1. The Meaning and Symbolism of the 144,000

1.1. Biblical Evidence: The 144,000 Are Those Sealed by God

• Revelation 7:4:

  "Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel."

The 144,000 represent those sealed by God, signifying the sanctified believers who have received the Holy Spirit.

• Haggai 2:23: God declares that Zerubbabel will be His signet, symbolizing divine selection and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
• In the New Testament, Jesus (Yehoshua) is the one sealed by God, who builds the spiritual temple through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 2:21).

1.2. The 144,000 and the Holy Spirit
The 144,000 are those who have received the Holy Spirit, serving as God’s temple and priests.

• 1 Corinthians 3:16:

  "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?"

• Revelation 1:6:

  "He has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father."

These individuals have the mission to share God’s word and guide others to salvation.

2. Symbolic Significance of the 144,000: The Prophecy of the Firstborn

2.1. The Firstborn in the Old Testament
The firstborn were set apart as God’s special possession during the Exodus.

• Exodus 13:12-14: The firstborn symbolized God’s deliverance and were redeemed through sacrificial offerings.
• Numbers 3:12-13:

  "I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn in Israel."
  The Levites replaced the firstborn and were dedicated to priestly service.

2.2. The Firstborn Fulfilled in the New Testament
The 144,000 fulfill the prophecy of the firstborn as spiritual priests.

• Revelation 14:4:

  "They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb."
  These individuals are described as the firstfruits, representing those wholly dedicated to God and the Lamb.

3. The Role and Meaning of the Great Multitude

3.1. The Great Multitude: The Saved People

• Revelation 7:9:

  "After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count."

The great multitude represents the saved believers from every nation and people, signifying God’s inclusive salvation plan.

3.2. Distinction Between the 144,000 and the Great Multitude

• The 144,000:
  • They are the spiritual priests who receive the Holy Spirit and serve as mediators, similar to the Levitical priests of the Old Testament.
  • They guide the great multitude to God.
• The Great Multitude:
  • They are the saved believers who receive the blessings of salvation.
  • Like the Israelites relying on the priests, the great multitude follows the guidance of the 144,000.

4. The Priestly Role of the 144,000

4.1. The Example of Service
Jesus demonstrated the essence of service and sacrifice to His disciples.

• Mark 9:35:

  "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all."

The 144,000 are tasked with teaching God’s word and guiding others toward salvation.

4.2. Conditions to Become Part of the 144,000

• Deep repentance and dedication:
  • Galatians 4:19:

    "My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you."

  • They must lead a life of devotion, sharing God’s word, nurturing believers, and fulfilling God’s will.

5. Conclusion: The Roles of the 144,000 and the Great Multitude

• The 144,000:

  • They are God’s priests, filled with the Holy Spirit, who carry out the mission of teaching and serving to fulfill God’s salvation plan.

• The Great Multitude:

  • They are the redeemed people, recipients of the 144,000’s guidance, and part of God’s kingdom through salvation.

While both groups are part of God’s redemptive history, their roles and responsibilities differ.

6. Application: Responding to the Call

• To Be Among the 144,000:

  • Live a life of deep repentance and obedience to God’s word.
  • Dedicate oneself to teaching, serving, and guiding others as spiritual priests.

• To Be Among the Great Multitude:

  • Humbly follow God’s word and live a Spirit-led life.

"God desires for all to be saved, and the call to be part of the 144,000 requires extraordinary dedication and commitment. Now is the time to prepare our hearts to respond to that call."