My study on the 144,000 Part 2

The 144,000 will be perfect as their Father in heaven is perfect. This may be a shocking statement to some people as their view of perfection may come from a worldly perspective. Look what our Messiah says about us being perfect:

Matthew 5:38-48 (KJV)

38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Many Present truth preachers today talk about perfection and how we as Christians can be perfect, however I rarely hear them bring up this passage. Being perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect in this context is about love, most notably loving our enemies and praying for them. We are to turn the other cheek when persecuted or hated and we are to in fact pray for these people that do this to us. Being perfect starts from an inward writing of the commandments on our heart. Look what the beloved disciple John says in regards to the connection between love and keeping the commandments of Jehovah:

1 John 5:2-3 (KJV)

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

You cannot separate love from God's commandments. They are intertwined. Jesus told the scribe in the below passage that the two greatest commandments were our love for God, which is also the knowledge of the truth that God is One not a trinity. Also our love for our neighbor. In Matthew 22:40, Jesus said all the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.

Mark 12:28-34 (KJV)

28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

By loving Jehovah and loving our neighbor which includes our enemies we fufill the law and by doing so we our perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.  Just as the Father has mercy and longsuffering for us we need to exhibit the same to others. If we don't then we are selfish being that we freely accept Jehovah's mercy and grace yet we don't extend it to others. If you want to know how to be perfect as the Father is, read the beatitudes and pray for that in your life.

Matthew 5:1-12 (KJV)

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

The beatitudes put our Christian walk into perspective. At times we can become so full of head knowledge that we forget that  at the end of the day, without the beatitudes be exhibited in our lives, all the knowledge of prophecy and the finer points of theology mean nothing. Are we meek? Are we poor in spirit? Are we pure in heart? These are questions we need to ask ourselves. We need to examine ourselves daily to see if we be in the faith.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV)

5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Only by Christ living in us, the hope of glory, can we exhibit the beatitudes in our life. If we don't have Christ living in us then we are reprobate (rejected) concerning the faith.

Colossians 1:27 (KJV)

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

"Those whom the Lamb shall lead by the fountains of living waters, and from whose eyes he shall wipe away all tears, will be those now receiving the knowledge and understanding revealed in the Bible, the Word of God. To us has been given the privilege of receiving the wisdom that cometh from God, of seeing the beauty and the glories of that Word which lies at the foundation of all true knowledge. The Bible teaches us what a Christian ought to be, and what he ought to do.

We are to copy no human being. There is no human being wise enough to be our criterion. We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pattern Man. His experience is the measure of the experience that we are to gain. His character is our model. Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on him, that by beholding we may be changed into his likeness. We may behold Christ to good purpose. We may safely look to him; for he is all-wise. As we look to him and think of him, he will be formed within, the hope of glory.

Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all that we can to help others to gain heaven. We are to have an intense interest in Christ Jesus; for he is our Saviour. He came to this world to be tempted in all points as we are, to prove to the universe that in this world of sin human beings can live lives that God will approve. [RH March 9, 1905, par.2-4, Ellen White]

The pen of inspiration says that we are to strive to be among the 144,000. How do we strive for this privilege? By looking to the pattern man, Christ Jesus. He is the hope of glory and we are to behold so that we are conformed to His image.

Romans 8:28-29 (KJV)

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

God predestinated us to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus. The greek word for "predestinate" is "proorizo" (Strongs 4309) and means "determined before, ordain, to foreordain, appoint beforehand, decide beforehand, predestinate, to predetermine".

God has foreordained us to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus Christ. He predetermined this for us. Jehovah decided beforehand that we would be conformed to His Son's image which is according to His purpose as He called us not the other way around.

Let's look at what Ellen White says about those who aren't conformed to the image of Jesus:

 "Though the moral image of God was almost obliterated by the sin of Adam, through the merits and power of Jesus it may be renewed. Man may stand with the moral image of God in his character; for Jesus will give it to him. Unless the moral image of God is seen in man, he can never enter the city of God as a conqueror. [RH June 10, 1890, Ellen White]

Ellen White says those who are not conformed to the moral image of God in Christ will not enter into New Jerusalem. Those who still have a foot in the world when the close of probation comes will not inherit the Kingdom of heaven. Those who still practice sin, either when probation closes or when they die during this life will not enter the gates of the city of God (Jehovah Shammah). Jesus didn't come to save us in our sin but to deliver us from it, otherwise there was no purpose in Him coming and dying for us.

The sin of Adam brought death and decay to moral character, to say that Jesus didn't come to liberate us from iniquity and rather so that we can keep sinning (breaking the law) and that He will save us regardless of our moral character  is outright blasphemous. It doesn't make any sense in regards to the plan of salvation. Jesus came to set the captives free not so that the captives could still live in sin.

"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.” “These are they which came out of great tribulation;” [Revelation 14:1-5; 15:3; Revelation 7:14-17.] 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." [GC 648.3, Ellen White]

My study on the 144,000 Part 1

Revelation 7:1-17

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,

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

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.

5 Of 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.

6 Of 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.

7 Of 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.

8 Of 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.

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;

10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

11 And 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,

12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

14 And 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.

15 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.

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17 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.

The identity of the 144,000 and the great multitude has been a subject of debate in the circles of Christendom. Even in Adventism there is varying views. In order to keep this study uncomplicated and long, I don't want to go into the various views but rather effort to two identify these two groups (some say they are the same group) using scripture and some Spirit of Prophecy.

Verses 1-3, the four angels are holding back the winds of strife (the 7 last plagues). The Angel from the east is none other than the Son of God Jehoshua also known as Michael The Archangel. The Son of God cries out in a loud voice to the four angels not to hurt the earth nor anything in it until the servants of Jehovah have been sealed in their foreheads. The seal of Jehovah is found in the Shema as well as the fourth commandment.

Deuteronomy 6:4-8

4 Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah:5 and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; 7 and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes.

The Shema which is the understanding that Jehovah God is One is to be sealed on our foreheads and bound on our hand. The Shema is the foundation of the first four commandments which is our duty to love Jehovah with all our heart, soul and strength. Without having a proper understanding of the Shema commandment, which Jehoshua says is the greatest (Mark 12:28-34), one cannot keep the first four commandments of the decalogue. Let's look at the fourth commandment for Jehovah's seal.

Exodus 20:8-11 (ASV)

8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath unto Jehovah thy God: in itthou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:11 for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

The Shema is intricately linked to the fourth commandment because in it we see Jehovah's seal of authority.

Name: Jehovah (verses 10 and 11)
Title: Creator (verse 11)
Territory: Heaven, Earth and Sea and all that in them is.

A proper understanding of Jehovah's identity and that He is One (The Shema) will lead one to then obey the first four commandments of the decalogue. Remember, the demons and the devil believe there is One God so just believing in the that God is One is not enough. We must obey the commandments of the One God refrenced in the Shema. The Sabbath commandment is an important part of the seal of Jehovah as the language in this commandment is seen in the first angels message which is part of the three fold message to go out to the world prior to the Advent of the Messiah.

The first commandment also is intricately linked to the Shema.

Exodus 20:1-3 (ASV)

1 And God spake all these words, saying, 2 I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Unfortunately most of Christendom has violates this commandment as they have replaced Jehovah with a three in one god.  Even much of Seventh-day Adventism violates this commandment. A proper understanding of the Shema that Jehovah God is One, will lead the believer to keep this commandment. It will prevent the believer from embracing the three in one god which the bible calls a strange god (Daniel 11-37-39).

Now back to Revelation 7, we can see that the Shema is the foundation of the commandments of Jehovah and without this bound to our hand (actions) and sealed on our foreheads (mind, heart) we cannot be a part of the 144,000. Having a proper understanding of the Shema will lead one to obeying the commandments of God. Obedience to Jehovah's commandments is a requirement for one to be sealed as one of the 144,000 as this group will have no guile in their mouth (preach, live and teach according to the law and testimony) nor will they fornicate with women (drink of Babylon's false doctrines nor have fellowship with her) - Revelation 14:4-5.

Verses 4-8 lists the 12 tribes of Israel. 12,000 from each of these tribes are sealed. Without getting detailed about the identity of these 12 tribes and whether it is the literal Israelites of the flesh or whether it is Spiritual Israel, let's go to the new testament and see what constitutes the 12 tribes in the view of James.

James 1:1-2 (KJV)

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Obviously James is writing to the Christian Congregation as 10 of the literal 12 tribes had long been lost by this point in history. Notice in verse 2 he says "My brethren". James considered anyone who believed in the Messiah as his brother and sister. We can logically conclude that James used the moniker "12 tribes of Israel" in reference to the Christian Congregation.

Let's see what Paul says about who the Israel of God is:

Galatians 6:15-16 (KJV)

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

According to Paul, anyone who was a new creature in Christ (born again) considered to be a part of the Israel of Jehovah. There is no wiggle room here. No more ethnic and national distinctions in the new covenant body of believers. Even in the old covenant, gentiles could be part of the Israel of Jehovah and ethnic Israelites could be cast off.

Galatians 3:28 (KJV)

28 There 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.

Christ came to make ONE sheep fold out of the two folds (gentile and Jew). Paul's statement above agrees with Christ very own statement concerning whether there ethnic/national distinctions carry any weight in the new covenant.

John 10:16 (KJV)

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

The Messiah makes it crystal clear that the Christian Congregation is ONE fold. The ethnic and national distinctions are over.

Ephesians 2:11-19 (KJV)

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Paul reaffirms the oneness of the Christian body of believers stating that the Messiah broke down the wall of partition between gentile and Jew (verse 14). In verse 15, Paul says that the Messiah at the cross made in himself twain (two meaning gentile and jew) one new man (a Spiritual Israelite). By One Spirit we have access to the Father. There is not a seperate mode of conversion for the Jew, like the gentile he must accept the Son of God as his personal Saviour. These two groups have access by One Spirit which means they are themselves are One not seperate due to an ethnic distinction.

In verse 19, Paul makes it clear that gentiles who believe in the Son of God are no longer strangers but are fellow citizens with Jews who are Saints and we are now of the household of God.

Colossians 3:11 (KJV)

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Paul again states that in Christ there is no more ethnic/national distinction.

1 Timothy 1:1-4 (KJV)

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Paul makes a strong rebuke against those who get into endless genealogies. Remarkably this warning has been ignored by much of Christendom. The dispensational Churches are teaching that Geo-Political Israel is a fufillment of bible prophecy and that the ethnic/national Jews are still God's chosen people. They even teach that God will call those who are descendants of the literal 12 tribes of Israel to be the 144,000. Some go as far as to say that the Jews do not need to accept the Messiah to be saved. However, it is not only the evangelical dispensational Churches that are teaching this but also some Hebrew roots groups and Black Hebrew Israelite groups.

With these groups, the emphasis is always on ethnic and national distinctions which we are clearly told in scripture hold no more weight in regards to our being members of Jehovah's Kingdom. They even go into genealogies and try to figure out who comprises the literal 12 tribes of Israel. This is error and leads to division, strife and confusion (Babylon).

Back to Revelation 7:4-8, the 12 tribes are not listed in birth order. Joseph and Levi replace Dan and Ephraim in the usual list of 12 (Numbers 34:13-29, Joshua 13-19). The tribe of Dan is omitted here likely because of it's apostasy (Genesis 49:17, Judges 18:1). Even if the 12 tribes of Israel here consist of literal descendants of the tribes, then by this point in history that could include just about anyone of any race/ethnicity or nationality. Remember, 10 of the lost tribes are exactly that, lost!

Remember, the emphasis in the new testament is not on ethnic/national distinctions as identifying the people of God but rather the emphasis is on God's people being a Spiritual nation. Physical ethnic distinctions and physical land as being Jehovah's people and Kingdom is no longer the emphasis as we are a Spiritual people who are members of a Spiritual Kingdom who await a physical Kingdom which is in heaven.

From the pen of Jehovah's messenger Ellen White, it is clear that the 144,000 are the living saints who will be translated at the second advent of Christ.

"Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake." (Early Writings, p.14-15)

"The 144,000 shouted, “Alleluia!” as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air." (Early Writings p.15-16)

"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.—The Great Controversy, 648, 649 (1911). LDE 268.4

The Spirit of Prophecy is clear that the 144,000 will be the living saints who are translated at the second advent of Christ. There will be a special resurrection and these will also be translated and numbered with the 144,000 however they won't technically be of the 144,000 but rather "with" them.

Revelation 15:1-4 (KJV)

1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

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.

3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

The 144,000 will sing the song of their experience according to scripture and the pen of inspiration. The 144,000 will be victorious over the beast (papacy), over his image (Church-State union in America) and over his mark (Sunday Sabbath). They sing the song of Moses (Exodus 15). Only the 144,000 go through the time of Jacob’s trouble and never die. The song of their experience is one of divine deliverance against all odds as they will have to be without an intercessor during the seven last plagues.

How will one be declared fit to be of the 144,000? Let's go to scripture:

Revelation 14:1-5 (KJV)

14 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

3 And they sung 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, which were redeemed from the earth.

4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Verse 1 makes it very clear that to qualify to be of the 144,000 you have to worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

John 4:23-24 (KJV)

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

That hour was during the time of Jesus and also after his ascension to Heaven. That hour is also being fufilled now as many Christians are leaving behind the trinity god in order to worship the living God in spirit and truth. The living God is the Father (Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 26:63, John 6:56)

It is true worship of the Father that one is able to get the Father's name written in their foreheads. Notice that the lamb is standing with the 144,000 on Mount Sion.  We can only worship the Father in spirit and in truth if we go through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Some versions in verse 1 render the verse "His name and His Father's name". Remember Jesus is also given the Father's name "
"Jehovah". Even Jesus name which is better rendered "Jehoshua" includes the Father's prefix in it "Jeho or Jah" and the Son's name means "Jehovah Saves".

Joel 2:32 (ASV)

32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those that escape, as Jehovah hath said, and among the remnant those whom Jehovah doth call.

Scripture shows that salvation is found through Jehovah's name. When we call on the name of Jehovah it includes the Father and the Son. There were two Jehovah's recorded in the old testament  (Genesis 18 and 19 for example). The source of salvation is the Father, the Son is the channel of salvation. The Father is the original Jehovah and His Son is the only  begotten Jehovah.

The 144,000 are singing a new song with harps. Only they will be able to learn this song as they were the only ones to come out of Jacob’s trouble.

In verse 4, we see another qualifier needed to be one of the 144,000, "These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins."

The 144,000 will not defile themselves with women (false Churches). A woman in bible prophecy represents a Church. They will not partake of Babylon's false doctrines such as celebrating pagan holidays, keeping Sunday, worshipping a trinity god etc. The 144,000 are the first fruits unto God and unto the Lamb.

Those teaching that a great multitude will be alive until translation are missing the obvious description of the 144,000 having pure worship and being first fruits unto Jehovah. It is clear from scripture that the saints who are living at the time of the Messiah's return will be few in number especially in comparison to the rest of the world.

Luke 18:8 (KJV)

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Jehoshua ask this rhetorical question "shall he find faith on the earth" in relation to His second advent.

Matthew 24:37-39 (KJV)

37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Eight people were saved from perishing in the  flood. Jehoshua said that preceding His return that the condition of the world would be similar to the world just prior to the flood. Many Pastor's and theologians are leading their Congregations astray by telling them that many in the professed Churches will be "translated or raptured" at the return of the Messiah. This is giving their members a false sense of security. Rather than encouraging them to die to self and die to this world in preparation for the coming trials and tribulations, they make their members think that they will have a magic carpet ride to heaven. The Church members then think they are okay and that going to the weekly services and getting involved in a Church ministry is enough. This could be in for a rude awakening as dying to self and picking up one's cross is the only to be ready for the coming crisis.

Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Jesus himself says that few will find the way to eternal life. Understanding this is important in these last days as the ecumenical movement will be promoted as a deception to get Christians to think that false worldwide revivals of the ecumenical movement is a fufillment of the great multitude. We will get to the identity of the great multitude in a bit but I want to really emphasize the truth that the saints living at the time of Christ second advent will be few in number regardless if the 144,000 is a literal or figurative number.

Back to Revelation 15, the 144,000 are the ones sealed in fufillment of the Ezekiel 9 prophecy. By this point in time, many who heeded the final call to leave Babylon will have been martyred, died of other causes or put to sleep by Jehovah out of mercy. Two classes of people will remain by the time probation closes. Those who are sealed with the Father's name indicating pure worship. The second class are those who are engaging in sun worship thereby receiving the mark of the beast. Ezekiel 8 and 9 are prophecies of this end time close of probation. Therefore it is the 144,000 who have the ultimate victory over the beast, image and mark.

Those who received the message to leave the fallen Churches are also victorious however it is the 144,000 that go through the worst time of trouble the earth has ever seen so they have a unique experience that none has ever had. Even the great multitude are victorious as many that comprise this number also overcame tribulation. Even the ones didn't go through great tribulation in their lives still made their robes white in the blood of the Lamb. Remember, sometimes it takes more devotion and dedication to serve God and Christ when times are good.

"But He waves them back. Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. He approaches the Father, with whom there is joy over one sinner that repents; who rejoices over one with singing. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, “It is finished,” He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 19:30; 17:24. [DA 834.2, EGW]

Do you notice what Ellen White says in the above paragraph in Desire of Ages regarding the great multitude?

"He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming."

There it is! From the pen of inspiration, the great multitude comes forth from the grave at Jesus second coming. So contrary to to what many teach regarding the great multitude, this is not a second larger group of people who will be translated at the second advent of Christ. The great multitude consists of the saints of all time who will be raised up at the first resurrection.

The Special Resurrection

Daniel 12:1-2 (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.

2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Michael The Archangel stands up to deliver His people. Jesus Christ is Michael The Archangel.  Michael means "Who is like God" and Archangel means "Chief Messenger". Certainly this fits the description of Christ to a "T". By the time Michael stands up, the judgment is decided for all people, the dead and the living. The antitypical day of atonement is over and now it's time for Michael (Christ) to deliver the saints and bring his reward with Him. It will also be time to tread the winepress of his Father's wrath. The verse in Revelation 22:11 applies to the timeof Michael standing up to leave the most holy place.

Revelation 22:11King James Version (KJV)

11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

All cases will be decided and now the verdicts will be passed out. This is called the close of probation. When Michael leaves the most holy place and exchanges his preistly garments for warrior attire, the earth will go through a time of trouble such as never before been seen. It is called the time of Jacob’s trouble. This is when the seven last plagues fall on the earth. The 144,000 who are sealed just before Christ stands up will be the one's who go through the time of Jacob’s trouble as they will see things no one has ever seen. This will be a trying time for them as they will not have an intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary as the Son of God will be on His way to deliver His people and destroy the wicked (Revelation 11:16-19).

Revelation 16:17-18 (KJV)

17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

The above passage in Revelation 16 relates to the termination of the time of Jacob’s trouble and the ushering in of the seventh plague. The voice heard from the throne is the Father's. Remember, the Son will be coming to earth to reward the saints and punish the evildoers. The great earthquake mentioned in verse 18 brings forth those who shall awake to everlasting life (Daniel 12:1). This is not the first resurrection as most believe but rather the special resurrection, antitypical of the special resurrection which took place at the resurrection of Jesus.

Matthew 27:46-54 (KJV)

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Here is the passage about the special resurrection in Jesus time. Notice that an earthquake precedes the special resurrection here as it does in the end time special resurrection. The graves are opened and "MANY" bodies of the saints which slept arose. They come out of the graves after the resurrection of Jesus. Remember, Jesus is the firstborn from the dead so He precedes them in rising from the dead. Jesus presented these saints as the wave sheaf offering (the first fruits).

 Of note, is the fact that after the death of Jesus and the earthquake, the Roman Centurion, who witnessed these things, makes a declaration that Jesus truly was the Son of God. This is eye opening because it is a standing to today's Churches of Christendom as they deny the literal Sonship of Christ. A pagan soldier confesses the true identity of Christ, whereas many professed Christians deny Christ's identity as the true Son of God.

"That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake, “such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great.”[Revelation 16:17, 18.] The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the throne of God seems flashing through. The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into fury.There is heard the shriek of the hurricane, like the voice of demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have become like Sodom for wickedness, are swallowed up by the angry waters. Babylon the Great hath come in remembrance before God, “to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” [Revelation 16:19, 21.] Great hailstones, every one “about the weight of a talent,” are doing their work of destruction. The proudest cities of the earth are laid low. The lordly palaces, upon which the world’s great men have lavished their wealth in order to glorify themselves, are crumbling to ruin before their eyes. Prison walls are rent asunder, and God’s people, who have been held in bondage for their faith, are set free.

Graves are opened, and “many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth” “awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” [Daniel 12:2.] All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept his law. “They also which pierced Him,” [Revelation 1:7.] those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of his truth and his people, are raised to behold him in his glory, and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient. [GC88 636.3-637.1, Ellen White]

Jehovah's messenger Ellen White in Great Controversy expounds on the Special Resurrection of the Just and says that those who have died under the third angel’s message will have the privilege of hearing Jehovah's covenant of peace with the 144,000 who have kept His Royal Law.

Revelation 14:13 (KJV)

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

This is one of the seven beatitudes of the book of Revelation, "Blessed are the dead". Only those who die in Jehovah and His Son Jesus Christ are pronounced blessed. These ones are those who had their faith grounded in Jesus. "From henceforth", this refers to the period of the three angels messages, which embraces the period of persecution by the Papacy and it's image (Church-State union in America). There will be a boycott imposed and then a death decree issued.

Those who go to their graves in this time frame will rest in their graves until the indignation passes over. These blessed one's will have the privilege to come forth in the special resurrection preceding the general ressurection of the righteous (great multitude).

The Special Resurrection of the Just

"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2.

It was at midnight that God chose to deliver His people. As the wicked were mocking around them, suddenly the sun appeared, shining in his strength, and the moon stood still.... Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters, shaking the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in faith under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God was to make with those who had kept His law.

Those who sleep in Jesus will be called from their prison house ... to a glorious immortality.... He has risen, dear friends, and in your despondency you may know ... that Jesus is by your side to give you peace.

I know what I am talking about. I have seen the time when I thought the waves were going over my head; in that time I felt my Saviour precious to me. When my eldest son was taken from me I felt my grief was very great, but Jesus came to my side and I felt His peace in my soul. The cup of consolation was placed to my lips.

And then he who had stood by my side for thirty-six years ... was taken.We had labored together side by side in the ministry, but we had to fold the hands of the warrior and lay him down to rest in the silent grave. Again my grief seemed very great, but after all came the cup of consolation. Jesus is precious to me. He walked by my side ... and He will walk by your side.When our friends go into the grave they are beautiful to us. It may be our father or mother that we lay away: when they come forth those wrinkles are all gone but the figure is there, and we know them....

We want to be prepared to meet these dear friends as they come forth in the resurrection morning.... Shall we lay hold upon the hope set before us in the gospel that we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is? [Mar 281.1-6, Ellen White]

The Spirit of Prophecy states that it is those who have kept the Sabbath since the preaching of the third angel’s message that will have part in the Special Resurrection. Ellen White gives us the hope that if our loved ones die under the third angel’s message keeping the Sabbath and the Royal Law of Jehovah  that they will get to hear the covenant of peace between Jehovah and the 144,000. They went to the graves with fallen bland sickly bodies but will come up glorified. We will recognize their figure and form.

The Special Resurrection of the Unjust.

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7.

“They also which pierced him” (Revelation 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient.

[At His trial], Caiaphas, raising his right hand toward heaven, addressed Jesus in the form of a solemn oath: “I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.” ...

Every ear was bent to listen, and every eye was fixed on His face as He answered, “Thou hast said.” A heavenly light seemed to illuminate His pale countenance as He added, “Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

For a moment the divinity of Christ flashed through His guise of humanity. The high priest quailed before the penetrating eyes of the Saviour.... For a moment he felt as if standing before the eternal Judge, whose eye, which sees all things, was reading his soul, bringing to light mysteries supposed to be hidden with the dead.

The scene passed from the priest’s vision.... Rending his robe, ... he demanded that ... the prisoner be condemned for blasphemy. “What further need have we of witnesses?”he said; “behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye?” And they all condemned Him.

Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their decision was registered in the book which John saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open.In all its vindictiveness this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

When Christ comes the second time, not as a prisoner surrounded by a rabble will they see Him. They will see Him as heaven’s King.... Then the priests and rulers will remember distinctly the scene in the judgment hall. Every circumstance will appear before them as if written in letters of fire. [Mar 282.1-8, Ellen White]

Not only will those who died in faith under the third angel’s message rise at the special resurrection but also those who pierced Christ. The messenger of Jehovah says that not only those who were physically present at the mocking and deriding of the Son of God will rise to eternal damnation but also those who have been the most violent opposers His truth (the Word of God, His and His Father's commandments) and also His people (the Christian Congregation).  Just think of all the persecuters who belonged to the Roman Church and severly persecuted Jehovah's people during the 1260 years of tribulation. Think of all the radical Muslims that have massacred Christians since their inception. Many of these blasphemers will be part of the special resurrection of the Unjust.

Revelation 1:7 (KJV)

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Those who pierced Christ, whether in His presence during his trials and crucifixion or by severely persecuting His Congregation, will see the Son of God coming with clouds. They and all the nations of the earth shall wail because of him. This will not be a Disney type of coming of Christ like many teach in the Churches. Christ will come as the Lion of the tribe of Juda executing His Father's unmixed cup of wrath on "ALL NATIONS".

It will be an absolute terrifying time for the world.

Zechariah 12:10 (ASV)

10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they shall look unto me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born.

The time of visitation of our Messiah Jehoshua will be a time of mourning not only for the unbelievers alive at his coming but also those who pierced him who rise at the special resurrection of the Unjust. These fierce enemies of the Messiah throughout the ages, since the time of His earthly ministry, will behold the Divinity of Jehoshua and will weep in bitterness. They pierced the Son of God thereby piercing the Father.

John 19:34-37 (KJV)

34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

The above passage is the first part of the fufillment of Zechariah 12:10. The second part will be fufilled after the special resurrection when the Messiah returns to rescue His Saints and destroy the commandment breakers (Daniel 12:1-2, Revelation 1:7).

Not only those who pierced the Messiah at the time of His trial and death will rise to see His return, but also those who were fervent against His cause throughout the ages. Those who brutally persecuted His saints. By persecuting Jehoshua's bride (The Church) you hurt Him.

"There is a mighty earthquake, “such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great.”[Revelation 16:17, 18.] The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the throne of God seems flashing through. The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into fury.There is heard the shriek of the hurricane, like the voice of demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have become like Sodom for wickedness, are swallowed up by the angry waters. Babylon the Great hath come in remembrance before God, “to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” [Revelation 16:19, 21.] Great hailstones, every one “about the weight of a talent,” are doing their work of destruction. The proudest cities of the earth are laid low. The lordly palaces, upon which the world’s great men have lavished their wealth in order to glorify themselves, are crumbling to ruin before their eyes. Prison walls are rent asunder, and God’s people, who have been held in bondage for their faith, are set free.

Graves are opened, and “many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth” “awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” [Daniel 12:2.] All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept his law. “They also which pierced Him,” [Revelation 1:7.] those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of his truth and his people, are raised to behold him in his glory, and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient." [GC88 636.3-637.1, EGW]

Jehovah's messenger says that it will be the most violent opposers of Jehoshua's truth and His people that will be part of the special resurrection of the Unjust. They behold the Messiah in all His glory and see the honor placed upon those who keep the commandments of God and have Jehoshua's faith.

Psalm 22:16-17 (KJV)

16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

David the psalmist gives us a look into the trials and tribulations of his life but it also is prophetic of what our Saviour would go through during His earthly ministry. Our Messiah was pierced in the hands and feet. They stared upon the Son of God who was pierced for our transgressions.

Now back to the 144,000. We talked about how these saints will not defile themselves with women (false Churches) and that they will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Now let's talk further about the character they will exhibit.

Revelation 14:5 (KJV)

5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

The 144,000 will be without "guile" and will be faultless before the Father's throne. This is the righteousness by faith message as Jesus can keep us from falling and present us faultless before the presence of Jehovah.

Jude 24-25 (KJV)

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

This is the heart of the Righteousness by faith message. The Son of God can keep us from falling and like Him we can have victory over sin. How can the Son of God keep us from falling? Let's look at Colossians 1:27

Colossians 1:27 (KJV)

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

When we have Christ in us, we have the hope of glory that empowers us to be Christlike and to have His faith which enables us to overcome the temptations of sin. We are told in Revelation 12:17 and Revelation 14:12 that the saints of the Christian Congregation keeps the commandments of Jehovah and the faith of Jesus. This applies to the remnant Christian Congregation but especially the 144,000 as they will have a garden of Gethsemane experience and also an experience similar to Jesus in the wilderness.

The 144,000 will have to especially exhibit the faith of Jesus as they will go through an immense time of trouble as never before seen in this earth's history. Let's look at Jeremiah 30 for a prophecy of this solemn time.

Jeremiah 30:1-9 (ASV)

1 The word that came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying, 2 Thus speaketh Jehovah, the God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book. 3 For, lo, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will turn again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith Jehovah; and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.

4 And these are the words that Jehovah spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah. 5 For thus saith Jehovah: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. 6 Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child: wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? 7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. 8 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds; and strangers shall no more make him their bondman; 9 but they shall serve Jehovah their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

In verse 5 we see that the time of Jacob’s trouble will be frightful as men will be like women who are giving birth. It will be a time when men seek death but won't find it. It will a time of fear and not of peace. Remember this passage below:

1 Thessalonians 5:3 (KJV)

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Prior to the time of Jacob’s trouble many in the world will be speaking a "peace and safety" message even the pulpit preachers of Christendom. However, the exact opposite will be true as sudden and terrifying destruction will come upon the earth, the great and terrible day of Jehovah! The faces of men and women during this time will turn to paleness.

In verse 7, the text says that Jacob "Spiritual Israel" shall be saved out this terrible outpouring of Jehovah's wrath. The 144,000 will be delivered out of this and be caught up with the great multitude who rise from their graves to enter heavenly Canaan. Then we will serve Jehovah our God and David (Christ) our King (Verse 9).

The begotten Sonship of Christ!

If you think you can deny the literal begotten Sonship of Christ and have eternal life,  the word of God contradicts you. Infact, the bible says the wrath of God abides on those who deny the literal begotten Sonshipof Christ. Stop being worried about losing your position in the Church, trust in Jehovah and He will honour your obedience even though man may shun you and not allow you to speak or have position in their Churches.

John 3:16-18 (KJV)

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Here just like many other passages the Father is refrenced as God. The Father so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Here again, we see the Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus as the Father is called God and Jesus is called His only begotten Son. In verse 16 and 17, we read that God sent and gave us His only begotten Son. This could only mean that Jehovah had a Son to send and give to the world prior to the Son actually being sent and given. It is eveident that Jesus was God's Son before coming to the world. This scripture proves two things, first that Jesus is pre-existent and two, that Jesus was God's only begotten Son before being born in Bethlehem.

The Son did not win the Father's love for sinners but came because God loved sinners. This passage shows the Father's love for us something the tri theism doctrine attempts to destroy with their denial of Christ literal Sonship. Jehovah God loved sinners so much that He gave the most precious and costly gift imaginable, His only begotten Son. Let's read the words of Jesus beloved disciple John:

1 John 4:9-10 (KJV)

9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

This is absolute proof of the Father's love for us, in that He gave the precious gift of His dear begotten Son. As humans we can somewhat related to this, in that it would be heartwrenching to give up our kids for the good of someone else. The Father sending His begotten Son to be the mercyseat for our sins is concrete evidence of His love for us. John defines love as God first loving us not us loving God and His love for us is manifested in that He sent His only begotten Son that we might live through Him (our new birth experience and eternal life) and that we would have a faithful High Priest that forgives our sins.

What does it mean when it says Jesus is God's only begotten Son? Let's go to the greek definition of "only begotten"

The phrase "only begotten" comes from the Greek word "monogenes" (Strongs 3439) and means "only-born, i.e. sole child: - only (begotten, child)"

A pretty straightforward definition of what only begotten means. We know this can't apply to Jesus birth at Bethlehem because John 3;16-17 and 1 John 4:9-10 clearly state 4 times that God sent and gave His only begotten Son to the world which tells us that God had a Son to send to the world. This sending of His only begotten Son to the world was an action that preceded Him being actually delivered to the world as realized in the immaculate conception. God had a Son to send to the world proving Christ pre-existent Sonship. If Christ only became the Son of God at His immaculate conception and/or virgin birth then the 4 times that state God sent/gave His Son make no sense.

These scriptures in John and 1 John only make sense if God already had a Son prior to the immaculate conception and virgin birth of Jesus. This what makes God's love for us manifested in that He gave us something that was dear and precious to Him as Jesus had daily been the Father's delight as told in Proverbs 8;30:

"Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him"

When reading the above verse, we can see how by giving His Son, the Father's love was manifested towards us. Jehovah God had a preexisting relationship with Jesus Christ before He sent the Son down to the world.

Let's go back to John 3:16-18:

We see in verse 17, that the purpose of God sending His only begotten Son was so that the world might be saved. The Father offers eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. This is the only provision for eternal life. In verse 18, Jesus says:

"He that believeth on him is not condemned"

What do we have to believe in order not to be condemned? It's very simple, lets go to scripture:

1 John 4;15 (KJV)

15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

It is confession that Jesus is the Son of God that prevents us from being condemned. To the contrary as noted above,  confession that Jesus is the Son of God gives us the Father's Spirit within us.

It is our faith that Jesus is God's literal only begotten Son that allows us to overcome the world.

1 John 5:4-5 (KJV)

4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

So the faith that overcometh the world is the faith that believeth Jesus is the Son of God.

The word faith is rendered from the Greek word "pistis" (Strongs 4102) and means "persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity."

The above definition of faith is more than just mental ascent of knowledge but rather being persuaded and having constancy in that which you are persuaded of. Faith is have fidelity (loyalty) to the thing, concept or person you express belief in. Faith is being assured of the very thing, concept or person that you say you believe in. While confession is an outward verbal expression, faith is an inward assurance and persuasion.

We must be persuaded and assured that Jesus is truly the Son of God in order to overcome the world.

Let's go to the greek definition of believeth. Believeth comes from the Greek word "pisteuo" (Strongs 4100) which itself comes from the word "pistis" (Faith) which we just went over in the preceding paragraphs.

The word "pisteuo" means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to,.a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well being to Christ): - believe, commit (to trust), put in trust with."

We are to entrust our spiritual well being in the truth and belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Belief is not just a verbal expression or mental ascent in knowledge but rather it is a committing to the truth that Jesus really is the begotten Son of God. Bible belief equals committment. This destroys the false teaching that mere verbal expression qualifies one to be a Christian. When we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we entrust our spiritual well being to this truth.

Let's go back to verse 18 of John 3, lets read the second part of that verse:

"but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

This verse here warns of denying the literal Sonship of Christ. If you deny this you forfeit eternal life, it's that serious. Those who deny the Sonship of Christ are condemned says Jesus. They hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The word "name" comes from the Greek word "onoma" (Strongs 3686) and means "a name, authority, character: - called, surname".

By denying Jesus Sonship you hath denied His true Character as Jesus Sonship is central to His identity. It's who He is and it's how He has authority. Jesus Sonship gives Him inheritance and part of this inheritance is the authority bestowed upon Him by His Father Jehovah.

Matthew 28:18 (KJV)

18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

John 3:35 (KJV)

35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Hebrews 1:8 (KJV)

8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Not believing that Jesus is the only true begotten Son of God denies His name, character, of which Jesus Sonship is central (Matthew 16:13-20, 1, John 5:13). It also denies His authority, of which His Sonship is also central (John 3:35, Hebrews 1:8).

If you don't think believing that Jesus, being the literal only begotten Son of God is salvational, even though Jesus attests to that very thing, I leave you the words of John the Baptist (John 3:36):

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Your Church membership won't save you neither will your Pastor's or ministers.

Understanding the New testament gospel is key in understanding where the Millennium will be

Continuing my millennium study, I thought it important to address some key passages in relation to the gospel as I believe that helps shed light on where the millennium will be spent and who will be there as Kings and Priests.

Ezekiel 38 and 39 tell of the prophecy of Gogt
 and Magog coming against Israel in the latter days. This prophecy of Gog and Magog has an end time fufillment botth in regards to the second advent of Christ (Revelation 7:14) and at the end off the millennium.t However, only ini Revelation 20:7-10, do we see specific mention of Gog and Magog compassing the beloved city Jerusalem which is the New Jerusalem not the earthly one.

Even though there is descriptive elements in Ezekiel 38 and 39 that apply to the second advent of Christ, the ultimate fufillment of this propehcy is realized in Rzevelation 20:7-10 which is at the conclusion of the heavenly millennium.

In AD 70, earthly Jerusalem was encompassed by the Roman army and suffered a terrible defeat without the hand of Jehovah protecting them.

At the end of this system of things, Jehovah's Son Jehoshua will resurrect the dead saints and harpazo (catch up) the living saints. After this rescue of His Church, which according to scripture is the Israel of God, final destruction will be levied against the king's of the earth,  false prophet, antichrist, mighty men, men of low estate, the great men of the earth and the also the remnant of them.

At the end of the millennium, Jehoshua with fire and brimstone from Jehovah up in heaven will destroy Gog and Magog who seek to overtake the only City of God which is New Jerusalem.

Do you see the pattern here? Earthly Jerusalem is of no more significance insofar that it is God's Holy City. Jehovah did not intervene on their behalf in AD 70 due to their rejection of God's Messiah as that city for the most part still rejects Him today.However, true Israel which is the Church made up of Jews and Gentiles will be protected at the end of this age and at the end of the millennium. This is notwithstanding that it is likely that most of the professed Jews in Modern Israel have no proof of being descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Also, the establishment of a Geo Political Israel does not prove a fufillment of prophecy being that they are not keeping Jehovah's commandments and they still reject the Messiah. The Israel of God are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Galatians 6:15-16 (KJV)

15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

James 1:1-2 (KJV)

1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Clearly the true Israel and 12 tribes are those in Christ Jesus, God's only begotten Son. Israel is now a Spiritual Nation of those who accept the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Physical Jerusalem has no more significance of being Jehovah's Holy City. Remember, Jesus came to make twain one new man out of Jew and Gentile.

Ephesians 2:11-22 (KJV)

11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The above passage in Ephesians 2 describes the beautiful truth that believing Jews and Gentiles now compromise the commonwealth of Israel and are one body and one new man. There is absolutely no more distinction between Jew and Gentile in the body of Christ. Ephesians 4;4-6 emphasizes this as well:

4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;5One Lord, one faith, one baptism,6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Colossians 3:10-12 (KJV)

10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Paul plainly says that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in the body of Christ and that the Son of God is all in all. Paul says that those in Christ regardless of ethnicity are the elect of Jehovah God.

Galatians 3:26-29 (KJV)

26For 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.

How much clearer can this be, "all one in Christ Jesus" Paul says and again reiterates that there is no more distinction between Jew and Greek (Gentile). Paul says that we are all Abraham's seed if we be in Christ. This is key in understanding the gospel to realize that the Church of Jehovah is now a Spiritual Nation not an earthly one. Satan has deceived many into turning back the clock before the cross to promote the heresy that there is still a seperate dispensation between Jew and Gentile and that earthly Jerusalem is still God's Holy City.

John 10:15-16 (KJV)

15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Jesus came to end the enmity and distinction between Jew and Gentile and to make them One fold that he would be the One Shepherd for the One fold. All this talk about the allleged physical Jews who reject the Messiah and physical Jerusalem being God's chosen people and chosen city undermines the gospel and it seeks to undo what the Son of God did on the cross by bringing together into one fold, Jew and Gentile.

So many Christians are being deceived by the Zionist movement because they are ignoring the warning given by Paul the apostle in 1 Timothy 1:4:

"Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do."

This is what the Dispensationalists movement is doing, giving heed to endless Jewish genealogies which in their mind legitimatizes the current claim of the Khazar Jews and modern Geo Political Israel as being God's chosen people and chosen nation. Many Christians are falling into the trap of paying attention to Jewish genealogies so as to look at the modern Messiah rejecting Jews as having the claim of being Jehovah's Holy people. The reality couldn't be further from the truth. Did Jesus teach a reestablishment of Israel as God’s Kingdom on this earth prior to the conclusion of the millennium? Let's go to the words of the Son of God to find out:

Luke 17:20-21 (KJV)

20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

WOW! Jesus makes a stunning declaration which is that the Kingdom of Jehovah God would not be seen with observation but rather be within, thereby eliminating the significance of earthly Jerusalem and Israel as a center of worship and standing as the center of the Kingdom of God.

Remember what the Son of God told the Samaritan woman?

John 4:19-24 (KJV)

19The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Jesus tells the woman that Jerusalem will eventually cease to be the center of true worship and that true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth wherever these true worshippers happen to be. What an amazing gospel truth, the believer in Christ can now worship wherever they are and obtain entrance into the holy of holies without ever in their life having set foot in earthly Jerusalem and Israel.

Understanding the gospel is key in harmonizing where the Millennium is and who will be in the millennium as Kings and Priests unto God and his Son Jehoshua.

Matthew 23:36-39 (KJV)

36Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!38Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.39For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

The Son of God wept for His people and their city knowing that it would be left desolate due to their rejection of Him. How much more true today is Jerusalem desolate? They are even farther away from Jehovah God than during the time of Jesus. Much of the Judaism practiced there is absolutely pagan and satanic. It's a false Judaism that rejects and speaks evil of Christ.

Revelation 2:9 (KJV)

9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 3:9 (KJV)

9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Romans 2:28-29 (KJV)

28For 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.