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What happens to Anointed who do not make the 144,000?

A mistake is in presuming that the Little Flock of 144,000 are the only ones who will receive a heavenly reward. The Anointed can be broken down into two classes after death: 1) the 144,000 and 2) those who fall short of the 144,000, but who are not going into second death.

We believe this second class is the same as the Great Crowd of Rev. 7.  Notice the scriptural evidence for this second class.

The Race:

1 Cor 9:24 – “Do YOU not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that YOU may attain it.” NWT

Paul here tells us that not everyone in the race will win the prize.  We believe that those who do not win the prize are part of this second class called the Great Crowd in Rev. 7.

A Full Reward:

“Look out for yourselves, that YOU do not lose the things we have worked to produce, but that YOU may obtain a full reward.” (2Jo 1:8 NWT)
John implies there is a lesser reward by urging the brethren to receive a full reward.  We think that lesser reward is the Great Crowd.

Building on our Foundation:

“11 ¶  For no man can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12  Now if anyone builds on the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood materials, hay, stubble, 13  each one’s work will become manifest, for the day will show it up, because it will be revealed by means of fire; and the fire itself will prove what sort of work each one’s is. 14  If anyone’s work that he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward; 15  if anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved; yet, if so, it will be as through fire.” (1Co 3:11-15 NWT_)

This passage describes two classes, both of whom build their foundation in Christ (vs 11).  The Little Flock are the ones described as building with gold, silver and precious stones (vs 12).  They will be rewarded (vs 14).  The second group of the anointed build with wood, hay and stubble (vs 12).  They will be saved through fire (trials, great tribulation)(vs 15)

The gold, silver and precious stones are the Christ-like character qualities developed (i.e. the fruits of the spirit).  The wood, hay and stubble are the deficient character qualities of this anointed group which disqualify them from the 144,000 office of priests and kings (Rev 20:6).  However, these are not going into second death.  As verse 15 says, they will be “saved.”  This is the Great Crowd of Rev 7.  They come out of great tribulation, which for some is that tribulation in coming out of Armageddon and for others the personal tribulation they experience in their life before dying, which Jehovah permits to help them wash the spots (sins) off of their robes (Rev 7:14)

Discreet and Foolish Virgins:

“1 ¶  “Then the kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2  Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet.” (Mt 25:1-2 NWT)

In the New Testament, the word “virgins” applies to Anointed Christians (11 Cor 11:2; Rev 14:3,4)  The foolish did not have much oil in their lamps (vs 8 ) and none extra in their receptacles.  Both oil and anointing with oil are associated with the holy spirit (Acts 10:38; 2 Cor 1:21, 22; 1 John 2:27).  The lesson is that some of the Anointed are not filled with the Holy Spirit.  They lack in zeal and the fruits of the spirit.  The solution was to have been developing the fruits of the spirit in their lives, depicted by purchasing the oil (acquiring the Christ-like character by suffering for righteousness).  The door was shut by the time the foolish virgins arrived (vs. 10), demonstrating that putting off serving the Lord and developing the fruits of the spirit will result in loss of the crown (Rev 3:11), however there is no statement to indicate that the foolish virgins go into second death, but simply that they lose the opportunity to enter the marriage feast.

Called, Chosen and Faithful

“These will battle with the Lamb, but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so.”” (Re 17:14 NWT_)

The called, chosen and faithful represent three progressive conditions.  Those that are called are invited to the marriage (Matt 22:3,14).  Those that are chosen have accepted the invitation and were chosen to be anointed (1 Peter 1:1,2) with the holy spirit.  Those that are faithful unto death will receive the crown of life (Rev 2:10), the divine nature.  This final group is the 144,000.

Just as not all who are called are chosen, so also, not all who are chosen to be Anointed, receive the crown of life (the Divine Nature).  This group that is not totally faithful unto death are the same as previously mentioned in 1 Cor 3:10-15 who do not receive the reward, but are saved by fire.  They are the Great Crowd of Rev 7 who serve before the throne and were pictured by the Levites who served in the tabernacle.  They are mentioned in Psa 45:14 as the virgins, the brides companions in the Kings palace.  These same bride’s companions are the Great Crowd of Rev 19:6 who in verse 7 are at the marriage supper (in heaven) rejoicing.

94 comments to What happens to Anointed who do not make the 144,000?

  • can i ask a simple question. on facbook a person who is not a bible student insists that pastor Russell taught that jesus is the mediator for only the 144000 ..i thought that Russell taught that jesus is mediator for all christians in the gospel age. a simple anwer would be very helpfull to me .i know many christians who are not bible students who consider jesus their mediator

    • Richard.Tazzyman

      Yes you are right Ian,Bro Russell taught that Jesus was the Mediator for all mankind.The 144,000 have Jesus as their ADVOCATE,not their Mediator.This is what Bro Russell Taught in Line with the Scriptures.Bro Richard,Bible Student,Australia.

  • Gaza

    As one of JW’s. Why does everyone want to go to heaven those who are kings and priests are in the kingdom government there purpose is to work with Christ in assisting the sheep and the general resserected ones in learning about salvation and undoing sin in the human race. The Jews believed in a resserection in the last day on earth. In Britain we have 650 MP the 1440000 is MPs for the world. The prize of life is for humans, Angels do not need it. All messianic prophecies are earthly. Those who join Christ in heaven are sevenths of the kingdom they are to serve the earthy ones, they are inferior as Jesus was when he washed his desciples feet. Being kings does not mean in earth today that is Satan definition, there kingship is in the kingly law of Love. They are not Judges and neither is Jesus either. There is no court in heaven as we envision.

  • I think Jehovah God that more then Jehovah s people at kingdom halls willbeinthe the kingdom of God. That other Lord Gods people will be in both classes., Christ the faithful discreet slave who is in the body of the 144000 making them the faithful slave when the endure to the end., pray for the body in the united states and all over the earth., we need to get along those who will make it to heaven.,and all the other to.,

  • Simon

    Hi All
    I often read posts here as a Bible Student, but this is the 1st post ive made. I believe its important to understand what the scriptures convey properly, but like all i am still very much a learner as it were, even after 30years of studying.
    One thing i noticed in the topic of this discussion, is that it states:-

    “These will battle with the Lamb, but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so.”” (Re 17:14 NWT_)
    The called, chosen and faithful represent three progressive conditions. Those that are called are invited to the marriage (Matt 22:3,14). Those that are chosen have accepted the invitation and were chosen to be anointed (1 Peter 1:1,2) with the holy spirit. Those that are faithful unto death will receive the crown of life (Rev 2:10), the divine nature. This final group is the 144,000.

    Looking at Westcott & Hort literal translation, the connecting Greek word Kai (Strong’s Greek 2532) is a conjunction and literally means even, also, namely. So when considering where it says ‘called and chosen and faithful’, the Greek word conveys the thought not of three progressive conditions, but that they are all one and inextricably linked for one group of people. They are called (2Tim1:9), chosen and faithful (1Pet2:4-6) and as the NIV says, ‘built into a spiritual house (or a temple of the spirit) to be a holy priesthood’.

    So how can the two thoughts be reconciled?
    Thanks
    S.

    • greg (Bible Student)

      Hi Simon.

      I wish I was in a place to comment on your question. I did however at least want to acknowledge your expression and your question, seeing as how it’s remained unreplied to, and express my appreciation to you for speaking up. I know from firsthand experience how discouraging it can be when one makes an effort, takes a risk, but remains virtually invisible.

      I see you. I hear you. I read your comment. I cared. I remember thinking to myself, I hope this resonates for someone and that they can pick up the the thread and respond in a way that is authentic, caring and satisfying to you.

      -greg

      • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

        Greg I never saw his question. Why don’t I make it come to the top of the comments and see if ones want to comment on it.

    • greg (Bible Student)

      Hello again, Simon.

      I’ve been pondering your post for a while now, and today it strikes me that I’m not as clear about your question as I’d like to be. Perhaps I’ve clouded my own mind with too many twists of the rubik’s cube. So perhaps my comments aren’t really addressing your question. If that’s the case, I would love to hear the question again, possibly reworded and elaborated upon, so that I can better see the difference between what you asked and the question I heard.

      Still, I’m willing to risk expressing myself, partly to offer an answer, and partly to see if I even understood your concern/question accurately.

      I’m thinking that the greek word Kai and its meaning of “even”, or “namely”, might apply towards the end result, the final assessment, the culmination with respect to the final group of candidates, so to speak.

      Yes, I see the 3 conditions as being separate and distinct: 1) calling, 2) chosen, and 3) faithful.

      I also see, looking through the other end of the telescope, that those who are ultimately selected to be heirs with Christ will have had to meet all 3 conditions.

      Now, while I see them as 3 separate and distinct conditions, it is only those who meet all three conditions that will become heirs with Christ. Put a little bit differently so as to try and highlight the aspects somewhat differently, ALL those who are made heirs with Christ will have met all three conditions.

      So personally, I can clearly see the conditions are being separate and distinct, and ALSO progressive, and ALSO inextricably linked, depending upon my particular frame of reference.

      To try and illustrate the concepts as I see them in my own mind with hopefully a little bit greater clarity… While all women are human, not all humans are women.

      So some may be called, some may be chosen, some may even die faithful, but not all of them absolutely and necessarily become heirs with Christ. But all those who become heirs with Christ meet all three conditions, and none who do not meet all 3 conditions will become heirs with him.

      Is that even remotely close to what your question was about?

      -greg

  • Anonymous

    This is not coming from Jehovah’s organation

    • Jacqueline (Bible Student)

      Anonymous Jehovah doesn’t have an organization on earth. Jesus told Pilate that his kingdom was not of this earth but heavenly.
      Jehovah witness organization does not have a special relationship with God. Christians do through Jesus Christ. They have convinced witnesses to let them interprete the Bible for them and tell them what is right thru their Shepherd the Flock Manuel for elders and all the extra rules and regulations that they have added as Biblical. There are more rules than the Law Code it is said.
      We however are not trying to make your religion a problem for you.
      If you believe in your organization we are not trying to make it a problem for you.
      This site is for those that are trying to exit the intense mind control of that corporate organization.
      How may we help you? Did you have a question about the scriptural support of any article stated here?
      If so ask a question and many here will try to answer it from the Bible if it deals with that subject.
      Feel free to start a dialogue. You don’t have to agree with everything on here to dialogue either. Take Care we will wait for your reply.

  • Cazenovi (Bible Student & JW)

    Peter – Do you think Re. 19:17, 18 is figurative as Frey et.al suggests? OR is literal as a parallel of Ez. 39?

    From my refining understanding, I think it is the combination of the both as to Post-Armageddon.

    I would also say that the Great Company still on earth, Post-Armageddon, will be the ones ‘assigned’ to clean the land as in Ez. 39 with the birds in Re. 19 in Post-Armageddon under the direction of the Bride of Christ for 7 years.

    After the 7 year cleaning project, the Second Resurrection will happen and ancient worthies are first (R4667:9-11). The Great Company’s robes are finally washed white through merit of faith and work as True Tribulation Saints, and having helped prepare the earth for the Messianic Kingdom to finally come, THEN the wedding feast will begin and they are finally invited.

    And they are to be used as you say Peter, as interaction with the world of mankind as pictured by the Levites, whom of which had NO inheritance in the land (or earth) nor have a designation among the ‘King-Priests’.

    R4745 attests that The GC are typified by the Levites;

    R4092 refers the GC pictured by Eli (a Levite).

    I mention the references for emphasis to conclude with the matter that the GC will be serving in the Court of the Tabernacle/Temple of God nevertheless possessing a great position in reference to interaction with Mankind and active role in the Millennial Restoration.

    GC (as Levites as of old) will hold the assignments to give glory and praise and bear witness the glory of the Lord to mankind, assisting them in serving the King.

    From a source of Jewish tradition, [brackets mine]:
    “The function of the Levites was to provide the musical accompaniment to the sacrifices, vocally and with musical instruments [praise and glory to God and the Bride], and to act as gate-keepers and general guards. [Kingdom representatives for order during restoration]

    “Nowadays, a Levite is given the privilege of being called, second to the Kohen, to the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and a Levite washes the hands of the Kohanim [King-Priests] before the latter deliver the priestly blessing [not THEIR priestly blessing but FROM the King-Priest but will nonetheless be used to do so and will acknowledge such to mankind throughout the Millennium].”

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Cazenovi – I appreciate reading your excellent thoughts. I think much of what you say about the Levite’s being a type of the Great Crowd is good application of how the type might be fulfilled in the reality.

      As you are interested in the timing of events preceeding and following Armagageddon, you may find this link of interest. Also at this link, look for Ric Cunningham’s discourse at a recent Chicago Memorial Day weekend convention title “Prophetic Outline.”

      Building up to Armageddon, in order to hold the present order together, it appears there will be an effort to join together by the Dragon (civil power), the beast (Papacy) and the False Prophet (Protestant Denominations). Rev 16:13

      On the other hand, Revelation 19:16-18 (NASV) seems to connect the climax of Armageddon occurring in Israel: “16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” 17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great.” We find similar language in Ezek 38 and 39 in relation to the great battle of nations against Israel. See especially Ezek 39:17-20.

      I believe both of these passages are symbolic describing the destruction of the rulers of this earth. You can find some more excellent comments in the right column of this website under the heading “Books – electronic” in two Revelation books. I will suggest that this great supper in not after Armageddon, rather related to it’s climax. Notice that after the great supper, we find in Rev 19:20 the Beast (Papacy) and False Prophet (Protestant Church organizations) are destroyed. It would be strange to imagine they would still be in operation after Armageddon.

      I can see how in Ezek 39, it might appear that this great supper is after Armageddon, however, I will suggest that Ezek 39 is not necessarily completely chronological in sequence of events. I am inclined to think that in verse 17 where it says “17 And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD;…” that this is going back and recapping the destruction of the rulers of the nations who came against Israel with different symbols.

      In a link provided above, we present evidence to suggest that the ancient worthies will be resurrected at the climax of Armageddon and hlep deliver Israel out of destruction and bring them a great victory against their enemies.

      You might enjoy calling Jim Parkinson as I am sure he has detailed thoughts on this topic.

      Hope you found this stimulating. I try not to be dogmatic when we are trying to work out these technical prophetic details. Thanks for your thoughts as they are very stimulating.

      • Cazenovi (Bible Student)

        Yes, very well indeed so! The stimulation on spiritual matters are our life and blood as students of scripture, and is edifying. The beginning of Vol I as an introduction to The Study attests to those involved in searching for more light in scriptures as those have great faith; righteous & justified by faith.

        PSALM 97:11

        (NASB) “Light is sown like seed for the righteous
        And gladness for the upright in heart.”

        (NWT, see Rbi8 ftn.) “Light has flashed up for the righteous
        And rejoicing for those upright in heart.”

        PROVERBS 4:18

        (NSAB) “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
        That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.”

        (NWT) “But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light
        That grows brighter and brighter until full daylight.”

        PHILIPPIANS 2:15

        (NASB) “so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world”

        (NWT) “so that you may come to be blameless and innocent, children of God without a blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you are shining as illuminators in the world”

  • Cazenovi (Bible Student)

    Peter, since the 144,000 are joint-heirs, partakers of the Divine Nature of the Lord and the GC are the ones who fall short of the chosen few, what is the role and purpose of the Great Company in heaven? Are they partakers of the Divine Nature? or dispersed among the ranks of Angles as the Lord deems fit for them individually?

    • Christopher

      Hey Cazenovi,
      The divine nature is only for the 144,000. The Great Company will be like that of the Angels. Only Jehovah, Jesus and the 144,000 will be of divine nature. They are immortal. (Death proof and have life in themselves) The restored mankind, ancient worthies and Israelites as well as Great Company and Angels will be mortal but have everlasting life. These will rely on Jehovah for their life and are not deathproof. Read the Chapter 10 in the Divine Plan of the Ages “Natures Seperate and Distinct”.

      • Cazenovi (Bible Student)

        Ok, any scripture or references based off of scripture Chris? I read that chapter. The scriptures clearly describe the role of the little flock. I agree and understand that the divine Nature solely belongs to God, Christ and his joint-heirs. I am looking for a clearer understanding that the Great Company will be angels.

      • Cazenovi (Bible Student)

        Nevermind, the Lord helped me discern the understanding after prayer. Thanks!

        • Christopher

          Good that’s great. And yes they will be like angels. Because there are two natures in spirit beings (that we know of) : divine and mortal. The divine belongs to God and he cannot die (Romans 1:23) and Jesus and the 144,000 . Only the 144,000 can be lifted to divine nature like Jesus and Jehovah. So by logic if those who are not immortal like the 144,000 Jesus and Jehovah but are still spirit beings must therefor be of a different type. Satan is a spirit being and we know from revelation that he can die. So there are two types of spirit beings. Now we don’t know if they will be on the same status of angels (many say they will be higher than angel) but we do know that they are Not immortal. Because if the great company is of the divine nature then they will be like the 144,000 and share in their reward.

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Cazenovi – I think this link will provide some relevant scriptures: https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/2010/05/06/the-role-of-the-great-crowd/

      I think we have TYPES from the tabernacle. The Tabernacle is “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses is warned (of God) when he is about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount.” Heb 8:5 ASV

      Aaron and his sons (the high priests) pictured Christ and His body members. “Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Heb 4:14 ASV. “ye … are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices…” 1 Peter 2:5 ASV

      The Levites (picturing the Great Crowd) had no inheritance in the land (GC will not be on hearth), but provided a support work for the priests.

      KOHATHITES: they were to bear all the vessels of the sanctuary, the Ark included. (Numb 3:31; 4:15; Duet 31:25)
      GERSHONITES: had to carry the tent-hangings and curtains (Num 4:22-26)
      MERARITES: had the heavier burden of the boards, bars and pillars.

      So we think that the Great Crowd will be sent on assignments and perform tasks supporting the work of the Melchizedek priesthood and interact with the world of mankind in that service. Exactly what their work will be, we will have to wait till the kingdom to find out more details.

      We think this interaction between the Great Crowd and the earthly and heavenly kingdoms was pictured in Jacobs’s dream:
      Genesis 28:12 (Rotherham) “And he [Jacob] dreamed, and lo! a stairway, planted earthwards, with, its top, reaching towards the heavens,–and lo! messengers of God, ascending and descending thereon”

      Perhaps the angels are included in this work. We will find out some day.

      • Cazenovi (Bible Student & JW)

        Peter – It is clear in respects to the evidence derived from the scriptures provided. Thank you. I am doing research for an article on a different topic and I came back to this subject.

        In reference to Re 19:17, 18. The Anton Frey, Revelation Notes quotes something interesting on page 201-211 regarding the Great Company. Could you review it and provide clarity?:

        Since the Great Company wash their robes white through the scourging of the Great Tribulation as ‘Tribulation Saints’, do the remaining all die before the Millennium?

        When will they be admitted into heaven?- At the same time the Second Resurrection happens?

        • Peter K. (admin)

          Cazenovi – I do NOT think that the Great Crowd are part of the first resurrection, because over those of the first resurrection, “the second death has no power” and they eeign with Christ.

          Rev 20:6 (NASV) “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”

          Only after the Great Crowd is resurrected can the earthly resurrection begin. I will provide two reasons:

          1) Romans 11:25 (KJ2000) “…blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in.” [to the Wedding Feast]

          I beleive that all the called Gentiles must come into heaven before blindness will be removed from natural Israel and they will accept Jesus as Messiah. I think some verses show or imply the ancient worthiness playing a role in rescuing Israel, after which their blindness is removed.

          2) Jesus’ blood is tied up in the New Creation and cannot be released for the world until all the anointed/spirit begotten have completed their earthly walk. This is illustrated on the Day of Atonement when the High Priest [Jesus] first sprinkles the blood of the Bullock on the Mercy Seat (in the Most Holy compartment) for his household [The New Creation – 144,000 and Great Crowd.] After this he later sprinkles the blood of the goat [Jesus’ blood tied up in the Church] on the Mercy Seat for all the people. [all mankind].

  • Jirka

    “What happens to Anointed who do not make the 144,000?”

    Ordinary people love bible for its purpose.

    Introduction
    THE Holy Bible is a written revelation from the Sovereign Lord Jehovah to all people on this earth. This inspired book has global appeal, since it contains good news of a God-designed Messianic Kingdom that will establish peace and righteousness forever on a united Paradise earth. It shows that God lovingly provided a legal recovery from death for the world of fallen mankind by means of the ransom sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ.—John 3:16.

    Brothers; bible is not for me highest authority on earth I grow up with spoken word, I do know that I am second choice, if it is because someone fall short or other reason it is His matter. My logic is saying to me as I been born in 1950 that I am not original apostle, so I cannot be first fruit. Our God Jehovah put in our hearts heavenly hope or earthly hope, brothers in the heavens there is not second class citizenship you are part of Christ body or you are not and that is a fact.
    MARRIAGE OF THE BRIDAL REMNANT WITH THE BRIDEGROOM
    19 At beholding such a happy start of things on the cleansed earth, the surviving remnant of spiritual Israelites will exult and rejoice to overflowing. They will be instrumental in God’s hands in getting the “new earth” off functioning in harmony with the “new heavens” government. But their ultimate hopes are not earthward; rather, they are heavenward. The spirit-begotten remnant expect that, in the due time, the heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, will take them to his heavenly Father’s home to complete his bridal congregation and thus form the final part of the “holy city, New Jerusalem.” (Revelation 21:2, 9, 10; 20:4, 6; John 14:2, 3; 17:24) Then their departure from association personally with the “new earth” will take place, and they will be united in heavenly wedlock with their beloved Bridegroom along with the others of his bridal congregation. Thereby they will be part of the “new heavens” in its proper location.—Ephesians 5:25-27.

    7 Referring to this, the article “Ruler out of Bethlehem,” in the Watch Tower issue of December 15, 1928, said:
    This may be taken as an indication that some of the remnant will be on earth even after Armageddon is fought and will then have some more work to do in the name of the Lord and to his praise and glory. The people, having passed through the great and terrible trouble, will no longer look to men for help nor watch for the sons of men to bring them aid and comfort but will turn to the Lord and gladly hear his Word. Some creatures will have the privilege, as the Lord’s agents and messengers, of bearing the message of peace to the people.
    The remnant of the Lord, according to this prophecy, will go on to triumph in the strength of Jehovah. A lion is a monarch among the beasts of the forest, and none can stand before him. The flocks of sheep are without power against a strong and young lion amongst them. Thus the faithful remnant of God is described by the prophet. These shall be amidst the nations of many people strong and vigorous in the name of the Lord to help those that want help and to point out God’s method of destroying those that resist.—Page 376, paragraphs 35, 36.
    8 Treating this matter further, the Watch Tower issue of March 15, 1929, page 88, paragraph 41, went on to say the following:
    Even the great multitude class must be led to the living fountains of water. (Rev. 7:17) The Lord may use the remnant to thus help them. There will be many others who will be humbled by Armageddon, and they will be ready to hear. After Armageddon some of the remnant may be used by the Lord to bear witness and to aid those who need to be taught, and this they may do before actually being taken into the courts of everlasting glory.

    20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, the one who at the evening meal had also leaned back on his chest and said: “Lord, who is the one betraying you?” 21 So when he caught sight of him, Peter said to Jesus: “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him: “If it is my will for him to remain until I come, of what concern is that to you? You continue following me.”

  • Pardon me, but after 50 years with the Witnesses and removed for disagreeing with the master who inappropriately call themselves the slave, the Bible has some clear answers. I know, I know, they all say that, but bear with me.
    As guiding principle we need to understand that Jehovah can be trusted. What he promises directly and/or implies, as per the account in Genesis 1 & 2 where He clearly stated His purpose for humanity, He will absolutely bring about even against seemingly unresolvable odds.
    The rest of the Bible is all about the means He will employ to that end.
    Another overwhelmingly vital principle is that Jehovah considers all human beings innocent until proven guilty. The judicial systems of most countries around the world generally reflect that principle.
    This rules out inherent sin and any guilt to be born by offspring. The Bible clearly defines that here in Deuteronomy 24:16 ‘The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin’, with Ezekiel shines in its exposition.
    Romans essentially written to Romans Jews and proselytes, since the Good News were essentially only GOOD for those who had an encumbrance of Law and transgression. The central mission of those sent was to convey the joyful good news that God had freed/redeemed Israel to allow them to continue with their God-given temporary, interim role to ultimately become the God-purposed blessing to all humans. Romans 1:16-32 has unfortunately been commandeered to apply to the entire human race:
    However note the very first result of a quick search on Google for those verses: ‘Romans 1:18-32 NIV – God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity – Bible …’
    God’s wrath was/is entirely with Israel, as promised in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27-30. That good old standby verse Romans 5:12 is instantly countered by the very next verse 13 and the pre-cursing context verse Romans 4:15 i.e. no transgression without law.
    One ought to remember that 10% of the population of Rome were Jewish, that the city had some 12 Synagogues, that Paul consistently went first to the local Synagogues during his far-flung preaching ministry and that the Good News were such only for Israel.
    SORRY ABOUT THIS ESSENTIAL PRE-RAMBLE
    Now, the 144000 are the little flock of Luke 12:32 and the only ones whom God has granted to give the heavenly kingdom. If only someone out there in the wide world of Christianity would grant themselves the freedom to look at the scriptures through God’s eyes, they will find that the common denominator is that all going to that heavenly place wear white attire.
    It is quite unfortunate that whose who seem to love guilt and sin as well as the commandments given only to Israel, were moved to alter Revelation 22:14 to read ‘do his commandments’ instead of the intended ‘wash their robes’ as a prerequisite to entering the heavenly city Jerusalem, which will come down the same manner as God did walking around in Eden ;-)! For God’s sake, it is a HEAVENLY GOVERNMENT as in Location, Location, while its rule and authority is what shall descend, doing so benignly, yet firmly, while living under it heavenly in its benefits.
    The ASV and the NAS as well as quite a number of other translations have ‘wash their robes’ because the Law was done away with, having failed to educate Israel’s attitudes. Now it is faith alone in the Good news to Israel and the resulting blessings for all humanity.
    The 144000 will all be dressed in White Garments like their heavenly leader Christ (Rev 3:4-5; 18; 6:2; 11; 7:9-10: 13-14; and 19:11-16; not to mention any white horses.
    The Great Crowd of Revelation 7 are those still alive on earth, busily washing their robes at the end of the Great Tribulation upon Israel edition 1 which began at the Roman onslaught in 70 CE, while those crying from the graves are all the saints gone before (Rev 6:9-11) given a white robe in anticipation and told to wait a little longer until they join the remaining ones as these receive their reward and changed in the twinkling of an eye when their Lord gathers them all at the same time to heavenly governance Matthew 24:29-31 and 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17.
    This brings me to the separation of the Sheep from the Goats, Wheat from Weeds, Virgins with different amounts of oil, the two sons, the Prodigal son perhaps, unfound sheep and other types burned or destroyed, who will ALL have the earthly opportunity originally given to Adam as part of God’s purpose for all humans. The heavenly ‘few’ or ‘many’ are simply an interim, temporary measure as a group to implement that purpose, while rewarded to continue individually as immortals, after completing teir assignment.
    What is permanently destroyed, however, as if by fire, is the hope of many the called and other aspiring to it, to ever be counted worthy to become a King/Priest in the heavenly inheritance of the few of the little flock given the Kingdom -Luke 12:32.
    That should just about cover all the points or questions raised in connection with the 144000.
    Dieter

    • Peter K. (admin)

      Dieter – I agree and disagree with some of your comments. Not sure why you apply God’s wrath in Romans 1:18-32 as exclusively to Natural Israel and not humanity. I don’t see how the Rev 7:14 tribulation applies to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Since this happens during the sixth seal, you must have the other five seals all being opened during the time of the early church???

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