Visions and the Calling of the 144,000 Today

Yes, individuals today can have visions of being part of the 144,000 as God continues to manifest His Spirit in these last days Joel 2:28-29SGL 23.1. These experiences are given to encourage the remnant church and provide light for the narrow path leading to the City of GodWLF 14.2+1.

The Role of Visions in the Last Days

The manifestion of the Spirit through visions is a promise specifically for the "remnant" whom the Lord shall call in the final period of earth's history Joel 2:32ARSH October 3, 1854, page 61.10. As the perils of the last days increase, God pours out His Spirit to instruct, strengthen, and keep His people from the wiles of Satan1888 603.2+1. These visions serve several purposes:

• Encouragement: Visions have shown the "Advent people" traveling a straight and narrow path, encouraged by the light of Jesus and the hope of being among the 144,000WLF 14.2.

• Preparation: They help fit the 144,000 for translation, providing a necessity for spiritual guidance that has never before existedARSH May 6, 1862, page 180.3.

• Instruction: Those who receive these revelations are often instructed to return to earth and relate what they have seen to others to bolster their faithLS80 217.2+1.

Privileges of the 144,000 Seen in Vision

Visions have revealed the glorious future and character of this specific company:

• Visiting Other Worlds: The 144,000 will have the privilege of visiting unfallen worlds and viewing the handiworks of God throughout the universeExV 22.2+1.

• The Temple and the City: Visions describe a glorious temple on Mount Zion where the names of the 144,000 are engraved in letters of gold upon tables of stoneLS80 217.2+1.

• A Special Song: They are seen standing on the sea of glass, singing a new song of experience—the song of Moses and the Lamb—which no other company can learn Revelation 14:3GC 648.3.

• Close Relationship with God: They occupy the place in heaven once filled by Lucifer and his angels, standing in the closest possible relationship with their MakerSSP 247.1+1.

Testing Visions and Character

While visions are a means of God's appointment for purification, they are not a substitute for the law of GodARSH June 26, 1855, page 251.7. Every manifestation must be compared with the Bible, which is the great lesson book and the divine standard of righteousnessChS 57.2+1.

• The Law as a Mirror: True visions will lead individuals to a closer study of the Word and a more perfect obedience to the commandmentsTM 125.2+1.

• Internal Work: Unless the work of the truth is first done in the heart, visions alone cannot save a soul; one must be sanctified through the truthTM 125.2+1.

• No Guile: Those who truly belong to the 144,000 are described as being without guile and without fault before the throne of God Revelation 14:5ARSH September 25, 1860, page 150.9+1.

The Sealing and the 144,000

The sealing work, which prepares the 144,000 to stand through the time of trouble and the seven last plagues, is happening now while the four angels hold the winds of strife Revelation 7:1-3SC3 213.1+2. This seal is not an external mark but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so that the Father's name is written in the mindAA 590.4+1. Those who have died in the third angel's message since 1848 are also numbered among this companyQSM 21.1+1. We should all strive with our whole hearts to be among this faithful number who will meet the Saviour at His comingARSH April 2, 1857, page 175.14+1.