144,000 REVISITED - IITB 15.10

 

Chapter 15.10

144,000 Revisited

Literal – Symbolic – Special Forces Army - Weapons – Computer Technology

Dual Nature – Believers – Make Believers – Virgins – The Great Tribulations

 

 

First Word

     The Tribulations; a seven year period known as “Jacobs’ Trouble[1] is about to begin; the False Prophet is already at work on the scene and so is the Antichrist who helps establish the United States of Europe, but is not yet known as a world leader.  The Rapture of the Saints, both Gentile and Jew has just occurred and worldwide interest in God has just been revived since billions of people are now missing.

     This is where we pick up the story:  The Church; Jews and Gentiles, both dead and alive, are now in Heaven and only the unsaved are still on earth along with some “SPECIAL FORCES”.  Israel is safe in her land, but is threatened by Egypt (on the South) and Russia (on the North).  The Antichrist will make a covenant with Israel to protect her land.

     God seals 144,000 Israelite Jews[2] in order to protect them from the wrath that is about to be unloaded during the seven years of this Tribulation period.[3] God pours out his Spirit on the 144,000 Special Forces” and they testify of Him and become His messengers, His Evangelist; that will present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the rest of the JEWS.[4] Every NATION and tribe will hear them speaking in their own language and dialect, endued with the same power as on the day of Pentecost with the gift of tongues.  These 144,000 life changers will be armed with the zeal of the Apostle Paul. 

Everyone will have a chance to hear the Gospel; THEN THE END WILL COME literally.[5]

 

 

IT’S IN THE BOOK

Literal 144,000 - The SYMBOLIC and LITERAL 144,000 are NOT the same.

     Who are the 144,000, that’s what everybody wants to know… Today there are some groups and some cults, as well as some Christian dominations that believe that they are the sealed 144,000 witnesses.

ü  Jehovah Witnesses believe that within their body is the special group of 144,000.  They will have immortal life and spirit bodies in a place in heaven.  All the other members in their denomination will just have everlasting life with resurrected bodies which still need to eat and drink

ü  Mormons claim that they ONLY have the 144,000 who will inherit eternal life and the remainder of their denomination will just live in Paradise.

ü  Seventh Day Adventist point to prophetess Ellen G. White who has the exclusive right to truth and indicates they are the faithful 144,000.

     Scripture literally says that they will all be Jews; there will NOT be one Gentile in the whole bunch.   NOT ONE!   We can take apart “the which” and “the why” for each tribe, but not enough time here. 

    

     This Study will DEPART FROM THE ORDINARY ignoring the Systematic Theology that we have always been taught and take a close look at the rich SYMBOLISM as painted by John the Revelator about who SYMBOLICALLY the 144,000 represent.  

     Just to mess with you right away, the Levites representing the Priesthood are MISSING from the 144,000 tribe lineup[6]... My BS believes that this is because every Christian belongs to God’s Holy Priesthood,[7] with NO MEDIATOR between God and man except our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.

 

All Virgins

ü  Literally, God is saying that this special group of people have REMAINED UNMARRIED and have never had sexual relations with a woman.[8]

ü  Symbolically, God is saying that this special group has never bent their knee to a strange god; they have always been faithful to Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

     All through scripture, the term “virgin” is SYMBOLIC of worshiping the one true God of Israel and WHORING is symbolic of worshiping other gods,[9] therefore the 144,000 are the FAITHFUL.

Symbolism

     Parables, Symbols and Hyperboles were common and known to the Hebrews, thus the TRUE understanding was “hidden in plain sight” to the Romans who thought it was just “MALARKEY” or what we today would say is a “Bunch of Bull”.

     Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech.   As a figure of speech, it is usually not meant to be taken literally, but emphasizes and evokes strong feelings to create strong impressions.   The Israelites way of life was to gather daily at the temple or synagogue and even at the gates of the city to DISCUSS and DEBATE the newest secret spiritual concepts.[10]  This school of thought gave birth to the Kabbalah that explained the esoteric mystical teachings.

     The Epicureans and Stoic philosophers[11] would look for numbers and symbols in the writings of the prophets and debate them. The more OPEN MINDED Berean Jews were commended for EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES DAILY to see if what was being said was true.[12]   IT’S IN THE BOOK

 

Weapons

ü  Literally in the Revelation of John, it speaks about warfare with a sword coming out of the mouth of Christ.  We would be bringing knives and swords to a modern day GUN FIGHT.[13]

ü  Symbolically, if you look at the SWORD; it is THE WORD of God which is sharper than any two edged sword.  God’s Word; the Bible will kill people; JUST THINK ABOUT THAT.[14]

 

Age of the Computer

     A lot of the Esoteric thinking and “hidden inner tradition” was passed down generation to generation, but some was lost and scriptures says it was “SEALED UP[15] for many days till knowledge has increased.  Now, the computer age has unlocked these visions…

     The Book Arithmetic of God” counts the OCCURRENCES of things in the Bible.  The basis of this book begins with the 153 fish that were caught in the Disciples NET.[16]  What is significant about 153? - That very day Jesus had shown Himself to the Disciples for the third time since His resurrection which took place on the 17th... Adding up each number between 1 and 17, you get 153.

      NOTE; The 17th day times the 3rd appearance equals 51, and 51 times 3 (51+51+51) =153... I realize this book “pushes the envelope” somewhat with its findings, but just hang in there.

 

153 and the NET symbolically represents the plan of salvation... [17]  HOLD THAT THOUGHT

Occurrences in the Computer

     From the Book Arithmetic of God.

ü  4 is God’s handiwork, the First Creation, Flesh – The 4th time Jesus is called “The Word” states: The word was made flesh, and dwelt among us”.

ü  6 is Satan – “Against” is found 6 times in connection with the believer’s warfare against Satan.

ü  7 is completeness, Perfection or bringing to an End; all of God’s handiwork completed in 7 days.

ü  8 is new Birth – Concerning new birth, “born” is spoken 8 times between the Lord and Nicodemus. – Twice 4 (the first creation) is 8 a new creation; a new Birth.

ü  9 is the fruit of the Spirit... There are 9 fruits of the Spirit[18]  There are 9 gifts of the Spirit[19]  There are 9 characteristics of the believer; the Beatitudes[20]

ü  10 is the Law – The 10 Commandments – 10 Linen curtains in the Tabernacle – Boaz took 10 men as witnesses to marry Ruth.

ü  12 is Divine Power, Rule or Authority – There were 12 Disciples – 12 barrels of water were poured on the altar of Baal – After Jesus fed the 5000 they gathered 12 baskets of leftovers.  God spoke to Job about the 12 signs of the Zodiac.

     I am going around the block to get to the 144,000 and am skipping a lot of stuff just to stop here and look at the number TWELVE which is Divine Power, Rule or Authority... HOLD THAT THOUGHT

 

Base numbers in the Computer

§  The Greeks did not have a way to express numbers in their language system, so they used letters for numbers.  I don’t have Greek letters on my keyboard, so just take my word for it

§  The Hebrews followed the same concept with letters representing numbers.

§  The Romans have the familiar Roman numerals; I (1)V (5)X (10)L (50)C (100) - D (500) which expresses their numbers with letters.  If you add up all these numbers, you get 666.

§  The Book “Theomatics” questions WHY the specific number of 153 fish where caught in the NET by the Disciples; why did they go out of their way to specify 153 fish, why not 12, 40, 144; commonly used numbers?  This became the code that unlocked the door.  Everywhere this base number of 153 shows up, the passages are reflective of “The Gospel message”;

 

153 is symbolic of the PLAN OF SALVATION.

 

     Look at the Words in the base number 153; Plan of Salvation... The Net (salvation plan)... Fishers of Men... Fishes (the saved)... The Way, Truth, Life... I am the Way... Door of the Sheep... The Narrow Gate.  All of these passages have the same base number of 153.  INCREDIBLE

     With the help of a computer, this book deals with breaking down every sentence in the Bible to its numerical value that is represented in the Hebrew & Greek since they both use letters for their numbers.

They take sentences in the Bible and add up their numerical value and then divide them back down to their base number.  The base number always equals the same common theme.  I won’t do that here as it would take 300 pages. - (I encourage you to buy the book Theomatics for your Library)

     Without seeing the Greek or Hebrew it is difficult to explain, but all passages on the same topic have the same base number.  Example; passages about Jesus Christ can be divided back down to the base number of 37.  (Notice that 3 is the trinity and 7 is completeness = Jesus Christ)

     Then number 37 has many thoughts pointing back to Jesus...The Door... Firstborn... Son of Man... Christ... Godhead... The Good Shepherd... Family of David... Fountain of Water.  INCREDIBLE

3 is the Trinity – 4 is God’s Handiwork (Notice that when you add 3 the Trinity and 4 God’s Handiwork it becomes complete; 7)...  7 is Completeness or perfection... 8 is a new order.

 

12 is the inner circle, the chosen (12 X 12= 144) ... TWELVE...    HOLD THAT THOUGHT

Twelve

     I had to take you through all the mental gymnastics of numbers to bring you back here to talk about the Hebrew mystic number of TWELVE. ... To the Hebrew, the number twelve represented groups of completeness; twelve is the containment of ALL.

Three; the Trinity TIMES Four; God’s Handiwork is TWELVE...  Total completeness - ALL

     Twelve represented ALL of Israel; the Twelve Tribes (Old Testament).  It represented ALL of the inner circle of the Twelve Disciples of Christ (New Testament).  There were Twelve precious stones in the breastplate of the high priest; Twelve Shewbread cakes in the tabernacle.  Twelve Pillars & Twelve Spies that spied out the land.  In the future New Jerusalem there are Twelve gates[21] in the wall which rest on the Twelve foundations.[22]

     The Twelve tribes of Israel of the Old Testament; TIMES the Twelve Disciples of the New Testament equals 144; that’s everybody... ALL INCLUSIVE

     The number 1,000 is the number of the anticipated Millennium Kingdom of God and the ultimate degree of perfection.  A day to the Messiah is like a 1,000 years.[23]

 

 

144 times 1,000 is 144,000; which is EVERY Believer in the Kingdom of God.

 

 

IT’S IN THE BOOK

144,000 – The Dual Nature

     The mountain of Zion or the Prophetic use of the word ZION is used some 150 times in the OT ALWAYS referring to the highest point in Jerusalem; God’s Mountain and David’s Throne.[24]   Symbolically ZION is Gods rule and it is always on Earth, not in Heaven, so when we see the 144,000 standing before the Lamb on Zion; they are on Mt. Zion on Earth.[25]   There was a great Multitude standing before the throne wearing white robes.[26]  Note:  They were from EVERY nation, tribe and people and there was so many you could not count them. [27]

     Just as the Two Witnesses have a DUAL NATURE, so does the 144,000; they are ALSO known as the GREAT MULTITUDE.... They are one and the same... John HEARD the symbolic number of 144,000 and SAW the great multitude that could not be counted before the throne.

 

Systematic Theology teaches that these are TWO different groups of people not ONE and I understand this and accept the criticism.  I don’t ask that you embrace my Belief System;           JUST THINK ABOUT IT.

 

     The 144,000/multitude serve God in the Temporary Kingdom Temple (Church) on earth until the finalized Kingdom Temple comes[28]  Did you see it?  God’s dwelling place; His throne is among us.[29]

     Why am I telling you this? Because it is important to understand that the numbered 144,000 is SYMBOLIC of the numberless great multitudes of people from EVERY nation, EVERY tribe, EVERY people and EVERY language that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Messiah.  

 

     There ARE NOT two groups of SAVED people as taught by some denominations.  Teaching that there are those that served God on earth as commanded and there are those who were SUPER ACHIEVERS, who raised the bar and did even more than was commanded.  NO, there is only ONE MULTITUDE that is saved.[30]  That is not to say that there are not special rewards, but that’s just another word study.

The Army - Symbolism

     In previous Word Studies on Revelation symbolism, I have concluded that “Armageddon” is the battlefield of the MIND of the believer, and the believer is the warrior as well as the war.  With that said, I am continuing this same thought that “the warrior” which is every believer, is part of GOD’S ARMY.   The best way to describe this mysterious fighting army is Special Forces with uniforms of fine white linens that are clean and bright, SYMBOLIZING  the Believer’s robes washed in the blood of Christ making them WHITE as snow.[31]   The Bride of Christ is the believer that is arrayed in fine pure bright white linens; these warriors are NOT angels.[32]

     NOTE: In the time of Jesus there were also Special Forces called the Zealots that were secret freedom fighters that were trying to liberate the Jews from the domination of Rome.  This is such an amazing story, but I will not cover it here.  See the Word Study; Zealots

     At first blush, we tend to surmise that Jesus returns to earth in the clouds with legions of Angel armies to fight the war of Armageddon, but after close examination we find that the war is waged by the “Sword in His Mouth” which is SYMBOLIC of the Gospel Message.[33]

     The Gospel message is SYMBOLICALLY presented by “Jars of Clay”, physical bodies,[34] not the spiritual bodies of angels.  Only the redeemed can sing the new song,[35] angels are not redeemed. This is NOT an angel Army.... Both Believers and Make-Believers may apply for service, but just as with any army, there are some requirements for acceptance in “joining uptherefore some are REJECTED. 

ü  1-A Accepted - Available for unrestricted military service.  Jesus said we must come to Him believing and trusting; without reservation; just as a child would run to his daddy and jump into his arms.[36]

ü  4-F Rejected - Registrant not acceptable for military service.  Registrant has been found not qualified for service in the Armed Forces by a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) under the established physical, mental, and moral standards.  (Look it up)

     The Sermon on the Mount; “The Beatitudes” do not show a man how to be saved; they show the characteristics of one who is saved.  

They are not promises of blessings for the saved, but are a description of the saved.

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR JOINING GOD’S ARMY.[37]

ü  Poor in spirit – The realization that we are spiritually bankrupt and can offer God nothing.

ü  Those who mourn – Anguishing over sin; over perishing souls; wanting right to prevail.

ü  Meek – Accepting opposition, insults and provocation – Bearing patiently – Mild and calm.

ü  Hunger for righteousness – All sin and wrongdoing to anyone grieves them.

ü  Merciful – Being kind, showing pity, mercy and compassion, even when it’s not convenient.

ü  Pure in Heart – No hidden motives or self-interest; a pure heart with singleness of purpose

ü  Peacemaker – Bringing men into harmony with each other – Calming the waters.

ü  Love – You must love Christ more than your own family or you are not worthy of Him.

ü  Give to those who can’t pay you back; Give justice, mercy, compassion and faithfulness.

 

     Someone who is RICH puts his trust in what he has... Someone who is POOR puts his trust in what he hasn’t... It’s very hard for someone who is rich to seek the Kingdom of Heaven; they do not see themselves as having any needs.  They are self-sufficient...  They don’t need God.  (Jesus said this, not me.)

 

 

IT’S IN THE BOOK

 

     The Bar is set very high; who then can qualify to enter God’s Army?  By man’s efforts, no one can qualify to enter... Only by the grace of God has it been made possible... Unless we change and become like little children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven.   Run trusting and believing and JUMP into His arms like a child lovin’ up on his daddy; Abba Father.

 

The Take Away

     Let’s reason together; the ten northern tribes of Israel were lost; they no longer exist.  The tribe of Benjamin was absorbed into the tribe of Judah, leaving only the “Jews” from Judah which is only 12,000 men...  If you look LITERALLY at the 144.000, we are about 132,000 men short.

     I know this is just way too simple, but the Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons and Seventh Day Adventist may be right, that they are the 144.000, but included with them as well are the Catholics, Baptist, Presbyterians, Methodist and Assembly of God denominations, etc. - BELIEVERS of ALL denominations are part of this SYMBOLIC 144,000.

     Believer and Make Believers alike will sign up for the Army of God, but the Make-Believer having only a form of godliness[38] will be classified 4-F... REJECTED[39]...   IT’S IN THE BOOK

     Are you a Make Believer?  God said, you will know them by their fruits’; their actions.  Take a close look at your “Check Book”; your Speech, your SONGS and your Activities.[40]  Do they honor God or bring Him shame?

     I don’t ask that you embrace my BS of the Symbolism that the sealed 144,000 Special Forces are the Army of ALL BELIEVERS, but just think about it.  You WILL be drafted into Satan’s Army unless you enlist in God’s army... Life is Choice Driven.[41]  The Choices you make on this side of life have eternal consequences. 

JUST THINK ABOUT IT

 

 

IT’S IN THE BOOK



[1] Jeremiah 30:7 – Tribulations called Jacob’s Trouble

[2] Revelation 14:5 – The 144,000 were blameless True Believers in God

[3] Matthew 24:21 – The Last 3 ½ years us known as the Great Tribulation such as has never been before.

[4] Acts 2:16-21- God will pour out His Spirit in the last days and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved

[5] Matthew 24:14 - The Gospel will be preached in the whole world then the End will come

[6] Revelation 7:4-8 – Tribes of Israel; 144,000... ALL JEWS; but no Levites

[7] 1 Peter 2:9 - Every Believer is in the Royal Priesthood -- Revelation 1:6 – The Believer is in a Kingdom of Priests

[8] Revelation 14:1-5 – The 144,000 are VIRGINS, truthful & blameless

[9] Judges 2:17 – Israel went WHORING after other gods.

[10] Acts 17:23 – They debated the Un-Known God Whom you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you

[11] Acts 17:18 – Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers debate everything

[12] Acts 17:11 – The Bereans were more open minded and commended for examining the scriptures daily on what was truth

[13] Revelation 19:21- The Sword came from His Mouth

[14] Hebrews 4:12 – The Sword is the Word of God -- Ephesians 6:17 – The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God

[15] Daniel 8:26 – Seal up the visions for the Future... the COMPUTER -- Daniel 12:4 – Shut up the words till the time of the COMPUTER

[16] Matthew 4:18-19 – I will make you fishers of men; the NET is the Salvation Plan

[17] John 21:11 – 153 fish The Net – Plan of salvatio

[18] Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control

[19] 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 – Gifts of the Spirit; word of knowledge, word of wisdom, great faith, healings, miracles, discernment of spirits, prophesy, speak in tongues, ability to interpret tongues

[20] Matthew 5:3-10 – Description of a Believer; the Beatitudes

[21] Revelation 21:12 – Twelve gates in the New Jerusalem

[22] Revelation 21:14  Twelve foundations in the New Jerusalem

[23] 2 Peter 3:8 - One day is as a thousand years to the Lord

[24] Zechariah 8:2 – The Lord is passionate and strong with love for Mount Zion

[25] Revelation 14:1 – 144,000 standing on Mount Zion on Earth who had the Father’s name written on their foreheads.

[26] Ephesians 2:19-21 – Fellow believers Joined together become the Church, the holy Temple of God

[27] Revelation 7:9 – A great Multitude in white robes that NO ONE COULD COUNT from every nation, tribe and people

[28] Revelation 7:15 – They serve before the Throne on earth in His Temple

[29] Revelation 21:3 - The dwelling place of God is with man -- 2 Corinthians 6:16 – God lives among us; we are the Temple -- 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – We are God’s Holy Temple

[30] Ephesians 4:4-5 – There is just one Lord, one faith, one baptism and ONE BODY of Christ

[31] Revelation 19:11-15 – Armies of Heaven in fine white pure linen -- Revelation 19:7-8 – These are the Redeemed in fine pure linen

[32] Revelation 7:14 - These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation“. They have washed their robes and made them WHITE in the blood of the Lamb

[33] Ephesians 6:17 – The Sword is the Word of God  -- Hebrews 4:12 – The Word of God is sharper than a two edge sword piercing to the division of soul and of spirit,

[34] 2 Corinthians 4:7 – Redeemed Army are “Jars of Clay”, not angels

[35] Revelation 14:1-3 – A multitude singing a song that only the redeemed could sing

[36] Matthew 18 2-5 – Believe and trust as a child with his daddy.

[37] Matthew 5:3-12 – Qualifications to join the Army of God  

[38] 2 Timothy 3:5 – MAKE BELIEVERS have only a form of godliness

[39] Matthew 7:23 – MAKE BELIEVER will be told I never knew you

[40] Matthew 7:16 – You can tell a MAKE BELIEVER by his fruits

[41] James 1:22 – Don’t just hear the Word DO IT

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