WHO ARE THE 144000?
Topic: WHO ARE THE 144 THOUSAND "?
Bible text: Revelation 14:1-5
When our Lord Jesus was on earth he chose 12 disciples who he trained and taught them for 3 and half years, he empowered them and told them what to do after he had gone.
The Holy Spirit fell upon them at Pentecost. That was the early rain.
These twelve were not more qualified than other men in Israel, they were not the best.
In fact we all know who they were, they were not perfect when the Lord called them, but they were obedient to him and followed him, it was in that process that he perfected them and they became who he wanted them to be in the long run, even after the Holy Spirit fell upon them.
The Lord perfects the called.
He chose the twelve, they were his inner caucus members, they were chosen by him, they didn't chose him and what ever he does is perfect.
He searches the heart of men, and know what each person is capable of.
So the disciples were like the first fruit which after they received the power of the Holy Spirit they went to bring in more harvest.
Acts 1:8 "And you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit falls upon you, and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem,Judea, Samaria and to the end of the earth".
The question is, were they the only ones who were ministering during that period? No.
They were also other people who were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ too, healing the sick and casting out demons.
So, as we had the 12 disciples whom God chose to be his witnesses then, so has the Lord made a provision for the 144 thousand to also be his witnesses too during the times of the end.
So before Christ comes back the second time, there would be a serious revival sweeping through the nations, when the latter rain falls.
THE 144 THOUSAND SEALED BEFORE THE FOUR WINDS ARE RELEASED.
The 144 000will be sealed before the time of trouble and plagues start falling upon the world.
Revelation 7:1-4
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, *holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree*. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF WIND?
We have seen that symbolically wind= war/strife.
Now, the angels holding back the wind from blowing, is them holding back a major war catastrophe or trouble from happening, until they're sealed.
This sealing is what will keep them safe from these things that will befall the earth.
Then in Revelation 9 we see that wind is released.
Comparing Revelation 7:2-3 with this.
Revelation 9:13-14
"The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. 14 It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, *Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates* 15 And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind".
So we see clearly that when the wind is released there will be chaos, that was why they had to be sealed first.
"Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the *four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea*.
3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
(Daniel 7:2-3)
The wind strove the sea= peoples multitudes and tongues.
Sea= Peoples, nations, multitudes and tongues.
(Revelation 17:15)
So there was a war
among nations, peoples and tongues and then four great beast came out.
Beast=kingdoms or nations.
So, the four beasts were the four nations
THE 144000
Revelation 14:1-5
14 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. There are some identifying marks here.
They're some characteristics given in these bible texts that will help us identify who these people are.
1.They have the Father's name written on their foreheads.
2. They were redeemed from the earth.
3. They were not defiled with women; they are virgins.
4. They are from the tribe of Israel.
5. They follow the lamb where ever he goes.
6. They were the first fruit.
7. In their mouth was found no guile, they were without fault.
1. THE FATHER'S NAME.
Sign of ownership.
This signifies that they're God's children, they have the character of God.
For God to place a mark or sign of ownership on you, that means you must have been obedient to his will and commands.
See Isaiah 62:1-3
For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a *new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name*.
That means they have the seal of God on them.
And just as we have studied before, the Holy Spirit seals the law of God in our hearts.
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21, 22) see also Ephesians 4:30
Some people think that it is only virgins( like literal virgins) that will belong to that group)
Right now, nobody know who they are, some of them may not even know who they are...but by God's special revelation they will get to know.
4.THEY ARE FROM THE TRIBE OF ISRAEL
Now, this and the virgins are the most misinterpreted in the 144 case.
People think they must be literal virgins
And they must be literally from the tribes of Israel.
WHO IS ISRAEL TODAY?
What does it mean for someone to be an Israelite?
What does the new testament say about the true Israelite?
Galatians 3:7
Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
We are no more gentiles or strangers. By his death on the cross, we are been unified together with the Jews who also believe. ( Note, Jews who Believe in Christ)
Galatians 3:27-29
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] *And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promis
Ephesians 2:11-20
"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being *aliens* from the commonwealth of Israel, and *strangers* from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [14] For he is our peace, who hath *made both one*, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us ; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; [16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in *one body* by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: [17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. [18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. [19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but *fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God*; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the *apostles and prophets*, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
Now let's compare these scriptures with this one in the old testament.
Isaiah 56:1-8
This is talking about the salvation of the Lord.
1 Peter 2:9
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light".
The Epistle of peter was written to the gentiles, you can see that 1 peter 1:1 says " to the *strangers* scattered "
Roman 11:16-17 says that we are being grafted in to the olive tree.
But the fact that we're grafted in does not mean that we have replaced the literal Israelites.
No, but we are now one.
Paul says in no way have the Israelites been cast out because we are grafted in.
Before I used to think that it is only the Israelites who will be the 144 and also be in the new Jerusalem because of the names of the 12 Tribes written there.
But look at what Paul is saying here.
We also see that in the remnants.
Revelation 12:17
[We must have the faith of Jesus/testimonies of Jesus and then keep God's true commandments including the Sabbath that has been forgotten today by so many Christians in order to be the true remnants or the true bride or the true descendants of Israel or Abraham.
There is another thing that is significant in the list of the 144 thousand and that's the order of their names.
If we notice carefully, the name Dan and Ephraim are missing
WHY WERE THE 12 TRIBES LISTED?
So why did God specifically name the 12 tribes when listing the 144,000?
This is one of the first and most compelling clues that there must be some hidden spiritual meaning to the tribes listed in Revelation 7.
Remember, this is the only time the sons of Jacob are arranged in this order—and even more specifically, the way in which they are ordered says something too. First, Joseph and Levi are included, while Ephraim and Dan are left out. Why? Well perhaps it is because the names are symbolic in meaning and prophecies state: “Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path” (Genesis 49:17). It may also be because the name Dan means “judge,” and the 144,000 are a special group who are sealed and vindicated at this point. As far as Ephraim, the Bible declares, “Ephraim is joined to idols, Let him alone” (Hosea 4:17). And curiously, Ruben, the firstborn, is listed as second, while Judah, the fourth offspring, is listed as the first!
So the order of these names makes no sense unless we allow the names to speak for themselves; then, perhaps, we will see God is trying to communicate a special message to us through these names.
When Jews named their babies, the names nearly always had some definite meaning that depicted some characteristic of the child or event connected with their birth.
Notice how the wives of Jacob, Rachael, and Leah proclaimed a statement defining the meaning of the son’s names as they were born.
Genesis 29:32-35,
we read, “So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, ‘The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me.’ Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, ‘Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.’ And she called his name Simeon. She conceived again and bore a son, and said, ‘Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.’ Therefore his name was called Levi. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, ‘Now I will praise the LORD.’ Therefore she called his name Judah.” As you continue reading the narrative of each of the births of Jacob’s sons, Rachel and Leah made similar prophetic statements for all 12 of the sons regarding the meanings of their names.
Here are the names of the tribes listed for the 144,000, in the order in which Revelation 7 lists them, and their corresponding Hebrew meanings as found in Scripture:
1. Judah means “I will praise the Lord”
2. Ruben means “He has looked on me”
3. Gad means “Given good fortune”
4. Asher means “Happy am I”
5. Naphtali means “My wrestling”
6. Manasseh means “Making me to forget”
7. Simeon means “God hears me”
8. Levi means “Joined to me”
9. Issachar means “Purchased Me”
10. Zebulun means “Dwelling”
11. Joseph means “Will add to me”
12. Benjamin means “Son of His right hand”
Now here is the amazing part. Notice what happens when you line up these
statement declaring how God saves the church as His bride!
“I will praise the Lord for he has looked on me and granted good fortune. I am happy because my wrestling, God is making me to forget. God hears me and is joined to me. He has purchased me a dwelling and will add to me, the Son of His right hand.” (As in Scripture, the words in italics are supplied for flow of thought.)
These names presented in this order describe a brief story summarizing the church’s struggle, redemption, victory, and ultimate marriage to the Lamb. It seems evident that this is a special message of encouragement for those who are in the Church, believers in Christ, and not necessarily just Jews.
They only follow Jesus's doctrines and not manmade doctrines, they're obedient to him and are ready to do what ever he ask them to do; to go where ever he sends them.
They have forsaken all and are following Jesus
They're dead to self and material things and all sorts of worldly pleasures.
Jesus says, "take up your cross and follow me".
They have subjected their will to the will of the creator, they're dead to self.
They're in this world but not of this world.
Remember the lives of the apostles, remember how they lived?
They weren't particular about earthly things the moment thy started following Jesus.
They gave up everything to follow Jesus.
Family was not a barrier to them, their jobs were not a barrier to them.
The Lord says, he who loves Family more than me is not worthy of me.
They're walking in the Spirit and not according to the flesh, they're like Jesus who is their master.
6.THEY WERE THE FIRST FRUITS
First Fruits is a religious offering of the first agricultural produce of the harvest. Hebrew religion, (Old Testament)the first fruits were given to priests as an offering to God.
Exodus 23:16
And the feast of harvest, the *firstfruits* of thy labors, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of *ingathering, which is in the end of the year* when thou hast gathered in thy labors out of the field.
Verse 19
*The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God*. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
They were the first fruits of the harvest, to be dedicated to God.
So this group the 144000
Will be the the first group to be gathered by God.
We are all in field now, that time of the field is the time of training, and after that they're gathered, and dedicated,
sealed and sent to the world to bring in the final harvest( ingathering) which is the last harvest of the year. Those who are brought in by this group will also be sealed and will be partakers of the kingdom of God too.
God gave us clear and outstanding points to identify them.
The first fruit always comes first.
The first fruits are usually smaller in number than the final Harvest.
These first fruits just like Revelation says it are the 144000.
This group are dedicated, sanctified set apart for Holy use. (This is what a first fruit offering is meant for.)
Then when they are trained and filled with the Holy Spirit in full measure they will go out to bring in the final Harvest, by then the latter rain that will ripen the remaining fruits must have fallen.
That is when the second part of Joel 2:30 will all come to pass.
These end times the 144 have been trained and taught by God, some are still undergoing training, some are already doing their work. When the time comes, he will send them out to go and preach the everlasting gospel during the time of trouble and persecution, a time of darkness and the reign of the beast power.
Isaiah
62:1-2
7. IN THEIR MOUTH WAS FOUND NO GUILE, THEY ARE WITHOUT FAULT
[This one is clear.
They were not involved in any manner of sin.
They are truthful and sincere people Who fear God, who have not soiled their hands with sin.
Compare Psalms 24:3-6.
With Revelation 14:
Psalm 24:3-6
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? or who shall stand in his holy place? [4] He that hath *clean hands, and a pure heart*; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, *nor sworn deceitfully*. [5] He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. [6] This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, *O Jacob*
Will the 144000 be the only ones to go to heaven?
Contrary to what some teach, the 144000 won't be the only ones to make it to heaven when Christ comes.
And they are not the only ones to be saved.
The Bible does not teach they are to be the only ones saved in the last days. If we read on in Revelation 7:9, immediately after the listing of the tribes and the 144,000, the prophet sees “a great multitude which no one could number, of *all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes*, with palm branches in their hands.”
Then in verse 13, one of the 24 elders asks John, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” In verse 14, he answers his own question: “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
So they will be a great multitude from all over the world who will be saved too, and who will also make it to heaven.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-17
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Both those who died in Christ and the righteous living at the time of Christ second coming will be caught up where?
In the sky, to meet him there.
Revelation 20:6
6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
After the thousand years are over the Lord will descend with his bride the new Jerusalem.
Revelation 21:1-2
1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven.
even if we are not among the 144000 we have hope, a great hope for that matter, we are going to heaven when Christ comes the second time, there we will reign with him a thousand years.
And after that the Lord will make a new heavens and a new earth.
Where there will be no more sorrows or weeping death will be no more, no more pestilences like Corona virus and Ebola, cancer etc...
It is my prayer that we all will be part of that first resurrection which is unto life everlasting in Jesus name. Amen.
Bible text: Revelation 14:1-5
The Holy Spirit fell upon them at Pentecost. That was the early rain.
These twelve were not more qualified than other men in Israel, they were not the best.
In fact we all know who they were, they were not perfect when the Lord called them, but they were obedient to him and followed him, it was in that process that he perfected them and they became who he wanted them to be in the long run, even after the Holy Spirit fell upon them.
The Lord perfects the called.
He chose the twelve, they were his inner caucus members, they were chosen by him, they didn't chose him and what ever he does is perfect.
He searches the heart of men, and know what each person is capable of.
So the disciples were like the first fruit which after they received the power of the Holy Spirit they went to bring in more harvest.
Acts 1:8 "And you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit falls upon you, and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem,Judea, Samaria and to the end of the earth".
The question is, were they the only ones who were ministering during that period? No.
They were also other people who were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ too, healing the sick and casting out demons.
So, as we had the 12 disciples whom God chose to be his witnesses then, so has the Lord made a provision for the 144 thousand to also be his witnesses too during the times of the end.
So before Christ comes back the second time, there would be a serious revival sweeping through the nations, when the latter rain falls.
THE 144 THOUSAND SEALED BEFORE THE FOUR WINDS ARE RELEASED.
The 144 000will be sealed before the time of trouble and plagues start falling upon the world.
Revelation 7:1-4
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, *holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree*. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF WIND?
We have seen that symbolically wind= war/strife.
Now, the angels holding back the wind from blowing, is them holding back a major war catastrophe or trouble from happening, until they're sealed.
This sealing is what will keep them safe from these things that will befall the earth.
Then in Revelation 9 we see that wind is released.
Comparing Revelation 7:2-3 with this.
Revelation 9:13-14
"The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. 14 It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, *Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates* 15 And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind".
So we see clearly that when the wind is released there will be chaos, that was why they had to be sealed first.
"Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the *four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea*.
3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
(Daniel 7:2-3)
The wind strove the sea= peoples multitudes and tongues.
Sea= Peoples, nations, multitudes and tongues.
(Revelation 17:15)
So there was a war
among nations, peoples and tongues and then four great beast came out.
Beast=kingdoms or nations.
So, the four beasts were the four nations
Babylon
Medo-Persia
Greece
Rome.
Jeremiah 49:36-37
" And upon Elam will I bring the *four winds from the four quarters of heaven* and will scatter them toward all those winds. and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.
37 For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the Lord; and I will send the *sword after them, till I have consumed them*:
They are many examples but let's stop here.
" And upon Elam will I bring the *four winds from the four quarters of heaven* and will scatter them toward all those winds. and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.
37 For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the Lord; and I will send the *sword after them, till I have consumed them*:
They are many examples but let's stop here.
THE 144000
Revelation 14:1-5
14 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. There are some identifying marks here.
They're some characteristics given in these bible texts that will help us identify who these people are.
Below are some of these characteristics 👇
1.They have the Father's name written on their foreheads.
2. They were redeemed from the earth.
3. They were not defiled with women; they are virgins.
4. They are from the tribe of Israel.
5. They follow the lamb where ever he goes.
6. They were the first fruit.
7. In their mouth was found no guile, they were without fault.
1. THE FATHER'S NAME.
Sign of ownership.
This signifies that they're God's children, they have the character of God.
What is God's name?
Exodus 34:4-6
God's name is God's character as we see in Exodus 34 when He passed before Moses and declared His "name".
For God to place a mark or sign of ownership on you, that means you must have been obedient to his will and commands.
See Isaiah 62:1-3
For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a *new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name*.
That means they have the seal of God on them.
And just as we have studied before, the Holy Spirit seals the law of God in our hearts.
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21, 22) see also Ephesians 4:30
So, having the name of God simply means you have the Spirit of God and exhibit the character of God which is the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.
The Holy Spirit reminds us of God's commandments, and teaches us the truth.
So these 144 must be keeping the complete Commandments of God including the Sabbath (which has been forgotten meanwhile God said remember in Exodus 20:8) through the power of the Holy Spirit which seals them as God's Children or which makes them God's own.( Lord)
Just as God was the Lord of the Israelites so he is Lord of this group.
In the fourth commandment there you find the tittle of God, and his name.
God’s name: THE LORD
His authority:
CREATOR( MADE)
His region of governance: Heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them.
This 144000, must have Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour.
So these 144 must be keeping the complete Commandments of God including the Sabbath (which has been forgotten meanwhile God said remember in Exodus 20:8) through the power of the Holy Spirit which seals them as God's Children or which makes them God's own.( Lord)
Just as God was the Lord of the Israelites so he is Lord of this group.
In the fourth commandment there you find the tittle of God, and his name.
God’s name: THE LORD
His authority:
CREATOR( MADE)
His region of governance: Heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them.
This 144000, must have Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour.
They must believe that Jesus died for them and He has taken their sins away with His precious blood.
Failure to believe in Jesus Cbrist the Saviour, failure to be part of the heir that was promised Abraham, failure to be a son or daughter of God.
Because, no one can come to the Father except through Christ. ( John 14:6)
2. THEY ARE REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH
This clearly shows that they're human beings, contrary to what some people teach, that these people are not humans, and not Angel's.
They are humans, and are from the earth. They're not restricted to any tribe.
3. THEY WERE NOT DEFILED WITH WOMEN: THEY ARE VIRGINS
We have also studied prophetic symbols, and we have seen that a woman represents God's nation or Church.
Just like in the case of the Israelites, God always refers to them as "she".
Even the Church is referred to as a woman/ wife or bride of Christ.
Virgins because they are not defied with false doctrines, worldliness etc..
There us a movement that is ongoing in the world today, that is spearheaded by the Pope of Rome, that is ECUMENISM.
2. THEY ARE REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH
This clearly shows that they're human beings, contrary to what some people teach, that these people are not humans, and not Angel's.
They are humans, and are from the earth. They're not restricted to any tribe.
3. THEY WERE NOT DEFILED WITH WOMEN: THEY ARE VIRGINS
We have also studied prophetic symbols, and we have seen that a woman represents God's nation or Church.
Just like in the case of the Israelites, God always refers to them as "she".
Even the Church is referred to as a woman/ wife or bride of Christ.
Virgins because they are not defied with false doctrines, worldliness etc..
There us a movement that is ongoing in the world today, that is spearheaded by the Pope of Rome, that is ECUMENISM.
This ecumenical meetings involves different churches from all over the earth, different denominations from all over the earth.
This is a mockery to the true Christianity, as we are admonished to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
We are asked not to have anything to do with the workers of darkness or to unequally yoked with the unbelievers.
These group of people(144000) will have no part in such Endtime movement.
*Not Literal Virgins* .
Some people think that it is only virgins( like literal virgins) that will belong to that group)
There was a dream I had over 10 years ago..I was told that I would be one of the virgins that would fight Armageddon battle in the Endtimes.
We were given books to study and after the study we were ready for the battle.
But today I am married with kids...
After studying these Scriptures through divine inspiration I came to understand that that dream was talking about spiritual virgins, being undefilled with the world and false doctrines.
Now we find two churches in the book of Revelation.
The pure Church and the Harlot Church.
Revelation 12 and 17
The bible says we should prepare ourselves as chaste virgins for Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
"am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to *one husband*, that I may present you as a chaste *virgin* to Christ
Meaning Of Virgin Symbolically.
Pure truth, undefiled doctrines, or pure teachings, true worship etc..
And the opposite of a Virgin is what? Harlots.
We see the Harlot Church in Revelation 17
The Harlot church is the Roman Church, She is the mother.
She is the mother of all harlots.. When they say something is a mother what does it mean?
We have seen from our previous studies, how this organization brought in many perverse doctrines that are not in the Bible.
And many churches today who are Protestants churches who came from her are still keeping her doctrines.
They have even added their own perversion.
And we listed some of them here..
*Once saved always saved
*Ten commandments have been abolished
*Homosexual marriage is not a sin
*Abortion is not a sin etc..
These and many more are the teachings that are been taught in some of our Protestant Churches today.
This group 144 thousand will not partake in any of these doctrines. Today it is as if there is no more truth, the foundation of the Church was built on the 12 Apostles and their teachings and doctrines, which Jesus Christ our Lord is the chief corner stone. But today we see many doctrines that are faulty; that are not based on the truth of the Holy bible, God will use these group the 144 to teach his unique and forgotten truth to the whole world.
Galatians 1:8
"even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed"
They're virgins and will not be defiled by the cup of the world's adulteries.
No wonder revelation 18:3-4 says come out of her.
The opposite of virgin is Harlot ( Spiritual Harlotry)
These are just spiritual symbols used in describing the state of things or a person or people by God.
Hosea 1:2
2The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of *whoredoms* and children of *whoredoms*: for the land hath committed great whoredom, *departing from the LORD*
played the harlot, Israel has defiled itself.
Ezekiel 23:30
'"These things will be done to you because you have played the *harlot* with the nations, because you have *defiled yourself with their idols*.
So we see that when ever the Children of God departed from God he calls them harlots, because they have been defiled with other gods.
There are so many examples like this in the scriptures.
Also see Ezekiel 23:8
Now we find two churches in the book of Revelation.
The pure Church and the Harlot Church.
Revelation 12 and 17
The bible says we should prepare ourselves as chaste virgins for Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
"am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to *one husband*, that I may present you as a chaste *virgin* to Christ
Meaning Of Virgin Symbolically.
Pure truth, undefiled doctrines, or pure teachings, true worship etc..
And the opposite of a Virgin is what? Harlots.
We see the Harlot Church in Revelation 17
The Harlot church is the Roman Church, She is the mother.
She is the mother of all harlots.. When they say something is a mother what does it mean?
We have seen from our previous studies, how this organization brought in many perverse doctrines that are not in the Bible.
And many churches today who are Protestants churches who came from her are still keeping her doctrines.
They have even added their own perversion.
And we listed some of them here..
*Once saved always saved
*Ten commandments have been abolished
*Homosexual marriage is not a sin
*Abortion is not a sin etc..
These and many more are the teachings that are been taught in some of our Protestant Churches today.
This group 144 thousand will not partake in any of these doctrines. Today it is as if there is no more truth, the foundation of the Church was built on the 12 Apostles and their teachings and doctrines, which Jesus Christ our Lord is the chief corner stone. But today we see many doctrines that are faulty; that are not based on the truth of the Holy bible, God will use these group the 144 to teach his unique and forgotten truth to the whole world.
Galatians 1:8
"even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed"
They're virgins and will not be defiled by the cup of the world's adulteries.
No wonder revelation 18:3-4 says come out of her.
The opposite of virgin is Harlot ( Spiritual Harlotry)
These are just spiritual symbols used in describing the state of things or a person or people by God.
Hosea 1:2
2The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of *whoredoms* and children of *whoredoms*: for the land hath committed great whoredom, *departing from the LORD*
played the harlot, Israel has defiled itself.
Ezekiel 23:30
'"These things will be done to you because you have played the *harlot* with the nations, because you have *defiled yourself with their idols*.
So we see that when ever the Children of God departed from God he calls them harlots, because they have been defiled with other gods.
There are so many examples like this in the scriptures.
Also see Ezekiel 23:8
Right now, nobody know who they are, some of them may not even know who they are...but by God's special revelation they will get to know.
Some, are already doing the work without knowing.
All of them will get to know.
The 12 Apostles knew they were chosen by Jesus, so these ones also will know with time, I.e those who have not known.
And at the appointed time they will be manifested for all to see.
They are to preach a unique end time message preparing the world for the coming Messiah.
All of them will get to know.
The 12 Apostles knew they were chosen by Jesus, so these ones also will know with time, I.e those who have not known.
And at the appointed time they will be manifested for all to see.
They are to preach a unique end time message preparing the world for the coming Messiah.
4.THEY ARE FROM THE TRIBE OF ISRAEL
Now, this and the virgins are the most misinterpreted in the 144 case.
People think they must be literal virgins
And they must be literally from the tribes of Israel.
WHO IS ISRAEL TODAY?
What does it mean for someone to be an Israelite?
What does the new testament say about the true Israelite?
Galatians 3:7
Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
We are no more gentiles or strangers. By his death on the cross, we are been unified together with the Jews who also believe. ( Note, Jews who Believe in Christ)
Galatians 3:27-29
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] *And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promis
Ephesians 2:11-20
"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being *aliens* from the commonwealth of Israel, and *strangers* from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [14] For he is our peace, who hath *made both one*, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us ; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; [16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in *one body* by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: [17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. [18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. [19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but *fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God*; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the *apostles and prophets*, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
Now let's compare these scriptures with this one in the old testament.
Isaiah 56:1-8
This is talking about the salvation of the Lord.
Some people may say, this is old testament and not relevant.
Before you say that, read carefully, this is talking about the Salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ and His rewards for those who are obedient to His words.
Isaiah 56:1-8
"Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. [2] Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. [3] Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. [4] For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; [5] Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. [6] Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; [7] Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. [8] The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, *Yet will I gather others to him*, beside those that are gathered unto him.
So here in the old testament the Lord is saying that he will gather his remnants
Both the Jews and *others* the gentiles who believe in him and obey his commandments, both of them will inherit the kingdom.
The Lord had already declared his intention of making us one with the Israelites even in the old testament.
I used to think that I am not that important, except I was a Jew, but God is telling us today that we have become one together with them.
And the both of us are now one with Christ.
Remember the prayer of Jesus Christ in the book of John 17:20-22 where he prayed that all believers who will believe in him through his apostles would be one, just like he and the Father are one?
So if we are now one with them, how can he then select only the literal Jews to be the 144000?
"Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. [2] Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. [3] Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. [4] For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; [5] Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. [6] Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; [7] Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. [8] The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, *Yet will I gather others to him*, beside those that are gathered unto him.
So here in the old testament the Lord is saying that he will gather his remnants
Both the Jews and *others* the gentiles who believe in him and obey his commandments, both of them will inherit the kingdom.
The Lord had already declared his intention of making us one with the Israelites even in the old testament.
I used to think that I am not that important, except I was a Jew, but God is telling us today that we have become one together with them.
And the both of us are now one with Christ.
Remember the prayer of Jesus Christ in the book of John 17:20-22 where he prayed that all believers who will believe in him through his apostles would be one, just like he and the Father are one?
So if we are now one with them, how can he then select only the literal Jews to be the 144000?
1 Peter 2:9
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light".
The Epistle of peter was written to the gentiles, you can see that 1 peter 1:1 says " to the *strangers* scattered "
Roman 11:16-17 says that we are being grafted in to the olive tree.
But the fact that we're grafted in does not mean that we have replaced the literal Israelites.
No, but we are now one.
Paul says in no way have the Israelites been cast out because we are grafted in.
Before I used to think that it is only the Israelites who will be the 144 and also be in the new Jerusalem because of the names of the 12 Tribes written there.
But look at what Paul is saying here.
We also see that in the remnants.
Revelation 12:17
[We must have the faith of Jesus/testimonies of Jesus and then keep God's true commandments including the Sabbath that has been forgotten today by so many Christians in order to be the true remnants or the true bride or the true descendants of Israel or Abraham.
There is another thing that is significant in the list of the 144 thousand and that's the order of their names.
If we notice carefully, the name Dan and Ephraim are missing
WHY WERE THE 12 TRIBES LISTED?
So why did God specifically name the 12 tribes when listing the 144,000?
This is one of the first and most compelling clues that there must be some hidden spiritual meaning to the tribes listed in Revelation 7.
Remember, this is the only time the sons of Jacob are arranged in this order—and even more specifically, the way in which they are ordered says something too. First, Joseph and Levi are included, while Ephraim and Dan are left out. Why? Well perhaps it is because the names are symbolic in meaning and prophecies state: “Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path” (Genesis 49:17). It may also be because the name Dan means “judge,” and the 144,000 are a special group who are sealed and vindicated at this point. As far as Ephraim, the Bible declares, “Ephraim is joined to idols, Let him alone” (Hosea 4:17). And curiously, Ruben, the firstborn, is listed as second, while Judah, the fourth offspring, is listed as the first!
So the order of these names makes no sense unless we allow the names to speak for themselves; then, perhaps, we will see God is trying to communicate a special message to us through these names.
When Jews named their babies, the names nearly always had some definite meaning that depicted some characteristic of the child or event connected with their birth.
Notice how the wives of Jacob, Rachael, and Leah proclaimed a statement defining the meaning of the son’s names as they were born.
Genesis 29:32-35,
we read, “So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, ‘The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me.’ Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, ‘Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.’ And she called his name Simeon. She conceived again and bore a son, and said, ‘Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.’ Therefore his name was called Levi. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, ‘Now I will praise the LORD.’ Therefore she called his name Judah.” As you continue reading the narrative of each of the births of Jacob’s sons, Rachel and Leah made similar prophetic statements for all 12 of the sons regarding the meanings of their names.
Here are the names of the tribes listed for the 144,000, in the order in which Revelation 7 lists them, and their corresponding Hebrew meanings as found in Scripture:
1. Judah means “I will praise the Lord”
2. Ruben means “He has looked on me”
3. Gad means “Given good fortune”
4. Asher means “Happy am I”
5. Naphtali means “My wrestling”
6. Manasseh means “Making me to forget”
7. Simeon means “God hears me”
8. Levi means “Joined to me”
9. Issachar means “Purchased Me”
10. Zebulun means “Dwelling”
11. Joseph means “Will add to me”
12. Benjamin means “Son of His right hand”
Now here is the amazing part. Notice what happens when you line up these
statement declaring how God saves the church as His bride!
“I will praise the Lord for he has looked on me and granted good fortune. I am happy because my wrestling, God is making me to forget. God hears me and is joined to me. He has purchased me a dwelling and will add to me, the Son of His right hand.” (As in Scripture, the words in italics are supplied for flow of thought.)
These names presented in this order describe a brief story summarizing the church’s struggle, redemption, victory, and ultimate marriage to the Lamb. It seems evident that this is a special message of encouragement for those who are in the Church, believers in Christ, and not necessarily just Jews.
5.THEY FOLLOW THE LAMB WHEREVER HE GOES.
In a nutshell, this means they have Faith in Christ. (Revelation 14:12)
They only follow Jesus's doctrines and not manmade doctrines, they're obedient to him and are ready to do what ever he ask them to do; to go where ever he sends them.
They have forsaken all and are following Jesus
They're dead to self and material things and all sorts of worldly pleasures.
Jesus says, "take up your cross and follow me".
They have subjected their will to the will of the creator, they're dead to self.
They're in this world but not of this world.
Remember the lives of the apostles, remember how they lived?
They weren't particular about earthly things the moment thy started following Jesus.
They gave up everything to follow Jesus.
Family was not a barrier to them, their jobs were not a barrier to them.
The Lord says, he who loves Family more than me is not worthy of me.
They're walking in the Spirit and not according to the flesh, they're like Jesus who is their master.
6.THEY WERE THE FIRST FRUITS
First Fruits is a religious offering of the first agricultural produce of the harvest. Hebrew religion, (Old Testament)the first fruits were given to priests as an offering to God.
Exodus 23:16
And the feast of harvest, the *firstfruits* of thy labors, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of *ingathering, which is in the end of the year* when thou hast gathered in thy labors out of the field.
Verse 19
*The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God*. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
They were the first fruits of the harvest, to be dedicated to God.
So this group the 144000
Will be the the first group to be gathered by God.
We are all in field now, that time of the field is the time of training, and after that they're gathered, and dedicated,
sealed and sent to the world to bring in the final harvest( ingathering) which is the last harvest of the year. Those who are brought in by this group will also be sealed and will be partakers of the kingdom of God too.
God gave us clear and outstanding points to identify them.
The first fruit always comes first.
The first fruits are usually smaller in number than the final Harvest.
These first fruits just like Revelation says it are the 144000.
This group are dedicated, sanctified set apart for Holy use. (This is what a first fruit offering is meant for.)
Then when they are trained and filled with the Holy Spirit in full measure they will go out to bring in the final Harvest, by then the latter rain that will ripen the remaining fruits must have fallen.
That is when the second part of Joel 2:30 will all come to pass.
These end times the 144 have been trained and taught by God, some are still undergoing training, some are already doing their work. When the time comes, he will send them out to go and preach the everlasting gospel during the time of trouble and persecution, a time of darkness and the reign of the beast power.
Isaiah
62:1-2
7. IN THEIR MOUTH WAS FOUND NO GUILE, THEY ARE WITHOUT FAULT
[This one is clear.
They were not involved in any manner of sin.
They are truthful and sincere people Who fear God, who have not soiled their hands with sin.
Compare Psalms 24:3-6.
With Revelation 14:
Psalm 24:3-6
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? or who shall stand in his holy place? [4] He that hath *clean hands, and a pure heart*; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, *nor sworn deceitfully*. [5] He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. [6] This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, *O Jacob*
Will the 144000 be the only ones to go to heaven?
Contrary to what some teach, the 144000 won't be the only ones to make it to heaven when Christ comes.
And they are not the only ones to be saved.
The Bible does not teach they are to be the only ones saved in the last days. If we read on in Revelation 7:9, immediately after the listing of the tribes and the 144,000, the prophet sees “a great multitude which no one could number, of *all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes*, with palm branches in their hands.”
Then in verse 13, one of the 24 elders asks John, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” In verse 14, he answers his own question: “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
So they will be a great multitude from all over the world who will be saved too, and who will also make it to heaven.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-17
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Both those who died in Christ and the righteous living at the time of Christ second coming will be caught up where?
In the sky, to meet him there.
Revelation 20:6
6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
After the thousand years are over the Lord will descend with his bride the new Jerusalem.
Revelation 21:1-2
1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven.
even if we are not among the 144000 we have hope, a great hope for that matter, we are going to heaven when Christ comes the second time, there we will reign with him a thousand years.
And after that the Lord will make a new heavens and a new earth.
Where there will be no more sorrows or weeping death will be no more, no more pestilences like Corona virus and Ebola, cancer etc...
It is my prayer that we all will be part of that first resurrection which is unto life everlasting in Jesus name. Amen.
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