End Times Are Here

The 144,000

One of the mysteries of the book of Revelation is that of the 144,000.

Who are they, and what is their mission?

This book tries to answer some of those questions by examining the book of Revelation, but also by looking at other sources.

The explanation of who the 144,000 are, actually starts with a simple question in the last verse of Revelation 6.

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
- Revelation 6:17 (KJV)

The answer is given in the next couple of verses in Revelation 7, where the 144,000 are first mentioned. And that's where this book starts also.

The wrath of God refers to the seven plagues. A time where there is no mediator in the heavenly temple.

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
- Revelation 15:8 (KJV)

It is during that time that the 144,000 will have to stand.

Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 425

- By Biblia Prints / FreeBibleimages.org / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

But what does all of that mean?

There is much to discuss, so let's get right into it.

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The 144,000

Revelation 7 is the first time we hear about the 144,000.

And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
- Revelation 7:1-4 (KJV)

Before we continue, I think it's worth pointing out that God is in control (as seen by the angels holding the four winds). Even satan is restricted as to what he is allowed to do.

The four corners of the earth refer to the four compass directions (North, East, South, and West). Not literal in other words.

The winds of strife (or trouble), are being held back, waiting for the sealing.

We can also see that the 144,000 are servants of God.

God normally chooses ordinary people to serve Him. Some of the apostles were fishermen for example. The repentance of troubled sinful men, also makes for better testimonies as to what God has done in their lives. All glory goes to God (as it should).

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (KJV)

All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service.
- Ellen White, Desire of Ages, p. 295

It doesn't matter what they've done, as long as they have a pure heart. God will make them righteous.

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
- Romans 8:33 (KJV)

The phrase "God's elect" can also be translated as "those whom God has chosen".

We are not to judge God's servants.

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
- Romans 14:4 (KJV)

It was God who chose them.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
- John 15:16 (KJV)

When Jesus says "Follow me" he means it. Even if it means leaving everything behind.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
- Matthew 4:19 (KJV)

And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
- Luke 5:10 (KJV)

The 144,000 will preach the Gospel one final time (along with everybody else), and then the end will come.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
- Matthew 24:14 (KJV)

What the 144,000 will do must be seen in the context of the Three Angels' Messages.

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
- Revelation 14:6-13 (KJV)

Which can be summarized as follows:

The hour of judgment is come
Babylon is fallen (forced Sunday worship)
The mark of the beast (time to choose: Sabbath or Sunday)

Then, during the Loud Cry (the proclamation of the Three Angels' Messages), the message will go forth to leave the fallen churches (Babylon).

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
- Revelation 18:4 (KJV)

In prophecy "woman" means "church".

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
- Ephesians 5:23 (KJV)

God is clearly warning His people to come out of the Babylon churches ("her") who have false doctrines such as "Sunday sabbath", "Eternal torment in hell", "Rapture", etc. Just like with Lot.

Souls that were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 279

So, the idea is to gather all God's people from the fallen churches, and bring them under one fold, and one shepherd.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
- John 10:16 (KJV)

The message of the 144,000 is one of reconciliation between God and us.

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
- Malachi 4:5-6 (KJV)

The 144,000 are a bit like Elijah (never saw death).

Elijah was a type of the saints who will be living on the earth at the time of the second advent of Christ and who will be "changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump," without tasting of death. 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52. It was as a representative of those who shall be thus translated that Elijah, near the close of Christ's earthly ministry, was permitted to stand with Moses by the side of the Saviour on the mount of transfiguration. In these glorified ones, the disciples saw in miniature a representation of the kingdom of the redeemed. They beheld Jesus clothed with the light of heaven; they heard the "voice out of the cloud" (Luke 9:35), acknowledging Him as the Son of God; they saw Moses, representing those who will be raised from the dead at the time of the second advent; and there also stood Elijah, representing those who at the close of earth's history will be changed from mortal to immortal and be translated to heaven without seeing death.
- Ellen White, Prophets and Kings, p. 227

The Elijah message (which is very similar to the Three Angels' Messages) has one unique part to it. After hearing the message, you must decide.

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
- 1 Kings 18:21 (KJV)

The message has always been very simple.

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- Matthew 3:2 (KJV)

Tribes

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
- Revelation 7:4-8 (KJV)

The reason John hears the number is because at this stage the 144,000 are still scattered all over the Earth.

Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 611/612

Later John sees them together on Mount Zion.

- By Visions of Domino / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Some people think that the 144,000 are literal Jews from today's Israel, but this is not correct. Israel doesn't have these kind of tribes anymore, and it would be virtually impossible to find 12,000 from each tribe of (messianic) Jews who are scattered all over the world.

In the New Testament the definition of Israel (and Jew) has changed, e.g. we now talk about spiritual Israel.

Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.
- Romans 9:6 (KJV)

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
- Romans 2:29 (KJV)

In other words, Gentiles like you and me can be called "Jews" from "Israel" also.

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
- Galatians 3:29 (KJV)

Israel today (or spiritual Israel rather) just means "God's chosen people". Christians in other words.

So according to that definition, the 144,000 are called from among all believers, and are currently scattered all over the world.

Tribe Names

Looking closely at the tribes, you can also see that the tribes of Dan and Ephraim are missing, that Manasseh and Levi were added, and that the order of the tribes is wrong (not according to birth order anymore).

Here is a possible reason as to why Dan was removed.

Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
- Genesis 49:17 (KJV)

Dan also means "judgment" which is what God does now, so maybe there is no need for the tribe of Dan anymore.

Here is a possible reason as to why Ephraim was removed.

Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
- Hosea 4:17 (KJV)

The Levites were previously priests all throughout Israel, but they now have their own tribe.

Each tribe name has a Biblical meaning.

Tribe	Meaning	Verse
Judah	"I praise the LORD"	Gen 29:35
Ruben	"Hath looked upon my affliction"	Gen 29:32
Gad	"A troop cometh"	Gen 30:11
Asher	"Happy am I"	Gen 30:13
Naphtali	"With great wrestlings"	Gen 30:8
Manasseh	"Hath made me forget"	Gen 41:51
Simeon	"The LORD hath heard"	Gen 29:33
Levi	"Joined unto me"	Gen 29:34
Issachar	"God hath given me my hire"	Gen 30:18
Zebulun	"A good dowry"	Gen 30:20
Joseph	"Shall add to me"	Gen 30:24
Benjamin	"His father called him Benjamin [the son of the right hand]"	Gen 35:18

Several people have paraphrased the names, and strung them all together, to get a coherent story.

I will praise the Lord [for] He has looked on me [and] given good fortune. Happy am I [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 the right hand.
- Amazing Facts

I like the version below as well.

Praise God, a son, a company of sons, redeemed and happy, after wrestling in prayer, forgetting self and the past, hearing God's word, joined to God as servants, dwelling with added joys and blessing, as sons of the right hand.
- Austin Cooke, An Enduring Vision, p. 481

It's hard to say, but perhaps the different tribes reflect certain personality types, e.g. someone might be like Judah, Reuben, etc. A bit like the 12 archetypes that were discovered by Carl Jung.

For example:

Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.
- Genesis 49:27 (KJV)

But then, as Christians, we change. For example:

And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.
- Deuteronomy 33:12 (KJV)

Here are some more examples:

	Name	Before	After
1	Reuben	Unstable as water	Great searching of heart
2	Simeon	Cruel, murderer	Repentant
3	Levi	Participated in murder	Faithful in crisis
4	Judah	Tendency to selfishness	Integrity
5	Zebulun	Self-centered	Ready to die for Christ
6	Issachar	Natural bent to evil	Strong, burden bearer
7	Dan	Backbiter	Manasses the just
8	Gad	Backslider	Mighty in battle
9	Asher	Natural propensities	Giving all to the cause
10	Naphtali	Free from responsibility	Comforter, giver
11	Joseph	Tendency to self-elevation	Faithfulness, self-sacrifice
12	Benjamin	Gluttony, passionate	Missionary spirit of Paul

- Numbers1317.org

The Great Multitude

Revelation 7 also speaks about a great multitude which "no man could number". (Sometimes also called an unnumbered multitude)

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
- Revelation 7:9-12 (KJV)

Then verses 13-17 speak about the 144,000 again. We know this is about the 144,000 because of the phrase "and serve him day and night in his temple", and because of the reference to the fourth plague (sun).

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
- Revelation 7:13-17 (KJV)

There seems to be a large group of people before the throne, and for some reason the 144,000 stand out. Perhaps because of their crown, or because of their mantle (like Elijah/Elisha had).

We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own right hand placed them on our heads. He gave us harps of gold and palms of victory. Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square. Some of them had very bright crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while others had but few. All were perfectly satisfied with their crowns. And they were all clothed with a glorious white mantle from their shoulders to their feet. Angels were all about us as we marched over the sea of glass to the gate of the city. Jesus raised His mighty, glorious arm, laid hold of the pearly gate, swung it back on its glittering hinges, and said to us, "You have washed your robes in My blood, stood stiffly for My truth, enter in." We all marched in and felt that we had a perfect right in the city.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 15/16

Ellen White describes this group like this:

Nearest the throne are those who were once zealous in the cause of Satan, but who, plucked as brands from the burning, have followed their Saviour with deep, intense devotion. Next are those who perfected Christian characters in the midst of falsehood and infidelity, those who honored the law of God when the Christian world declared it void, and the millions, of all ages, who were martyred for their faith. And beyond is the "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues," "before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands." [Revelation 7:9.] Their warfare is ended, their victory won. They have run the race and reached the prize. The palm branch in their hands is a symbol of their triumph, the white robe an emblem of the spotless righteousness of Christ which now is theirs.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 665

Maybe that's what John saw also?

Here's another quote about those standing nearest to the throne.

Those to whom He has forgiven most will love Him most, and will stand nearest to His throne to praise Him for His great love and infinite sacrifice.
- Ellen White, Steps to Christ, p. 36

Interesting...

Protected

The 144,000 are protected all the way to the end. Just like Job was. Satan was allowed to do anything to Job and his family/friends, except to kill him.

Psalm 91 describes what God's protection is like.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
- Psalms 91 (KJV)

There are other Bible verses for this as well:

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
- Isaiah 54:17 (KJV)

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
- Isaiah 43:2 (KJV)

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
- Revelation 3:10 (KJV)

Interestingly enough, Cain may have received a similar kind of protection.

And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
- Genesis 4:15 (KJV)

Another example of God's protection can be seen in the letter to the church of Philadelphia.

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
- Revelation 3:7-13 (KJV)

The phrase "I also will keep thee" is just another way of saying "I will deliver you".

A door that no man can shut. Wow.

- By Konstantin Somov / Wikimedia Commons

I find it very interesting to see that God uses people with "little strength" that later become pillars in His Temple. This is similar to Paul's experience, who was initially persecuting the early church, but later became an apostle for the Gentiles.

Protection doesn't mean that the 144,000 won't suffer. Quite the opposite in fact. God uses suffering to form character, and in that sense it can be considered a "good" thing.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.
- Philippians 1:29 (KJV)

Sealed

The training of the 144,000 includes both character (to be more Christlike), and understanding of scripture.

Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 71

It's not an overnight kind of thing I mean. It takes time.

Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads - it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved - just as soon as God's people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come.
- Ellen White, Manuscript 173, 1902

Just before the seven plagues start, the angels will seal the 144,000 with the seal of the living God.

What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption.
- Ellen White, Letter 126, 1898

So, the sequence of events for the 144,000 is probably something like this:

The 144,000 are called
God's protection is given (Psalm 91)
Settling into the truth (maybe several years)
Latter Rain (outpouring of the Holy Spirit with some measure)
Loud Cry (three angels' messages)
The 144,000 are sealed (last thing Jesus does before He leaves the sanctuary)
Outpouring of the Holy Spirit without measure
Stand without a mediator

The final sealing is the same as Ezekiel 9.

This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel.
- Ellen White, Testimonials p. 445

And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
- Ezekiel 9:3-4 (KJV)

The "sigh and cry" refers to the sins of the church (and people in general as well).

The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet's illustration of the last work under the figure of the men each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side. "And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof."
- Ellen White, Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 266.2

Ellen White also describes the sealing as below.

I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the remnant, then raised His hands, and with a voice of deep pity cried, "My blood, Father, My blood, My blood, My blood!" Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a loud voice, "Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads." I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was God that restrained the powers, and that He gave His angels charge over things on the earth; that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go; but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not sealed, and He raised His hands to the Father and pleaded with Him that He had spilled His blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 38

The sealing time (and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit) will start when the Sunday law is enforced.

It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
- Psalms 119:126 (KJV)

Then, when everybody has made their decision, probation will close.

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
- Revelation 22:11 (KJV)

But how many commandment-keeping Christians will be left at the close of probation?

Literal or Symbolic?

Another hot debate is that of whether 144,000 is a literal number, or a symbolic number.

Those who think it's symbolic claim that John heard the number, and then saw the unnumbered multitude, implying that the number 144,000 is symbolic for the unnumbered multitude.

Straight away I would like to point out however that it doesn't say that John "heard the number while seeing the unnumbered multitude", but that there is a clear gap between the two. Two groups.

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. ... After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.
- Revelation 7:4-9 (KJV)

The phrase "after this" could be a minute, but it could just as easily be a couple of days. It could even be somewhere completely different, e.g. one on Earth, and the other one in Heaven.

More importantly, if God really wanted to link the two together, it would probably make more sense for John to see the unnumbered multitude while hearing the number.

If the number 144,000 is symbolic, then the number 12,000 must be symbolic too. This is weird, because now, instead of "12,000 from a tribe" it could be something like "79,423 from one tribe", and "113,839 from another tribe", etc. That just doesn't make any sense. Also, if the number 144,000 is symbolic, then why have a number at all? Why not just say "the great multitude" everywhere?

At the end of the day it's the Bible that interprets the Bible, and there is no verse that really explains that a number can be symbolic for another (unspecified) number. I mean, are there 7 seals, or maybe it stands for 13? Are there 1,000 years, or does that stand for something else too? Symbolic numbers in the book of Revelation are hard to find (if they exist at all).

The Bible does explain the literal number concept however.

In the book of Numbers (chapter 13) we can find a similar principle as Revelation 7.

Here God is looking for 12 rulers.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel. And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur. Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori. Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph. Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun. Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu. Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi. Of the tribe of Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi. Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli. Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael. Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi. Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.
- Numbers 13:1-16 (KJV)

So: twelve tribes, one from each tribe. Total = 12.

Again, from the book of Numbers. Here God is calling a large number of people to war.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people. And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian. Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war. So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.
- Numbers 31:1-5 (KJV)

So: twelve tribes, a thousand from each tribe. Total = 12,000.

The book of Deuteronomy has a similar verse.

And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come. And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe: And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out.
- Deuteronomy 1:22-24 (KJV)

So: twelve tribes, one from each tribe. Total = 12.

And again, the book of Joshua has a similar verse.

Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
- Joshua 3:12 (KJV)

So: twelve tribes, one from each tribe. Total = 12.

And again, from the book of Joshua. (Collecting stones)

And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night. Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man: And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.
- Joshua 4:1-9 (KJV)

So: twelve tribes, one from each tribe. Total = 12.

And again, from the book of Joshua.

Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.
- Joshua 18:4 (KJV)

So: twelve tribes, three from each tribe. Total = 36.

There's actually another example of this in Joshua 22, but since it applies to ten tribes, I have not included it.

The fact that this principle is in the Bible six times, means it's important. Adding up all the verses (including Revelation 7) brings the total to seven which is representative of fullness/completeness.

The calling of the 144,000 is very similar to the above verses. It's the same principle.

So: twelve tribes, twelve thousand from each tribe. Total = 144,000.

The Bible is actually really clear on this. When God needs a certain amount of people, He will take an equal amount from the twelve tribes. According to that principle, the number 144,000 is a literal number in other words.

Additionally, the two groups are different in character.

144,000	Great multitude
Numbered	Unnumbered
Firstfruits	The remainder of the harvest
From the tribes of Israel	From all nations
Servants	Saints
Translated	Martyred
Pictured on Mount Zion	Pictured before the throne
A song only they could learn	-

So again, no doubt at all, there are clearly two groups here.

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. ... After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.
- Revelation 7:4,9 (KJV)

Think about it. How can the same group both be numbered (144,000), and unnumbered at the same time?

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
- 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)

The 144,000 are the firstfruits, meaning there has to be another group that is the remainder of the harvest. Secondfruits if you will. Two groups.

The 144,000 are servants, and even the book of Revelation makes a distinction between servants, and saints.

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
- Revelation 11:18 (KJV)

Just to clarify this a bit. Servants are saints (Christians), but not all saints are servants. We all serve God, but we are not all servants of God (like Jeremiah, Isaiah, etc).

The number 144,000 itself is a little bit symbolic of course, because it can be explained as 12 * 12 * 1,000. The number 12 refers to government (12 judges, 12 apostles, etc), and the number 1,000 is an ancient military unit used in the army of Israel.

So I think it's fair to say that these servants are God's army for the last days.

Here's what Ellen White says about it.

The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 15

Ellen White has used the phrase "in number" several times in her writings, and it was (almost) always literal.

For example, if I say: I have lots of animals, 14 in number. How many animals do I have? It's 14, right?!

The Bible also uses it like that.

And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep.
- Numbers 31:36 (KJV)

That's a literal number, and not a symbolic number.

The only "exception" I could find was the quote below.

And holy angels as ministers and witnesses, in number "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands," attend this great tribunal.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 479

But clearly, "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" (between quotes) is not an exact number to begin with, so it's not the same principle.

It's also interesting as to why Ellen White says "144,000 in number" at all, e.g. why not just say "The living saints knew and understood the voice..."?

For the living saints to hear and recognize the still small voice, they must have heard it before.

It's a little bit frightening to think that at some point the number of the living saints will be reduced to 144,000, but I think that's the truth.

The Bible does seem to back that up.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
- Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

That's pretty sobering, really.

Same with the death decree.

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
- Revelation 13:15 (KJV)

Towards the end, when God withdraws His Spirit, things will get pretty bad.

As the defenders of truth refuse to honour the Sunday-sabbath some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom all this now seems impossible, but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men and they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments. The heart can be very cruel when God's fear and love are removed.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 608

And also, it is a bit of a mystery who is alive at the end after all.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJV)

The requirements for translation are extremely high. For the last 6,000 years only two people (Enoch and Elijah, both servants) have reached this standard. It seems to me that you have to be thoroughly prepared for the last days, and that it's not just a matter of "whoever happens to be alive at the time".

I mean, what happens if someone becomes a Christian a day before the close of probation? Will that person then be sealed and protected, go through all the seven plagues, and be a servant of God in the temple in Heaven forever? That doesn't make sense to me.

Ellen White also says that the 144,000 can form a "perfect square" (where width equals height).

Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 16

Making a perfect square out of some random large number like 3,378,912 (for example) is almost impossible, and it's actually a very strong case for the 144,000 being a literal number just by itself.

Interestingly enough, you can only make a perfect square out of 144,000 when there is a hole in the middle (hollow).

A perfect hollow square of 380 x 380 gives us 144,400. Reduce that with 20 x 20 in the middle, and you get 144,000.

It's a perfect (but hollow) square.

I would argue that Jesus stands in the middle while He addresses the 144,000. Ellen White confirms this with two "identical" verses from two different books.

Before entering the city, the saints were arranged in a perfect square, with Jesus in the midst.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 288

Before entering the city, the saints are arranged in a hollow square, with Jesus in the midst.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 464

I don't believe that God is waiting for people to die (counting down the numbers), just so He can form a perfect square. That makes no sense at all. At the same time it can be clearly seen that the 144,000 can form a perfect/hollow square quite easily.

The 144,000 have a special work to do, and God simply called 12,000 from each tribe. Total = 144,000.

They are singled out to stand during the seven plagues.

Why were they [the 144,000] so specially singled out? Because they had to stand with a wonderful truth right before the whole world, and receive their opposition, and while receiving this opposition they were to remember that they were sons and daughters of God, that they must have Christ formed within them the hope of glory. They were ever keeping in view the great and blessed hope that is before them. What is it? It is an eternal weight of glory. Nothing could surpass it.
- Ellen White, Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, p. 72.3

The 144,000 are a literal group of servants.

Mount Zion

The 144,000 on Mount Zion is not a second group. It is the same 144,000 as in Revelation 7.

In Revelation 7 we only heard the number (scattered in various places on Earth), but here the 144,000 are clearly seen together on Mount Zion. It's the same group, but in a different location.

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.
- Revelation 14:1 (KJV)

The name of the Father is not literally written on their foreheads.

In the Bible "name" can also mean "character".

The 144,000 will be a reflection of God's character (Love, Holy, etc). Christlike.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
- Romans 8:29-30 (KJV)

No more sin, and we will live in perfect harmony with God.

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: 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.
- Revelation 14:2-3 (KJV)

The voice described here is that of the 144,000 playing their harps.

The harps are undoubtedly used to sing the song of the 144,000.

In prophecy "song" means "experience".

The experience of the 144,000 is that of "deliverance". Similar to how Moses was delivered from Egypt.

Only the 144,000 can sing this song, because it's their unique experience (which no other company have ever had).

None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience--an experience such as no other company have ever had.
- Ellen White, Maranatha p. 328

The 144,000 are redeemed from the living, and will have God's protection. This guarantees that they will be alive at Jesus' Second Coming. They will not taste death, but will be translated instead. You can only be translated if you reach a certain standard (no sin). Think Enoch and Elijah.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
- Hebrews 11:5 (KJV)

And during the Second Coming of Jesus.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)

To be "caught up" also implies being translated (and changed).

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.
- Revelation 14:4 (KJV)

This does not mean that the 144,000 are literal virgins.

In prophecy "woman" means "church", and a virgin then is a pure church.

The 144,000 have simply not defiled themselves with churches that have false doctrines such as "Sunday sabbath", "Eternal torment in hell", "Rapture", etc. Their doctrines, coming from a love of the truth, are pure, and as such they are 'virgins'.

They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith.
- Ellen White, Christ Object Lessons, p. 406

When Jesus says "Follow me", the 144,000 will follow Jesus, no matter where He goes.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
- John 12:26 (KJV)

The "Follow me" part might also be part of their reward, e.g. following Christ into the temple, and visiting other worlds, etc.

And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, "Only the 144,000 enter this place," and we shouted, "Alleluia."
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 19

The gospel is all about redemption, and the 144,000 are the first to have been redeemed. They are firstfruits.

These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as "the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb".
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 649

The 144,000 are just another part of the body of Christ. Servants.

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
- 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (KJV)

No special treatment.

For there is no respect of persons with God.
- Romans 2:11 (KJV)

I quite like the verse below with regards to being redeemed.

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
- Isaiah 43:1-2 (KJV)

And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
- Revelation 14:5 (KJV)

The terms "without fault", and "no guile" also refer to the character of Jesus.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.
- 1 Peter 2:21-22 (KJV)

Note that it says "without fault before the throne". That means the 144,000 will still be flawed (up to the close of probation), but that they will be "without fault" in the eyes of God when before the throne (at the end).

The Victory Over the Beast

The 144,000 will be alive during God's wrath (the seven plagues), but God will give them the victory.

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
- Revelation 15:2-4 (KJV)

In prophecy a "sea of glass" refers to the area before the throne, and "throne" normally refers to judgment.

The song of Moses, and the song of the Lamb, is a song of deliverance.

Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire--so resplendent is it with the glory of God--are gathered the company that have "gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name." With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, "having the harps of God," they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, "the voice of harpers harping with their harps." And they sing "a new song" before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb-a song of deliverance.

None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience--an experience such as no other company have ever had. "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as "the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." Revelation 15:2, 3; 14:1-5. "These are they which came out of great tribulation;" they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments. But they have been delivered, for they have "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." "In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault" before God. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them."

They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. But "they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat." Revelation 7:14-16
- Ellen White, Maranatha p. 328

As a reward they will be allowed to serve God in His temple, and in that sense they are Levites.

Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And I saw the little ones climb, or, if they chose, use their little wings and fly to the top of the mountains, and pluck the never-fading flowers. There were all kinds of trees around the temple to beautify the place; the box, the pine, the fir, the oil, the myrtle, the pomegranate, and the fig-tree bowed down with the weight of its timely figs,--these made the place all over glorious. And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, "Only the 144,000 enter this place," and we shouted, "Alleluia."
- Ellen White, Christian Experience and Teaching, p. 63.2

Their names are on tablets of stone.

This temple was supported by seven pillars, all of transparent gold, set with pearls most glorious. The wonderful things I there saw, I cannot describe. Oh, that I could talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell a little of the glory of the better world. I saw there tables of stone in which the names of the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold.
- Ellen White, Christian Experience and Teaching, p. 63.3

And that's why the 144,000 have to be ordinary and weak people, so that they can remain humble.

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (KJV)

It's God who does the work. (Like with Gideon's band of 300)

Vindicating God

So what are the 144,000 about really? What's their real purpose, besides preaching the gospel, and serving God?

Imagine the following conversation.

Satan:	God's Law is too hard, and cannot be kept. We're not to be blamed for sinning. There is no reason to punish us.
God:	My Son Jesus, while fully human, kept my Law perfectly.
Satan:	But He's a heavenly being (God in fact).
God:	Very well, I will train 144,000 in the weakest generation, in the most difficult time, and they will keep my Law.

Or as Ellen White puts it.

In the opening of the great controversy, Satan had declared that the law of God could not be obeyed, that justice was inconsistent with mercy, and that, should the law be broken, it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned. Every sin must meet its punishment, urged Satan; and if God should remit the punishment of sin, He would not be a God of truth and justice. When men broke the law of God, and defied His will, Satan exulted. It was proved, he declared, that the law could not be obeyed; man could not be forgiven. Because he, after his rebellion, had been banished from heaven, Satan claimed that the human race must be forever shut out from God's favor. God could not be just, he urged, and yet show mercy to the sinner.
- Ellen White, Desire of Ages, p. 761

Satan essentially put God on trial.

The picture, then, is that of a court scene. God's government is at stake. Satan is the accuser; God Himself is the accused and is on trial. He has been charged with injustice, with requiring His creatures to do that which they cannot do, and yet punishing them for not doing it. The Law is the specific point of attack, but the Law being merely a transcript of God's character, it is God and His character that are the points at issue.
- M. L. Andreasen, The Sanctuary Service, chapter 21

But Jesus, in human form, has already shown that it is possible for a human being to keep God's Law, but now, God, using the 144,000, will prove to everybody (humans, angels, etc) that God's Law can be kept, no matter what the circumstances, and that satan is a liar.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
- Matthew 11:30 (KJV)

At the onset of the seven last plagues, Jesus will leave the sanctuary, and then no man can enter the temple during the seven plagues.

During the seven plagues the 144,000 will therefore have to stand without a mediator, and must not sin. This time is sometimes also referred to as the time of Jacob's trouble, which starts with the death decree, and ends with the Second Coming. This is where the 144,000 will prevail with God, and with man. Like Jacob.

The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob's trouble. "Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.... All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it." Jeremiah 30:5-7.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 616

As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good. They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness. Satan endeavors to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless, that the stain of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations and turn from their allegiance to God.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 618/619

Jacob's history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, God will send His angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people, and His ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 621

The question is: Who is to blame for sin?

Was it God's fault (Law too hard?), satan's fault (he deceived us), or our fault?

But the Bible is clear. Sin is our fault, and there's no excuse.

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
- Ezekiel 18:20 (KJV)

Sinning is very much a personal choice.

This world is essentially an open court room, and the 144,000 will provide a crucial bit of evidence, e.g. that with grace and the Holy Spirit, it is possible to overcome sin, and to keep God's Law.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
- Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

When the 144,000 keep God's Law, they will vindicate God.

The 144,000 will keep the commandments of God, and will have faith in Jesus.

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
- Revelation 14:12 (KJV)

Satan will do what he can to stop them, but ultimately he will fail. He can't kill the 144,000 (like with Job), so he will try and discredit them as much as possible. So, keep that in mind when the 144,000 enter the scene, because they will probably have "issues".

So, now that we know the why behind the 144,000, the question then becomes: how do the 144,000 keep the commandments without a mediator?

Standing Without a Mediator

The 144,000 will need to stand without a mediator during the seven plagues.

So how will the 144,000 do this?

I think the key to understanding this lies in the quote below from Ellen White which takes place at the start of the seven plagues.

Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses' did when he came down from Mount Sinai.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 15

In case you are wondering, the day and hour are only shared after the close of probation to the 144,000 servants only.

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
- Amos 3:7 (KJV)

So, why is the Holy Spirit poured out at the start of the seven plagues? The Latter Rain has already fallen, everyone has made up their mind, and there is no more work to be done. God never does anything without reason. What's going on?

It is my opinion that the Holy Spirit here is poured out without measure.

The Father gave his Spirit without measure to his Son, and we also may partake of its fulness.
- Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, November 5, 1908

The Bible refers to this as being joined to the Lord.

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)

The Holy Spirit is initially given as a "deposit".

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
- Ephesians 1:13-14 (KJV)

And God is essentially saying: See how you get on with the deposit, and I'll give you the rest later.

The Holy Spirit is helping us to keep the commandments of God.

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 (KJV)

Now the conviction of the Holy Spirit (without measure) not to sin is simply stronger than ever before.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.
- John 16:8 (KJV)

At the close of probation, the 144,000 will be almost identical to how Adam and Eve were before the Fall. No sins. And probably, no knowledge of evil either (filtered out).

True sons and daughters of God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
- Romans 8:14 (KJV)

Ellen White describes the state of Adam and Eve as "happy and holy".

Very happy were the holy pair in Eden.
- Ellen White, The Story of Redemption, p. 22

And she does the same for the 144,000.

The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus' new name. At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground. Then it was that the synagogue of Satan knew that God had loved us who could wash one another's feet and salute the brethren with a holy kiss, and they worshiped at our feet.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 15

With the Holy Spirit within you like that, it becomes almost impossible to sin. And that's exactly what the 144,000 need during the seven plagues. The ability to stand without a mediator.

And, that's how they end up as "without fault" before the throne.

And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
- Revelation 14:5 (KJV)

With the 144,000, God is showing that it's perfectly possible for men to keep His Law (the Ten Commandments), and that sin is very much a personal choice. The 144,000 represent the weakest generation in the most difficult time. If they can keep God's Law under those circumstances, then there is no basis for the claim that God's Law is too hard, and can't be kept.

When the dead are raised, they will have the Holy Spirit without measure also.

Spiritual bodies.

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
- 1 Corinthians 15:44 (KJV)

It is the Holy Spirit who writes the Law in our mind, and our heart.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
- Hebrews 8:10-11 (KJV)

That's what it means for the Law to be "spirit".

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
- Romans 7:14 (KJV)

When we are led by the Holy Spirit, we are in full compliance with God's Law.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
- Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

In the end, we will all have the Holy Spirit without measure, just as it was before the Fall.

All in the image of God.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
- Genesis 1:27 (KJV)

That's God's solution to the sin problem.

No more sin.

Conclusion

In the last days, there's only a remnant (of a remnant) left.

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
- Revelation 12:17 (KJV)

Can it really be, that a small group of commandment-keeping Christians (Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath) gets reduced to 144,000 when probation is closed?

Sadly, I think it's true. It's just hard to imagine, that's all.

The "time of trouble such as never was," is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess, and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 621/622

God has never changed His mind on how He deals with sinful people.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
- Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

And translation has always been the exception, e.g. out of billions of people only Enoch and Elijah were translated. Only 8 people survived the Flood. Etc.

Are we now saying that there will be millions of Christians that are going to be translated? Really?!?

Or, is it perhaps possible that we have been deceived? I mean, who is more likely to prepare themselves for the last days, someone who thinks they are going to get translated, or someone who may die as a martyr (or because of something else)? Even the disciples were deceived in that they believed that Jesus came to restore Israel, and conquer the Roman Empire. And that was after they walked with Him for 3.5 years.

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
- Revelation 12:9 (KJV)

Okay, so when will the 144,000 appear on the scene?

Well, there are three stages to becoming a servant:

Called
Trained
Sent

The "Called" part could be at any time (God does this Himself, by the way), the "Trained" part obviously takes time, and the "Sent" part is up to God.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
- James 4:10 (KJV)

Given where we are prophetically speaking, I believe that the 144,000 are already here!! I believe that the 144,000 will be sent when the Holy Spirit is poured out on all flesh (the Latter Rain).

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
- Acts 2:17-21 (KJV)

They will be "another man".

And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
- 1 Samuel 10:6 (KJV)

The Latter Rain falls on all Christians, so that's something we can all look forward to. (Not just the 144,000)

In the meantime, we just have to be patient.

It is not His will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand? This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question.
- Ellen White, Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 174

The 144,000

The 144,000

Tribes

Tribe Names

The Great Multitude

Protected

Sealed

Literal or Symbolic?

Mount Zion

The Victory Over the Beast

Vindicating God

Standing Without a Mediator

Conclusion

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