Earth's Glory and Sealing the 144,000 Explained

The earth being lightened with the glory of God and the sealing of the 144,000 are closely related events occurring during the loud cry of the third angel's messageARSH October 20, 1859, page 173.4+1. While they are distinct processes—one being the global proclamation of truth and the other the final preparation of God's people—they happen in the same specific period of history as the work of redemption closesSSP 267.2+1.

The Earth Lightened with Glory 🌟

The lightening of the earth with glory refers to the final, powerful proclamation of the gospel, often called the "loud cry"ARSH October 20, 1859, page 173.4+1. This work is characterized by several key features:

• The Fourth Angel: An angel from heaven with great power joins the third angel, and his glory lightens the entire world Revelation 18:16T 60.1+1.

• The Loud Cry: This message is the "loud cry" of the third angel, which reaches every nation, kindred, tongue, and people with a strong voice Revelation 14:6-7MMM 399.11+1.

• The Latter Rain: This movement is fueled by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, also known as the "latter rain," which gives power to the message and strengthens the faithfulLDE 201.1+1.

• Miracles and Consecration: During this time, servants of God will have their faces lighted up with holy consecration, performing miracles and healing the sick as they warn the world4SP 429.2+1.

The Sealing of the 144,000 🛡️

The sealing is the work of perfecting and settling God's people in the truth so they cannot be movedCCh 100.5+1.

• Character Preparation: The 144,000 are those who cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Corinthians 7:1CCh 100.5.

• A Literal Number: This specific group, numbering 144,000, are the living saints who are sealed and perfectly united before the second advent Revelation 7:4WLF 14.2+1.

• The Seal of God: Holy angels place the seal of the living God upon their foreheads, signifying they are the Father's own and are without fault Revelation 14:1-5CCh 353.4+1.

• Protection from Plagues: This sealing must be completed while the four angels hold back the winds of strife, ensuring the servants of God are protected before the seven last plagues are poured out Revelation 7:1-3S144 3.1+1.

The Connection Between the Two 🤝

These two events are inseparable parts of the closing work of the gospelGCDB February 17, 1897, page 53.9+1.

• Concurrent Timing: The preparation for the loud cry is currently going on, and as the message swells to its full glory, the 144,000 are sealed and prepared to meet their LordARSH October 20, 1859, page 173.4+1.

• Participant Requirement: Only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of Christ will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming the message when it lightens the earth with its gloryRH November 19, 1908, Art. A, par. 9.

• A Shared Result: Both events result in the faces of God's people shining with the glory of heaven, much like the face of Moses when he descended from Sinai Exodus 34:29WLF 14.2+1.

• The End of Probation: When the earth has been fully lightened and the 144,000 are fully sealed, Christ leaves the heavenly sanctuary, and probation for the human race ends Revelation 22:11SSP 267.2+1.

In summary, the lightening of the earth is the outward manifestation of God's power through the message, while the sealing is the inward work of grace that fits the 144,000 to stand through the time of trouble without an intercessorSSP 267.2+1.