"The numbers 12,000 and 144,000 are variously interpreted in traditional Christianity. Some, taking the numbers in Revelation to be symbolic, believe it represents all of God's people throughout history in the heavenly Church. One suggestion is that the number comes from 12, a symbol for totality, which is squared and multiplied by one thousand for more emphasis. Others insist the numbers 12,000 and 144,000 are literal numbers and representing either descendants of Jacob (also called Israel in the Bible) or others to whom God has given a superior destiny with a distinct role at the time of the end of the world. One understanding is that the 144,000 are recently converted Jewish evangelists sent out to bring sinners to Jesus Christ during the seven year tribulation period. Preterists believe they are Jewish Christians, sealed for deliverance from the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Dispensationalist Tim LaHaye, in his commentary Revelation: Illustrated and Made Plain (Zondervan, 1975), considers the 144,000 in Revelation 7 to refer to Jews and those in Revelation 14 to refer to Christians."
Many religions push this number to the side as being a figurative number with a rather relatively insignificant meaning. Why would the Bible bring up such a specific number? Is it really figurative? Or does it have actual meaning? The short answer, which will be soon followed up by the long answer, is this: 144,000 is the number of people who are "purchased out of the earth" to join Jesus Christ in heaven to "rule as kings and priests". Obviously, these are not my own words - but the those of the Bible. So here are the longer answers about the 144,000:
"and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders: and no man could learn the song save the hundred and forty and four thousand, even they that had been purchased out of the earth." - Revelation 14:3
As you read on to Revelation 14:4, these 144,000 are referred to as "firstfruits". Strong's Concordance defines this to mean "persons superior in excellence to others of the same class". Which, when applied to the idea that only 144,000 go to heaven, makes sense. False religion teaches "all good people go to heaven", therefore, all would be considered "firstfruits". Because all of the "firstfruits" are "purchased out of the earth" to be in heaven. But that is counter to what a "firstfruit" is, which is a smaller group within a larger one.
"a certain class of Christians sacred to God and Christ beyond all others" - Thayers Lexicon
Clearly the group of Christians is separated into 2 classes. The 144,000 is "sacred...beyond all others [Christians]"! Essentially we have one group of Christians. Within this group of Christians there is a smaller group of 144,000 superior and more sacred Christians and a "great crowd" of Christians that "cannot be numbered". All faithful Christians have earned a reward, but according to scripture only 144,000 are "purchased out of the earth" (Revelation 14:3, 4) to rule as kings and priests with Jesus in heaven (Revelation 5:10). As we discussed previously, this is the Kingdom that Jehovah has designed for the future. Make sense?
"And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads." - Revelation 14:1
Notice, the 144,000 is used in the same context with a literal one "Lamb". Jesus is the lamb, there is only one Jesus; there is only one lamb. It is both reasonable and logical, then, to conclude that because the singular lamb is literal that 144,000 is also a literal number.
"4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel...9 After this I saw, and look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands." - Revelation 7:4, 9
This is how we further know that the number 144,000 is a literal number. This may seem a little redundant but that goes to show the consistency of the teaching. After being mentioned at verse 4, John goes on to contrast that number with "a great crowd, which no man was able to number". So there are 2 groups of people here: 144,000 and one without number. The context clearly shows that 144,000 is a definitive number of the one group - so that group can be numbered. The other, however, cannot. This contrast logically shows that the 144,000 is a literal number by its contrast with an indefinite number.
"The case for symbolism is exegetically weak...It is a definite number in contrast with the indefinite number of 7:9. If it is taken symbolically, no number in the book can be taken literally." - Revelation: An Exegetical Commentary, Robert L. Thomas, Jr. (Professor of New Testament at The Master's Seminary in the United States)
""It is the simple statement of fact: a definite number in contrast with the indefinite number in this very chapter." - The Apocalypse or "The Day of the Lord", Dr. Ethelbert W. Bullinger
In addition, notice Jesus's words about his co-rulers:
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." - Luke 12:32
A mere 144,000 is certainly a "little flock" when compared to a "great crowd, which cannot be numbered" isn't it?
It seems abundantly clear to me, being reasonable, that there are 2 groups of people within a larger group of people that loyally worship Jehovah in "spirit and truth" (John 4:24). 144,000 of these people have a "heavenly reward" in which they will rule as kings and priests alongside Jesus. But what do these 144,000 rule over? Who are the citizens of God's Kingdom - now that we know who the rulers are? Where do these citizens reside? Next time.
No comments:
Post a Comment