Keep in mind, as we continue to define the symbolism that explains the true meaning of the 144,000, that Revelation 14:1-16 is depicted in the heavenly realm. Read it again with new eyes and you will see the 144,000 are the firstfruits of salvation who are presented to God the Father by Jesus Christ after His resurrection. The modern end time doctrine tells you something completely different - see series #1.
Previously we learned that the 12 tribes of Israel were the gates to the city. The names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ were placed in the foundation of the city. Together 12 + 12 they symbolize the governing body of the heavenly New Jerusalem. Multiply 12 x 12 they equal 144 symbolizing, not only the governing body, but the multiple believers who are the materials for the wall of the city.
When we were last together we began to study the symbolism that reveals the materials that form the foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones...Rev. 21:19. To better understand what these precious stones symbolize we must turn to the Old Testament, where God showed Moses the design for the breastplate that must be worn by the High Priest when he ministered to God in the Holy of Holies.
And they set in it four rows of stones; a row with a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row...the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and diamond...the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst...the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings...there were twelve stones according to their names, engraved like a signet, each one with its own name according to the twelve tribes...Exodus 39:10-14.
The 12 stones in the breastplate of the priestly garment worn by the High Priest, represent the 12 tribes of Israel. When Aaron donned the priestly garments, Moses was instructed by God to anoint and consecrate him so that he could minister to God, interceding for the people as High Priest in the Tabernacle...Ex.40:13.
Each of the 12 stones of the breastplate is engraved like a signet - what does this symbolize? The word signet in the original Hebrew language is hotam meaning: a signature; a seal; a signet. If a decree is sealed with a signet ring, what is written in the decree is irrevocable - the message is immutable. What God promised to Abraham, and was envisioned throughout the generations by the 12 tribes of Israel, is irrevocable and immutable - symbolized by God's signature on each precious stone in the priestly breastplate.
The 12 apostles represented the 12 tribes of Israel. God's promises to Abraham were nurtured throughout the generations by the 12 tribes of Israel - the 12 apostles birthed God's promises. The saints of the Old Testament, and the saints of the New Testament became One in Christ - promises fulfilled. Since these precious stones symbolize the irrevocable and immutable promises of God, they are now seen in the heavenly city as the foundations for the wall of the New Jerusalem.
The Apostle Paul summed it up when he said...you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building; being fitted together grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit...Ephesians 2:19-22.
The Apostle Paul clearly understood that through Christ, God built for Himself a spiritual temple of blood-bought human beings for His dwelling place - the heavenly New Jerusalem. All human beings are invited to become the dwelling place - spiritual temple - of God, by repenting of their sins and accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
The heavenly New Jerusalem is constructed totally from human beings - those who...bear the image of the Heavenly Man...I Cor. 15:49.
In our next series we will tackle the significant symbolism of Revelation chapter 11. Looking back on fulfilled prophecy gives us clear understanding of the message that is revealed in the symbolism. Do you really know who are the Two Witnesses described in this chapter - human or something else? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
Looking back on fulfilled prophecy is simply reporting historical documentation. Jesus said...and now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe...John 14:29. Prophecy of scripture is meant to be understood in its fulfillment, so that we will believe God has plans and purposes for mankind, proven by speaking His will in advance. When His prophecies come to pass we will understand that He is who the Bible claims He is. Prophecy of scripture is not for private interpretation...II Peter 1:20-21.
Regarding the books of Daniel and Revelation, Sir Isaac Newton said, "The folly of Interpreters has been, to foretell times and things, by this Prophecy, as if God designed to make them Prophets. By this rashness they have not only exposed themselves, but brought the Prophecy also into contempt. He gave the Prophecies, not to gratify men's curiosities by enabling them to foreknow things, but that after they were fulfilled they might be interpreted by the event and His own providence, not the Interpreters - the event predicted many ages before, will then be a convincing argument that the world is governed by Providence." 12/10/1692
As we continue in our study of the biblical meaning of the 144,000, today is #6 in this series which looks back on the fulfillment of this prophecy. Defining the symbolism of 144 gives us better understanding of the building materials for the heavenly New Jerusalem. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb...Rev. 21:14.
While preaching that the spiritual kingdom of Heaven has come to the earth through His new and better covenant, Jesus Christ was simultaneously laying the foundation for the New Jerusalem in the heavenly realm. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ sealed the new covenant, by fulfilling and replacing the old covenant with promise...Heb. 8:7-13.
Jesus Christ called 12 men to follow Him, who represented the earthly government of the old covenant, yet they also represented the divine government of His new covenant. These representatives would follow Him for three and a half years as witnesses, attesting to His words and His works - signs and wonders.
They fulfilled their commission to build on the foundation of salvation laid by Jesus Christ, so they were honored with their names placed in the 12 foundations of the heavenly New Jerusalem. What was already done in Heaven - the plans and purposes of God - was now manifested on the earth. The foundation of the New Jerusalem, the invisible city of God was begun by the apostles of Jesus Christ.
We have found out in this study that the 144,000 are the firstfruits of salvation, whom Jesus took with Him to present to His Father the day He was resurrected - opening Heaven to those who will believe on Him. The 12 tribes of Israel became the gates to the New Jerusalem. The apostles became the foundation of the New Jerusalem.
Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel...Rev. 21:17. Now we will find out about the materials that make up the wall of the New Jerusalem - 144 cubits the measure of a man. We learned in the last blog that the 144 is calculated by multiplying 12 tribes of Israel by 12 apostles - symbolizing the governing body of the spiritual kingdom of Heaven and the multiple believers who will make up the walls of the New Jerusalem. Believers in the Messiah are the materials for the wall.
The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst...Rev. 21:19-20. We will turn to the Old Testament to see what these precious stones symbolize.
And they set in it four rows of stones; a row with a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row...the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and diamond...the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst...the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings...there were twelve stones according to their names, engraved like a signet, each one with its own name according to the twelve tribes...Exodus 39:10-14.
When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai, God gave him instructions on how to lead the children of Israel to the Promised Land. Part of that instruction was to teach His people how to worship Him, which would lead them into the fulfillment of His plans and purposes for them. They had been slaves for centuries, so needed to be taught how to live as free people under the care and provision of God, through the leadership of Moses.
Our Exodus text describes the breastplate portion of the priestly garments that would be worn by Aaron, the High Priest, when he ministered to the Lord in the Tabernacle - Holy of Holies. What is the connection of the stones in the breastplate with the precious stones that comprise the foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
As we begin the 5th part of our series explaining the symbolism of the 144,000, keep in mind that we are looking back on fulfilled prophecy. In the Revelation, Jesus revealed to John what was accomplished by His death and resurrection. A profound change had taken place in the lives of mankind in the way they worship their Creator - God the Father. What Jesus was unable to explain in depth to His apostles, while He walked the earth, he did so in great detail in the Revelation.
By defining the symbolism of the esoteric imagery, interpret the metaphorical language, and solve the riddles of Revelation, the message is unlocked, giving clear understanding. When we were last together I asked, "Why were the 12 gates made from pearls?" We had just learned how the New Jerusalem in Heaven...had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel...Rev. 21:12.
The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold...Rev. 21:21. As I was musing on the beauty of this description of the entrance to Heaven, I wondered why the gates weren't made out of diamonds, or maybe rubies or emeralds - or some other gorgeous sparkling gem. Do you ever ask questions when you are studying the Word of God?
When I searched the Word for the answer to my question - why the gates were made out of pearl - I did not find the answer per se, but I did come up with an interesting speculation after I fully understood the symbolism of the pearl. Take a walk with me to see what I uncovered. Do you remember how a pearl is created in the earthly realm?
When a parasitic worm invades an oyster, the oyster emits a bluish-gray substance to surround the potentially destructive irritant, in order to defend itself against this invader. This substance gradually hardens in increasing layers, resulting in the translucent pearl. So what does this symbolize?
Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, and the sound of your stringed instruments; the maggot is spread under you, and the worms cover you...Is. 14:11. This text describes Hell, where Satan was condemned, and some human beings will live forever covered with maggots and worms. The image of a worm brings to mind something that is decayed - like maggots forming on spoiled garbage.
A sinner is referred to metaphorically as a worm - his sin caused decay and spiritual death - no longer intimate with his Creator. When the sinner - worm - receives Jesus Christ as his Savior, God surrounds him with His saving grace, blotting out the sin, making all things new and beautiful. A worm becomes a pearl of great price - the price of the blood of Jesus Christ...Matt. 13:45-46.
The beauty of this symbolism - the creation of a pearl out of a parasite - provides a possible reason why God would use this particular precious gem as the material for the gates to His eternal city. 144,000 heirs of the promise opened these gates of pearl for the first time, so that subsequent generations will be able to enter freely. Once a worm - now a precious pearl of great price - aptly describes the plight of a sinner on the earth.
Then he measured its wall; one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel...Rev. 21:17. This text reveals the measurement of 144 cubits for the walls of the New Jerusalem. The "measure of a man" seems esoteric at first glance, thus easy to brush aside as impossible to understand. But if we delve a bit deeper into scripture, we will begin to understand this symbolism, as well as the significance of the mysterious number - 144.
Then I, John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband...Rev. 21:2. This text clearly describes the eternal city of God...as a bride adorned for her husband. Human beings - believers - are the building materials for the New Jerusalem - 144, 000 fristfruits of salvation opened the gates to this city - measured by 144 cubits.
How is the 144 cubits calculated? The government of God under the old covenant of the Old Testament is represented by the 12 tribes of Israel. The government of God under the new covenant of the New Testament is represented by 12 apostles. When we multiply the 12 tribes by the 12 apostles we calculate 144.
The reason we multiply the two figures is to obtain, not only the governing body of the spiritual kingdom of Heaven, but also it symbolizes the multiple believers that will make up the walls of the New Jerusalem.
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads...Rev. 4:4. The 24 elders symbolize the leadership of God's divine government in the New Jerusalem. By adding the 12 tribes of Israel to the 12 apostles of Jesus we calculate 24 heads of God's government in the heavenly city.
The old covenant and the new covenant have now become one in Jesus Christ.
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations. From what materials are the 12 foundations of the New Jerusalem comprised? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
The last time we were together I asked, "How did Jesus fulfill the Levitical Law when He presented the 144,000 firstfruits of His salvation to His Father in Mount Zion?" When Jesus was resurrected from the dead, He became the firstborn of humanity to enter Heaven. All human beings who had died prior to this time were residing in Sheol - place of the dead. When referring to the waiting saints, Jesus called this place Abraham's bosom...Luke 16:22.
When Jesus was resurrected from the dead, He carried the waiting saints of Abraham's bosom with Him to Heaven, and presented them to His Father in Mount Zion, as the firstfruits of His salvation...Is. 26:19. And they sang a new song before the throne...and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand who were redeemed from the earth...Rev. 14:3.
The 144,000 firstfruits of salvation sang a new song before the throne of God because of the great work Jesus Christ had accomplished on the Cross. They were the first to open Heaven's gates, because they have been reconciled to God the Father - sins are blotted out. From that day forward, when a believer dies on the earth he will go directly to Heaven - a new song was sung because a new things had been accomplished - old things have passed away.
During the annual Feast of Firstfruits, the farmers were required to give the firstfruits of their harvest to God, before they were allowed to partake of their own labors. Following this requirement of Levitical Law, Jesus Christ presented the fristfruits of His salvation to His Father in Heaven - the firstfruits of the New Covenant. Now a harvest of virgins - born again believers - can be harvested from the earth. Jesus fulfilled the Law.
The 144,000...are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins...these are they which follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth...these were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb...Rev. 14:4. This text reveals that the 144,000 were...redeemed from the earth...but now they are seen in Heaven.
Not defiled with women; for they are virgins is a beautiful metaphorical description of the 'born again' experience...if anyone is in Christ, he is as new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new...II Cor. 5:17.
The blood of Jesus Christ washes away the sins of mankind, purifying them, making them a brand new spiritual creation. The spirit of man, which was dead in trespasses and sins, has been made new again, restored to the pure and natural state that he was when he was created in the Garden of Eden - a virgin. Since virgin means pure and natural state, this is exactly what happens to a human being when he is 'born again' by the Spirit of God.
The 144,000 symbolize the first 'born again' human beings - virgins - to follow the Lamb right into Heaven, presented to the Father by Jesus Christ as the firstfruits His salvation - sealed by His blood when He resurrected them. Mankind was now reconciled to God...clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands...and crying out with a loud voice, saying, salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!...Rev. 7:9-10.
The 12 tribes of Israel, to whom the promise of a coming Messiah had been given and preserved for centuries, have been rewarded as the firstfruits of His salvation for their faithfulness. The promise to Abraham of a holy nation under the old covenant, has now been fulfilled by the new covenant.
...Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife...he showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God...having the glory of God...her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal...Rev. 21:9-11.
Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel; three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west...Rev. 21:12-13.
Chapter 21 of Revelation describes the eternal city of New Jerusalem, where peace and safety will be enjoyed by all who enter this celestial realm. This chapter describes the walls, gates, and those who guard the gates of the heavenly city. The text above clearly explains that there are 12 gates to the heavenly city, with the name of each tribe of Israel written on the 12 gates. This study will reveal the significance of the symbolism of the number 144.
A gate describes an entrance into somewhere, or a passage way. The 12 tribes of Israel were the gateway to salvation for the human race. Because salvation was first promised to the 12 tribes, they became the gates to the eternal city of God. Their faithfulness to the first covenant that birthed Jesus Christ the Messiah - first born from the dead - was not for themselves alone, but also for the Gentiles. The twelve gates were twelve pearls...Rev. 21:21.
Why were the 12 gates made from pearls? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
As we continue our series explaining the scriptural meaning of the 144,000, we find that the 144,000 had to be sealed - explained in #2. How did the sealing of the 12 tribes of Israel fulfill God's promise to Abraham that He would provide a holy nation through him, earthly and spiritual?
The 12 tribes of Israel honored and preserved the first covenant given to Abraham, which looked to the future of a coming Messiah who would shed His blood for the sins of all mankind - once and for all. They died believing in the promise, yet did not see it fulfilled.
Because of their faithfulness to the promise...one hundred and forty-four thousand of all tribes of the children of Israel were sealed...with the Holy Spirit of promise, whom Jesus deemed cleansed from sin by His blood because they had died believing in His coming. Now they can receive their full inheritance that was promised to them. The 144,000 were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb...Rev. 14:4. Firstfruits of what?
And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with Him a hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads...and they sang as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand who were redeemed from the earth...Rev. 14:1 & 3.
First of all, we must determine where the scene described in this text takes place: the earthly realm or the spiritual realm. The first big clue...the 144,00 were redeemed from the earth. If they are no longer on the earth, they must be in Heaven. So this whole scene takes place in Heaven.
These men were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. The 144,000 were redeemed (purchased) from men on the earth, and presented to God as firstfruits of salvation. The Lamb is a metaphorical description of Jesus Christ, who became the sacrificial lamb for the sins of all mankind.
After Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead, that moment, He sealed the 144,000 with the Holy Spirit, who had been waiting in Abraham's Bosom (Luke 16:22) for their redemption, and presented them to His Father on Mount Zion, as the firstfruits of His salvation whom He redeemed from the earth. Where is Mount Zion?
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and the church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel...Heb. 12:22-24.
This text answers our question, by clearly describing Mount Zion as the city of the living God in the heavenly Jerusalem - Mount Zion is in Heaven. So when we see the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, He is presenting the 144,000 firstfruits of His salvation to His Father in Heaven. The 144,000 have the name of God written on their foreheads - what does this symbolize?
It does not mean that a literal imprint with the word God is stamped on their foreheads, no more than the 'mark of the beast' is a literal imprint on the forehead of a human being. The name of God written on their foreheads is a metaphor to describe their allegiance to God alone - they made up their minds to follow God, the Father of Jesus Christ. The 'mark of God' is invisibly stamped on the life of a believer who weeps over the sins of his nation...Ez. 9:4.
Mount Zion is where the church of the firstborn are registered (names written) in the city of the living God - New Jerusalem. Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant, whose shed blood sealed the 144,000 - 12 tribes of Israel - so they would receive the promise made to Abraham long ago. The 144,000 are the firstfruits of that promise now fulfilled. They were the first to open the gates of Heaven to all mankind - previously closed by the sin of Adam and Eve.
When Jesus walked the earth He obeyed the requirements of Levitical Law. How did Jesus fulfill Levitical Law when He presented the 144,000 firstfruits of His salvation to His Father in Mount Zion? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
