Aim Of Study :To refute the false teachings of the teachers of this concept, especially the Jehovah Witnesses and any other religious group on this FIGURATIVE NUMBER, 144,000.
INTRODUCTION:
Isn't it a heartrending story, to hear that all that the faithful child of God has been promised concerning heaven is a fairytale, but a renovated earth awaits him in eternity? In other words heaven is not for everyone but for some special people and for that matter the saved will not received anything more than a renovated earth. The Jehovah Witnesses predominantly teach that only 144,000 saints will go to heaven and the great multitude will live on a renovated earth. They falsely use Rev 7:1-17 and 14:1-ff
But what does the Bible say about this topic.
THE BIBLICAL EXPOSITION ON THE TWO PASSAGES.
1.According to the context, an angel was restrained to stop destruction, until the sealing of the servants of God. Rev7:3. So the angel sealed 144,000 from the tribe of Israel.
2.The great multitude that was shown to John was from all nations and was before the throne of God or in heaven. (Rev 7:14-17) ACCORDING TO CHRIST, THE THRONE OF GOD IS HEAVEN (Matt 5:33-34)
3.Later in the vision, John sees them standing with the lamb on Mount Zion, having been redeemed from the earth. Rev14:3 According to the Hebrew writer Mount Zion also refers to heaven (Heb 12:22-24) We can therefore conclude that both the 144,000 and the great multitude were in heaven.
In a comparative study of the qualifications of the 144,000, the great multitude and that of Christians, you will without doubt acknowledge that all have the same yen qualifications. In summation, we can establish the fact that the number 144,000 is figuratively representing the redeemed who shall be in heaven with God, Christ and the angels.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE 144,000 TO CHRISTIANS
BIBLICAL REFERENCE. 144,000. CHRISTIANS
1.Rev 7:4 They were sealed. Christians are sealed(Eph 1:13)
2.Rev 7:9. From all nations Christians are from all nations (mark16:15)
3.Rev 7:10 They were saved. Christians are saved (Acts2:47)
4. Rev 7:14. Came out of great tribulations. Christians came out of same (Acts 14:22)
5.Rev 7:15. They were before God's throne. We are one before God's throne heb12:22-24
6.Rev 7:17. Christ is in their midst. He's in our midst (matt 18:20)
7.Rev 7:17. God shall wipe away their tears God will do same for Christians Rev21:4-
8.Rev 14:3 They were redeemed. We are redeemed (1Pet 1:18)
9.Rev 14:4 They were undefiled and virgins. Christians are undefiled and virgins 2cor11:2
10.Rev14:4. They follow the lamb. We follow Christ,the lamb of God Jn10:27,1:29
According to the comparative study, the 144,000 are not the only LITERAL occupants of heaven but it's a figurative number represents the total number of saints.
Note.that the number 144,000 is from 12*12*1000
12-standing for God's religious number
1000-standing ultimate completeness
144,000 and the great multitude refers to the same group of people spoken of in different instances.refers to the redeemed or Christians that would be saved.
If that is the case ,why were they spoken of as if already saved?
The writer employed a literary device called prolepsis which speaks of future event as if were already existing or achieved.
Let us be assured that if we are faithful to the end we will receive the crown of glory Rev 2:10.
Are you in Christ's sheepfold? The Church he purchased with His blood?
ROM 16:16The Churches of Christ salute you.
Reference: Bro.Daniel Kyereh-Mensah,preacher
Annual Youth Camp ,Sunyani Technical University.
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