The 144,000
Who are
the 144,000?
An Introduction:
It is the glory of God to conceal
a thing:
but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Proverbs 25:2
More than nineteen centuries ago, the Almighty God chose the Apostle
John to be the recipient of an astonishing prophetic vision. While in spirit,
he was lifted into heaven and ushered into the very presence of God. There
God’s apostle observed the glorious appearance of Jesus Christ, the incredible
living creatures, the twenty-four elders, and the heavenly host surrounding
God’s breathtakingly beautiful throne.
As the apostle’s vision continued to unfold, he witnessed a
mind boggling array of symbols and images. John saw the appearance of
frightening horsemen and terrifying beasts as he viewed the mounting depravity
of man escalate to the very point that it literally threatened the survival of
the human race. Then, John beheld a series of punishing plagues rain down
unimaginable devastation upon the planet.
Finally, John’s vision culminated in an event that is the
only real hope for mankind. He witnessed the return of Jesus Christ, the
establishment of God’s government on earth, and the ushering in of a divine
age of lasting peace and great prosperity.
The 144,000
As the
shocking circumstances that would fill the pages of the last chapter of human
history continued to unfold before John’s eyes, a powerful angel suddenly
stepped in to temporarily suspend the sequence of events. This great spirit
being announced that before God continued to execute His righteous judgment on
a rebellious world, the servants of God were to be sealed in their foreheads.
After this sealing, John heard the number of God’s servants.
There were exactly 144,000. At that moment John must have wondered, "who are
these people, and what role do they play in the extraordinary plan God has
purposed from before the creation of the world?"
In our modern age, a shroud of mystery still surrounds the
144,000. Today that enigma persists, continuing to pique curiosity and stir
speculation among students of the Bible.
What does it mean when the Bible states that the 144,000
are sealed, and exactly when does this event take place? Is there more than one
group of 144,000, and are they comprised of only the physical tribes of Israel?
What is meant when John is told that the 144,000 are not defiled by women, and
why are they called virgins? What is the ultimate destiny of this unique group
of individuals, and how does their future differ from the rest of mankind?
Finally, does Scripture reveal the answer to these questions, or, does God
intend to keep the identity, and destiny of the 144,000 a mystery until the
very end?
God Has Revealed the Answer
The truth is that
the longstanding mystery surrounding the 144,000 is revealed, right in
the pages of the Bible! The Almighty is a God of great purpose, planning, and
design. Further, He inspired the writing of scripture for the express purpose of revealing
His blueprint for mankind. As the prophet Amos writes:
The Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).
This verse is
absolutely essential to our understanding. It contains a vital, unbreakable
promise from Almighty God.
With these words, the Eternal binds Himself to reveal His
future plans to His servants before He acts. Therefore, if His will is to seal
precisely 144,000 individuals, we can rely on His promise to reveal both their
identity and destiny.
However, some might ask, "If God wanted us to know the
identity of the 144,000, why has it remained a mystery for so long?" The
answer to this question is found in God’s perfect timing. The Bible states
that there is a time and a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).
Further, some knowledge has been specifically reserved until the end. Even
righteous Daniel was denied some understanding of the visions God had given him.
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased . . . Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end (Daniel 12:4,9).
We now find ourselves living in an age when knowledge is increasing at enormous rates. It is the time of the end, and our generation can know the identity of the 144,000!
You Need to Know
Knowledge of and by itself is of little value, so
what is the merit of an entire book exploring the identity and destiny of the
144,000? The answer is that, as a byproduct of digging deeper into God’s Word,
a previously dark cavern of misunderstanding becomes illuminated.
A realization of the true righteousness God requires of His
servants can be discovered. Therefore, understanding exactly what qualifies
those who God has chosen to be numbered among this unique group is vital. If
the faith they exhibit is somehow superior, all Christians seeking the Kingdom
of God should desire to learn from their example.
Twelve Keys
As you read this book, and layer after layer of evidence is
uncovered, twelve vital keys will be revealed unlocking the mystery
surrounding the 144,000. These twelve keys will outline the very character
traits that qualify the 144,000 to be who they are—individuals who have
overcome their human nature in this life to become persons of genuine godly
character.
Be warned, however! As the evidence is presented regarding
this mysterious group, the effect may be unsettling. The truth about this
unique assembly may threaten past assumptions. It may even cause you to
rethink the place you believed you held in God’s plan of salvation.
Once the identity of these people is finally understood,
however, another wonderful truth becomes clear. If you are called of God, it
is possible to be part of this special assembly, and the reward that God is
offering those who attain this goal is both marvelous and glorious!
Therefore, as you proceed through each chapter, it is hoped
that two things will occur. First, each key will become yours! Each will open
your mind to see the quality of character God requires of His servants, in
order to be set apart as one of the 144,000 and to receive the reward
that is theirs alone. Second, each chapter is written in great hope that the
knowledge will serve to help motivate you with both ever-increasing
enthusiasm, and greater discipline as you pursue our magnificent quest—the
Kingdom of God.