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Emphasis Mine In Bible Verses
Revelation 7 - The 144,000 and The Sealing - Literal Or Symbolic?
The Reason For The Sealing - The Wrath of God
Who Are The 144,000 People Who Will Be Sealed and Is This a Literal Number?
Do the 144,000 Have a Role in Evangelizing the Great Multitude?
The Jehovah's Witnesses
Will they be the only ones who will survive the Great Tribulation?
They point to Luke 12:32 and Revelation 17:14 in order to convince people that their teachings are Biblical.
Are they the little flock Jesus spoke about in Luke 12:32?
and The "Called" and "Chosen" of Revelation 17:14
Are The Great Multitude In Heaven or on Earth?
The Jehovah's Witnesses and Heaven
The Jehovah's Witnesses also believe that it is a "misconception" that all good people go to heaven
which unfortunately shows a complete lack of understanding as to the nature and location of 'heaven' to say nothing of the two resurrections.
Revelation 14 - The 144,000
First Fruits
Physically or Spiritually Chaste?
Keeping Ourselves Blameless
Revelation 7 - The 144,000.
The book of Revelation tells us that in the interlude between the sixth and seventh seals an angel in possession of "the seal of the living God" cries to four other angels to not harm the earth, the sea, nor the trees, until the servants of our God are sealed on their foreheads.
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree.
And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, holding the seal of the living God; and he called out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Do not harm the earth, or the sea, or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads."
And I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: (Revelation 7:1-4 NASB)
Note: This entire series of events takes place between the sixth and the seventh seals. The opening of the seventh and last seal does not in itself bring about any catastrophic events but serves to introduce the Seven Trumpets. Trumpets that often announced a coming disaster in the Old Testament will do exactly that at the end of the age when each of the first six plagues God will send on the earth will be heralded by an angel blowing a Trumpet.
See The End of The Age - Part III - The Seventh Seal And The First Six Trumpets
Literal Or Symbolic?
The Angels: In Revelation 7 John reported seeing "four angels standing at the four corners of the earth holding back its four winds".
Since angels do not literally stand at the "four corners of the earth" much less hold back "its four winds" it should be perfectly obvious that this is a symbolic depiction.
So is verse two that tells us John then saw "another angel" ascend from the east holding the seal of the living God. This angel calls out to the first four telling them not to "harm the land or sea or trees" until they have sealed the foreheads of the servants of God.
And it naturally follows that the sealing is equally symbolic.
The 'Sealing'
In Scripture being 'sealed' indicates we are God's people - bought with Jesus' blood. 2 Corinthians 1:22 talks of God establishing, anointing and sealing us. Ephesians 1:13-14 and 4:30 combine sealing with redemption.
More about the anointing in Footnote I
2 Corinthians 1:21-22: Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. (NASB)
Ephesians 1:13-14: In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation - having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14 NASB)
Ephesians 4:30: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30 NASB)
Although they do not directly mention the word 'sealing", there are two verses in the book of Revelation that point to the fact that the Father 'marks' His people in some way,
In Revelation 3:12 the Lord told the church at Sardis:
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem...".
Revelation 22:3-4 says that "There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bondservants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. (NASB)
Since one can be reasonably certain that God neither pulls out His pen to write Scripture on someone's heart, nor literally carves laws on our foreheads, the several references Scripture makes to God's marks or seals have to be symbolic meant to distinguish His people from unbelievers.
The Reason For The Sealing - The Wrath of God
The Jehovah's Witnesses are convinced that that they will be the only ones who will survive the Great Tribulation.
Much to the contrary Scripture is very clear that not a single one of Christ's followers will be the target of God's wrath that begins with the breaking of the sixth seal.
Let me repeat that
Although believers will still be on the earth (No, they wont be whisked away to safety before the going gets rough) they will NOT suffer in the terrible time when God brings retributive justice to the earth. Those who are 'sealed' or have the name of the Father "written on their foreheads" (Revelation 14:1) will be protected during the GREAT Tribulation.
Which actually makes perfect sense. The whole point of salvation is that because believers are forgiven their sins they will NOT be at the receiving end of God's wrath and will get to be part of God's eternal kingdom.
Please Note that I have emphasized the word GREAT to distinguish between the two tribulations. If one pays careful attention Jesus spoke of two tribulations. In fact, Matthew 24 becomes much clearer if the reader bears in mind that Jesus differentiates between the "tribulation" He speaks of in verse 9 and the "GREAT tribulation" of verse 21. Believers will suffer at the hands of the antichrist in the first tribulation. See Footnote II.
And The Two Tribulations of Matthew 24
Revelation 9:3-4 further emphasizes this protection when 'locusts' will be forbidden from harming those who have the seal of God on their foreheads
Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. (Revelation 9:3-4 NASB)
The prophet Joel spoke about protection for God's people in the time of His wrath,
The sun and moon grow dark and the stars lose their brightness. The Lord roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth tremble. But the Lord is a refuge for His people And a stronghold to the sons of Israel. (Joel 3:15-16 NASB)
And there was at least one other occasion when the foreheads of men obedient to the Law were symbolically marked or 'sealed' to protect them from what was about to happen.
The Lord said to him, "Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst." But to the others He said in my hearing, "Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye have pity and do not spare. "Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary." So they started with the elders who were before the temple. (Ezekiel 9:4-6 NASB)
However, those who have the 'Mark of The Beast' on their foreheads will suffer the full extent of the wrath of God during the GREAT Tribulation. See The Wrath of God and The Mark of The Beast
(9) Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, (10) he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. (11) "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." (Revelation 14:9-11 NASB)
Additional support for this protection is found in ...
Typology
A 'type' is one or more event or person that foreshadows or points to one final and very important event (or person) called the antitype.
When Luke drew a parallel between the days of Noah, the days of the Son of Man, and the days preceding the destruction of Sodom, he specifically said that all the inhabitants Sodom were destroyed after Lot, his wife, and his two daughters escaped the city on the urging of the angels.
(26) "And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: (27) they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. (28) "It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; (29) but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. (30) "It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. (Luke 17:26-30 NASB)
Lot being moved to safety before Sodom was destroyed gives us a glimpse of what is to come. Once believers are taken out of the way (The Rapture) the Seven Bowls will destroy everything on this earth.
See The Rapture and the Seven Bowls
Similarly the Ten Plagues of Egypt were a type of the Seven Trumpets. Gradually increasing in intensity, plague after plague fell on the Egyptians, but the Israelites who lived in their midst were not affected. However, once the Israelites were safely on the far shore of the Red Sea (a 'type' of the rapture), the Egyptian army was completely destroyed (The Seven Bowls).
See Prophecy and Typology
The Million Dollar Questions Are
Who Are The 144,000 People Who Will Be Sealed And Is This a Literal Number?
A Literal Number?
The number of people who are sealed is very likely to be symbolic - 144,000 is the number of the twelve tribes of Israel squared (12 x 12) then multiplied by 1000 which certainly does not indicate literal number.
Who They Are
The Identity of the people that John heard were to be sealed has led to much speculation. For example, many believe that the 144,000 to be sealed represent the church. Others hold that they are Jews who come to faith in Jesus.
The Jehovah's Witnesses claim that this literal number will come from their ranks. They are a select group of Witnesses - the only ones who go to heaven. The other "good" people will have everlasting life on earth.
Do any of these theories hold water?
The Church?
In Revelation 7:4 the 144,000 are called and sealed from "the sons of Israel".
And I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: (Revelation 7:4 NASB)
The church has no specific ethnic or tribal affiliation.
And as David Guzik asks in his commentary on Revelation "If the 144,000 are a symbol of the entire church, what greater harvest are they the beginning of?"
Literal Jews?
The next four verses (7:5 - 8) clearly lists 12,000 people from each of 12 named tribes... Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.
Although many believe that the 144,000 are Jews who come to faith in Jesus and are protectively sealed throughout the tribulation, there are plenty of very compelling reason to discount these as being literal Jews from specific tribes.
1.) What About Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
A literal interpretation would mean that anyone who was not a member of these particular tribes would be left out including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all of whom never belonged to any of the tribes of Israel. Yet, Jesus said...
"I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 8:11 NASB)
Additionally, the tribes of Ephraim and Dan are not on the list, which means that Joshua (Ephraim) and Samson from the tribe of Dan (Judges 13) will also be excluded.
2.) The Tribal Affiliation of the Disciples
What Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 19:28 makes it very unlikely that the 12 tribes are to be considered literally in the New Testament.
And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel". (Matthew 19:28 NASB)
While it is true that in Moses' time twelve men - one from each tribe ("each of whom was of his father's household") were the leaders of Israel (Numbers 1:44), Jesus had to be speaking figuratively because the twelve disciples did not belong to twelve separate tribes... Peter and Andrew were brothers, as were James and John.
3.) Bond-Servants?
"Do not harm the earth, or the sea, or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads. (Revelation 7:3 NASB)
In the book of Revelation, the phrase "bond-servants" always refers to all of God's people, not just ethnic Jews. For example,
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond servant John, (Revelation 1:1 NASB)
But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. (Revelation 2:20 NASB).
Note: This was written to the Gentile church in Thyatira that was situated on a major road of the Roman Empire. Lydia, the seller of purple, mentioned in Acts 16:14 came from Thyatira.
And a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you His bond servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great." (Revelation 19:5 NASB)
There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond servants will serve Him; (Revelation 22:3 NASB
4.) The New Testament teaches that all who believe in Christ are descendants of Abraham and that the middle wall of partition has been removed merging believing Jews and Gentile into one body and one building.
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, (Ephesians 2:14 NASB)
Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall... in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:12-14 and 21-22 NASB)
In view of which I don't see how we can believe that only a certain number of Jewish believers are protected, but their Gentile brothers who are believers and followers of Christ are left to fend for themselves.
Additionally Abraham was
".. the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised. For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. (Romans 4:12-13 NASB)
Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7 NASB)
Do the 144,000 Have a Role in Evangelizing the Great Multitude?
The very next verse following the listing of the 12 tribes in Revelation 7:4-8 tells us that "After these things" John I looked, and beheld
... a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; ...
...Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. (Revelation 7:9, 13-15 NASB)
Many mainstream commentators are of the opinion because that because the verse above comes immediately after the details of the 144,000, there has to be a cause and effect relationship between them. That is, the 144,000 are responsible for the great saved multitude - their mission apparently being to evangelize and proclaim the gospel during the tribulation period. Because of their ministry this great multitude will come to faith in Christ.
This is reading far more into the text than it actually says. All John wrote was after the sealing of the 144,000 he looked and saw this great multitude. In no shape, form, or fashion does he even hint that the multitude was evangelized by the 144,000.
Besides which the expression 'after these things' is used several times between verses in Revelation without even a hint of cause and effect. It simply means that one event followed another with no indication of how much time elapsed between the two. For example,
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'" After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things." (Revelation 3:22-4:1 NASB)
for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. (Revelation 6:17 - 7:1 NASB)
Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For All the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed." After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened, (Revelation 15:4-5 NASB)
The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth." After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory. (Revelation 17:18-18:1 NASB)
And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth." After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; (Revelation Revelation 18:24-19:1 NASB)
Although the verses above clearly state that a "great multitude" comes out of the great tribulation ...
The Jehovah's Witnesses
The Jehovah's Witnesses are convinced that that they will be the only ones who will survive this terrible period. A question posted on their web site (jw.org) is...
How many will be resurrected to heaven?
The Bible indicates that 144,000 people will be resurrected to heavenly life. (Revelation 7:4) In the vision recorded at Revelation 14:1-3, the apostle John saw "the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000.
In this vision, "the Lamb" represents the resurrected Jesus. (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19) "Mount Zion" represents the exalted position of Jesus and the 144,000 who rule with him in the heavens. - Psalm 2:6; Hebrews 12:22.
Those "who are called and chosen" to rule with Christ in the Kingdom are referred to as a "little flock." (Revelation 17:14; Luke 12:32) This shows that they would be relatively few in comparison with the complete number of Jesus' sheep. - John 10:16. [01]
Zion? I have absolutely no idea where the idea that "Mount Zion" represents the exalted position of Jesus and the 144,000 who rule with him in the heavens" comes from. The two verses referred to say absolutely nothing in this regard. It does h
I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain. (Psalms 2:6 BSB)
Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels (Hebrews 12:22 BSB)
"Mount Zion" does not represent the exalted position of Jesus. It was originally a fortress captured by David from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:7). Later the name extended to the hill on which the city of Jerusalem stands. it is nowoften used as a synonym for the city itself.
Hebrews 12:22 does however speak about "myriads of angels" which is no way means the 144,000 but literal angels.
Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. (Revelation 5:11 BSB)
He said: "The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand. (Deuteronomy 33:2 BSB)
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. (Daniel 7:9-10 BSB)
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: "Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners. (Jude 1:14-15 BSB)
The Witnesses point to Luke 12:32 and Revelation 17:14 in order to convince people that their teachings are Biblical.
They aren't! Not by a long shot.
Luke 12:32
And when it comes to the all important context, verse 13 states that someone in the crowd spoke to Jesus...
Everything Jesus said in the following verses (14-21) were addressed to the original speaker and the crowd in general. However, verse 22 makes it very clear that the Savior then specifically turned His attention to His disciples,
And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I tell you, do not worry about your life, as to what you are to eat; nor for your body, as to what you are to wear". (Luke 12:22 NASB
Jesus was calling His disciples a "little flock". These words reflected a pastoral imagery common in Scripture in which God's people are often likened to sheep under the care of a shepherd - a common occupation in ancient Israel. In Psalm 23 God is depicted as the Shepherd whose sheep are protected. Similarly, in John 10:11 the Savior describes Himself as the good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.
One of the most important things anyone who is genuinely seeking the truth should NEVER do is string together isolated and completely unrelated Scriptural texts to 'prove' what they have already decided to believe. In this case, absolutely no connection can be made between the "little flock" Jesus spoke about in the book of Luke and the "chosen" mentioned in Revelation 17:14.
Revelation 17:14 - The "Called" and "Chosen"
They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones. (Revelation 17:14 BSB)
So who are the called and chosen of Revelation 17:14 which says,
These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are the called and chosen (Gk. eklektos) and faithful. (Revelation 17:14 NASB)
The Greek eklektos has been used some 24 times in the New Testament. In the Gospels it was often rendered "elect". "chosen" in other New Testament verses. Quite obviously both words mean exactly the same thing. For example,
For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again. "And if those days had not been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect (Gk. eklektos) those days will be cut short. "Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'He is over here,' do not believe him. "For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect (Gk. eklektos). (Matthew 24:21-24 NASB)
But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. and then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect (Gk. eklektos from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven. (Mark 13:24-27 NASB)
So, as those who have been chosen (Gk. eklektos) of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. (Colossians 3:12-13 NASB)
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen (Gk. eklektos) (1 Peter 1:1 NASB)
But you are a chosen (Gk. eklektos) people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10 NASB)
So are these "chosen" 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses? Obviously not when...
The great tribulation will be cut short for the sake of all believers ie. the elect. (Matthew 24:21-24).
Paul was speaking to all Colossian believers when he called them the elect and told them to "put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another" (Colossians 3:12-13)
The Jehovah's Witnesses are NOT the only ones who have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light and are now the people of God who have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10).
The above verses are speaking about ALL believers who are the elect or "chosen".
See Context is CRUCIAL
No Biblical author simply strung together a number of lofty sounding phrases disconnected from one another. Since each verse is an integral part of a particular point the author was trying to make no one should read, much less base their beliefs on, stand alone verses. The reader can only be accurately informed by God's Word the way it is written - in its context.
Understanding what the author meant comes not only from the words he wrote, but also by what the overall message of the chapter is intended to convey. But, since this takes a lot more time, and effort, most Christians are content with allowing a verse to be wrested from it's context, and used to convey whatever meaning the speaker/author wishes it to convey.. This, all too often is nothing but a corruption of Scriptures done (intentionally or unintentionally) to persuade men that whatsoever the false teacher says is based on Biblical truth.
Are The Great Multitude In Heaven or on Earth?
Remember that Revelation 7:9 says
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; (Revelation 7:9 NASB)
The Jehovah's Witnesses have an entirely different take on this verses asking how we are to know that "standing before the throne" does not mean that the great crowd is in heaven.
Their Answer
There is much clear evidence on this point. For example, the Greek word here translated "before" (e no'pi·on) literally means "in [the] sight [of]" and is used several times of humans on earth who are "before" or "in the sight of" Jehovah. (1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:14; Romans 14:22; Galatians 1:20)
On one occasion when the Israelites were in the wilderness, Moses said to Aaron: "Say to the entire assembly of the sons of Israel, 'Come near before Jehovah, because he has heard your murmurings.'" (Exodus 16:9)
The Israelites did not have to be transported to heaven in order to stand before Jehovah on that occasion. (Compare Leviticus 24:8.) Rather, right there in the wilderness they stood in Jehovah's view, and his attention was on them. [02]
The Jehovah's Witness book has only quoted verses in which "before" means 'in the sight of'. They mention
I solemnly exhort you i in the presence of (Gk. enopion) God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. (1 Timothy 5:21 NASB)
Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of (Gk. enopion) God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. (2 Timothy 2:14 NASB)
Now in what I am writing to you before (Gk. enopion) God that I am not lying.) (Galatians 1:20 NASB)
They leave out the many verses in which enopion clearly means physically in front of
The angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of (Gk. enopion) God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. (Luke 1:19 NASB)
And some men were carrying a man on a stretcher who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of (Gk. enopion) Him. (Luke 5:18 NASB)
Now when the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before (Gk. enopion ) Him, and admitted in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. (Luke 8:47 NASB)
Having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of (Gk. enopion) them all, and he broke it and began to eat. (Acts 27:35 NASB)
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before (Gk. enopion) His throne, (Revelation 1:4 NASB)
I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before (Gk. enopion) you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name. (Revelation 3:8 NASB)
The Jehovah's Witnesses and Heaven
The Jehovah's Witnesses also believe that it is a "misconception" that all good people go to heaven. Quoting Psalms 37:11, 29 and 34 they say "God promises everlasting life on earth for most good people"
Misconception: All good people go to heaven.
Fact: God promises everlasting life on earth for most good people.? - Psalm 37:11, 29, 34.
Jesus said: "No man has ascended into heaven. (John 3:13) He thus showed that good people who died before him, such as Abraham, Moses, Job, and David, did not go to heaven. (Acts 2:29, 34) Instead, they had the hope of being resurrected to life on earth.? - Job 14:13-?15.
The resurrection to heavenly life is called "the first resurrection." (Revelation 20:6) This indicates that there will be another resurrection. It will be an earthly one.
The Bible teaches that under the rule of God's Kingdom, "death will be no more." (Revelation 21:3, 4) This promise must apply to the earth, since death has never existed in heaven. [03]
Two Resurrections
Regarding the statement above - "The resurrection to heavenly life is called "the first resurrection." (Revelation 20:6) This indicates that there will be another resurrection. It will be an earthly one".
Yet again we have to look at the context.
Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6 BSB)
The First Resurrection
The words "The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete" should almost be in parenthesis because those "came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years were the first resurrection - that is when dead believers are reunited with their bodies at the Seventh Trumpet. This is the resurrection of the righteous.
They, together with those believers who are still alive, will be taken off the earth to protect them from the final phase of God's wrath - the Seven Bowls that will annihilate man from the face of the earth. Believers will then return to earth with Christ and live in peace for the millennium - the thousand years of Christ's rule on earth. However, the spirits of non-believers will be consigned to Hades for that period... The rest of the dead come back to life when the thousand years are complete
The Second Resurrection
There is a clear distinction made between the resurrection of the righteous and the resurrection of the unbeliever (the second resurrection)
Remember that the spirits of non-believers will be consigned to Hades for the millennium. But at the end of the thousand years they have to be resurrected to face the judgment. And so they will be.
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. (Revelation 20:12-13 BSB)
And as far as the statement that "under the rule of God's Kingdom, "death will be no more." (Revelation 21:3, 4) This promise must apply to the earth, since death has never existed in heaven".
God was NOT speaking about death in heaven but was reassuring His people that they had nothing more to fear and yes here on earth which is where heaven is.
Unfortunately the Jehovah's Witnesses show a complete lack of understanding as to the nature and location of 'heaven'.
See What And Where is Heaven?
Christians who believe they will spend an eternity in "heaven" seem to have little or no idea where this heaven is, what it will look like, or what they will do once they arrive. Either they have vague, half formed ideas about some ethereal place 'out there' or resort to pious phrases that amount to little more than spiritual gobbledy gook. If this is the best we can do then it is little wonder that non Christians are not in the slightest bit interested in our "heaven" and Christians themselves so rarely seem to look forward to the coming of the kingdom of God.
Luckily the Bible isn't at all silent on where "heaven" is and, even more importantly, what it will be like. In fact, the Bible's description of the coming kingdom is far, far, more practical than that of our theologians. Additionally, many Christians have the erroneous idea that since all our sins have been forgiven, our works cannot possibly be considered at some future time. Not true according to I Corinthians 3:9-13. Apparently there are those that will make it to heaven but have earned few, if any, additional rewards.
Revelation 14 - The 144,000
Revelation 14 is the only other chapter that makes mention of the 144,000. The first time (in chapter 7) at the beginning of the great tribulation. The second time (in chapter 14) standing triumphantly with the Lamb on Mount Zion at the beginning of the millennial reign which means they have come through the tribulation preserved by God through the fearful days of persecution.
(1) Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. (2) And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps.
(3) And they *sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. (4) These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. (5) And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless. (Revelation 14:1-5 NASB)
First Fruits
Verse 4 that tells us that they have been "purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb" could very well mean they are the first converts after the Tribulation began.
Note: The feast of first-fruits, on the 17th day of Nisan, was a celebration of the harvest, when a sheaf representing the very first of the harvest was waved before the Lord as a symbolic gesture that dedicated the coming harvest to Him. (This sheaf was likely to be barley, which was the first crop to ripen). Jesus rose from the dead on the Feast of First-fruits. His resurrection was like a wave offering presented to the Father as the first-fruits of the harvest to come at the end of the age.
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, (1 Corinthians 15:20-23 NASB)
See The Seven Feasts of Israel
The most complete description of the Jewish feasts is found in Leviticus 23. Each of the feasts had both a historic and prophetic significance inasmuch as they celebrated a historical event in Israel's past, but also prophesied future events - four of which have already come to pass. It is important to note that the Feasts were given by God in a set chronological order, therefore the events that they symbolize will take place in the same exact order.
Physically or Spiritually Chaste?
In Revelation 14 the hundred forty and four thousand who have the name of the Father on their foreheads are depicted as standing on Mt. Zion with Christ. They are said to have "not been defiled with women" but "kept themselves chaste" which can carry one of two meanings... a) They are either physically celibate or b) they are spiritually faithful.
In the Old Testament, unfaithfulness to the Father was spoken of as prostitution or adultery...
for you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God-- otherwise you might make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land and they would play the harlot with their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and someone might invite you to eat of his sacrifice, and you might take some of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters might play the harlot with their gods and cause your sons also to play the harlot with their gods. (Exodus 34:14-16 NASB)
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB)
How the faithful city has become a harlot, She who was full of justice! Righteousness once lodged in her, But now murderers. (Isaiah 1:21 NASB)
Surely, as a woman treacherously departs from her lover, So you have dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel," declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 3:20 NASB)
Do not rejoice, O Israel, with exultation like the nations! For you have played the harlot, forsaking your God. You have loved harlots' earnings on every threshing floor. (Hosea 9:1 NASB)
In the New Testament the church is known as the "bride" of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7, 21:9). The context of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 11:2 simply means that believers would not be tainted by a "different gospel" but would stay faithful to the true Gospel which they had already heard from the apostles - a warning that we would be well advised to heed today. See Doctrines of Demons
For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, this you tolerate very well! (2 Corinthians 11:2-4 NASB)
And, it seems that the 144,000 have done just that... escaped all spiritual defilement by distancing themselves from our materialistic, godless system that has grown fat at the expense of many - the 'harlotry' of embracing of false gods, man-made religions, and the apostate church. Thus the phrase "not defiled themselves with women" is to be seen as symbolic rather than literal.
Keeping Ourselves Blameless
However, what really matters is that we too need to be found blameless.
The 'Great City' spoken of in Revelation 17 and 18 (The Two Babylons) is not a literal city but a figurative description of two systems... a religious system is outlined in chapter 17, and a political/commercial system described in chapter 18. Both are specific targets of the wrath of God which is why a "voice from heaven" issued an unambiguous warning to God's people
I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. (Revelation 18:4-5 NASB).
As it is obvious that we cannot physically leave this planet, 'coming out from her' means separating ourselves from the world's endless quest for power, money, sex etc..
Footnote I - The Anointing
It would be difficult to find a charismatic or evangelical service/program/tract/book that is not liberally sprinkled with the word "anointed" - one of the most overused yet least understood terms in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles. It is fairly commonly believed that the 'anointing' is a commodity that the minister in question can bestow on others and that anything can be 'anointed', including services, speakers, preachers, music, television programs, prayer cloths, swords, oil, cornmeal, red thread etc. etc.
However, a study of every instance of the word anoint / anointing in the Scriptures shows that they are talking through their proverbial hats. The Bible makes absolutely NO mention of any preachers or teachers being "anointed". Much to the contrary the fact that so many are running around calling themselves "anointed" is a clear sign of the End of The Age.
See The Anointing {PLACE IN TEXT}
Footnote II - The Persecution of The Church
The whole point of salvation is to be forgiven of one's sins thus not be the target of God's wrath. In fact, in the book of Revelation the wrath of God is only spoken of in connection with the trumpets and the bowls, never the Seals.
However, this does not mean that the believer's path up to the point God's wrath falls on this planet is strewn with primroses. Much to the contrary, the Bible speaks of much trouble for Christians.
Matthew 24:4-9 that describes the events leading up to and the actual persecution of the church are exactly paralleled by the first four Seals (Revelation 6-7). This means that these four seals have to be referring to the persecution of Christians not God's judgment on the rest of humanity.
See The End Of The Age Part II...
The First Six Seals - A Comparison of The Seals And Matthew 24:4-9
The fifth seal describes the outcome of the fourth seal inasmuch as when the Lamb broke it John saw the souls of people under the altar who had been slain for the word of God. These can be none other than Christians. The Bible indicates that the spilling of the blood of believers could very well be the final spark that sets off the fire of God's wrath. Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down "with violence" because all the nations were deceived by her sorcery and because ...
"... in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth." (Revelation 18:24 NASB)
Note that the breaking of the Sixth Seal is the first time that the wrath of God is mentioned. (Revelation 6:12-17) Nothing that went before had anything to do with His judgment. {PLACE IN TEXT}
End Notes
[01] JW.org. Who Go to Heaven? https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/go-to-heaven/
[02] Books. Revelation - Its Grand Climax At Hand! In Heaven or on Earth?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Revelation-Its-Grand-Climax-At-Hand/A-Multitudinous-Great-Crowd/
[03] JW.org. Who Go to Heaven? https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/go-to-heaven/
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