Specifically, the 144,000 is a group of people that are mentioned only twice in the Bible. The book of Revelation, chapter 7 make mention of them in reference to servants being sealed with the seal of God and chapter 14 identifies them as the first fruits of God.
In some circles the 144,000 become a little more personal. They are considered to be the only individuals that are going to heaven. Usually when this assumption is made, the implication is that the entire 144.000 are from the same denomination. It would be hard to poke holes in this assumption if the denomination was Jewish instead of Gentile. More often than not, it is gentile denominations making this claim that only 144,000 individuals will ascend to heaven. Scripture is crystal clear on this matter. It identifies the 144,000 as Jews and it goes as far as naming which tribes are included and numbering the exact amount from each tribe. Based on this information, it is rather difficult to conclude otherwise.
Revelation, chapter 14 states that the 144,000 are the first fruits. This phrase ‘first fruits,’ imply that there will also be a second group that will also go to heaven. If you have a designation of first fruits, then there must be a second group with the same fate. In the beginning of chapter 7, we have the sealing of the 144,000 which are the first fruits. At the end of the same chapter we see a great multitude that no man can number. This is a clear indication that more than 144,000 are going to heaven. Armed with this information, it brings to mind another scripture; Rom.2:10, “…..glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.”
Revelation chapter 14 also states that the 144,000 are virgins. They have not defiled themselves with women; therefore it is readily assumed that they are male. When the word ‘virgin’ is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is sexual relationships. Remember, this is the book of Revelation and it is full of symbolisms. A woman is referenced as an idolatress; Rev.17:5, “…..upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” This woman is a harlot and her campaign is to solicit mankind to commit idolatry, but the 144,000 did not buy what she was selling. The 144.000 did not join up with her in her lifestyle of idolatry and abominations. Their refusal to be involved with her kept them pure and undefiled. The 144,000 are the first Jews to be counted worthy by God during the End-Time Period. They remained faithful to God by abstaining from false doctrines even when tempted with extreme pressure from the woman. Because they did not defile themselves with this woman or idolatrous regime, they were counted as virgins and became the first Jews to be counted worthy. The 144,000 does not consist of males only. It is inclusive of any male or female that keeps himself undefiled from this woman or idolatrous regime.
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