 12 faithful apostles, who with the prophets comprise the foundation of the NT church, with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20); multiplied by 1,000 representing the indeterminate but large number of the total faithful in the NT Church; thus, also 144,000.

The NT Church's inclusivity and unity are declared in the following:

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:14
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall…

Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.


The 144,00 are described as celibate, meaning that as the Bride of Christ, they are not defiled by adultery with the world (James 4:4). They sing a new song of deliverance and victory. They follow Christ wherever He goes. Their residence is heavenly Jerusalem on Mount Zion. (Hebrews 12:22)

No doubt about it…the Church is written all over the 144,000.

 

[GospelS]

The Church and the 144,000

Revelation 7:3-4 describe the 144,000 as “sealed.” That description is reserved in the NT for believers in Christ – His Body and Bride – the Church:

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

Ephesians 1:13
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 4:30
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.


The Revelation 7 passage is therefore conveying the insight that the OT Israelitish faithful saints of God are included under the NT banner of the Church. This is further confirmed by the meanings of the names of the listed tribes and substitutes (Levi and Joseph replacing Dan and Ephraim), describing spiritual qualities and experiences of those who comprise the Church:

• Judah means “praise” (Gen 29:35)
• Reuben means “see, a Son” (Gen 29:32)
• Gad means “fortunate” (Gen 30:11)
• Asher means “happy” (Gen 30:13)
• Naphtali means “wrestling” (Gen 30:8)
• Manasseh means “forgetting” (Gen 41:51)
• Simeon means “heard” (Gen 29:33)
• Levi means “attached” (Gen 29:34)
• Issachar means “wages” (Gen 30:18)
• Zebulon means “dwelling” (Gen 30:20)
• Joseph means “He will add” (Gen 30:24)
• Benjamin means “Son of the right hand” (Gen 35:17–18)

Similarly, the meanings of the names of Dan and Ephraim convey the reasons for their exclusion:

• Dan means “a serpent by the way”(Genesis 49:17)

Satan in the guise of the serpent was responsible for the fall of mankind in Genesis 3, and for the bruising of Messiah's heel in Scripture's first recorded prophecy of Genesis 3:15. It was the same serpent Satan whose head Messiah bruised at Calvary.

• Ephraim means “fruitful in the land of mine affliction” (Genesis 41:52)

The reference to “the land of mine affliction” in Ephraim's name's meaning is to that of Egypt, which in Scripture is both a literal and spiritual reality and symbol of bondage. But the Church, God's Chosen People, do not inhabit a land of spiritual affliction and bondage. Rather, they inhabit the Heavenly Jerusalem on Mount Sion (Hebrews 12:22,23), located in the Heavenly Country that God has prepared for the faithful (Hebrews 11:16).

Of additional significance is the order in which the names are presented, differing from the usual presentation by order of birth. In particular, Judah appears first, in recognition of its role as the tribal progenitor of Christ, the Lion of Judah.

While rebellion and apostasy were repetitive afflictions of the OT Israelites, there were still thousands who remained faithful (1 Kings 19:18). Their number is depicted as 12, a scriptural value representing faithfulness; multiplied by 12, representing the faithful from each of the twelve tribes; multiplied by 1,000 representing the indeterminate but large number (Psalms 50:10; Psalms 91:7; Revelation 5:11) of the total faithful in Israel; thus, 144,000.

Revelation 14 continues the descriptions further reflecting the qualities and experiences of the redeemed – the Church. Absent here is any mention of tribal, ethnic, or other distinctions, thus conveying the reality of the inclusivity and oneness of the NT Church which now embraces both Israelite and Gentile. Its number can also be depicted as 12, representing faithfulness; multipled by 12 representing the 12 faithful apostles, who with the prophets comprise the foundation of the NT church, with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20); multiplied by 1,000 representing the indeterminate but large number of the total faithful in the NT Church; thus, also 144,000.

The NT Church's inclusivity and unity are declared in the following:

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:14
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall…

Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.


The 144,00 are described as celibate, meaning that as the Bride of Christ, they are not defiled by adultery with the world (James 4:4). They sing a new song of deliverance and victory. They follow Christ wherever He goes. Their residence is heavenly Jerusalem on Mount Zion. (Hebrews 12:22)

No doubt about it…the Church is written all over the 144,000.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[iamlamad]

They (the 144,000) have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as first-fruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless (Revelation 14).

We know God will set apart 12,000 from each tribe and seal them, the identity of whom is known only to God, to prepare the way for His coming (Revelation 7). God keeps them to Himself to speak for Him before all people as they are His first-fruits of the end time harvest and prepares them for a special task during the Great Tribulation. I can imagine they will be severely trained and tested. They could be mocked by some people who call themselves Christians/God’s people just as it had always happened in the history with the prophets.
...

Sorry, but they are caught up to heaven shortly after the midpoint of the week and will not see the days of great tribulation. Notice in chapter 14 they are seen in heaven. Also note that the days of GT do not begin until late in chapter 14.

I cannot find ONE VERSE that gives us ANY purpose for those except that they are firstfruits of Israel.

Are they "Christian?" Certainly they follow Christ. But the end of the church age will come before they are sealed. They will not be a part of the church. The church age will end at Paul's rapture.