Question :
Pls throw some light on The 144,000
(Revelation 14:1-5)
Answer
: A familiar question on this topic. I would like to
copy & paste which was compiled by a preacher on another occasion. Hope
this would give you a comprehensive view. In particular, if you have any
questions, please do raise to clarify.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that the
kingdom of heaven will be established after the “end times” with 144,000
faithful saints chosen by God to becomes spirits and to rule with Christ for
the millennium.
These rulers, they say, will govern the
earth on which will dwell resurrected humans along with the animals.
“Hence, the context of Revelation 7:4
and related statements found elsewhere in the Bible bear out that the number
144,000 is to be taken literally. It refers to those who will rule in heaven
with Christ over a paradise earth, which will be filled with a large and
undetermined number of happy people who worship Jehovah God.” [The Watchtower,
September 1, 2004, page 31]
They justify these beliefs by citing
Revelation 7:4 and Revelation 14:1-3
Problems
with Symbols
Revelation is written in symbolic
language - Revelation 1:1
Great care must be taken not to assign
literal means to symbolic language.
Reading the context of Revelation
7:1-12
If we say that the 144,000 is literal,
then we must conclude that they are all Jewish since they all come from tribes
of Israel
These people are located on the earth,
as oppose to the great multitude who are before the throne of God in heaven
(and these people come from every nation)
Reading the context of Revelation
14:1-5
Again we find them on the earth,
standing on Mount Zion (Jerusalem) with the Lamb.
We also learn that they have not defiled
themselves with women, so a literal reading requires us to conclude that they
are all virgins and only males will be in the number.
Interestingly, Jehovah’s Witnesses state
that Peter is one of the 144,000.
He is Jewish and a male, but since he
had a wife (I Corinthians 9:5), he wasn’t a virgin.
The conclusion is that these are
symbolic passages.
The numbers given
The tribes
The lack of defilement
All represent ideas
Problems with the Resurrection
The Jehovah’s Witnesses have some raised
as earthly people and others raised as spiritual beings.
But Paul says we will all be spiritual
beings - I Corinthians 15:42-53
To get around this, the Jehovah’s
Witnesses claim that this passage only speaks of the 144,000, but such a imitation is not mentioned or even hinted at
in this passage.
Instead Paul clearly states it applies
to everyone - I Cor 15:51-52
This is supported by I John 3:2 which
also states that we will be transformed.
In the resurrection, the righteous join
Jesus to be with him - I Thessalonians 4:16-17
Problems with the Kingdom
Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world -
John 18:36
Jehovah’s Witnesses have Jesus being
given authority and the kingdom in the future. But Jesus already has all
authority - Mat 28:18
The end is when Jesus gives his kingdom
back to the Father - I Corinthians 15:20-28
Paul states the kingdom exists because
we have entered it - Col 1:13
One passage cited to talk about their
paradise on earth is Isaiah 65:21-23
It is a beautiful description. But as
often is the case, there is a flaw when we read the context - Isaiah 65:20
People still die!
Oh, but did you notice this description
says there are still sinners in this world!
But Jehovah’s Witnesses say that in
their earthly paradise, sin will be cleansed from the world.
Heaven is not for a select few righteous
people
There is an inheritance awaiting - I
Peter 1:3-4
There are many mansions in heaven - John
14:2-3
Who are the 144,000?
1.They represent God’s elect people
currently on earth at any one time.
2.These are the people sealed (protected)
from the tribulation to be brought against the earth – Rev 7:1-2
* But they sealing will
not protect them from being martyred - Revelation 11:7
* It only a protection
against the harm to the earth, which was held off for a while until the people are
sealed - Revelation 7:3
3.They are a spiritual Israel - James
1:1; I Peter 1:1; Galatians 6:16; Philippians 3:3
Who are the great multitude? -
Revelation 7:13
1. They came out of the tribulation -
Rev 7:14
2. They weren’t sealed, implying they no
longer needed protection
3. They are with the angels before the
throne of God - Rev 7:15
4. These are the redeemed from all ages,
gathered before God to sing His great praises.
You and I can be a part of that great
throng – not by following the man-made doctrine of a false religion, but
conforming our lives to the will of God as taught in His book.
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