New Jerusalem Size & 144,000 Saints Explained

The New Jerusalem is a magnificent city, described as lying foursquare, with its length, breadth, and height being equal, measuring twelve thousand furlongs Revelation 21:16.ARSH December 27, 1855, page 100.27+1 This vast size ensures there is sufficient room for all the saints.ARSH December 27, 1855, page 100.27

The city is adorned with incredible beauty and divine light:

• Its wall is made of jasper, and the city itself is pure gold, as clear as glass. Revelation 21:18SAIN 82.1

• The foundations of its wall are garnished with all manner of precious stones, including jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolyte, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth, and amethyst. Revelation 21:19-20SAIN 83.12+1

• Each of its twelve gates is a single pearl, and its street is pure gold, like transparent glass. Revelation 21:21SAIN 84.3

• There is no need for the sun or moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its light. Revelation 21:23ARSH May 22, 1866, page 195.13+1

This holy city, also known as the capital of the fifth universal kingdom, descends from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband Revelation 21:2.BP2 102.1+14 It is the Paradise of God, where His saints will dwell forever, and where sorrow, pain, and death will cease to exist. Revelation 21:4HPGO 60.2+1 😇💖

The 144,000 are a specific group of living saints who are sealed and perfectly united, and who will be translated to heaven without experiencing death. They are a special, peculiar group with unique characteristics, chosen by God to stand without fault before His throne. They are often described as those who endure the final time of tribulation and keep God's commandments. 💖

Here's more about this remarkable company:

The Sealed Servants of God

The 144,000 are the servants of God who receive the "seal of the living God" in their foreheads before the four winds of the earth are fully unleashed, symbolizing the final manifestations of God's judgments or plagues upon the wicked. This sealing prepares them to endure the great day of wrath and distinguishes them from those who worship the beast and receive its mark. Revelation 7:1-4+3ARSH July 28, 1859, page 77.15+1.

Redeemed from the Earth

This group is described as being "redeemed from the earth" and "redeemed from among men" Revelation 14:3-4. They are the ones who are alive and remain until Christ's second coming, being changed from mortal to immortality without tasting death. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52+1MPC 76.2+1. They are considered the "firstfruits" to God and to the Lamb. Revelation 14:4.

Characteristics and Mission

The 144,000 possess specific spiritual qualities:

• Without Guile: In their mouth is found "no guile," meaning they are without fault before the throne of God. Revelation 14:5+114MR 93.1+3. They have consecrated their minds and hearts to God, serving Him truthfully and confidently, reflecting Christ's image and character perfectly.BDOC 32.72+1.

• Follow the Lamb: They are depicted as those who "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes." Revelation 14:4. This signifies their close relationship with Christ and their obedient walk on earth.14MR 93.1+2.

• Commandment Keepers: They are part of the saints who "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12. This characteristic is crucial, as they will be used by Heaven to vindicate God's character and demonstrate that it is possible for created beings to perfectly keep His law, especially in the last generation.EVRR491+3.

• Sing a New Song: They sing a unique "new song" before the throne that no one else can learn. Revelation 14:318MR 27.3+2. This song is a testament to their peculiar experience of being delivered without seeing death, giving them a cause for praise that others cannot join.MPC 76.2+2.

Their Tribulation and Deliverance

The 144,000 "come out of great tribulation." Revelation 7:14EVRR488. While this tribulation has two main biblical aspects—the tribulation of the Dark Ages and the time of Jacob's trouble before the seven last plagues Jeremiah 30:7+1EVRR488—this group specifically endures the final period of severe trouble and persecution.ARSH July 30, 1861, page 68.17+1. Although a decree of death is issued against God's people by the beast power, the 144,000 are delivered, showing God's protection and victory on their behalf. Revelation 13:1-18+1ARSH July 3, 1856, page 76.7+1.

Not a Symbolic Number for All the Saved

While the number 144,000 is a multiple of 12 (symbolizing God's church and rulership) and represents the remnant church prepared for translation Revelation 7:4+1EVRR489 it is distinct from the "great multitude" of all ages who are also saved Revelation 7:9. The 144,000 are a limited, specific group from the "tribes of Israel" (spiritual Israel, not literal Jews), sealed in their foreheads, and existing in the last days, distinguishing them from the innumerable multitude from all nations and ages who comprise the saved throughout history. Revelation 7:4+1EVRR493+3.

The sealing of the 144,000 is an ongoing work, fitting them for the Lord's coming.S144 6.1+2. This special company will have the privilege of visiting all worlds and viewing the handiwork of God.GCDB February 5, 1893, page 144.12. While the exact identity of who constitutes the 144,000 is not explicitly revealed, the focus is on their character and experience as God's faithful remnant.3SM 51.2+1.