The Timing and Sealing of the 144,000

The 144,000 are developed and sealed during the closing scenes of earth's history, specifically between the signs of the sixth seal and the opening of the seventh seal Revelation 7:1-4ARSH September 9, 1862, page 116.1. This special group is prepared for translation at the second coming of Jesus Christ, following the completion of the Third Angel's Message and the close of human probationARSH August 28, 1856, page 130.7+3.

The Timing of Development and Sealing

The development of this company occurs in the "last days" amidst increasing perils and the onset of the time of troubleLDE 272.2+1.

• The Sealing Period: The work of sealing takes place while the four angels restrain the "four winds" of the earth to prevent universal desolation until God's servants are marked in their foreheads Revelation 7:1-3S144 3.1+2.

• Chronological Markers: The prophetic chain begins in about 1840 and continues until the saints are clothed with immortalitySC3 210.3. This period is characterized by the preaching of the hour of God's judgment and the restoration of the true SabbathSC3 210.3+1.

• Atonement and Probation: The sealing is finalized just before the great High Priest leaves the heavenly sanctuary and the work of atonement is forever finishedARSH August 28, 1856, page 130.7+2.

The Final Conflict and Deliverance

The 144,000 are the living generation of saints who pass through the final crisis on earthMBSG 3.1+1.

• The Mark of the Beast: They are developed during the conflict with the beast and his image, refusing to receive the mark of the beast even under the threat of a death decree Revelation 13:15-17ARSH September 10, 1861, page 117.28+2.

• Jacob's Trouble: They endure the "time of Jacob’s trouble," a period of intense anguish and prayer for deliverance after the close of probation Daniel 12:1QSM 28.1+1.

• The Voice of God: Their final deliverance from the hands of the wicked occurs when they hear the voice of God, which also announces the day and hour of Jesus' comingLDE 272.2+1.

Translation and Eternal Reward

The 144,000 are characterized by their unique experience of being redeemed from among the living Revelation 14:3-4MBSG 3.1+1.

• Translation Without Death: This company is alive upon the earth when the Savior appears in the clouds of heaven and will be translated without seeing death 1 Thessalonians 4:17ARSH May 13, 1858, page 206.3+3.

• Resurrected Sabbath Keepers: Included in this number are those who died in the faith under the third angel's message; they are raised in a special resurrection to witness the second advent and be translated with the living saints Daniel 12:2ARSH October 20, 1863, page 166.23+2.

• Standing on Mount Zion: Following their translation, they stand with the Lamb on the heavenly Mount Zion and the sea of glass, where they sing a unique "new song" of their specific experience that no other man can learn Revelation 14:1-3+1VSS 467.2+3.