By Pastor Michael Brigmond

Revelation Chapter 7 is in reality two visions (Rev 7:1-8 & Rev 7: 9-17), where the second vision interprets and concludes the first. The sealing of the 144,000 (7:1-8) applies Jewish symbols to describe the group who has come to God through Jesus Christ. It is plain to see that John is referring to Christians as he writes about the 144,000.

As an example, Rev 7:3 refers to the "servants" of God, a term used consistently throughout the book (Rev 1:1; 2:20; 10:7; 11:18; 19:2,5; 22:3,6) to refer either to Christians in general or the Christian prophet, but never to the non-Christian (Jew or Gentile). Language used in the Old Testament in reference to the Jews is often used in the New Testament to refer to those who know God through Jesus Christ

Ezek 37:26, 27 = Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2 Cor 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Gen 17:5-7 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Deut 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

1 Pet 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

The number 144,000 is a multiplication (12x12x10x10x10) of the original number twelve (pointing to the 12 tribes of the people of God in the Old Testament), which indicates that the 144,000 represents the full number of God's people, God's people now being all who are followers of Jesus (both Jew and Gentile).

In the second vision (Rev 7:9-17), the 144,000 have become "a great multitude, which no one could number". Who are they? When the elder asked that question, John answered back:

"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.

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

"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." (Rev 7:14-17)

They are now shown ready to experience the joys of heaven and relief from the tribulations they have endured (compare Rev 7:14-17 with 21:1-6; 22:1-5).

To "come out of great tribulation" (Rev 7:14) does not mean that they have left the earth before the hour of tribulation. Quite the contrary, they have indeed lived through and experienced the tribulation of this evil period, but now enjoy the presence of God (Rev 7:15; 21:3).

As the true Israel of God, followers of Christ ("the servants of our God," Rev 7:3) they have the seal of God. By refusing the mark of the beast (13:16-17; 14:11), they hold to the testimony of Jesus (14:12) in spite of persecution (12:17; 13:7) and therefore have the promise of final deliverance in heaven from this evil time of great tribulation (7:14).

Chapter 14 uses seven "voices" to relate again the hopes and warnings of heaven. First we see another vision of the 144,000, the full number of the people of God (Rev 14:4). Faithful in their worship of the one true God, Jesus Christ, and not seduced by the satanic deceptions of the first beast and the false prophet. This group of faithful worshipers will be rescued and taken to heaven's throne (Rev 14:1-5).

An angel announces the everlasting gospel and warns the earth of coming judgment (vs 6-7). The remaining "voices" follow in rapid succession. The fall of "Babylon the Great," an Old Testament symbol for a nation opposed to the people of God, is announced ( vs 8). The people of God are warned not to follow the beast, and thereby suffer separation from God (vs 9-12). Finally, two voices call for harvest (vs 14-20).

Chapter 21 is sometimes thought to refer to the period after the 1,000-year reign, but it is more likely a retelling of the return of Christ from the viewpoint of the bride.

Just as chapter 17 is a synopsis of the seventh cup and the fall of the harlot, Babylon the Great, so chapter 21 summarizes the glorification of the bride of the Lamb (Rev 21:1-22:5).

To be the bride is to be the holy city, the New Jerusalem, to live in the presence of God and the Lamb, and to experience protection, joy, and the everlasting, life-giving light of God (21:9-27). The throne of God and of the Lamb is there, and there His "servants" shall serve and reign with Him forever (21:1-5).

In Rev 22:6-21, John concluded his prophecy by declaring the utter faithfulness of his words. Those who heed his prophecy will receive the blessings of God. Those who ignore the warnings will be left outside the gates of God's presence (22:6-15). Solemnly and hopefully praying for the Lord to come, John closed his book (22:17,20). The churches must have ears to hear what the Spirit has said (vs 16). The people of God must, by His grace (vs 21), persevere in the hour of tribulation, knowing that Jesus Christ, crowned King of Kings will return in triumph.

To summarize what we have learned about the 144,000 in Revelation chapters 7 and 14:

1. They are with the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

2. They have the name of the Lord written in their foreheads.

3. They sing a new song that sinners can’t learn.

4. They are redeemed. (Jesus is the Redeemer)

5. They are pure and faithful, rejecting idolatry.

6. They follow Jesus (Lamb) wherever he goes.

7. They were redeemed from among men, not just from among Israel.

8. They are firstfruits unto God and the Lamb.

9. Their conversation is right and their sins have been washed away.

          2. They are not "sealed" to carry the Gospel or to preach the Word.

They are sealed, for protection from the destruction brought about by the 7 Trumpet and Bowl Judgments of God that are still future.

In conclusion, the 144,000 are shown to be a holy people, undefiled and pure. The end time church of Jesus Christ MUST be a bride that has made herself ready. She must be pure, having washed her garments in the blood of the Lamb.

Brothers and Sisters, I plead with you all to be holy as He is Holy. The hour is late and compromise means pollution. Let us cleanse ourselves of every sin and present our bodies holy and acceptable unto the Lord.

There is more to be said about the 144,000. Just remember: the 144,000 represent the entire body of believers, "The Church." [][][][]