The subject about the 144 000 is not a salvation issue i.e., it is not a testing truth.

Therefore it is the aim of this

paper to mine from the scriptures that which will ennoble and uplift the soul temple for the purpose of divine
perfection , “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through
patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:4 KJV
The account about this special group is found in the book of Revelation. It stands out crystal clear, twice in the
book of Revelation and later through “repeat and enlarge” it occurs in subsequent chapters and thus giving us
additional information. The major theme that runs across the book of Revelation chapters 7 and 14 as far as the
144 000 are concerned, is “Victory over Sin.”
1
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. 2 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, 3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the
trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4And 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. 5Of 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. 6Of 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. 7Of 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. 8Of 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 7:1-8 KJV

9
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; 10And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto
the Lamb. 11And 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, 12Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom,
and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13And one of
the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came
they? 14And 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. 15Therefore 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. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them,
nor any heat. 17For 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 7:9-17 KJV

The 144 000 are pictured in two phases. One scene is on earth and the other is in heaven. The book of
Revelation chapter 7 describes the 144 000 as a group of people that is to be sealed before the general close of
human probation and later translated to heaven without tasting death i.e., in the first scene [Revelation 7:1-8]
they are pictured to be on earth and in the second scene [Revelation 7:9-17] before God’s throne and that’s in
heaven! First of all the author introduces us to the 144 000 [Revelation 7:1-8] being a definite number and later
still referring them as the great multitude [Revelation 7:9-17]. Revelation 7:1-8 describes the sealing of a
definite group as John puts it in verse 4, “And I [John] heard the number of them which were sealed” unlike
verse 9 through 17 that pictures them [144 000] as an innumerable group “which no man could number” that

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has gained victory over sin and the beast power in the sense that they have washed their robes and have made
them white in the blood of the Lamb and that’s why they are clothed with white robes and have palms in their
hands, a symbol of victory !
The palms signify that they have gained the victory, and the white robes that they have been clothed with the
righteousness of Christ.-- ST, May 2, 1895 par. 6

How the 144 000 and the great multitude is described as one group, is mystery ! For that matter we are going
to use the scripture as our sufficient guide to unravel this mystery. Stay on board !

The Great Multitude.

9
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 7:9 KJV

Identity of the Great Multitude.

13
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these [great multitude] which are arrayed in
white robes? and whence came they? 14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These[great
multitude] are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white
in the blood of the Lamb.-Revelation 7:13,14 KJV
Points to note down:
1. The great multitude is an innumerable company of people.
2. These people[great multitude] are arrayed in[clothed with] white robes.
3. These people [great multitude] came from the great tribulation.
4. These people [great multitude]have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the
Lamb.

It’s interesting to note from scriptures that the period of the “great tribulation” is the same as “the time of
trouble such as never was since there was a nation.” This period is also called the period of the “Seven Plagues”
simply because it is a description of the manifestation of God’s wrath upon the ungodly.

21
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever
shall be.- Matthew 24:21 KJV
1
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and
there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at
that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.-Daniel 12:1 KJV
The phrases “time of trouble” and “great tribulation” are interchangeably used to mean the same thing[same
period].

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What does it mean - shall Michael stand up?
13
The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.-Isaiah 3;13 KJV
22
Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out
of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:
23
But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go
over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over. – Isaiah 51:22,23 KJV

Noah Webster’s Dictionary (1828)

PLEAD, v.t. To discuss, defend and attempt to maintain by arguments or reasons offered to the
tribunal or person who has the power of determining; as, to plead a cause before a court or jury. In
this sense, argue is more generally used by lawyers.
1. To allege or adduce in proof, support or vindication. The law of nations may be pleaded in favor of
the rights of embassadors.
2. To offer in excuse.
I will neither plead my age nor sickness in excuse of faults.
3. To allege and offer in a legal plea or defense, or for repelling a demand in law; as, to plead usury; to
plead a statute of limitations.
4. In Scripture, to plead the cause of the righteous, as God, is to avenge or vindicate them against
enemies, or to redress their grievances. Isaiah 51:22.

I am biased to register the definition of the word “plead” with the fourth definition above. After the general
close of human probation, God’s retributive judgment will fall upon the wicked in form of plagues. It is in this
sense that God is going to defend the cause of His righteous people particularly the 144 000 that have stood
for truth and for Him. “Michael shall stand up” is an implication that Christ has finished His mediatorial work as
our high priest in the sanctuary on high. This is called the general close of human probation. There’s no more
intercession! [Revelation15:8]
8
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man [the man Christ
Jesus] was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. –Revelation
15:8 KJV

In Revelation 21:10-13 , We have a description of the New Jerusalem City which has 12 gates and on each of the
12 gates is one of the names of the 12 children of Israel. There is something unique about Hebrew names.
Basically a name stands for character. 35And he said, Thy brother came with subtlety, and hath taken away thy
blessing. 36And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took
away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a
blessing for me? - Genesis 27:35,36 KJV
Here the scripture reveals how Jacob received the blessing by deception. From this we establish the character
of Jacob as a supplanter simply because he was rightly named a supplanter after his cunning ways of
deception. Therefore the twelve Hebrew names must stand for some character of personality profile that
God’s people must have as a passport to the Holy City. And it’s interesting to note that there are 12 Gates into
the new Jerusalem, each gate bearing a name of one of the children of Israel.

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10
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy
Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone
most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates,
and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the
children of Israel: 13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west
three gates. -Revelation 21:10-13 KJV

What are these names ? We find the answer in Revelation 7:4-8.

4
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. 5Of 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. 6Of 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. 7Of 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. 8Of
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

1. Juda
2. Reuben
Verses 1 through 3 is a description of “the great tribulation such as
3. Gad
never was since there was a nation” which is soon to come upon
4. Aser
the earth [the period of the plagues] i.e, Manifestation of God’s
5. Nepthalim wrath in form of plagues which is a clear indication that men have
6. Manasses now reached the limits of Divine forbearance ,and thus the apostle
7. Simeon Paul would put it this way, 18For the wrath of God is revealed from
8. Levi heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who
9. Issachar hold the truth in unrighteousness;19Because that which may be
known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed [it] unto
10. Zabulon
them. – Romans 1:18,19 KJV
11. Joseph
12. Benjamin

Revelation 7:1-8 is describing the sealing of God’s servants [144 000] shortly before the general close of human
probation. It is the immediate falling of plagues that marks the close of human probation. Mercy no longer
pleads with the impenitent sinner. There’s no more atonement to be done! Jesus has finished His mediatorial
work as our intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary.

The reason for this sealing , is to identify those who are going to go through the period of tribulation so that
their lives are preserved [spared] and later translated without tasting death. Verse 3 describes the sealing of
God’s servants before the winds of strife are released i.e., before the start of the period of tribulation[7
plagues]. This seal that is place in their foreheads [ God’s servants] , is similar to the one that was set upon Cain
by God [Genesis 4:15]. It is a mark of protection upon God’s people who will go through the period of
tribulation when the winds of strife are released. Who are the ones that will receive this seal ?

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Answer : 4And 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 7:4 KJV ] . In conjunction with the
previous text, Revelation 7:5 describes the names of the sons of Jacob which later became the tribes of Israel.

The 144 000 are going to be literally alive in the last phase of the history of the world shortly before Christ’s 2nd
advent. It’s interesting to note that there’s a question that is being asked in Revelation chapter 6:17 i.e., Who
shall be able to stand ? The context of this question is the sixth seal [Revelation 6:12,13]. The sixth seal is a
description of the last phase of the history of the world prior to the coming of Christ. When the seventh and
final seal is broken , Christ comes to take His people home. This seal opens with silence in heaven. We learn
that there is silence in heaven when Jesus returns for His people at the second coming, He brings with Him all
the heavenly angels, therefore heaven is empty and silent during this time. Prior to the question there is a
description of a class of people who apparently appears to be wicked and that’s why they are hiding
themselves.

14
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved
out of their places. 15And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains,
and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of
the mountains; 16And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth
on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able
to stand? – Revelation 6:14-17 KJV

What event is being described here? There is no doubt that it’s talking of Christ’s 2nd advent. That’s the great
day of His wrath [manifestation of God’s wrath in form of plagues]. Having established that the period
described here is the period of the seven plagues, Revelation 7:1-8 gives an answer to our previous question.
Therefore it is evident that the 144 000 - God’s righteous people will live during this period of the outpouring of
God’s wrath. The winds of strife are being held till the servants of God are sealed. So when the question is
being asked who shall be able to stand ? The answer is those who have the seal of God! Perhaps we will share
about the seal of God in another study on its own as a subject.

So when Jesus comes and manifests His wrath upon the ungodly according to the book of Revelation, the only
ones who will be able to stand are the 144 000 who have the names of all the sons of Jacob of the tribes of
Israel.

4
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 7:4 KJV

Now we need to ask ourselves a question , Who are these 144 000 ? Are we dealing with literal Jews or is this
referring to spiritual Israelites who have the characteristics of Jacob’s son who latter became the tribes Israel ?
Let’s examine the New Testament definition of the word Israel. Obviously these people are going to be saved
because in the day of the wrath of the Lamb , they are going to be able to stand!

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

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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 first fruits 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. 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 7:14-17. – The Great Controversy (1911) 648.3

Identity of Israel - Literal Israel or Figurative ?

6
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:
7
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8
That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the
promise are counted for the seed. –Romans 9:6-8 KJV

28
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29But
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 2:28,29 KJV

Therefore Israel is composed of those who have circumcised hearts and have been converted to Jesus Christ as
their Savior and Lord. That’s true Israel!

16
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one,
And to thy seed, which is Christ. – Galatians 3:16 KJV

Someone may suggest or conclude , that the text excludes all of us. No it doesn’t.

26
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into
Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male
nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs
according to the promise. – Galatians 3:26-29 KJV

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The promises were not made to seeds but to the seed Jesus Christ who is the true seed of Abraham. Who are
the children of Abraham according to this [Galatians 3:29] promise ? These are those who belong to Christ
[Christians]. Israel is not defined by genetic inheritance , geographical locality or the names we possess. This is
a spiritual relationship through accepting Christ as Saviour and Lord. Israelites are always those who are
defined as having the character of Abraham, not the genetics of Abraham.

Will this apply to the 144 000? Yes . Obviously the 144 000 by the New Testament definition are not those literal
Israelites but they are spiritual Israelites who have received and accepted Jesus as Saviour and Lord. No
wonder the author pictures them as followers of Christ, “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever
he goeth.”

So Israel in the New Testament is defined relationally to Jesus Christ which means that the 144 000 are not
literal Jews, they are Jews in the sense that the New Testament uses the word “Jew” and “Israel.” They are
spiritual Israelites who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

Now let’s go to Revelation 21:12.

12
And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written
thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. – Revelation 21:12 KJV

An angel is stationed at each gate and I believe what they are doing is that they are executing a noble task and
that is, they are “checking identity” to make sure that the redeemed of all ages are going through the right gate.
Now the question is , who will be allowed by the angels into the holy city ? 14 Blessed [are] they that do his
commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
That’s it , knowing is not enough! They do the commandments of God and the apostle Paul under inspiration
would put it this way: 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.- James
1:22 KJV

But now we have a serious problem . Let me ask you a question. Were the sons of Jacob sinners ? Were they
pretty wicked ? Allow me to tell you something about the twelve sons of Jacob , the names that stands out
immortalized at the doors of the city.

The sons of Jacob were filled with covetousness and envy , they coveted Joseph’s position. They were envious
because his father gave him a court of many colors. They were liars in the sense that they lived a life of lies for
years and years telling their father that Joseph had been killed by a wild beast and they lived this lie for years.

They were murderers . They were filled with hatred and by the way, the bible says hatred is murder.15
Whosoever hated his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.– 1st
John 3:15 KJV

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The characteristics of those who are allowed to enter into the gates:

14
Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in
through the gates into the city. - Revelation 22:14 KJV

The names of the 12 Gates and the identity of the 144,000: those who are alive through the tribulation at the
very end of time. These are those who are sealed in protection from the last plagues on the earth.

Why are Jacob’s sons posted onto the gates of the city if the requirement to enter the city is to keep the
commandments? Story of Joseph and Jacob’s sons: Jacob’s sons filled with covetousness, they all collaborate
to live a lie to their father for years, murderers, hating their brother, incestuous, Ruben sleeping with his
father’s wife, merciless towards Joseph, Judah having the relationships with his daughter-in-law thinking that
she is a prostitute.

They were Murderers and thieves:

25
And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi,
Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.26And they
slew Humor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and
went out. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
28
They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which [was] in the city, and that which [was]
in the field, 29And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all
that [was] in the house. - Genesis 34:25-29KJV

So how could the sons of Jacob have their names immortalized on the gates of the holy city , the New
Jerusalem ? The book of Revelation gives us the answer. Those who are inside the city just as the sons of Jacob
were just as much sinners at least in one stage of their life as those outside the city.

It is true that they [ Jacob’s sons] were vile sinners but the book of Revelation emphasizes the point that they
were overcomes and that is why their names are immortalized. They overcame their sins and the defects in
their character and therefore they gained victory over all these besetments in their lives. Revelation 21:7
evidently emphasizes this point of overcoming sin. Verse 8 gives a list of sins, transgressions and violations of
the ten commandments which is contrary to the case portrayed in the previous text. Those who are outside
the city never overcame these things but those inside the city, the bible says that they overcame sin.

The only difference is that those inside the city have overcome sin while those outside have not: 7 He that
overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8But the fearful, and
unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,
shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation
22:14-15 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may
enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and
murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.- Revelation 21:7-8 KJV

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Again and again, when God is speaking to His churches He constantly uses the theme of overcoming:

7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to
eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. - Revelation 2:7 KJV

11
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt
of the second death. - Revelation 2:11 KJV

17
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to
eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man
knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].- Revelation 2:17KJV

26
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.-
Revelation 2:26KJV

5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the
book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. - Revelation 3:5KJV

12
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. - Revelation 3:12KJV

21
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down
with my Father in his throne. - Revelation 3:21 KJV

The 144,000 will be victorious over the endtime trials and problems of the very last days:

2
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.- Revelation 15:2 KJV

In the book of Genesis Jacob speaks prophetically concerning his sons. Jacob was a prophet simply because
the spirit of inspiration rested upon him and thus Jacob talks prophetically to those in the “last days.”

Jacob, to whom God spoke "in the visions of the night." (Genesis 46:2.) We read also that "the Spirit of
inspiration rested upon him" in the prophetic vision. --Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 235. The Pulpit Commentary,
volume 1, page 532, mentions that "Jacob was not only a patriarch, but a prophet." - 1952 WER, BSPC 83.5

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BSPC - The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church

WER- Walter Edwin Read

Jacob gathers his sons together and he is going to pronounce a final blessing upon them shortly before he dies .
But he is also going to predict what their characters are going to produce in the last days. Were the sons of
Jacob going to be literally alive in these last days ? It goes without saying that the answer is NO! Evidently
enough, the text is talking about the influence of their lives and people who have similar characters that they
possess.

1
And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you [that] which shall
befall you in the last days. 2Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel
your father. - Genesis 49:1,2 KJV

His sons are not literally alive in the last days of this world, but those who have similar characters will reap
similar results to those prophesied here:

12 personality profiles:

Reuben: unstable, procrastinators

Simeon and Levi: angry and cruel
Judah: a lion
Zebulun: dwell by the sea
Issachar: a strong donkey laying down between two burdens
Dan: judgmental and backbiting like a poisonous snake
Gad: trampled but triumphant
Naphtali: charismatic
Joseph: Productive and blessing others despite hardship
Benjamin: a ravenous wolf

The sons of Jacob are an inspiration to us. How much more vile could you become than sleeping with your
father’s mother? To sleep with your daughter-in-law? To want to kill your own brother? To be so bloodthirsty
you want to kill an entire town of people because of one person’s actions? These are the brothers who have
their names permanently inscribed on the gates of the New Jerusalem. No matter how vile we are initially, if
we overcome we are able to enter. All of these brothers overcame their defects, but their defects were very
severe.

Sadly enough we have some of the sons of Jacob missing in the list mentioned in book of Revelation 7:4-8.
These are Dan and Ephraim.

Dan and Ephraim are missing from the names on the gates listed in Revelation 7.Those who have the
characteristics of Dan and Ephraim will not enter the holy city unless they repent.

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17
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 49:17KJV

17
Ephraim [is] joined to idols: let him alone.- Hosea 4:17 KJV

What’s the condition to enter in through one of the gates ? Revelation 22:14 gives the answer. 14Blessed [are]
they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the
gates into the city. Different versions of the Bible use either “do his commandments” or “wash their robes”
interchangeably. This phrase is used elsewhere in scripture. 14And 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. - Revelation 7:14KJV

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

Accepting white robes both justifies us from past sins and sanctifies us from future sins.

Condition of those entering the city:

1
In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will [God] appoint [for]
walls and bulwarks.2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.3 Thou
wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. - Isaiah 26:1-
3KJV

1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of
God.2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.- Colossians 3:1,2 KJV

1
A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2He that walketh
uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 [He that] backbiteth not with his
tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4 In whose eyes a vile
person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and
changeth not. 5[He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that
doeth these [things] shall never be moved. – Psalms 15:1-5 KJV

Character of those inside the city:

18
Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call
thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. - Isaiah 60:18KJV

1
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory,
and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath

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judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his
servants at her hand. - Revelation 19:1,2 KJV

8
Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God. - Matthew 5:8KJV

14
Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.- Hebrews 12:14KJV

Pearls are formed through an irritation. If we use those irritations to gain strength we will enter the gates.

21
And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city
[was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass. - Revelation 21:21 KJV

22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must
through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. - Acts 14:22 KJV

24
And Enoch walked with God: and he [was] not; for God took him. - Genesis 5:24 KJV

Characteristic of Enoch, what the walking with God means:

5
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

7
Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. - Romans 8:7,8KJV

Conclusively :-
The 144 000 are those who are going to be literally alive when Jesus comes and are going to be preserved by
the seal of the living God [mark of protection] from God’s wrath [7 plagues] against the ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men .At the same time they are sealed with God’s seal of approval that the redeemed of all
ages must bear as a mark of identity approving that they have been fitted for the Kingdom on high.
19
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And,
Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity [ 2nd Timothy 2:19KJV]. They are not literal
Jews because we have established from scripture that the definition of these two words that are
interchangeably used i.e., Jew and Israel , is one or those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord
no matter what nation they come from. This group is going to live in the world in its worst period of its history.

The great multitude is a further explanation of the 144 000, giving us more details that they[144 000]are
composed of diverse people from different races on the surface of the earth i.e., “a great multitude, which no
man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” They are not literal Jews! Therefore
as we have established from scripture, it is evident that “the great multitude, which no man could number” is
the same as “the 144 000” that the beloved disciple of Jesus, John “Heard the number of them which were
sealed” i.e., the 144 000 are the great multitude. The 144 000 had victory over the beast power unlike the saints

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who were killed by the little horn power during the “dark ages” [Daniel7:21]. The 144 000 had victory over the
beast power i.e., the beast power could not destroy or kill them because they were delivered alive at the 2nd
coming of Christ.

bearers because they “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” And so it is with the
The 144 000 are cross-bearers
redeemed of all ages that they
hey must be cross
cross-bearers ! i.e., You and I. It does not matter whether you will taste
death or be translated.. What matters is that all of us must be cross-bearers
cross bearers with Christ if we would want to be
His followers . Shortly before Christ left this dark world , He gave an invitation, “If any [man] will come after me,
let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily
daily, and follow me.” “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and
come after me, cannot be my disciple.
disciple.” Luke 9:23; 14:27. There are two classes of disciples .The disciples of God
and the disciples of the devil. So make your choice wisely
wisely. Self must die and the affections of fleshy
lusts[carnal nature]! Those who go through the gates are and must be overcomers of all the list of sins
mentioned concerning
ncerning those who are outside the Holy City.

Behind every name there’s a meaning of interest. And so it is with the 144 000 and the redeemed of all ages
simply because each must go through one of the twelve gates with an inscription bearing a namen of the twelve
sons of Jacob. Therefore
refore it is in this sense that the meaning of their names stands out unique as far as salvation
is concerned. And this establishes the point that they [the redeemed of all ages inclusive of the 144 000] have a
name that they are rightly named after .

1. Juda - I will praise the Lord

2. Reuben – He has looked on me
3. Gad – Given good fortune
4. Aser – Happy am I
5. Nepthalim – My wrestling
6. Manasses - Making me to forget
7. Simeon – God hears me
8. Levi – Joined to me
9. Issachar – Purchased me
10. Zabulon – Dwelling
11. Joseph – Will add to me
12. Benjamin – Son of His right hand

Related resources
1. https://www.amazingfacts.org/media
https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/book/e/86/t/who-will-sing-the-song--the-144000
144000-of-revelation-14
2. Imitations of Christ (Pages 82-88)
88) By Dr. Andrews Ewoo.
3. The 144 000 and the Great Multitude By Ekkehardt Mueller.
4. The Revelation of Jesus Christ: Commentary
Co on the Book of Revelation (Pages 253-270)
270) By Ranko Stefanovic.
5. Beatrice S.Neall “Sealed Saints and the Tribulation” ,in Symposium on Revelation-
Revelation Book 1: Introductory and
Exegetical Studies,ed.F.B Holbrook, Daniel and Revelation Committee Series, Vol.
Vol. 6( Silver Spring,MD: Biblical
Research Institute,1992),
,1992), Pages 245-278.
245

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