The Connection Between the 144,000 and the Philadelphia Church

The 144,000 are the overcomers of the Philadelphia church who are sealed just before the second coming of ChristADRE September 1850, page 56.10. They are the living saints who understand the voice of God and possess a character without guileWLF 14.2+1.

The Connection Between the 144,000 and the Philadelphia Church ⛪

The identification of the 144,000 is inextricably linked to the Philadelphia state of the church, which represents the sixth period of church history characterized by brotherly loveEVRR135+2.

• The Promise of the Name: Jesus promised the overcomers of the Philadelphia church that He would write the name of His God upon them Revelation 3:12RH July 9, 1908, par. 5+1. John later saw the 144,000 standing on Mount Zion specifically having the Father's name written in their foreheads Revelation 14:1VSS 467.2+1.

• A Sealed People: The 144,000 are developed as the "servants of God" who are sealed in their foreheads before the four winds of the earth are let loose Revelation 7:1-4ExV 21.1+1. This sealing work is the fulfillment of the promises made to those who remain faithful in the Philadelphia stateADRE September 1850, page 56.10.

• Living at the Advent: This group consists of those who "remain unto the coming of the Lord" and are changed without seeing deathS144 7.1+2. They are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes, having been redeemed from among men as the firstfruits to God Revelation 14:43SM 424.2+1.

Characteristics of the 144,000 Overcomers ✨

The 144,000 are not merely a numerical designation but represent a specific spiritual attainment found within the final movements of the true churchS144 3.1+1.

• Purity of Speech: One of the most marked features of this group is that in their mouth is found no guile Revelation 14:53SM 424.2+1.

• Commandment Keeping: They are identified as those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus in a time of great trial Revelation 14:12SLG 66.1+1.

• Protection from Trial: Because the Philadelphia church keeps the word of Christ's patience, they are promised protection from the "hour of temptation" that shall come upon all the world Revelation 3:10RDAC 29.3+1.

• Victory over the Beast: The 144,000 are the last link in the chain of prophecy, representing the final deliverance of the saints from the decrees of the two-horned beastMPC 75.2.

The Role of the Dead in the Third Message 🕊️

While the 144,000 are primarily those who live to see Christ's appearing, those who die in the faith of the third angel's message are also numbered among themS144 7.1. These individuals rest from their labors, but their names are recorded in the books above as part of the sealed company when their names come up in the judgment Revelation 14:13S144 7.1. They are resurrected and included among the covenantees, ultimately translated at Christ’s coming without suffering the final threatened death of the wicked worldQSM 28.1.