Posted By: Charity
The 144,000 and the Judgment of the Living - 09/16/18 02:51 AM
I heard an interesting sermon recently on the 144,000. The speaker, Pastor Herbert, leader of the International Association of Free Seventh-day Adventists shared his view that the 144,000 are not the only righteous ones who will be alive at the return of Christ. That was a new thought to me but he backed that quite well with inspired sources. But what was more interesting was his view that the 144,000 are manifested at the start of the latter rain, the first fruits of the harvest. I had always thought that the 144,000 were not revealed until the end at the second coming. But, I have to say, he backed that up quite well too. When I have a chance I'll look at these things in more depth, but as I write this, I believe he's probably right. For those who are interested Pastor's sermon is here. Please tell me what you all think.
But what I want to reconsider today (I've said most of this before) is 1) my conviction that the start of the Judgment of the Living is so close that we need to make every moment count from here on in, and 2) point to those scriptures that clearly describe that event so that we'll know beyond any doubt when it begins. And if Pastor Herbert is right, we'll also know we're at the start of the latter rain and judgment of the living as we witness the majesty of God displayed in the 144,000.
In Testimonies volume 8 there is this curious statement by Sister White:
The above statement is fascinating not only for the fact that Ellen White clearly says there is more to learn about the mark and 666, but also because she tells us exactly when it will be learned – at the unrolling of the scroll. When is that? The phrase “unrolling of the scroll” refers to the time pictured in Revelation 5 when the Lamb, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, takes the mysterious seven-sealed book that no one in heaven or earth is worthy to open or read, and, one by one, breaks its seals, unrolling its hidden contents.
But you may be wondering; “Don't Adventists teach that the scroll was unsealed centuries ago?” Yes, it is true; that is what we as Adventists have believed and taught for decades and what William Miller taught before us. But in the above quote God through the prophet would like to expand our view. He tells us that this book that is in His right hand is still sealed, concealing a knowledge of its contents including the full meaning of 666, the mark of the beast, and likely other things as well. However He is also forewarning us that this will change in the near future.
God through the Apostle has told us that “Judgment begins with the household of God” and speaking to Adventists, Ellen White tells us that God is measuring us.
I take these inspired statements to mean that the judgment of the living within spiritual Israel, the church, is an ongoing reality. But at a certain divinely appointed time that process expands to include the world and like the cross, this transition marks a new era. And just as the events surrounding the crucifixion were plainly foretold by the prophets, we should expect that an event of this magnitude - all the world being arraigned before the bar of God - will be clearly delineated in prophecy as well. Ellen White implies that Revelation 5 is a vivid description of that event:
When the Lamb takes the book, which I believe He is about to do, and the judgment of the living turns to the world, then those who are spiritually awake will soon understand things that they don't currently understand; God will remove His hand from the concealed portions of the book and the issues relating to the mark will be made plain by the Holy Spirit to them. Then those with the oil of the Spirit in their lamps will witness to the riches of Christ and His Truth contrasting it with the spurious falsehood of the Anti-Christ, the beast and his mark, 666. Satan and his deceptive, politically correct kingdom will be fully exposed and he will fall forever like lightening from heaven.
So how will we know when the Lamb takes the book? We'll know by the seals being broken. The first seal is the rider on the white horse, symbolic of the latter rain, the second, the red horse of war, the third, famine etc. We'll also know by the sounding of the trumpets of Revelation 8 to 11. Ellen White indicates these are concurrent with the seven seals and the latter rain. 3SM 426.1, 15MR 219.2 – 220.1
And if Pastor Herbert is right we'll also know by the manifestation of the 144,000. According to Ellen White, there is no mistaking this event either. EW 14 -15.
Additionally, Revelation 10, 11 and 14 also parallel the trumpets and seals. In these chapters we have a picture of what the final and straight testimony of the church and the 144,000 will be: That testimony will be the everlasting gospel and its warning will be against the beast and his number.
In chapter 10 John, a symbol of the end-time church is given a little book of prophecy, a book that was formerly sealed, and directed to eat it. This prophecy is something he has never digested before. He does eat it and it is sweet in his mouth but his stomach is made bitter. Why is this prophetic word bitter? Not only because the Lord did not come as expected in 1844 but also because he is then told to rise and give the final prophetic message, the measuring message of the Two Witnesses to the world. The message is bitter in proportion to its unpopularity. While it is a message of good news that gives hope and life to the humble, the same message condemns the pride, skepticism, sensuality, vice and lawlessness of spiritual Sodom and Egypt.
Notice carefully and study the content of that message, the measuring/judgment message in Revelation 11 (LDE 95.4) comparing it with the judgment hour message of Revelation 14: this final message of the three angels and of the Two Witnesses is not only a call to Sabbath and health reform. The Sabbath and health are central to the message but the message itself is the entire everlasting gospel - the offer of complete moral renewal, complete freedom and restoration into the image of Christ through a faith that works by love and purifies the soul.
The sad fact that the majority of affluent Adventists have, like the wealthy citizens of Sodom, adopted to an alarming degree the world's moral standard in the face of this message and the fact that many of them are well down the path of slaying the influence of these Two Witnesses by a false gospel is strong evidence that the true gospel, in answer to the prayers of the saints, is about to go to the world in power.
Beloved, this is where we are now: The Lamb is about to take the book from the Father's hand. When He does, the future will be on us, myself included, with unwonted force, trumpet after trumpet, seal after seal, thunder after thunder. (SDABC 971.4) Let's repent while we can, abide in love and make our calling and election sure because when the cry goes out, “Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him”, there will not be any time to buy more oil. Let's gratefully respond from our hearts to the fathomless love of God and make our unwavering choice for Him now.
But what I want to reconsider today (I've said most of this before) is 1) my conviction that the start of the Judgment of the Living is so close that we need to make every moment count from here on in, and 2) point to those scriptures that clearly describe that event so that we'll know beyond any doubt when it begins. And if Pastor Herbert is right, we'll also know we're at the start of the latter rain and judgment of the living as we witness the majesty of God displayed in the 144,000.
In Testimonies volume 8 there is this curious statement by Sister White:
Quote:
The light that we have upon the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard to this matter is yet understood, and will not be understood until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be accomplished in our world. {8T 159.3}
The above statement is fascinating not only for the fact that Ellen White clearly says there is more to learn about the mark and 666, but also because she tells us exactly when it will be learned – at the unrolling of the scroll. When is that? The phrase “unrolling of the scroll” refers to the time pictured in Revelation 5 when the Lamb, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, takes the mysterious seven-sealed book that no one in heaven or earth is worthy to open or read, and, one by one, breaks its seals, unrolling its hidden contents.
But you may be wondering; “Don't Adventists teach that the scroll was unsealed centuries ago?” Yes, it is true; that is what we as Adventists have believed and taught for decades and what William Miller taught before us. But in the above quote God through the prophet would like to expand our view. He tells us that this book that is in His right hand is still sealed, concealing a knowledge of its contents including the full meaning of 666, the mark of the beast, and likely other things as well. However He is also forewarning us that this will change in the near future.
God through the Apostle has told us that “Judgment begins with the household of God” and speaking to Adventists, Ellen White tells us that God is measuring us.
Quote:
The grand judgment is taking place and has been going on for some time. Now the Lord says, Measure the temple and the worshippers thereof. [Revelation 11:1.] Remember when you are walking the streets about your business, God is measuring you; when you are attending your household duties, when you engage in conversation, God is measuring you. Remember that your words and actions are being daguerreotyped [photographed] in the books of heaven, as the face is reproduced by the artist on the polished plate. {Ms4-1888.21}
I take these inspired statements to mean that the judgment of the living within spiritual Israel, the church, is an ongoing reality. But at a certain divinely appointed time that process expands to include the world and like the cross, this transition marks a new era. And just as the events surrounding the crucifixion were plainly foretold by the prophets, we should expect that an event of this magnitude - all the world being arraigned before the bar of God - will be clearly delineated in prophecy as well. Ellen White implies that Revelation 5 is a vivid description of that event:
Quote:
Those who humble their hearts and confess their sins will be pardoned. Their transgressions will be forgiven. But the man who thinks that should he confess his sins he would show weakness, will not find pardon, will not see Christ as his Redeemer, but will go on and on in transgression, making blunder after blunder and adding sin to sin. What will such a one do in the day that the books are opened and every man is judged according to the things written in the books? {9T 266.2}
The fifth chapter of Revelation needs to be closely studied. It is of great importance to those who shall act a part in the work of God for these last days. There are some who are deceived. They do not realize what is coming on the earth. . . Unless they make a decided change they will be found wanting when God pronounces judgment upon the children of men. They have transgressed the law and broken the everlasting covenant, and they will receive according to their works. {9T 267.1 Emphasis supplied.}
The fifth chapter of Revelation needs to be closely studied. It is of great importance to those who shall act a part in the work of God for these last days. There are some who are deceived. They do not realize what is coming on the earth. . . Unless they make a decided change they will be found wanting when God pronounces judgment upon the children of men. They have transgressed the law and broken the everlasting covenant, and they will receive according to their works. {9T 267.1 Emphasis supplied.}
When the Lamb takes the book, which I believe He is about to do, and the judgment of the living turns to the world, then those who are spiritually awake will soon understand things that they don't currently understand; God will remove His hand from the concealed portions of the book and the issues relating to the mark will be made plain by the Holy Spirit to them. Then those with the oil of the Spirit in their lamps will witness to the riches of Christ and His Truth contrasting it with the spurious falsehood of the Anti-Christ, the beast and his mark, 666. Satan and his deceptive, politically correct kingdom will be fully exposed and he will fall forever like lightening from heaven.
So how will we know when the Lamb takes the book? We'll know by the seals being broken. The first seal is the rider on the white horse, symbolic of the latter rain, the second, the red horse of war, the third, famine etc. We'll also know by the sounding of the trumpets of Revelation 8 to 11. Ellen White indicates these are concurrent with the seven seals and the latter rain. 3SM 426.1, 15MR 219.2 – 220.1
And if Pastor Herbert is right we'll also know by the manifestation of the 144,000. According to Ellen White, there is no mistaking this event either. EW 14 -15.
Additionally, Revelation 10, 11 and 14 also parallel the trumpets and seals. In these chapters we have a picture of what the final and straight testimony of the church and the 144,000 will be: That testimony will be the everlasting gospel and its warning will be against the beast and his number.
In chapter 10 John, a symbol of the end-time church is given a little book of prophecy, a book that was formerly sealed, and directed to eat it. This prophecy is something he has never digested before. He does eat it and it is sweet in his mouth but his stomach is made bitter. Why is this prophetic word bitter? Not only because the Lord did not come as expected in 1844 but also because he is then told to rise and give the final prophetic message, the measuring message of the Two Witnesses to the world. The message is bitter in proportion to its unpopularity. While it is a message of good news that gives hope and life to the humble, the same message condemns the pride, skepticism, sensuality, vice and lawlessness of spiritual Sodom and Egypt.
Notice carefully and study the content of that message, the measuring/judgment message in Revelation 11 (LDE 95.4) comparing it with the judgment hour message of Revelation 14: this final message of the three angels and of the Two Witnesses is not only a call to Sabbath and health reform. The Sabbath and health are central to the message but the message itself is the entire everlasting gospel - the offer of complete moral renewal, complete freedom and restoration into the image of Christ through a faith that works by love and purifies the soul.
The sad fact that the majority of affluent Adventists have, like the wealthy citizens of Sodom, adopted to an alarming degree the world's moral standard in the face of this message and the fact that many of them are well down the path of slaying the influence of these Two Witnesses by a false gospel is strong evidence that the true gospel, in answer to the prayers of the saints, is about to go to the world in power.
Beloved, this is where we are now: The Lamb is about to take the book from the Father's hand. When He does, the future will be on us, myself included, with unwonted force, trumpet after trumpet, seal after seal, thunder after thunder. (SDABC 971.4) Let's repent while we can, abide in love and make our calling and election sure because when the cry goes out, “Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him”, there will not be any time to buy more oil. Let's gratefully respond from our hearts to the fathomless love of God and make our unwavering choice for Him now.