"Another 144,000?"

This week we looked at Revelation 14:1-5. If you weren't able to be there you missed out on some great discussion. The topic of the passage was 144,000 dedicated believers. We discussed the identity of this special group of believers. We also discussed the source and motives of their "blamelessness".



In order to properly identify these 144,000 we must first determine the setting. Then we begin to look at the characteristics mentioned in the passage and compare them to characteristics of previously studied passages.



The setting is quite obviously in heaven. We can determine this by the presence of the Lamb (v.1). Since our messiah has not yet returned to earth (mid-point of 7 year tribulational period) as well as the fact that they "sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders" (v. 3) we can safely say that the setting is on Mt. Zion (v.1) in the City of God in heaven. The time frame of the setting can be determined by the continuance of circumstances from chapters 12 and 13 as well as the verses following and warning the inhabitants of the earth of God's impending judgement.



Identifying these 144,000 proved to be a bit tricky. We compared what we know about the 144,000 witnesses addressed in chapter 7 to the characteristics of this chapter 14 group. First, the chapter 7 group is undoubtedly Jewish. There will be 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. There is no mention of Israel or any of the tribes in the chapter 14 passage. The chapter 7 group will be marked with the name of God on their foreheads. The group in chapter 14 have both the name of Christ and the Father sealed on their foreheads. However, the KJV and NKJV do not include Christ. Then there is the fact of the chapter 14 group being "purchased from the earth" (v. 3) and "purchase from among men" (v. 4). The phrases "from the earth" and "from among men" are predominantly used in regards to gentiles. Whereas, "of" or "from your fathers", a lineage or a mention of Abraham, Isaac or Jacob refers to people of Jewish heritage. In addition, verse 3 says that they "sang a new song". With all these factors considered, we can presume that this group of 144,000 are not the same group that is found in chapter 7. We can also presume that this new group is atleast predominantly gentile.

We had fun discussing and debating these conclusions but I do not wish that the debates be the focus of the study. It is my desire that the real focus be on the behavior of these 144,000. These are not some people playing some Christian game. They are the real McCoy. Dedicated and genuine believers that set themselves aside, made true sacrifices and obeyed their Lord in order to honor Him. Oh, how I aspire to do the same. Don't you?

Do you want to be blessed? Go back and read the text again and pay close attention to the way they lived their lives. You will feel completely unworthy but atleast you will have lots of company.

God Bless You All!