COGR – So who are the “Living Ones?”
February 20, 2024
Good day! I am writing a series of short reviews of abbreviated COGR video clips. I am looking for input and comments. If it makes it easier, I will gladly supply a Word document so comments can be put in the document, and we can communicate directly. My email address is lattema@icloud.com. I hope you find these reviews helpful.
Transcript:
“And so the living creatures are there. The living creatures represent the saints. We’re speaking specifically at the evening time. But in doing that we we encompass all the saints. We get everything. Because we’re at the end. The saints become partakers of that throne through the message of the apostles. Not just the apostles of the morning time, but through the message of the apostles, the other twelve that are sitting on the thrones as well. Because, again, we’re at the end. And so it’s not just the ministering of the original twelve, it’s the ministering of the entire twenty-four, or the other twelve. And so those that are there at that throne have gotten there through the word of the other twelve apostles, which is not contradictory from the first twelve. How you get saved, even if you got saved in your bedroom, it’s through the labors of the apostles. That’s how anyone that’s ever gotten saved gets saved.” Stephen Hargrave
Commentary:
In this brief paragraph, Stephen makes three claims. He asserts that the living beasts are saints, which is a novel claim. Additionally, he attributes the success of the saints attaining heaven and being saved to the apostles. Finally, he claims that there are twelve “evening time” apostles who will sit on the 24 thrones with the “morning time” apostles, and he believes he is one of those 12 end-time apostles.
The claim that the living beasts are “the saints” is novel, with few holding it. This assertion diverges from the conventional understanding of the living beasts and lacks exegetical support. The most common position held by commentators and scholars is that they are an order of angels, either one of the higher orders of angels or the cherubim. A second view suggests they are angelic beings or represent the totality of creation. They might also be created spirits similar to the seraphim of Isaiah 6:1–3 and the cherubim of Ezekiel 10:14. Another view indicates they should not be classified as either angels or cherubim, as their closeness to the throne indicates they are the most important of created beings (Ronald Trail, An Exegetical Summary of Revelation 1–11, 2nd ed. [Dallas, TX: SIL International, 2008], 124).
Other sources present less common possibilities. One such possibility views the four beasts as symbolizing the authors or themes of the four Gospels: Matthew (the man), Mark (the lion), Luke (the ox), and John (the eagle). This perspective emphasizes the importance of the Gospels in Christian theology and links the creatures to the perspectives presented in each Gospel account. This interpretation is more common in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Another uncommon interpretation sees the four beasts as symbolic representations of different aspects of creation, such as humanity, wild animals, domesticated animals, and birds. This interpretation emphasizes the dominion of God over all creation and the harmony of diverse elements in worship.
Yet another uncommon and novel interpretation is that the four beasts represent redeemed humanity or the saints. This interpretation highlights the participation of believers in heavenly worship and their central role in God’s divine plan.
A final allegorical interpretation sees the four beasts as allegorical representations of various spiritual qualities or virtues, such as wisdom, strength, service, and transcendence. This interpretation is often favored by allegorical or symbolic hermeneutics, which seeks deeper spiritual meanings within the text.
Stephen’s proposition that individual salvation exclusively occurs through the efforts of apostles oversimplifies the complex role of Jesus Christ in salvation. While the apostles proclaimed the gospel and developed doctrine and an understanding of the faith, they did not save us. Our salvation comes through the actions of Jesus Christ. The apostles’ actions do not save us in that sense; they are secondary actors that can lead us to Christ.
Regarding Stephen’s discussion about the 12 evening-time gentile apostles, there is no Biblical evidence that supports the claim. Stephen’s assertion that he and the other self-appointed apostles of the COGR are going to sit on thrones with the 12 original apostles is false.
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