The 144,000 & The Great Multitude-Literal Or Symbolic-Special Honors Of 144,000 & Final Movements
People & Blogs
Introduction
Christian greetings, friends! We welcome you to another Bible study. This is part two of our series in which we specifically identify and study who the 144,000 are and what kind of characters we should develop to be part of this number. We are called to strive with all the power that God has given us to be amongst the 144,000, as mentioned in "Mariana" page 241.
The 144,000 hold a unique position: they will experience a time of trouble like none ever seen before, living without a mediator, which is a central theme in the final generation's experience. The only other person who lived without a mediator was Jesus Christ. For the 144,000, they must live in the sight of a holy God without sin; if they fall, the entire plan of redemption is jeopardized.
The final phase of redemption inherently involves having a people perfectly reflecting the character of Jesus. This will vindicate God's character before the universe, according to "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 68. The plan of redemption extends beyond mankind's salvation to vindicating the character of God.
As we delve into today's study, it is essential to understand the timeline surrounding the development of the 144,000 and how significant events like the enforcement of the national Sunday law relate to their emergence. It is during the great controversies, particularly at the time of the Sunday law, that God will have a developed group of people ready to maintain His truth and righteousness.
The 144,000 will live during the greatest crisis on earth, a time when Satan has substantial control, but they will remain unscathed. God will reveal His glory through this group as they reflect His image. Their experience will include persecution, with many imprisoned and martyred. However, in Christ, they will gain victory over sin.
If we turn to Revelation 7, we can see the unfolding of the narrative surrounding the 144,000 and the great multitude. The Revelation presents the 144,000 as having been sealed, while the great multitude consists of those who have emerged from great tribulation, having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
The 144,000 is not exclusively made up of living saints; they will live in this world, not isolated from its evil but overcoming it with faith. After a period of trial and suffering, they will achieve the cleansing and will reflect the image of Christ fully, earning the title of being "without fault before the Throne of God.”
An important part of understanding the 144,000 is to clarify that they do not exclusively encompass all of God’s faithful. There are four distinctions of God’s people when considering their future in Heaven. The first group consists of those who were once in rebellion against God. The second is the 144,000, characterized as those who perfected Christian character. The third comprises martyrs from throughout history, and the last group is a great multitude that includes all of the redeemed.
The 144,000 will enjoy special honors in God’s kingdom. They are described as standing around the throne of God, and they will dwell in the temple of God, enjoying privileges unique to them—a high honor that reflects their faithfulness.
The article emphasizes that the 144,000 are a unique, literal group, not merely symbolic representations. Their experiences during trials will be real, and their character development will also be tangible. The study encourages believers that while striving for this honor, their reliance should be on God’s grace and strength, realizing the necessity of surrendering all in order to reflect Christ perfectly.
Ultimately, the great controversy revolves around vindicating God's character and ensuring that there is a faithful remnant currently being prepared.
Keywords
- 144,000
- Great Multitude
- Symbolic
- Literal
- Special Honors
- Redemption
- Character Development
- National Sunday Law
- Great Tribulation
- Victorious Living
- Mediator
- Final Movements
FAQ
1. Who are the 144,000?
The 144,000 are a unique group of people described in the Bible who will live during the end times, possessing perfect characters and reflecting Jesus' image without fault.
2. What is the relationship between the 144,000 and the great multitude?
The 144,000 is part of the great multitude. Contextually, the great multitude represents all the redeemed while the 144,000 are a specific subgroup characterized by having "washed their robes" during the last crisis.
3. Are the 144,000 a literal group or symbolic?
The 144,000 is a literal group as described in the Bible. Their experiences and developments during the time of trouble will be real and significant.
4. What privileges do the 144,000 enjoy in heaven?
The 144,000 will experience special honors in the Kingdom, including unique privileges in the temple and being translated from the Earth without seeing death.
5. How can one strive to be part of the 144,000?
Believers are encouraged to surrender their will to God, gain victory over sin through His grace, and possess a deep faith that clings to God's promises.