The Sealing Time

I. The Last Two Church Eras

PHILADELPHIA: When translated means brotherly love. Date of this era are 1833 to 1844.

The city was located about 27 miles from Sardis and 100 miles West of Smyrna, on the Southeast. Attalaus Philadelphus founded it in 189 B. C. Paganism was widespread within and so many altars were erected to Sun-worship. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1317 A. D. while under Roman rule which Tiberius rebuilt. It was again destroyed but this time by Tamerlain in the 1400 Century. The city remains today but has been renamed to Alasehir and it is reported 15-20 thousand now reside there.

The Biblical prophetic time only lasted ten years from 1833-1844. It is during this time that the church era received no condemnation or rebuke, like Smyrna. At the end of this time came a great test to those who called on the Lord and when the Savior did not return; yes, it became an hour of temptation to continue in faith or to leave it alone. Only about 50 out of many remained faithful and searched the scriptures for understanding of why the Savior did not return.

The 144,000 are the only ones who enter the temple, as you will read even the church era of Philadelphia also has this privilege, so they too are given opportunity to be among the 144,000.

Revelation 3:7-13 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The inheritance of the overcome:

1 – a pillar in the temple

2 – have the name of God written on them

3 – and the name of the city of God

4 – and Jesus’ new name

LAODICEA: When the word Laodicea is translated we read judgment of the people. The date in which this era began is 1844 and continues on to the end.

The word Laodicea comes from two Greek words and Laos which means people and Dike which means righteous judgment which is translated as judgment of the people. It is a common mistake that to assume the meaning of Laodicea means lukewarm. Though in part, lukewarm describes the condition of the Laodicean.

Originally called Diospolis (the City of Zeus) it was renamed Laodicea. It was a very rich, and was famous for its wealth, industry and was a commercial center. It was a great center of banking and finance and was one of the wealthiest cities of the world. It received its name from Antiochus II, king of Syria between 261-247 B. C., who renamed it after his wife Laodice. Connected with the Temple of Karu there was a school of medicine where they produced a famous eyesalve called collyrium and was sold in many parts of the then known world.

It is reported that because of the riches the people who lived there had very proud, self-satisfied and were arrogant. They apparently did not feel they were in need of anything as in 60 A. D. it was destroyed by an earthquake and the Laodiceans refused assistance from the Roman government for the purpose of rebuilding, so they rebuilt it at their own expense.

Nearby are the hot springs of Heirapolis, which were believed to have healing properties. People would come to visit and bathe in the rich mineral waters to cure their various ailments. Most of the springs of water were lukewarm while pleasant for bathing quite nauseating to those who drank from it.

During 364 A.D. the Council of the Christian Church was held. This is also where the establishment of Sunday worship was held and for the first time it was also endorsed.

Revelation 3:14-22

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The inheritance of the overcomer;

1. The overcomers sit with Him in His throne and 2. overcome as He overcame.

Laodicea is the last era of God’s house, it is why we must work faithfully to be prepared because we do not know the hour and day when He will return.

II. In These Last Days and the Laodicean Era

I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention. Early Writings, p. 118.

What causes the people to be shaken during the sifting time of the wheat and the tares? The pure present truth. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth. Psalms 54:5.

And the purpose of the sifting time is separate the faithful from the faithless so that His church may be presented without blemish. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27.

The Savior desires a church that is holy, without sin and sinning. But not all in His church will be wheat, as there will also be tares in the sifting time (the shaking). During the end of the Philadelphia era the brotherly love was abundant. They expected the Savior to return, but bitter disappointment arrived and only about 50 believers (the wheat) were left.

In these last days there will be many professing His name, prophesying, and even doing good works, but He will not accept those who work iniquity, especially in His church. As it is written For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 10:26.

Yes, even many of those in His church will be found wanting when they are weighed in the balances because they did not have the extra oil for the journey (Matt 25:1-13) while the bridegroom tarried.

What should we expect in these last days?

1. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:37- 39.

a. Life as usual continues.

2. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 2 Peter 3:-6.

b. There will be

i. Mockers, walking after their own hearts desires.

ii. Questioning about the timing of the Lord’s return and plant seeds of doubt.

iii. And these will be destroyed

And what will be the condition of many in God’s house?

1. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. Hosea 4:6, 7.

a. His people are not destroyed for knowledge they have learned but are

destroyed because they have rejected His knowledge.

2. How many will be saved?

a. Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: Romans 9:27.

i. a remnant shall be saved

And as we read in Matthew 24:36-42 (also in Luke 17:33-37) where two of the workers in the field are busy, only one is taken. This helps us to understand the shaking (or sifting) in God’s house while the people are busy workers for the Lord.

1. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matthew 7:21, 22.

2. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Matthew 7:23, 24.

Yes, sadly only a remnant will be saved.

III. The Laodicean Era and Judgment of the people

As Adventists, when do we believe that the Laodicean era began?

In 1844 (and continues to the end).

What is the distinguishing mark which God’s faithful will receive?

The distinguishing mark is called the Father’s name. (Rev. 14:3; Ezekiel 9:4).

If we love God what will we do?

1. If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15.

a. keep His commandments

Is there a standard in which we are judged?

Yes, it is whether or not we have kept His commandments.

1. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into Judgment. Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14.

2. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. (James 2:10-12).

What happens when we keep the law of liberty?

1. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalms 119:65.

a. Great peace to those who love His law

What is Christ Jesus doing during the Laodicean era?

He is the High Priest. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Hebrews 4:14.

As the High Priest He works as the Mediator and our advocate with the Father in the Heavenly Sanctuary.

1. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5.

2. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1.

Is God really judging His people during the Laodicean era?

Yes, because judgment begins in His church (house).

1. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17.

Truly we need both the Mediator (for the ratifying of the covenant) and the Advocate (the pleader with God the Father for the pardon of our sins) who is Christ Jesus.

IV. The Resurrections

A. First resurrection

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:4-6.

The first resurrection consists of the ones who have received the gift of eternal life – all the righteous receive this gift.

1. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28, 29.

a. Lamsa Bible – Do not wonder at this; for the time is coming, when all those who are in their graves will hear his voice, And they will come out; those who have done good works to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil works to the resurrection of judgment.

b. NIV – Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.

i. Those that hear His voice, come out of the grave to eternal life, this is the first resurrection.

2. When do the dead in Christ rise in the first resurrection?

a. Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54.

i. The living saints are changed in a twinkling of an eye

ii. The dead in Christ rise incorruptible

iii. When? at the last trump

iv. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.

Conclusion: The first resurrection the dead in Christ awaken at the last trump.

B. The Second Resurrection

The second resurrection consists of those who have been judged during the thousand years while Satan is chained to the earth.

1. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28, 29.

a. Those in the second resurrection consist of they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28, 29. (note: Lamsa Bible translates damnation to judgment.)

2. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, ….And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:7, 12-15.

Conclusion: After 1,000 years Satan is loosed and those that have done evil are awakened to the resurrection of damnation.

C. The Special Resurrection

The time of trouble, such as never was

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:1, 2.

Who are awoken in Daniel 12:1, 2?

1. This resurrection includes a dual resurrection therefore it cannot be considered the first resurrection or the resurrection of damnation. This resurrection consists of a class of righteous and a class of those He detests. As it is also written that every eye will see him, even those that pierced him.

a. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7.

i. Both classes of this special resurrection see him when He comes with the clouds

1. Which is prior to the first resurrection and the second resurrection.

Who is in the class of the righteous of Daniel 12:1, 2?

1. Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till

the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17(NIV)

a. Those who are left alive till the coming of the Lord

2. It is the overcomers.

a. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne Revelation 3:21.

i. All those in the Laodicean era (Rev. 3:14-22) are privileged to set down with the Father in his throne and even those from the Philadelphia era (Rev. 3:7-13) will be a pillar in the temple of God. [Note: Please recall that Philadelphia era only lasted ten years from 1833 to 1844 so they would be living and entering into the Laodicea era.]

1. Where is the Father’s throne?

a. In the Heavenly Sanctuary – Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Hebrews 8:1, 2.

In heaven, in the heavenly sanctuary (His temple).

3. There is only one class who are redeemed in the house of God during the Laodicean era and they are those out of the three angel’s messages though some fall to sleep prior to the great time of trouble. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them Revelation 14:13.

a. Please note that when you review Revelation 14 that it is speaking about the events that the 144,000 experience/travel through.

4. So when will the special resurrection happen?

When Michael stands up;

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

a. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? Revelation 6:14-17.

b. Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54.

c. And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree. Isaiah 34:4

d. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. Isaiah 24:20.

The special resurrection happens after the sixth seal and before the voice of God which comes out from the temple of heaven as the 144,000 hear and know His voice. His voice comes from the throne which means that Christ is still in heaven and has not approached earth yet. Then the earth quakes when He has spoken from the temple It is done. The voice of God is heard from heaven declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant of His people. The Great Controversy, 640.

1. The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. Joel 3:16

2. Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. Hebrews 12:26.

3. Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses’ did when he came down from Mount Sinai. Early Writings, 14:1.

Conclusion: There is a special resurrection prior to the first and second resurrections. Remember, the seventh plague happens, it is still the time of trouble. Then the saints hear the voice of God, the wicked think it is thunder and an earthquake. So the special resurrection will happen after the seventh seal has been opened and prior to the voice of God coming out of the heavenly sanctuary.

Finally, it may be said that those who die in the message cannot be a part of the 144,000; for this company come ‘out of great tribulation’ (Revelation 7:14), which would not be true of those who sleep in the grave till six of the plagues are fulfilled. This conclusion should hardly be accepted without a little further consideration. Mark the situation. Raised at the beginning of the seventh plague, they pass through the whole period of that judgment, and witness all its accumulated calamities. From certain passages of scripture it is concluded that the plagues will cover the space of one year. This would give nearly two months after the seventh vial began to be poured out, before the end. But the plagues are cumulative. The first does not cease when the second begins; but the second adds its horrors to the first, the third adds to the others, and so on to the seventh. In the seventh is therefore found the climax of them all. Review and Herald, August 10, 1897.

– Revelation 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

– Numbers 14:34 After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.

– Ezekiel 4:6 And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.

Those who die under the third angel’s message are a part of the 144,000; there are not 144,000 in addition to these, but these help to make up that number. They are raised to mortal life shortly before Christ comes, and . . . are changed to immortality when Christ appears. RH September 23, 1880.

Questions and Conclusion

The plagues are cumulative, so when the remembered saints are raised in the special resurrection they will experience the plagues and because they are sealed, the power of the plagues will not kill them, neither will the people be able to destroy the 144,000.

Where in scripture do we have the understanding that the plagues are cumulative? When we look at Revelation 16:2 we see that the people have grievous sores, then in Revelation 16:10,ll we read that they are with the plague of darkness and they are still bothered by their sores.

Will the remnant (144,000) be only literal/historic bloodline Jews? No, as through faith we (Gentiles) are also literally Abraham’s lineage. (Gal. 3:14).

But what about all those who teach the three angel’s messages, there are millions doing so today?

It is written For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14. As it is written Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23.

Who are those that may receive the Father’s name?

Those that ….keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Rev. 14:12).

In the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) we find that only 1/2 of the faithful virgins were prepared, and the other half took additional oil to light their journey while the bridegroom tarried. In 1844, the people out of the Philadelphia era (1833-1844) gathered for the event of Christ Jesus’ return however, Christ did not return on October 22, 1844, and there was a great disappointment and many would not stand to go onward.

As the three angel’s messages are given the Bible tells that there is only one group

in God’s house which will receive the blessing of eternal life. And they are the one hundred and forty-four thousand of as spoken in Revelation 7 and 14. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7.

So all those that live in the Laodicean era are to learn and understand the issue of obedience is the soul duty of man. Indeed, we truly live in a time of probation because we are living in the time of judgment of the people which begins in His house. The sealing of God’s people (the name of the Father) consists of those who have the privilege of knowing and teaching present truth (the three angel’s messages).

The 144,000 are alive at the time of final harvesting. Revelation 14 tells the story about those who live from the time the winds are stayed and until they are redeemed. They are indeed a literal number And I heard

the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Revelation 7:4. Revelation 14:13 plainly teaches that some of the 144,000 fall asleep, but their works are remembered.

It is at the beginning of the seventh plague that the special resurrection occurs as the voice of God is heard by the faithful. And it is because the plagues are cumulative that during the special resurrection all of the 144,000 experience the plagues. They will even experience when wicked seek to destroy them, but they do not perish/die! They will live through it.

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: Romans 9:27.

So in closing let us ask why is there a delay in the 144,000 being sealed?

It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness; he desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan, and establish them there, a holy, happy people. But they could not enter in because of unbelief. [HEB. 3:19.] Because of their backsliding and apostasy, they perished in the desert, and others were raised up to enter the promised land. In like manner, it was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long delayed,

and

his people should remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow.

But unbelief separated them from God. As they refused to do the work which he had appointed them, others were raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus delays his coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning, and find in him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out. Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, 292:1.

Overview of the 144,000

1 – The 144,000 Consist of the twelve tribes of Judah (Rev. 7:4-8) with the exception that Dan is omitted. And Manasseh is named in the blessing instead Dan.

2 – The 144,000 follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. Revelation 14:1,4. They are faultless before God and have no guile in their mouth. (Rev. 14:5).

3 – The 144,000 are redeemed from the earth-from among men. They are not corrupted with other churches, because they are pure by the blood of the Lamb, they are the first fruits to God and to the Lamb. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. Revelation 14:4. (Rev. 14:3,4).

4 – The 144,000 are alive upon the earth when the Saviour comes, and will be translated, together with the innumerable host who will come from their dusty beds, clad in glorious immortality, when Christ comes in the clouds of heaven. (1 Thess. 4:16,17).

5 – The 144,000 are distinguished from all others by their having the seal of the living God in their foreheads. All who have this seal are included in this company. (Rev. 7:2-4).

6 – The 144,000 live during the time of the Laodicean era which began in 1844. Please note that those who came out of the 10 year era of Philadelphia also have the same promise of being in the temple.

QUOTES – From the pen of Mrs. Ellen G. White

I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The 144,000 triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God. Then I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was written in large characters, Thou art weighed in the balance, and found wanting. I asked who this company were. The angel said, These are they who have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up. I heard them cry with a loud voice, We have believed in Thy coming, and taught it with energy. And while they were speaking, their eyes would fall upon their garments and see the writing, and then they would wail aloud. I saw that they had drunk of the deep waters, and fouled the residue with their feet–trodden the Sabbath underfoot– and that was why they were weighed in the balance and found wanting. Early Writings, 36:2.

A Special Resurrection

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan. 12:2. {FLB 182.1}

It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Everything in nature seems turned out of its course. The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up, and clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying, It is done. Rev. 16:17. . . . {FLB 182.2}

That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. Rev. 16:18. . . . The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. . . . {FLB 182.3}

Graves are opened, and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth . . . awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan. 12:2. All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept His law. {FLB 182.4}

Those who had died in faith under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their dusty beds. {FLB 182.5}

They also which pierced him (Rev. 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory, and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient. . . . {FLB 182.6}

The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to His people. … And when the blessing is pronounced on those who have honored God by keeping His Sabbath holy, there is a mighty shout of victory. {FLB 182.7}

The Seventh Plague and the Special Resurrection

There is a mighty earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great (Rev. 16:17, 18). The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the throne of God seems flashing through. The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side. . . . The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have become like Sodom for wickedness are swallowed up by the angry waters. . . . Great hailstones, every one about the weight of a talent, are doing their work of destruction (verses 19, 21) . . . . {LDE 271.1}

Graves are opened, and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth . . . awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt (Dan. 12:2). All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb glorified to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept His law. They also which pierced Him (Rev. 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory, and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient.–GC 636, 637 (1911). {LDE 271.2}

Chap. 273 – The Special Resurrection

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan. 12:2.

It was at midnight that God chose to deliver His people. As the wicked were mocking around them, suddenly the sun appeared, shining in his strength, and the moon stood still. . . . Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters, shaking the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in faith under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God was to make with those who had kept His law. {Mar 281.1}

Those who sleep in Jesus will be called from their prison house . . . to a glorious immortality. . . . He has risen, dear friends, and in your despondency you may know . . . that Jesus is by your side to give you peace. {Mar 281.2}

I know what I am talking about. I have seen the time when I thought the waves were going over my head; in that time I felt my Saviour precious to me. When my eldest son was taken from me I felt my grief was very great, but Jesus came to my side and I felt His peace in my soul. The cup of consolation was placed to my lips. {Mar 281.3}

And then he who had stood by my side for thirty-six years . . . was taken. We had labored together side by side in the ministry, but we had to fold the hands of the warrior and lay him down to rest in the silent grave. Again my grief seemed very great, but after all came the cup of consolation. Jesus is precious to me. He walked by my side . . . and He will walk by your side. When our friends go into the grave they are beautiful to us. It may be our father or mother that we lay away: when they come forth those wrinkles are all gone but the figure is there, and we know them. . . . {Mar 281.4}

We want to be prepared to meet these dear friends as they come forth in the resurrection morning. . . . Shall we lay hold upon the hope set before us in the gospel that we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is? {Mar 281.5}

Chap. 274 – The Special Resurrection of the Unjust

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Rev. 1:7.

They also which pierced him (Revelation 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient. {Mar 282.1}

[At His trial], Caiaphas, raising his right hand toward heaven, addressed Jesus in the form of a solemn oath: I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. . . . {Mar 282.2}

Every ear was bent to listen, and every eye was fixed on His face as He answered, Thou hast said. A heavenly light seemed to illuminate His pale countenance as He added, Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. {Mar 282.3}

For a moment the divinity of Christ flashed through His guise of humanity. The high priest quailed before the penetrating eyes of the Saviour. . . . For a moment he felt as if standing before the eternal Judge, whose eye, which sees all things, was reading his soul, bringing to light mysteries supposed to be hidden with the dead. {Mar 282.4}

The scene passed from the priest’s vision. . . . Rending his robe, . . . he demanded that . . . the prisoner be condemned for blasphemy. What further need have we of witnesses? he said; behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? And they all condemned Him. {Mar 282.5}

Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their decision was registered in the book which John saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open. In all its vindictiveness this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah. {Mar 282.6}

When Christ comes the second time, not as a prisoner surrounded by a rabble will they see Him. They will see Him as heaven’s King. . . . Then the priests and rulers will remember distinctly the scene in the judgment hall. Every circumstance will appear before them as if written in letters of fire. {Mar 282.7}

Will Be Called in Special Resurrection

Words to Husband and Children on the Loss of

Wife and Mother

Dear Brother:

I hardly know what to say to you. The news of your wife’s death was to me overwhelming. I could hardly believe it and can hardly believe it now. God gave me a view last Sabbath night which I will write…. {2SM 263.2}

I saw that she was sealed and would come up at the voice of God and stand upon the earth, and would be with the 144,000. I saw we need not mourn for her; she would rest in the time of trouble, and all that we could mourn for was our loss in being deprived of her company. I saw her death would result in good. {2SM 263.3}

I warn F and the rest of the children to prepare to meet Jesus, and then they will meet their mother again, nevermore to be parted. O children, will you heed her faithful warning that she gave you while she was with you, and let not all her prayers that she has offered up to God for you be as water spilt upon the ground? Get ready to meet Jesus, and all will be well. Give your hearts to God and do not rest a day unless you know that you love Jesus. {2SM 263.4}

Dear Brother, we have prayed to God to gird you up and strengthen you to sustain your loss. God will be with you and uphold you. Only have faith…. {2SM 263.5}

Sorrow not as those who have no hope. The grave can hold her but a little while. Hope thou in God and cheer up, dear brother, and you will meet her in a little while. We will not cease to pray for the blessings of God to rest upon your family and you. God will be your sun and your shield. He will stand by you in this your deep affliction and trial. Endure the trial well and you will receive a crown of glory with your companion at the appearing of Jesus. Hold fast truth, and you with her will be crowned with glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life.–Letter 10, 1850. {2SM 263.6}

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