Who are the 144000?
Who are 144000? This is very interesting topic because only the Bible Revelation mentions this number. People have the following understanding of 144000:
1. Literal: People think 144000 are literal that means their quantity are real the “144000” Jews people, and they come from the real earthly Israel of 12 Tribes. They are “sealed” means they are saved or protected by God from AntiChrist in the real 3.5 years period of the Great Tribulation.
2. Symbolic: 144000 is a symbolic number, that means it symbolizes an “uncountable people” to be saved, someone may also think 144000 are the same group people of “a great multitude” of Revelation 7:9.
Then what does it really mean? Let’s find and analyze what does the “144000” mean.
Literal Interpretation of 144000
People think it is literal: 144000 are come from the real 12 Tribes of earthly Israel(Jews), is it true?
First of all, let’s put aside how difficult it is today to seal 144000 among of the 12 Tribes of Israel, because 10 Tribes have destroyed about 2700 years and the other 2 Tribes(Jews) also have destroyed about 2000 years. Their family records have disappeared. How can we ensure that their bloodline is pure and not mixed with the bloodline of other ethnic groups?
More importantly, if 144000 really come from bloodline 12 Tribes of Israel, then we have to find their law foundation, are they legal(lawful)? If we seek their legitimacy, then we must seek for the support from God’s law. What is the Basic Law of 12 Tribes? As you know this law is according to the Covenant that God made with Israel 12 Tribes through Moses. What is this Covenant about?
4 And Moses wrote down all the words[Law] of YHWH. He rose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men of the people of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to YHWH…
8 And Moses took “the blood” and threw it on the people and said, “Behold “the blood of the covenant” that YHWH has made with you in accordance with all these words.” – Exodus 24:4-8
What is this “Covenant” [Law] of Jehovah God made with 12 Tribes about?
3 while Moses went up to God. YHWH called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: … 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. – Exodus 19:3-6
Then, are 144000 is based on this “covenant” above? If their foundation is based on the covenant above would be illegitimate, why? Because this “covenant” [Old Covenant] has ceased and has been replaced by the “New Covenant“.
20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the “new covenant” in my blood.
29 and I[Jesus] assign to you[apostles], as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. – Luke 22:20,29,30
With whom did Jesus make the “New Covenant“? Jesus not make covenant with bloodline Jews 12 tribes, but his apostles and disciples. Although Jesus not make covenant with Jews 12 tribes, but the “New Covenant” has to fulfill all what the “Old Covenant” is covering to make God’s word(Promise) come true, also because of God loves all His faithful servants of ancient Israel, that is to say the promulgation of the “New Covenant” is based on the “Old Covenant”. Therefore the “New Covenant” is also based on 12 Tribes of Israel, and also the foundation is referring to 12 apostles in New Jerusalem.
” 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession… ” – 1Peter 2:5,9
So if 144000 are the literal meaning that come from bloodline 12 Tribes of Israel(Jews), they will not have legitimacy, for the Old Covenant has ceased. Moreover, the arrangement of 12 Tribes of “Old Covenant” cannot fulfill the legal requirements of the “New Covenant”, for the heavenly 12 Tribes has no Tribe of Dan, also the bloodline Israel have no Tribes of Levi and Joseph to fulfill the legal requirements of heavenly Israel.
Jesus Christ has stated clearly he has made the “New Covenant” effective already, therefore all arrangement if based on “Old Covenant” including earthly 12 tribes are no legitimacy. That means 144000 in heavenly 12 Tribes must be chosen according to the “New Covenant” arrangement, that’s why we seen that the heavenly 12 Tribes are not exactly same as the earthly.
That is to say the 144000 must “not” come from the Literal Jews – earthly bloodline 12 tribes of Jews. Then what are they come from? They are Saints and come from every tribe and language and people and nation…
9 And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:9,10
“3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.” – Revelation 14:3
Therefore the 144000 Saints are come from every nation not only literal Jews. They come from diverse backgrounds, from every tribes, countries, languages and also churches. By the way, let’s see how the apostle Paul explained the difference of “New Covenant” and “Old Covenant”.
New Covenant vs Old Covenant
Apostle Paul explained in details about the “first Covenant [Old Covenant]”, and “second Covenant [New Covenant]” in Hebrew chapter 7-11, let’s reat it.
11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood [old covenant] (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?
12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.
13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe [heavenly tribe], from which no one has ever served at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
18 For on the one hand, a former commandment[Old Covenant] is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
– Hebrew 7:11-19
1 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
4 Now if he[Jesus] were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.
5 They[arrangement of Old Covenant] serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things…
7 For if that first covenant[Old Covenant] had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second[New Covenant].
8 For he finds fault with them when he says:
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,
when I will establish a “new covenant” with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah,
9 not like the [Old] “covenant” that I made with their fathers
on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.
For they did not continue in my covenant,
and so I showed no concern for them, declares YHWH.
10 For this is the [New] “covenant” that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, declares YHWH:
I will put my laws into their minds,
and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one [Old Covenant] obsolete.
And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away
(written at about AD 63, after that Jerusalem and sacrifices arrangement was destroyed in AD 70).
-Hebrew 8:1-13
8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing(earthly Jerusalem Temple)
9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper,
15 Therefore he[Jesus] is the mediator of a “new covenant“, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the “first covenant“.
19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,
20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.”
28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
– Hebrew 9:8-28
1 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near…
9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second [New Covenant].
10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
– Hebrew 10:1-10
Even “he[Abraham] was looking forward to the city [New Jerusalem] that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” – Hebrew 11:10
Heavenly 12 Tribes
If we compare the earthly 12 Tribes and heavenly 12 Tribes, what difference would you have found? Yes, you know their names are not all the same, anything else?
We found that only the tribe Levi of earthly Israel could be priests, and only the tribe of Judah could be kings. But all heavenly 12 tribes could be the both priests and kings. Why is there such a big difference? We know that the earthly things are the shadow of the heavenly, they are the copy of heavenly arrangement that following what God instructed.
“They[earthly Jews’ priests] serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” – Hebrew 8:5
So if the earthly things are shadow of the heaven, why did not copy all exactly to the earth? It seems most are reflecting heavenly arrangement but some are difference, like not all 12 tribes could be priests and kings same as heaven. Why?
It seems like that: God knows the limitation of men, so He did not exactly copy the heavenly arrangement onto the earth, but the Heaven has no this limitation. What limitation? We know YHWH God is Holy Holy Holy, He is the Most Righteous. If a man is being a king who would make wars and killing people, and at the same time he also be a priest, you can imagine he would serve Holy God using his bloody hands. Would the Holy Holy Holy God accept his serving?
Surely God won’t accept it. That’s why God separate 2 positions to 2 tribes, but 12 Tribes of Heaven have no this limitation, so they could be priests and kings simultaneously. They are holy people the holy nation, they are righteous and peaceful, their war are also the righteousness. They won’t use weapons to kill evil ones, why?
1 The word of YHWH came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him… 9 You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you.
11 and say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages[“Saints“]. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates’
21 I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares YHWH God. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. 22 With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur.
– Ezekiel 38:1-22
The evil ones would kill each others because of their evils, this is a righteous war. The hands of heavenly 12 Tribes won’t touch the dead, that’s why they are the holy.
And all 144000 are holy and serve Holy God, there are no mankind limitation and that’s why all heavenly 12 Tribes could be priests and kings.
“Sealed” – Protected from the wrath of the Antichrist ?
The literal theory of the “sealed” 144000 also means they are protected from the wrath of the Antichrist during the tribulation period. But it seems it also not match with what Bible says. Because all do not worship the Beast, do not receive its’ mark 666 on their forehead would be killed. Therefore the “sealed” do not mean 144000 would be protected by God from Anti-Christ, but Bible says they would “be slain“.
“And it[the Beast 666] was allowed to give breath to the image of the [7 headed] beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to “be slain“. ” – Revelation 13:15
“… Also I saw “the souls” of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They[144000] came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” – Revelation 20:4
“Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.” – Revelation 14:1
“And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those[144000] who had conquered the beast[False Christ-Anti Christ] and its image and the number[666] of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb…” – Revelation 15:2,3
“and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.” – Revelation 14:3
Therefore 144000 would be killed[slain], not protected. If “Sealed” does not mean “protect”, then what does it mean?
4 even as he chose us [144000] in him before the foundation of the world…
9 making known to us the mystery of his will, [Kingdom of God], according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ,
10 as a plan for the fullness of time(144000 sealed complete), to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him.
– Ephesians 1:4,9-10
“13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel(the gospel of kingdom of God) of your salvation, and believed in him, were “sealed” with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is “the guarantee” of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” – Ephesians 1:13,14
Apostle Paul clearly told us, got “sealed” actually means get the “promise” from the Holy Spirit, that the “sealed” is the “guarantee” of the inheritance, and the “inheritance” is the God’s Kingdom – the New Jerusalem. That is what Jesus promised his disciples to assign them a kingdom.
Luke 22:20,22 ” …This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood… 29 and I assign to you[Apostles], as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom.”
” 5…To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us “a kingdom“, “priests” to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom…” – Revelation 1:5-6,9
Therefore 144000 would be the 12 Tribes of Heavenly Israel including 12 Apostles, they would be Kings and Priests with Christ in New Jerusalem for a thousand years, and will be kings forever and ever.
So the “sealed” means the “guarantee“ not the protection, that 144000 are gotten the “guarantee“ and confirmed they would inherit the Kingdom of God.
144000 a symbolic number?
Another interpretation is: 144000 is a symbolic number, that means it symbolizes an “uncountable people” would be saved, someone may also think 144000 are the same group people of “a great multitude” of Revelation 7:9. Is that true? Let’s see…
Generally people won’t use a complex number to symbolise something, but use number like 7 or 10 or 6[a digit] as simple as it could, magnifing a “number” as a symbol is meaningless, because the importance is the symbolised object not the symbolic number.
That’s why use “144000” symbolise a uncountable people number seems not make sense. If so, Bible could use number “12” to symbolise 12 Tribes and each Tribe represents an unlimited people, isn’t it much simple and clear? No need to say 144000 and each Tribe are 12000, right?
Another reason is use a number to symbolic another number is meaningless and not logical, what does it mean? Biblical number like “7” is used to symbolic God’s plan or the perfect of God’s arrangement… But use a “number” like 144000 symbolic “another number” like “large uncountable” number is not reasonable, if so you would say why not directly say the sealed are uncountable? No need saying the sealed are 144000, for they are not really 144000 but uncountable!
So it seems 144000 this number is a real literal number not a symbolic number. But more importantly what Bible says about this number? Does Bible prove that 144000 is a real number? Also what does “a Great Multitude” represent?
144000 – a real literal number
Does Bible prove that 144000 is a literal number?
Yes. After the 6 Seals of Revelation have opened, the four angels holding the 4 destroy winds have been told do not release the 4 destroy winds, “until” the 144000 have sealed.
Revelation 7:3 “saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, “until” we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000“.
What does it mean of “until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads… the number of the sealed, 144,000“? That means the “144000” is a countable number, angels have to seal of 144000 one by one until the last one – the 144000th is sealed, then the sealing work is defined to be complete.
The 144000 also refers to the souls of the 5th Seal of Revelation 6:9,11,
“9 I saw under the altar the souls of those[144000] who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne…
11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, “until” the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete.(144000 number complete)”
How to make the sealing work complete? If the 144000 symbolic an uncountable number, you are unable to define the sealing work “complete“, for there are millions and millions babies borned very year, then the sealing work seems won’t be ended forever. So you should specific a date to define the completion, the sentence should be like this : Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, “until” xx July 20xx…
But the sentense is : ” …”until” we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000.” Therefore make the sealing work complete is the number not timing.
Also Revelation 14:3 also proves that the 144000 is a literal number, what does it say?
“and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.” – Revelation 14:3
“No one… except the 144000…” means they are a limited, real and literal number
Jesus also said the one inherit God’s Kindom is the chosen one, few and a limited number.
“13 Enter by the narrow gate… 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” – Matthew 7:13,14
“47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good[the chosen one] into containers but threw away the bad.” – Matthew 13:47,48
Moreover, we can say each one of the 144000 is precious for Jesus and YHWH God, because Jesus said he would not lost one of them.
“since you[Father] have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you[Father] have given him[Jesus]. ” -John 17:2
“And he[Jesus] said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”” – John 6:65
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?… 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” – Matthew 19:13,14
“To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” – John 10:3
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32
“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” – John 10:29
“Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those[those the slain of the 5th Seal – the 144000] who worship there.” – Revelation 11:1
Therefore the above verses prove that each one of the 144000 are precious for Jesus and YHWH God that no one would be lost, Jesus promised “no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand”. That’s why we say the 144000 is a literal number, they are really 144000 no more and no less of one.
Does the “144000” come up suddenly?
Is that the “144000” comes up suddenly in Revelation 7:4?
If you received a long long letter from your friend, but the main part of this letter was not talking about you, what would you felt? Your friend wrote you a long letter talking about someone who is good… this man will be … Then you may ask a question: Why wrote me this letter? For what? You may expect his letter which should mainly related to you and the content was about you, specially if this letter head was mentioned it was for you only.
The same, to whom of this letter[the Revelation] addressed?
This letter was for “7 Stars”, and the 7 Stars were instructed to disclose the message of this letter to the “7 Churches”.
So there is a question: Is there a group “144000” different from 7 Stars and 7 Churches?
No, we found that apostle John himself seemed to think that he, his brothers, 7 star and 7 churches belong to the 144000 group. What did he say? And let’s read the entire of Revelation about the 7 stars, the 7 Churches and the 144000…
“8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you[John] and your brothers[7 Churches’ brothers] the prophets[7 stars], and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” – Revelation 22:8,9
“John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you… To him[Jesus] who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
6 and made “us” (7 Churches’ brothers including apostle John) a “kingdom“, “priests” to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – Revelation 1:4-6
“9 I, John, your brother(7 Churches’ brothers) and partner in the tribulation and “the kingdom” and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” – Revelation 1:9
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To the angel(the star) of the church in Ephesus write:… 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches(7 Churches). To “the one who conquers” I will grant to eat of the “tree of life”. – Revelation 2:1,7
“2 through the middle of the street of the city[New Jerusalem – 144000 Saints]; also, on either side of the river, the “tree of life” with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
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8 And to the angel(the star) of the church in Smyrna write:… 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches(7 Churches). “The one who conquers” will not be hurt by the “second death”. – Revelation 2:8,11
6 Blessed and holy is the one(Smyrna Church’s brothers) who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the “second death” has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. – Revelation 20:6
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12 And to the angel(the star) of the church in Pergamum write:…17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches(7 Churches). To “the one who conquers” I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. – Revelation 2:12,17
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel (Pergamum Church’s brothers). The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald… – Revelation 21:10,19
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18 And to the angel(the star) of the church in Thyatira write:… 26 “The one who conquers” and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches[7 Churches]. – Revelation 2:18,26-29
14 And the armies(the 144000 Saints) of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. – Revelation 19:14,15
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And to the angel(the star) of the church in Sardis write: …4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 “The one who conquers” will be clothed thus in white garments… 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches(7 Churches). – Revelation 3:1-6
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride(144000 Saints) has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself(Sardis Church’s brothers)
with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number[144000] of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. – Revelation 6:9,11
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7 And to the angel(the star) of the church in Philadelphia write:… 12 “The one who conquers“, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God.
Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches[7 Churches]. – Revelation 3:7,12
Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion[New Jerusalem] stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. – Revelation 14:1
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14 And to the angel(the star) of the church in Laodicea write:… 21 “The one who conquers“, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches[7 Churches]. – Revelation 3:14,21-22
4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed[Laodicea Church brothers]…They[144000 Saints] came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. – Revelation 20:4
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants[144000] will worship him. 4 They[144000] will see his face, and his name[Father’s name] will be on their foreheads. – Revelation 22:3,4
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Have you found that many similar terms are used to describe the seven churches brothers and the 144000? Therefore, the 144000 are not come up suddenly but are the 7 churches’ brothers, total of them are 144000, they are termed “Saints”.
One of a main part of the Revelation is the scroll which sealed with 7 Seals. What is the message of this sealed scroll?
9 And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation(“7 Churches’ brothers“),
10 and you have made them(“7 Churches’ brothers“) a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:9,10
So the message of the sealed scroll is: the 144000 Saints from the 7 “symbolic” Churches all around the world would be ransomed for God, and “7 Churches’ brothers” would become God’s kingdom and priests, they shall reign on the earth.
7 Churches symbolic all churches around the world from AD70 till to Jesus come back again. 7 Churches period symbolic 3.5 “a time, times, and half a time” of 2 Churches(2 witnesses) witnessing period. From the 1st century, 7 Churches’ brothers were killed on account of the word of God and also of their witness. They are the slain servants(Saints) under the heavenly altar when opened the 5th Seal, they have to stay under the altar until their brothers’ number complete. They were told…
“to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers[144000 of 7 Churches’ brothers] should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.” – Revelation 6:11
All of them are given a white robe, they have to wait “until” the “number” of their brothers complete. All of them would be sealed Father’s name on their foreheads…
3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, “until” we have “sealed” the servants of our God on their “foreheads”.”
4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
5 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,
12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,
12,000 from the tribe of Gad,
6 12,000 from the tribe of Asher,
12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,
12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh,
7 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,
12,000 from the tribe of Levi,
12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,
8 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,
12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,
12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.
3 And another angel came and stood at the altar(the slain of 7 Churches’ brothers under it) with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, 4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. – Revelation 8:3,4
4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads[souls those under the altar of 7 churches]. – Revelation 9:4
Then I[John] was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those (“the slain those under the altar of the 5th Seal”) who worship there.” – Revelation 11:1
3 And I will grant authority to my two witnesses[2 Churches], and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These[2 witnesses] are the two olive trees and the two lampstands(lampstand symbolic Church) that stand before the Lord of the earth. – Revelation 11:3,4
7 And when they[2 Churches] have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them. – Revelation 11:7
The nations raged,
but your wrath came,
and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants[7 Churches’ brothers], the prophets[7 stars] and saints[144000],
and those who fear your name,
both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth. – Revelation 11:18
And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 5 She gave birth to a male child[Jesus], one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne. – Revelation 12:1,5
6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. – Revelation 12:6
10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, Now… for the accuser of our brothers[7 Churches’ brothers] has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.
11 And they[7 Churches’ brothers] have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death[those are the slain under the altar Rev. 6:9-11]. – Revelation 12:10,11
17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring[the remaining of 144000], on those[7 Churches] who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. – Revelation 11:17
7 Also it[the 7 headed Beast] was allowed to make war on the saints[7 Churches] and to conquer them… 10 … Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. – Revelation 13:11
Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb[Jesus], and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. – Revelation 14:1
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead (those the slain under the altar) who die in the Lord from now on.”
“Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors (the slain are rest under the altar), for their deeds follow them!” – Revelation 14:13
16 So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.[the 144000 complete reaped]. – Revelation 14:16
2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire—and also those[7 Churches] who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. – Revelation 15:2
For they have shed the blood of saints(7 Churches’ brothers – 144000) and prophets[7 stars], and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve! – Revelation 16:6
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings[Jesus and the 144000] from the east. – Revelation 16:12
And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs(7 Churches’ brothers) of Jesus. – Revelation 17:6
14 … and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those(7 Churches’ brothers – 144000) with him are called and chosen and faithful. – Revelation 17:14
Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints[7 Churches’ brothers] and apostles[the 12] and prophets[7 stars], for God has given judgment for you against her! – Revelation 18:20
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride[New Jerusalem] has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints[7 Churches’ brothers – the 144000].
10 Then I[John] fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you[John] and your brothers[7 Churches’ brothers] who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. – Revelation 19:10
13 He[Jesus] is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies[7 Churches’ brothers – 144000] of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure[Saints], were following him on white horses. – Revelation 19:13,14
15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron [Churches of Pergamum and Thyatira]. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed[Laodicea Church – Rev. 3:21]. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God[the 7 Churches’ brothers – 5th Seal], and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. – Revelation 20:4
6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power[Smyrna Church brothers – Rev. 2:11], but they[144000] will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. – Revelation 20:6
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem[144000 Saints], coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride[Saints] adorned for her husband. – Revelation 21:2
“The one who conquers” [7 Churches’ brothers] will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. – Revelation 21:7
It[New Jerusalem] had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel[144000] were inscribed— 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. – Revelation 21:12,14
24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it – Revelation 21:24
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They(7 Churches’ brothers – 144000) will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they(7 Churches’ brothers – 144000) will reign forever and ever.
6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets(7 Stars), has sent his angel(7 Stars) to show his servants(7 churches) what must soon take place.” – Revelation 22:6
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel[7 Stars] to testify to you about these things for the churches(7 Churches) . I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” – Revelation 22:16
The 7 Churches symbolic all churches over the world from the first century till to the day of Jesus comes back, after that no need church any more, because Jehovah God and the Lamb will be the light of the world.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all Saints[The 7 Churches’ brothers]. Amen. – Revelation 22:20,21
After finished the reading of Revelation, you would found that the 7 Churches’ brothers those are including 12 apostles, 7 stars(7 prophets) and all other 7 Churches’ brothers. All of them are called, chosen and faithful of God. They are Saints, God’s servants, sealed the God Father’ name and Jesus’ name on their foreheads.
They are slain because of God’s word and their witness for Jesus, they have to “wait” until the number of their brothers complete. It has passed about 2000 years now, it seems the symbolic “1260 days” and “a time, times, and half a time” witnessing period of the 7 Churches will end soon, and also the sealing of the 144000 shall be complete soon.
When their brothers’ number completed, then the 144000 would stand on Zion with Jesus, sit on thrones and rule over nations, the “second death” has no power over them, they will be kings and priests of God. They are the 144000 the 7 Churches’ brothers! All of them are the same group!
Who are the 144000?
Someone may say the 144000 would appear in the future “literal 7 years or 3.5 years” great Tribulation, is that true?
No, because they have appeared from the first century including 12 apostles as the foundation of New Jerusalem, and also including the literal 7 Churches’ brothers in Asia. Therefore the 144000 Saints must not appearing in literal 7 years or 3.5 years of the future of Great Tribulation. This also proves that the “3.5” and “1260 days” not literal years but the symbolic Seven Churches period from the 1st century till to now, and end at Jesus Christ come back.
The number “144000” is unacceptable for many Christians, because they don’t believe the saved people are 144000 only. That’s true, for the saved people are not 144000 only, and Bible already told us the saved people are uncountable. Revelation 7:9-17 says there will be “a great multitude” come out of the Great Tribulation, they are not the Bride of the Lamb but invited by God to join the marriage supper of the Lamb and the Bride(144000 Saints) – Revelation 19:6,7. Also they have honor to enter the New Jerusalem to worship God day and night. But the Bride has 144000 Saints only.
That’s why Jesus said the ones inherit God’s Kingdom are few, because they are God’s sons, they are called, chosen and faithful of God. So don’t worry about how many people would be saved, Faith in YHWH Almighty God and Jesus Christ, for the saved people are uncountable. But for God’s Kingdom, Father God prepared only 144000 seats for those He chosen, they will be His sons and be kings and priests of God. That’s why Jesus said not all could see the value of “hidden treasure” – Kingdom of God, also only a few seed could bear fruit on good soil.
For more please read <The Kingdom of God>, <Saints>, <New Jerusalem>.
Who are “a Great Multitude”?
9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” – Revelation 7:9,10
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” – Revelation 19:9
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a Great Multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
– Revelation 19:6,7
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a Great Multitude in heaven, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
2 for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
3 Once more they cried out,
“Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” – Revelation 19:1-3
13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes…? And he said to me, “These are the ones[a Great Multitude] coming out of the great tribulation. They have “washed their robes” and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God,
and serve him day and night in his temple[enter into the New Jerusalem];
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. – Revelation 7:13-15
14 Blessed are those who “wash their robes” [a great multitude], so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city[New Jerusalem] by the gates. – Revelation 22:14
23 And the city(New Jerusalem] has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings[a great multitude? ] of the earth will bring their glory into it[into New Jerusalem]… 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. – Revelation 21:23-26
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them,
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” – Revelation 7:16,17
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. – Revelation 22:1,2
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So, who are the “Great Multitude”? They are uncountable that means there is no number limitation of this group people. They come from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, their clothes[robes] are “washed” white. Therefore they have the right to go into the New Jerusalem city(the heaven), what does it mean? Do you know how height of the New Jerusalem is?
It’s about 2000km height, but our Earth’s atmosphere is about 600km height. What does it mean? That means the New Jerusalem is 3-4 times higher than the Earth’s atmosphere. The New Jerusalem is the highest cube-shaped Mountain, on the top would be the throne of the Most High, it is a great flat like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and its’ size is like a square about 2000km x 2000km.
Therefore when a Great Multitude enter into the New Jerusalem to worship the Most High Jehovah God, they have to climb up to the top of the most high Mountain, they would praise YHWH God “Hallelujah!” and worship God at the real brighty heaven.
Not everyone can enter into the New Jerusalem, but the Great Multitude those are the blessed ones have the right, they are invited to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb and the Bride(144000 Saints) in the heaven! Maybe they are the kings of nations and they can worship God day and night, therefore they will bring the glory of all nations into the New Jerusalem and give it to the Most High and the Lamb.
Interesting question: What is the difference of their white robe between “a Great Multitude” and “the 7 Churches’s brothers – 144000 Saints”?
The 7 Churches’ brothers – 144000 Saints are descripted: “they were each “given” a white robe” – Revelation 6:11.
And “a Great Multitude” are descripted: “They have “washed” their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” – Revelation 7:14.
What is the difference? Maybe their “robes” means their physcial body, “a Great Multitude” clothed their original robe but washed it white in the blood of the Lamb, they are “clothed” the original mankind body but because their faith of the Lamb, their “robe” are washed white.
But the 144000 Saints “are given” a white robe, that means they are given a new body and this new body will be a spirit body. That’s why they can see the God’s face, for mankind could not see God’s face directly, otherwise they would die because of the brightest glory of God.
So a Great Multitude must not same as the 144000 Saints, the Great Multitude are not the Bride but are invited to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb and the 144000 Saints. But they are the blessed ones who can enter into the New Jerusalem to worship God day and night, also be the kings of nations(maybe) and bring the glory of nations to God!
Amen.
Let’s Prayer
Dear God Father and Jesus Christ, thank you for your Seven Churches’ letter, thank you for the Revelation to encourage us and let us know what is your plan, and what will happen in the future. We love you God Father and Lord Jesus.
Thank you setting up a kingdom in the heaven to save all uncountable people, let us be the 144000 or a great multitude. Whatever we belong to the 144000 or a great multitude, no matter which church we belong to, all of us belong You those your loved and your people.
May we all bear fruit of witnessing your word and let more people to worship You, give Honor, Praise and Thankful to You Father God and Lord Jesus. Amen.
May all faithful God’s people could enter into the New Jerusalem to worship YHWH God day and night. Amen.
May Lord Jesus come. Amen.
Prayer is also in Lord Jesus name. Amen.
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