Christians have held endless discussions over the identity of the 144,000. This special group that Revelation pictures as those who follow the lamb and are saved – who are ready to meet Jesus when He comes. They are called the 144,000 and Scripture declares that they are the 12 tribes of Israel.
They are first introduced: Revelation 7:1-4. Many have wondered whether they are a literal or symbolic number. Clearly the Bible indicates a sealing of the 144,000 – 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Immediately though it becomes evident that the number is symbolic rather than literal. If it was literal then we must take the whole of the text that way and take it to mean literal Jews. There are many other obvious problems if we are to understand the description as literal.
Oh yes, there is a literal nation of Jewish people there in the Middle East - but remember – how are we to understand Israel today? (See Israel in Prophecy presentation) We learned that "Israel" is no longer "Israel after the flesh" but "spiritual Israel" in the last days. They are spiritual Israelites because the prophecy refers to the end time. If we interpret the 144,000 in a symbolic way the true meanings emerge.
Let’s remember friends, that Revelation reveals how end-time events will occur involving spiritual Israel – Christ’s remnant church. The context does not support a literal view. We must study it in the immediate context.
Revelation 7:9 Revelation 7 appears to come in two sections – verses 1- 8 describes the 144,000 and verses 9-17 describe the great multitude. – Determining the relationship between the two sections provides a key to understanding this chapter. Now most have tended to say that these two are different groups – special and distinct from each other.
Many think the 144,000 go through the tribulation and the great multitude are those others who are saved throughout history. But in verses 9, 13, 14 it tells us that the "great multitude" goes through the great tribulation – "clothed with white robes" verses 9 & 13,,14,15.- "Stand before throne" verse15
At first glance the two sections seem in contrast to each other –
· Israel contrasts with every nation
· 144,000 contrasts with an innumerable multitude
· The 12 tribes contrasts with all tribes
But as we reflect that Israel is no longer literal Israel, but the faithful of all nations – Romans 2:28, 29 & Galatians 3:29 – it becomes apparent that the two descriptions actually parallel.
Now you must understand something, hearing and seeing is contrasted in the book of Revelation. Oftentimes, what John hears is in contrast with what he sees. Yet, what he sees is the same thing though described in contradictory terms – a form of Hebrew parallelism.
Let me show you an example – here and see sequence used throughout this book and the rest of the Bible. Revelation 5:5,6 Verse 5 hears the elders describe a lion but when he looks he sees a lamb – verse 6. The contradictory symbol represents the same person – Jesus. So, with this in mind we can put = equal signs between the two descriptions of the groups in Revelation 7.
Israel is the faithful of all nations. The tribes of Israel represent all tribes, peoples of all the nations who are saved. By refusing to compromise with demands of false religions, in the final great persecution they constitute a loyal Remnant.
While the Anti-Christ is seeking to deceive the whole world into its false doctrines of Babylon, Jesus calls people out of all nations into the remnant church, Israel.
The four winds symbolize the great tribulation and the Seal of God corresponds to the robes made white in the blood of the Lamb. The character of the saved - righteousness of Christ imputed and imparted.
Best of all, the 144,000 are not necessarily a limited group that we can have scant hope of belonging to, but a vast multitude who cannot be numbered.
But here we have a clear interpretation of the 144,000. They form a multitude of the family of faith…Promise to Abraham - "sand of the sea" taken from all people and nations who show their loyalty to Christ.
Now, even if you think the "144,000" are not the same as the "great multitude" the next text says clearly that an innumerable multitude will come safely through the great tribulation.
Revelation 14 also gives us a fantastic description of the 144,000, Revelation 14:1-5 There are some remarkable characteristics listed here we must look at-
· "Were not defiled with women for they are virgins" – verse 4
· They possess a pure unadulterated faith
· They follow the Lamb where ever He goes
· Follow Jesus completely – see more about this later
· "In their mouth was found no guile" – word "guile" means deceit – these folks are the same on the inside as they are on the outside. There is no hidden dishonesty in their lives.
· Without fault before the throne - the only way they can do this is because Jesus is in full possession of their lives.
We can see clearly that we are not dealing with a specific number of people, but a people with specific characteristics. What does it mean – virgins? Not defiled by women? Surely this is not to be taken literal. This would mean only men included. They are not defiled by the harlots of Revelation 17 and their false doctrines – not drinking the wine of false doctrine like the whole world.
They follow Jesus instead – follow the Lamb – these have developed an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Those who follow Him into Heaven first must Him follow today. This is what it means to be a Christian – to follow Jesus fully and completely – Revelation 14:12 says they "keep the commandments and have the faith of Jesus." So the 144,000 is dealing with qualities not quantity. These are faithful to Jesus in everything – without fault.
Now it cost something to truly follow Jesus – It always has. The early Christians for example – Luke 9:23 The old song "Trust and Obey" says it all.
Before we go any further, let me ask you – do you want to hear the whole truth? I love you too much to tell you anything else. My friend, I’m not concerned about what you believe concerning the number of the 144,000. How many are they? Or who are they? But will you be one of them? Those who dare to follow Jesus fully – to be His disciple in a rebellious and deceptive world.
I’m concerned – I want to know what you are going to do with Jesus and His truth found in this book. Are you willing to follow the path of righteousness plainly marked out in this book? Are you willing to commit your life fully to Jesus to be a daring disciple for Him?
One of the very first principles in being a Christian is self-denial – it involves complete surrender. And sometimes this must be given up things we wear, places we go, things we do.
Maybe friends, even our Lord’s parable of the pearl of great price illustrates the great spiritual truth. Matthew 13:46 Jesus is that pearl. We must be willing to invest everything we have in obtaining that tremendous prize of eternal life. If we allow one thing or one person to come between us and doing the will of Christ we cannot be saved.
Luke 14:33 Remember the rich young ruler? He was told that he lacked just one thing in his preparation for heaven. But that one thing he was not willing to do – he was not willing to give it up – he loved something more than he loved the Lord. People let material things, etc. come between them and the Lord. We must put Christ and His will first.
The position of Christ is so strong on this point that he even said – Matthew 10:37 This is not popular today – one of the most frequent complaints people make is that religion is too restrictive. In this permissive age – "do your own thing" is the norm. Frank Sinatra song – "I Did My Way"
This attitude has intruded into religion. Many Christians seem to want the same thing – a religion that doesn’t interfere with personal rights and freedoms. They want "User Friendly" Religion. People hesitate against any doctrine that involves the "giving up" of anything. But really we don’t give up anything. We simply do what Jesus asks because we love Him.
In all it’s manifestations, the Christian lifestyle is a response to salvation through Christ. A Christian desires to honor God and to live as Jesus would live. Although some might view Christianity as a list of don’t’s, we should rather see it as a series of positive principles active in the salvation experience with Christ.
Jesus emphasized that He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10 – "I am come that they might have life more abundantly" John 15:11 – "These things spoken – joy full" What are the principles that guide us to the full, abundant life? Notice what the Bible says in – Hebrews 12:1,2 This is the key – looking unto Jesus - then things lose significance.
Must look long at the great sacrifice He has made for each of us. When we think about the blood He shed, that we might be saved there is nothing to great for us.
As we look to Jesus and follow Him we must lay aside weights. What are these weights? But first, let me say this is not something we do out of drudgery. Some people have only enough religion to make them miserable. Religion to them is a bunch of do’s and don’ts.
And there are restrictions to be sure, but the true Christian has a different attitude about these. Like marriage – it is one of the most restrictive things in the world, but you do not want to date others anymore. Can you imagine a young bride saying, "I can’t date anymore, it’s not fair!" No way! - Not if she truly loves her husband. Love – that’s the key – the difficulty for many are their motive for being Christians.
They have a fire escape religion and do certain things only because they are afraid of the fire. Their religion is like a man with a headache – he doesn’t want to cut off his head but it hurts so much to keep it.
Beloved, true Christians desire to do even more than just keeping the 10 Commandments. I John 3:22 They obey the Commandments – We would expect that. But they also do other things that please our Lord. Love for Him will prompt them to always be trying to find out what best pleases the Lord.
What are some things that should be laid aside that would hinder spiritual growth?
I John 2:15,16 Things of the world – this touches every phase of life. Lust of the flesh, eyes, pride of life – this covers many areas – the devil works through these avenues to be sure.
Tonight, God wants us to realize Christians are to be different than the world. Christians win unbelievers not by looking and behaving like the world but by revealing an attractrive and refreshing difference
Titus 2:14 We must realize Christians are not to be like the world, they are to live for Jesus and not themselves. We are to be "peculiar" – "own special people" – different but not weirdoes – but something about us are to be different. True Christians were never popular with the world.
John 15:19 – "You are not of the world therefore the world hates you. I have chosen you out of the world." God has a test in the Bible to check all things to see if it is acceptable for Christians. This is what we need, right?
Philippians 4:8 Now, let’s apply the test of Philippians to some of the popular activities of the world and see if they meet the high Christian standard. What about dancing in nights clubs? Is it pure and virtuous? I can tell you a story about dancing – bar rooms – drinking – leads to unfaithfulness.
How about some of the movies at the theaters today – are these movies pure and virtuous? – Not hardly. The way they are advertised – obscene. They can’t sell five tickets without sex and bad language, violence.
Some say, "Well, that’s life." Yes, a life of sin and wickedness – sure get a good concentrated dose. Some say there are some good pictures maybe – need to be extremely careful what we bring home. Notice what the Bible says - Isaiah 33:15 A good question asked - verse14 - with a very candid answer given. Stop ears form even hearing of horrors of syncopated world. Shut eyes from seeing evil - means have to turn off TV sets many times no doubt. Some have wondered why the violence, crime, young people – it’s a "no-brainer" Bible directive found in – Proverbs 23:26
Have you seen much of God’s ways over the media lately? Besides think of the time – no time to study the Bible. The committed Christian will turn away from unwholesome, violent, sensual movies and television programs. Psalms 101:2,3
Now lets apply the same test – Philippian 4:8 to other areas such as fashion – what we wear. What does the Bible say? I Timothy 2:9 Ladies, I am going into an area you probably never heard before –practically all churches once taught what you are going to hear. Notice – modest apparel. Christians should not mar the beauty of their characters with styles that arouse the "lust of the flesh".
As witnesses for Christ, we want to dress and act modestly, not accentuating the parts of the body that stimulate sexual desires. Christian rule – worldly dress reveals, Christian dress conceals. Modesty promotes moral health. And the Christians aim is to glorify God, not self.
This applies to men also. But men are attracted more by sight – women by touch. Today, the devil causes much sexual lust because of fashion.
Also, men and women should not dress alike – Dueteronomy 22:5 – says, "women should not wear that which pertains to a man." Doesn’t mean you cannot wear pants. You don’t have to dress like nuns either. But this Unisex trend today causes confusion –– leads to homosexuality. Notice the rest of verse 9 – gold, pearls, and costly array. Does this mean no jewelry?
Before answering, I would like to say – Christianity requires sacrificial living. While much of the world is under-nourished, materialism lays before us; temptations from the lavish, extravagant, and expensive clothes, cars, homes and jewelry.
Simplicity in lifestyle and appearance sets the Christian in stark contrast to the greed, materialism, and gaudiness of a selfish society where values focus on material things rather than people.
Now, I want you to see something – Revelation 12:1 shows women clothed in white – that’s the pure church. The church is made up of people. This is how God represents His people. Now notice –Revelation 17:3-5 Here again woman – church – which? (Worldly – fallen) Remember – made up of whom? (People)
This is how God represents people in apostasy. She is committing adultery with God by her relationship to the world. Adopting false teachings and practices of paganism.
Does the Bible say anything else about jewelry? Genesis 35:1-4 Strange gods in their hand – equating jewelry with false gods – remember – issue of great controversy is false worship. The devil seeks to accomplish this in many ways today as he undoubtedly did long ago.
It is really an issue of pride and selfishness! What’s to protect from this basic instinct of the fallen mind? Notice – earrings abandoned along with idols Again - Exodus 33:1-6
Question: Is God more concerned about "things" or "relationship"? Then why did He mention it? God said take if off – He was displeased – why? This is what the Egyptians wore. They are symbols of pride and rebellion against the true God of Israel. Remember God told the Israelites to take their ornaments from Egyptians for payment for the work they had done. He never intended them to wear it. That’s why He called them stiff-necked – told to take it off.
Why then did God tell them to take it in the first place? – To build the Sanctuary – Exodus 35:4-9 Let’s look at some other texts - Isaiah 3:16-21 Israel is in apostasy here – Just as the churches represented by Scarlet Women of Revelaiton 17
Verse 21 – does this mean all rings? – Wedding, class, engagement, birth – Well, does it mean any rings. You have to let the Lord guide you. Remember - Influence of the world and pride is the major issue.
Jeremiah 4:30 - Make-up – notice "enlarge your eyes" Let’s look at a few more texts in the Bible – How many ever heard of Jezebel in the Bible? She was a wicked queen who worshipped the sun god and tried to kill Elijah. Question – is she a model for Christians to follow? No! Let’s see what she looked like – 2 Kings 9:30
1 John 2:15-18 - Many things are "against Christ" in our world at this last decisive hour. Seeking to turn us away. God wants us to realize what He is seeking for in His church – His people Israel today. He wants us to be clothed in the garment of His righteousness and character, so that we will not be spiritually empty and found naked. Revelation 3:18 Now, I know some of you did not know these things. It doesn’t mean you haven’t loved the Lord. Remember what the Bible says in Acts 17:30 – at times of our ignorance God overlooked or winked at (KJV). But now we know, don’t we? How will we respond in the area of Christian principles for God’s people today?
God desires us to represent His love and character to the world in lives which are committed to Christ’s and His principles rather than self and the materialistic world, which Satan uses to draw us away from Him.
Revelation 7 is given in response to the question asked in Chap. 6 – For the great day of His wrath (2nd Coming) is come – who shall be able to stand?
Revelation 7 reveals who will stand in that great day. Those who follow the Lamb all the way and are willing to follow principles which represent the things which are pleasing in His sight.