Will the 144,000 and Youth Finish the Final Work?

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.

The youth have a vital and special role to perform in finishing the work of God on the earthYI April 27, 1909, par. 1. By consecrating their lives and sharing the burden of responsibility with their elders, they will be used by the Lord to help bring the gospel message to a closeGCB May 16, 1913, page 7.14+1.

The Role of the Youth in Finishing the Work

• Consecration and Response: Young men and women have pledged themselves to share the burden of finishing the work of God in this generationGCB June 1, 1913, page 224.14.

• Divine Capacity: It is impossible for the youth to tell what they can accomplish until they set themselves to the task with a virtuous characterRH May 3, 1887, par. 5.

• Trained for Service: Schools are being established specifically to prepare the youth for the work of God and for the mansions Christ is preparingPH158 4.3+1.

• Global Movement: Young people are already pressing into missionary movements across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Orient to prepare for serviceGCB May 23, 1913, page 107.6.

• A Final Witness: Trained workers from educational centers will help finish the work in specific fields, such as Burma, as part of the global missionGCB May 28, 1913, page 169.9.

The Nature of the Work to be Finished

• A Quick Work: The Lord has promised to finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, making use of every surrendered soul Romans 9:28MMM 355.7.

• Personal Victory Over Sin: The work is not truly finished until transgression is finished and an end of sins is made in the individual life Daniel 9:24GCB/GCDB 43.5+1.

• Transformation of Character: True education for the youth focuses on the humility and meekness seen in the life of Jesus, which is essential for laborers together with GodFE 364.1+1.

• The Power of the Holy Spirit: Those who have the closing work to do cannot perform it without the presence of the Spirit of Jesus Christ in its fullnessGCB April 7, 1903, page 107.3.

Specific Opportunities for Labor

• Evangelistic Canvassing: When school closes, students have the opportunity to go into the field as canvassers, leaving reading matter that contains the truth for this timePM 286.3+1.

• Need for Education: There is a special duty for those with experience to teach and train the youth in how to handle the book work successfullyCM 57.1+1.

• Personal Effort: Through consecrated personal effort, the youth can reflect the light of truth and accomplish a wonderful work for othersYI April 27, 1909, par. 1.

• Home Missions: Light is also to shine in the home, as many youth must be fitted for the work that needs to be done within their own families25LtMs, Lt 56, 1911, par. 11.

The Example of Christ

• The Keynote of Life: As a youth, Jesus declared that He must be about His Father’s business, making everything subordinate to His mission Luke 2:48-49GW 111.2.

• A Finished Work: Because of His untiring efforts and self-sacrifice, Christ could eventually say to the Father that He had finished the work given Him to do John 17:417LtMs, Ms 11, 1902, par. 17.

• Grace for Every Trial: The life of Christ reveals what every youth may accomplish through His grace, as He stands ready to strengthen all who struggle against evilVisitor October 2, 1912, par. 9.