Who are the 144000? by E. B. Saunders

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 10, 1859

Who are the 144000?

By E. B. Saunders

THE two-horned beast of Rev. xiii, will cause all, both rich and poor, free and bond, to receive the mark of the ten-horned beast, or Papacy, in their foreheads or hands. This mark will be enforced under a fearful penalty; but some will be found who will not receive the mark, being willing rather to die than obey the dragonic voice of this lamb-like power.

In Rev. xiv we find a fearful warning raised against receiving the mark, threatening those who receive it with the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

In Rev. xv, we find a company spoken of as those who had gotten the victory over the beast and over his mark; and they stood on a sea of glass, having the harps of God. We learn from Rev. iv, 6, that the sea of glass is before the throne, and that the throne is in heaven, [Rev. iv, 2.] (which those who believe that the saints will never leave the earth, will do well to notice,) and they sing a new song, the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb. Moses was a type of Christ, [Deut. xviii, 15.] and when he had led the children of Israel out of Egypt, through the Red sea, and delivered them from their enemies, they sung a song of deliverance. Ex. xv. So these, when delivered from the power of the beast, the antitype of Egypt, by our Saviour, the antitype of Moses, will sing a similar song, a song of deliverance.

All this is to happen near the pouring out of the seven last plagues, which is definite enough in respect to time. In Rev. xiv, this same company is mentioned, they having the harps of God, and singing a new song, a song of victory over the beast, and a song of deliverance; and they sing it just where those of Rev. xv sing the song of Moses and the Lamb: before the throne and the four beasts, standing upon the sea of glass which is before the throne. They were seen on mount Zion, in the New Jerusalem, which is in heaven. Heb. xii, 22.

Having now found that the 144000 of Rev. xiv, and the company of Rev. xv, are identical, let us see if they are those that are redeemed from the grave, or those who are alive when Jesus comes. We learn [chap. xiv, 4] that they are redeemed from among men. They are sealed in their foreheads for the marriage supper of the Lamb. “Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be sealed for the feast of the Lord.” Apoc., 2 Esd. ii, 38. But we have shown that the 144000 are delivered by the Lamb, which will be when he comes with the clouds of heaven; consequently they will be waiting for Jesus at his coming, and of course watching for his return. Of these Christ says, “Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” Luke xii, 37. Some may contend that the 144000 are Jews, because they are sealed of the tribes of the children of Israel, 12000 out of each tribe; but as these are the antitype of those saved out of Egypt, it is but natural to divide them equally among the twelve tribes of Israel, God’s people being the true Israel.

Friends, who of you will not forsake the world and receive the seal of God in your foreheads, and incur the wrath of the beast, for the privilege of being among the 144000? It is a glorious privilege! one that no others can have. No wonder then that those who live in the time of the end are called blessed; but how few esteem those favors. Two marks are before us, both to be in the forehead: one is God’s, the other is the beast’s. Which will you choose? Take God’s and he will deliver you in the time of trouble soon coming on the earth, and give you a place among the 144000. Choose the beast’s, and you must suffer the wrath of God. May you choose the better part and stand with the saints on mount Zion. Amen.

E. B. SAUNDERS.