This blog is dedicated to comparing the modern viewpoint of eschatology to the historical viewpoint. In order to do so, understanding the symbolism is critical so we can place the fulfilled visions of Revelation in their proper historical setting of fulfillment. Historians help us with this task.
In order to understand the subject of the 144,000, we must study all of chapter 7 of Revelation, along with chapter 14:1:13 - these two chapters correlate. Keep in mind that the book of Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus Christ and His plans and purposes for mankind in the earthly realm - past, present, future - by revealing the invisible powers in the spiritual realm.
We do not need to be a biblical scholar to interpret the meaning of the 144,000, we need only to read the Bible, and allow the scriptures to unveil the interpretation of this symbolism, which we will find is an ingenious blueprint for the firstfruits of salvation, and the harvest of souls that will follow.
As we study together the Old and New Testament scriptures, we will see a beautiful synthesis in the variables of the number 144, which symbolizes the spiritual firstfruits of redemption, as well as the new beginnings of life after death in the heavenly city. The 144 symbolism weaves a significant thread throughout the Bible, from the 12 tribes of Israel - including the Feast of Fristfruits - to the born again eperience - and finally to the building of the New Jerusalem, where the wall of the heavenly city is measured by 144 cubits.
Modern Viewpoint
The modern viewpoint of this subject is probably the only one you have heard during your whole Christian life, no matter which mainline denomination you have become affiliated.
Although there is some deviation, the most common explanation of the 144,000 is that they are Jewish believers representing the 12 tribes of Israel, who somehow become saved during a seven-year tribulation under the rule of the Antichrist, after the church has been swooped away in a secret Rapture.
These Jewish men will be scattered across the land to be a witness for Jesus Christ on the earth. Then Jesus comes back again, and sets up His kingdom on the earth for a thousand years. After the thousand years of bliss have been completed, the devil is released from prison to tempt the people born during the thousand-year reign of Christ on the earth. These things must take place before the fiery end of the world, and Judgment Day.
These 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...Rev. 14:4
Modern scholars interpret the symbolism 'not defiled with women, for they are virgins' as 144,000 Jewish men who have never had sex, thus have not become defiled. These men survived the destruction of the third-time rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, causing them to flee for their lives from the evil Antichrist, who forces every survivor to take his mark on their hand or forehead - or they can't buy or sell.
Refusing to take the mark, the 144,000 set out across the planet to witness for Jesus Christ, starving scavengers, warning people if they take the mark they will go to Hell.
Is this really what the Bible reveals about the purpose of the 144,000?
Does the firstfruits symbolism in this text reveal a crucial turning point in religious history? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
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