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The Meaning of the 144,000 and the Great Multitude in Revelation

Explore the significance of the 144,000 sealed by God and the great multitude in the book of Revelation. Understand their identity and the promises for believers. Don't be misled by misinterpretations.

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The Meaning of the 144,000 and the Great Multitude in Revelation

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  1. The Reading Revelations 7:9-17

  2. Revelation Victory of Christ and the church

  3. Hello Brother Eric, can you help me understand what exactly is the meaning, of the 144,000 thousand that God sealed in the book of Revelation? Also, there are two groups. The “144,000 and the Great multitude”, who are those? Many are saying that this number is already complete and that for this reason we will not be in heaven. If that’s the case, where are we going to be? Thanks!

  4. A Jehovah’s Witness said, about John 14:1-3, “Yes sir, but Jesus was talking to the ‘disciples’, and not Christians, members of the church of Christ today!” John 14:1-3 (NKJV) 1  "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

  5. And again, about Philippians 3:20, “Yes sir, but Paul was an apostle and he will be in heaven!” Yes, but why make that promise to a bunch of people at Philippi, a promise that didn’t make any sense for them? Philippians 3:20 (NKJV) 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

  6. John 14, Jesus second person in the PLURAL. Paul, Philippians 1:20, first person in the Plural. Peter, reserved in heaven for you, Third Person in the PLURAL. 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV) 3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4  to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

  7. There are 4 major cults in the U. S. today that will spend eternity in Hell, because of misunderstanding these verses in scripture. • Jehovah Witnessesteach that there are only 144,000 (born again) people that will go to heaven, and help Christ rule and reign during the 1,000 year reign. • The Worldwide Church of God (Herbert Armstrong) teach that (they) are Anglo-Saxons made up of Englishman and Americans. They teach that through proper tithing they to can be apart of it. They believe that they will escape the Anti-Christ in a camp at Petra NOTES

  8. The 7th day Adventists teach that the 144,000 are made up of faithful Sabbath day observers • The Latter day Saints (Mormons) teach that the 144,000 represent themselves and that they are from the tribe of Ephraim. • The correct view is that these 144,000 are Jews, 12,000 from each tribe (12) • Virgin men NOTES

  9. Our Bibles are opened to an amazing section of John's vision. • 4 angels stand at the 4 corners of the earth ready to send God's wrath upon sinful man. • As they begin, they are suddenly stopped with a command to wait until the saved are protected with a seal on their forehead. • The number sealed was 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel. • These are to receive the blessings of heaven (v. 15-17). • As John surveys this great multitude he is asked, "Who are these?" • That is the focus of our present study.

  10. Revelation 7:4-8 (NKJV) 4  And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: 5  of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; 6  of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; 7  of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; 8  of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.

  11. 1After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2Then 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 granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: Revelation 7:1-4

  12. 9After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 7:9-17 The Great Multitude!

  13. 13Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” 14And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:9-17 The Great Multitude!

  14. 1Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. Revelation 14:1-5

  15. The 144,000 of Rev 7 & 14 have caused great discussion. TheJehovah's Witness sect especiallyemphasizes this number. In fact, the entire doctrinal system of the Jehovah Witnesses is founded upon the 144,000 being a literal number. If you have ever read their literature or talked at length with them you know this is true. The fact is thatthis number is a topic of debate, and itought to motivate all believers to study it with intensity. We have an obligation to know what is meant and how it applies to us today (1 Peter 3:15).

  16. CharlesT. Russell prophesied that in 1914 the world would end with Armageddon being fought. a) Before Armageddon destroyed the world Christ was to return and take the 144,000 to heaven. b) Following Armageddon the saintly dead would be resurrected and enjoy a renewed earth (New Paradise). c) This second group, not taken to heaven, would be called "the Great Multitude." d) Those living on earth would form the Kingdom of Christ. B. Although Russell's prophecy failed, the error of his prophecy continues.

  17. Regarding the 144,000 - "These are the only ones whom Jehovah God takes to heaven with His Son. All others who gain life in His new world will live in Paradise restored here on earth" (1958). • The 2 groups are supposedly found in Rev 7:4, 9. • The "heavenly class" will be the 144,000 and the "earthly class" is called "the Great Multitude.“ • To offer the illusion of Scriptural support John 10:16 is cited. • The "other sheep" are supposed to be the Great Multitude on earth. • Such is destroyed with the last phrase "one flock," not two!

  18. The Jehovah Witness' interpretation is in error as the following points will show. • If it can be shown that the 144,000 and Great Multitude are not 2 distinct groups but only one, the error will be clear!

  19. They are both before the Throne and the throne is in heaven!  3They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 15Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 17for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Rev 7:15, 17 - the Great Multitude is before the throne; Rev 14:3 the 144,000 before the throne.

  20. 15Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. • Rev 7: 15 - the Great Multitude serve him before the throne in the Temple. • The Temple is in heaven (Rev 11:19); the throne is in heaven (Rev 4:2). • How can the Great Multitude serve in heaven if the Jehovah Witness' doctrine is correct? 19Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. 2Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

  21. For this reason, both serve God in heaven, before the throne, and in the Temple - they are the same group!

  22. The Great Multitude is dressed in "white robes" (7:9, 13, 14).  9After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 13Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” 14And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  23. But the 144,000 are also clothed in white robes (Rev 14:3-5). 3They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.

  24. Thus, all who have their robes washed in the blood of Christ will enter into heaven. There is thus only ONE group not 2! • To claim there are 2 groups of saved saints contradicts Scripture.

  25. John 10:16 - does not teach 2 groups, but one! 16And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

  26. Ephesians 2:15,16; 4:4; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13 - all unite in stating there is only ONE group of saved believers! 15having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

  27. If there is a heavenly group and an earthly group then Ephesians 4:4 is wrong! Instead of one there must be two! 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;

  28. If the Great Multitude is NOT in heaven they are lost!  • Rev 22:15 - One is either "within" or "without," in heaven or eternally lost! There is no other alternative. • Note: Jehovah Witnesses say the "new city" will be on the "new earth." If you are on the earth you will be "without." But 22:3 tells us where this city is found -- where God's throne is (in heaven)! 15But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 3And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.

  29. A literal 144,000 demands acceptance of absurdities with other symbols in Revelation 7 and 14.

  30. The Jehovah Witnesses want to pick and choose what is literal and what is symbolic. But it just cannot be reasonable! • If one symbol is literal, all must be literal!

  31. Rev 7:4 corners of the world; seal on the forehead; physical Israel alone saved in heaven; only 12,000 from every tribe; the tribe of Dan is excluded. • Rev 14 - virgin Jewish men are the only ones able to be saved in heaven.

  32. No reasonable person expects all to be literal. Why then expect the 144,000 to be literal unless you are trying to twist Scripture to fit a preconceived doctrine? • A doctrine of 2 different groups ignores the Scriptural teaching about the establishment of the Kingdom. • The Jehovah Witnesses claim that Christ is not reigning and will not reign until His Kingdom is established on earth with the Great Multitude.

  33. But Acts 2:30 states that when Christ ascended He began to reign as a King! 30Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,

  34. If the Bible is true, and Christ began His reign on Pentecost in Acts 2, then the Jehovah Witness' doctrine is false!

  35. A suggested explanation of the 144,000.

  36. Rev 7 is describing 2 different actions and not two different groups.

  37. 7:4 - John "heard" the number and in 7:9 he "saw" the group. The 2 are the same.

  38. How would you describe a mass of 144,000? • It would be impossible to count them. • The only one who would know is God.

  39. Such happened to John - he first heard the number and then saw the multitudes. Only one group not 2!

  40. Such a meaning is correct - in heaven the occupants will be from ALL nations (21:26) as described in 7:9. 26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.

  41. The numerical symbolism is a definite number for an indefinite number. • 12 stands as a symbol of God's people - 12 tribes of Israel represented ALL of God's covenant people, even though the tribe of Dan is omitted. • A multiplication would express all of God's saved, not one was missing. • 10 stands for completeness and 10 x 10 represented total complete ness -- nothing lacking

  42. Thus 12 x 12 x 10 x 10 x 10 is a way of simple stating that all of God's saved believers were present -- none were missing!

  43. When viewed as symbolic, and not literal, this number unites with the other symbols in Rev 7 and 14 to provide cheer and comfort for struggling saints.

  44. It reveals the care of God for all who obey Him.  • It shows that God provides for His church in spite of this world's tribulations. • In the end,God and His children,who remained devoted to God's will and refusedto compromise with sin,will stand victorious over Satan. • All faithful will be saved, none will be missing!

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