Will the 144,000 Know Their Identity When Sealed?

The 144,000 will know and understand their status as the elect of God shortly after the sealing is completed and before the final crisis fully breaks upon the worldLDE 269.1+1. This certainty comes through the voice of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which prepares them to stand through the time of troubleLDE 272.2+1.

The Timing of Knowledge

• The Voice of God: The living saints, who number 144,000, will hear the voice of God like many waters, which gives them the day and hour of Jesus’ comingLDE 272.2+1.

• Understanding the Voice: While the wicked perceive this voice only as thunder or an earthquake, the 144,000 know and understand exactly what is being communicatedExV 10.1+1.

• A Short Time: It is not necessary for people to speculate now on who will compose this number, as those who are the elect of God will know it without question in a short timeLDE 269.1+1.

The Manifestation of the Seal

• The Holy Spirit: When God speaks the time, He pours the Holy Ghost upon His people, causing their faces to light up and shine with glory, much like the face of Moses when he descended from Mount Sinai Exodus 34:30-34ExV 10.1+1.

• Spiritual Readiness: This sealing work is a mark that angels can read, signifying that the sin of the transgression of the law is taken away and the individual is obedient to all of God's commands21MR 52.1.

• United and Free: After hearing the voice of God, the 144,000 are seen to be free, united, and full of the glory of God, having had their captivity turnedBDOC 32.41+1.

Purpose of the Knowledge

• Preparation for Trouble: The sealing is a work done to prepare the servants of God to stand during the time of Jacob's trouble, which occurs after the four angels cease to hold the four winds of strife Daniel 12:1BDOC 32.41+1.

• Triumph Over Opposition: Knowing their identity as sons and daughters of God helps them remain faithful while receiving the opposition of the entire world1SAT 72.3.

• Victory over the Beast: They are marked for the City of God because they have stood stiffly for the truth and gained the victory over the beast and his image Revelation 15:2CET 59.2+1.

A Message of Unity

While the universe waits for the sealing work to be completed, it is vital that God's people avoid contention and strife over these questionsLDE 269.1+1. Instead, the focus should be on seeking a deep experience in perfecting Christian character and maintaining unity within the churchPM 114.4+2. Those who are sealed will eventually stand together on Mount Zion, reflecting the image of Christ perfectly and singing a new song that no other company can learn Revelation 14:1-5RH August 10, 1905, par. 12+1.