Author Topic: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God  (Read 3590 times)

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Wally

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Lesson 6 *February 2-8



The Sealed People of God







Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon







Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Revelation 7; 2 Pet. 3:9-14; Deut. 8:11-17; Rev. 14:4-5, 12; Rev. 17:5; Rom. 3:19-24.

Memory Text: “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14, NKJV).

The opening of the seven seals shows us that every person who claims to believe in Christ will receive blessings for faithfulness or curses for unfaithfulness. The first four seals describe God’s disciplinary means to rouse His people from their spiritual lethargy and make them victorious. Yet, God’s people also suffer injustice and oppression in a world hostile to the gospel. At the opening of the sixth seal, God is ready to deal with those who harmed His people.

Chapter 7 is an interlude inserted parenthetically between the sixth and seventh seals. The sixth seal brings us to the second coming of Christ. As the wicked face judgment, Revelation 7 answers their question about who will stand on the day of Christ’s coming: those who have been sealed, the 144,000. The other characteristics of the 144,000 are given in Revelation 14:1-5.

There is also an interlude inserted between the sixth and seventh trumpets (Rev. 10:1-11:14). This interlude, which commences with the Second Great Awakening and the birth of the Advent Movement, coincides with the same time period as the opening scenes of chapter 7 and focuses on the experience and task of God’s end-time people.

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 9.

Sunday ↥        February 3

Restraining the Winds

Read Revelation 7:1-3 along with 2 Peter 3:9-14. What does John see? How long are the angels supposed to restrain the winds? What will happen when the sealing is concluded?

In the Old Testament, winds stand for destructive forces by which God executes judgments upon the wicked (Jer. 23:19-20; Dan. 7:2). “As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passions, all the elements of strife will be let loose”. - Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 614. These destructive forces are being restrained by divine intervention while the sealing of God’s people takes place.

In ancient times, the primary meaning of sealing was ownership. The meaning of the symbolic sealing in the New Testament is that “the Lord knows those who are His” (2 Tim. 2:19, NKJV). God recognizes His own people and seals them with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14; Eph. 4:30). At the end-time, the seal on the forehead is given to God’s faithful people, who keep His commandments (Rev. 14:1, 12). It is not a visible mark put on one’s forehead, but as Ellen G. White states, it means “settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they [God’s people] cannot be moved”. - Last Day Events, p. 220. In contrast, those who ultimately side with the beast receive the mark of the beast (Rev. 13:16-17).

The faithfulness of God’s sealed people has been tested in every generation. However, the test of faithfulness in the final crisis will be the keeping of God’s commandments (see Rev. 12:17, Rev. 14:12). In particular, the fourth commandment will become the test of obedience to God (Rev. 14:7). As the Sabbath has been the sign of God’s people in biblical times (Ezek. 20:12, 20; Heb. 4:9-10), so it will be the sign of loyalty to God in the final crisis.

At the time of the end, the seal also functions as a sign of protection from the destructive forces of the seven last plagues (see Ezek. 9:1-11 for the backdrop imagery of Rev. 7:1-3). Thus, the question raised in Revelation 6:17 receives the ultimate answer: those who will be able to stand protected on the day of God’s wrath are the sealed people of God.

Paul warns us not to grieve the Holy Spirit by whom we have been sealed (Eph. 4:30). What does that mean? How does one grieve the Holy Spirit? Once you have your answer, what choices can you make to help you not to grieve Him?

Monday ↥        February 4

The Sealed People of God

Read Revelation 7:4-8. What is the number of God’s sealed people? What is the meaning of that specific number?

The announcement of the number of those who are sealed marks the completion of the sealing. John hears that their number is 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel. The reference here is not to a literal number but to what it signifies. The number 144,000 consists of 12 times 12 times 1,000. Twelve is a symbol of God’s people: the tribes of Israel and the church built upon the foundation of the Twelve apostles (Eph. 2:20). Thus, the number 144,000 stands for the totality of God’s end-time people: “All Israel” (Jews and Gentiles) who are ready for Christ’s return and who will be translated without seeing death (Rom. 11:26, 1 Cor. 15:51-53).

The 12 tribes listed in Revelation 7 are, obviously, not literal, because the 12 tribes of Israel, encompassing both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, are not in existence today. The 10 tribes of the Northern Kingdom were taken into captivity during the Assyrian conquest (2 Kings 17:6-23), where they became integrated with other nations. Thus, the 12 tribes do not constitute Judaism today.

Also, the list of the 12 tribes in Revelation 7 is like no other found in Scripture (compare Num. 1:5-15; Ezek. 48:1-29). Judah is listed as the first tribe (Rev. 7:5) instead of Reuben (compare with Num. 1:5). Also, the tribes of Dan and Ephraim, included in the lists of Numbers 1 and Ezekiel 48, are omitted from the list in Revelation 7, while Levi and Joseph are included instead (Rev. 7:7-8). The obvious reason for the exclusion of Ephraim, and apparently Dan, from the list in Revelation 7 is that in the Old Testament these two tribes are apostate and idolatrous (1 Kings 12:29-30; Hos. 4:17).

The list of the tribes in Revelation 7 is not historical but spiritual. The absence of Dan and Ephraim from the list suggests that the unfaithfulness of these two tribes will have no place among God’s sealed people. Also, the church in the New Testament is referred to as the 12 tribes of Israel (James 1:1). The 12 tribes in Revelation 7 stand for the entire people of God who endure to the end, both Jews and Gentiles.

What Bible assurances does God give for those who will live through the time of trouble?
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Wally

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2019, 02:29:23 PM »
Tuesday ↥        February 5

The Great Multitude

Read Revelation 7:9-10. What group of saints does John see at this point? How are they described, and where do they come from? What are they shouting before God’s throne?

John sees a “great multitude, which no one could number”, who came “out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 7:14, NKJV). That is, they are a special group of people who, despite whatever tribulation they went through, have stayed faithful to Jesus, a faithfulness symbolized by their being covered in the robes of His perfect righteousness. The word “tribulation” is used very frequently in the Bible to refer to the things that believers suffer for their faith (see for example, Exod. 4:31, Ps. 9:9, Matt. 24:9, John 16:33, Rom 5:3). Therefore, although some Adventist interpreters view this group as another representation of the 144,000, we could understand the “great multitude” as a reference to all the redeemed who have suffered for their faith down through the ages.

Here, too, in John’s description of the “great multitude, which no one could number”, we see, as we do in all the Bible, the great theme of salvation by grace. The only claim of the redeemed to salvation, to eternal life, to the new heavens and the new earth, is the righteousness of Christ, which is given to them by grace.

“Nearest the throne are those who were once zealous in the cause of Satan, but who, plucked as brands from the burning, have followed their Saviour with deep, intense devotion. Next are those who perfected Christian characters in the midst of falsehood and infidelity, those who honored the law of God when the Christian world declared it void, and the millions, of all ages, who were martyred for their faith. And beyond is the ‘great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, … before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands’. Revelation 7:9. Their warfare is ended, their victory won. They have run the race and reached the prize. The palm branch in their hands is a symbol of their triumph, the white robe an emblem of the spotless righteousness of Christ which now is theirs”. - Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 665.

Yes, we are covered with the righteousness of Christ, a gift of faith. But how can we maintain that faith and stay faithful amid trials and tribulation? Or, even more important, how do we maintain that faith and faithfulness in times of ease and prosperity? (See Deut. 8:11-17).

Wednesday ↥        February 6

Those Who Follow the Lamb

Read Revelation 14:1-5. What are the three chief characteristics of the 144,000 saints? How are these characteristics related to the description of the end-time saints in Revelation 14:12?

Revelation 14:4-5 is a description of the 144,000 that aligns with God’s last day people who “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12). Although they experienced the fullness of Satan’s wrath in the final crisis, they have remained firm because of their close relationship with Jesus.

In light of Revelation 17:5, in what sense have the 144,000 not been defiled with women? How is the purity of their character related to the fact that they are redeemed from the earth as the “firstfruits to God” (Rev. 14:4-NKJV)?

Sexual immorality is a symbol of unfaithfulness to God. Revelation 17:5 talks about the end-time harlot Babylon and her daughters, with whom all the people of the world will commit fornication (see also Rev. 18:3).

However, the 144,000 will remain loyal to Christ and resist the defiling relationships with Babylon and the apostate churches. The 144,000 “follow the Lamb wherever He goes” (Rev. 14:4, NKJV).

The 144,000 are further described as the ones who have been “redeemed from among men” as “firstfruits to God and to the Lamb” (Rev. 14:4, NKJV). In ancient Israel, the firstfruits were the best fruits of the harvest offered to God (Num. 18:12). The word “firstfruits” can refer to saved people as distinct from those in the world (James 1:18), but in Revelation the 144,000 are clearly a special group because they will be translated without seeing death (1 Cor. 15:50-52). Thus, they are the firstfruits of the larger harvest of the saved through all the ages (Rev. 14:14-16).

What are ways we can, even unknowingly, be in danger of committing spiritual fornication? Why do we delude ourselves if we think we are not in such danger?
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Wally

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2019, 02:31:01 PM »
Thursday ↥        February 7

Salvation to Our God and the Lamb

Read Revelation 14:5 along with 2 Peter 3:14 and Jude 24, 25. Revelation describes God’s end-time people as “without fault”. How is this state achievable?

The final characteristic of the 144,000 is that “in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God” (Rev. 14:5). While the people of the world choose to believe Satan’s lies, God’s end-time people, who are without deceitfulness in speech or conduct, will receive the love of the truth so as to be saved (2 Thess. 2:10-11).

“Without fault” (Greek amomos, “blameless”) refers to the fidelity of the 144,000 to Christ. In the Bible, God’s people are called to be holy (Lev. 19:2, 1 Pet. 2:9). Abraham (Gen. 17:1) and Job (Job 1:1) were blameless. Christians are called to be holy and without blemish before God (Eph. 5:27, Phil. 2:15).

Read Romans 3:19-24. Why must we always keep this crucial truth before us?

In the closing days of this world’s history, the 144,000 will reflect the character of Christ. Their salvation will reflect what Christ has done for them and in them rather than their own holiness and works (Eph. 2:8-10). The 144,000 have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14) and, as such, are found “spotless and blameless” before God (2 Pet. 3:14, NASB).

“We need to be refined, cleansed from all earthliness, till we reflect the image of our Saviour, and become ‘partakers of the divine nature’. …

When the conflict of life is ended, when the armor is laid off at the feet of Jesus, when the saints of God are glorified, then and then only will it be safe to claim that we are saved, and sinless”. - Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 355, 356.

How can we live a life of sanctification in active preparation for eternity and yet not suffer from the pitfalls of perfectionism and fanatical holiness?

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

colporteur

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2019, 07:54:37 AM »
In the lesson he is equally dogmatic that the 144,000 is a symbolic number. Is the number 7 regarding the 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 last plagues, and 3 angels, 4 angels, 12 stars on the crown, and 4 beasts symbolic ? My observation has been the number has seldom if ever been anything symbolic without any literal application. The overwhelming weight of evidence by example is that the numbers are literal almost always if not always.  Mrs. White said 144,000 " in number."  Why would she add " in number" when we all know that it is a number? He said that 144,000 stands for the totality of God's saved people. Question, why would a literal number not also have a symbolic application? It need not be one OR the other. The 7 last plagues are not only literally 7 in number but they symbolize complete wrath unmingled with mercy.  While the quarterly contributor was dogmatic about the 144,000 being a symbol why was he not equally dogmatic opposing the  false idea that some SDAs believe the 144,000 and the great multitude are one and the same ?  No where in Scripture is there any indication that the road to heaven is wide and that an innumerable amount of people in the end will be saved living. Several verses state just the opposite. Even were there no martyrs in the end (and there will be very many) the number of saved would not be like the sands of the sea, innumerable, which no man could number. The Bible says that in the end times it will be like in the days of Noah. 144,000 people in number is a very large number compared to 8 at the time of the flood. It is 18,000 times that number.
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colporteur

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2019, 09:25:51 AM »
   
I believe the two disctinct groups, the 144,000 and "the great multitude" are described in the following quote. A very careful analysis and process of elimination identifies the 144,000. Can you find them ? I see 4 groups there.

Nearest the throne are those who were once zealous in the cause of Satan, but who, plucked as brands from the burning, have followed their Saviour with deep, intense devotion. Next are those who perfected Christian characters in the midst of falsehood and infidelity, those who honored the law of God when the Christian world declared it void, and the millions, of all ages, who were martyred for their faith. And beyond is the “great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,” “before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” [Revelation 7:9.] Their warfare is ended, their victory won. They have run the race and reached the prize. The palm branch in their hands is a symbol of their triumph, the white robe an emblem of the spotless righteousness of Christ which now is theirs.  {GC88 665.1}

 But He waves them back. Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. DA Ch. 87
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Marelis

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2019, 11:27:25 AM »
In the lesson he is equally dogmatic that the 144,000 is a symbolic number. Is the number 7 regarding the 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 last plagues, and 3 angels, 4 angels, 12 stars on the crown, and 4 beasts symbolic ? My observation has been the number has seldom if ever been anything symbolic without any literal application. The overwhelming weight of evidence by example is that the numbers are literal almost always if not always.  Mrs. White said 144,000 " in number."  Why would she add " in number" when we all know that it is a number? He said that 144,000 stands for the totality of God's saved people. Question, why would a literal number not also have a symbolic application? It need not be one OR the other. The 7 last plagues are not only literally 7 in number but they symbolize complete wrath unmingled with mercy.  While the quarterly contributor was dogmatic about the 144,000 being a symbol why was he not equally dogmatic opposing the  false idea that some SDAs believe the 144,000 and the great multitude are one and the same ?  No where in Scripture is there any indication that the road to heaven is wide and that an innumerable amount of people in the end will be saved living. Several verses state just the opposite. Even were there no martyrs in the end (and there will be very many) the number of saved would not be like the sands of the sea, innumerable, which no man could number. The Bible says that in the end times it will be like in the days of Noah. 144,000 people in number is a very large number compared to 8 at the time of the flood. It is 18,000 times that number.
We're on the same page, Colporteur. The 144,000 are a type of Elijah who are fit and safe to translate without passing through the grave. Moses was taken to heaven but had to enter the grave first. I love the verse that tells us that God buried Moses Himself. Moses and Elijah were present at the transfiguration. Could it be that they represent two classes of people who go to heaven at the second coming? Those who are resurrected and those who translated. The 144,000 are a humble and fearless group of Elijah and John the Baptist type figures who have a special mission, a special message, who will live simply and ruggedly, will be persecuted and appear before kings and rulers as did Elijah and John. For now it makes sense for this to be a literal number of a special class of individuals.
"Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."  Ps 16:11

colporteur

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #6 on: February 02, 2019, 11:57:19 AM »
"Nearest the throne are those who were once zealous in the cause of Satan, but who, plucked as brands from the burning, have followed their Saviour with deep, intense devotion. Next are those who perfected Christian characters in the midst of falsehood and infidelity, those who honored the law of God when the Christian world declared it void, and the millions, of all ages, who were martyred for their faith. And beyond is the “great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,” “before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” [Revelation 7:9.] Their warfare is ended, their victory won. They have run the race and reached the prize. The palm branch in their hands is a symbol of their triumph, the white robe an emblem of the spotless righteousness of Christ which now is theirs."  {GC88 665.1}


The first group are those who were the strongest opponents of God at one time but changed sides. It appears to me that the "next" group here are the 144,000. If everyone is listed in the quote they have to be there somewhere. This " next" group is not among the first group or else it would not say the "next" group.  This next group lived during the Christian era and when the Sunday law exists. " Those who honored the law of God when the Christian world declared it void." This sounds like the NSL period and yet it appears with the comma that they are separate from the group that follows, the martyrs. ",and the millions, of all ages, who were martyred for their faith." Then the last group is the "great multitude." " And beyond is the “great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,” “before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.”

WDYT ?
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Marelis

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2019, 12:37:14 PM »
Yes. To be continued...
"Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."  Ps 16:11

colporteur

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2019, 02:00:34 PM »

 A friend stated to me that Hans LaRondelle taught very persuasively that the 144,000 and the Great Multitude are one and the same. I would like to see that. I noticed on a search here that his name came up several times but not too much detail. Is anyone here at all versed in what he taught ?
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Marelis

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #9 on: February 02, 2019, 02:27:46 PM »
I'm ignorant. I've not heard of Hans LaRondelle.
"Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."  Ps 16:11

Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #10 on: February 08, 2019, 08:15:01 PM »

The Great Multitude

John sees a “great multitude, which no one could number”, who came “out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 7:14, NKJV). That is, they are a special group of people who, despite whatever tribulation they went through, have stayed faithful to Jesus, a faithfulness symbolized by their being covered in the robes of His perfect righteousness. The word “tribulation” is used very frequently in the Bible to refer to the things that believers suffer for their faith (see for example, Exod. 4:31, Ps. 9:9, Matt. 24:9, John 16:33, Rom 5:3). Therefore, although some Adventist interpreters view this group as another representation of the 144,000, we could understand the “great multitude” as a reference to all the redeemed who have suffered for their faith down through the ages.

cp, it appears the lesson is teaching that the great multitude is not the 144,000.

Here is another statement that clearly points out the 144,000 are not the great multitude from every age.


    Think of the following admonition: “Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand”. - Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 970. How can you put these words into practice? How does this striving impact your daily decisions?

    An important characteristic of the 144,000 end-time saints is the singing of the new song. It is a song that no one else can sing because it is the song of experience - an experience that no other group in history ever had (Rev. 14:3-4; Rev. 15:2-3).
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Richard Myers

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #11 on: February 08, 2019, 08:41:42 PM »
Friday         February 8

Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Sinlessness and Salvation”, pp. 353-357, in Selected Messages, book 3.

The identity of the 144,000 is a hotly debated issue. What seems evident in Revelation is that the 144,000 are the last generation of God’s people in the closing days of this earth’s history. We know that they will go through the time of trouble and be protected from the seven last plagues (Ps. 91:7-16) and that their loyalty will be tested like no generation in the past.

Exactly who will be in that group is not revealed to us. Their identity is one of the secrets that God has kept for Himself (Deut. 29:29). Only the future will reveal who will be a part of this group of saved saints. Regarding this mystery, we have been given a warning:

“Christ says that there will be those in the church who will present fables and suppositions, when God has given grand, elevating, ennobling truths which should ever be kept in the treasure house of the mind. When men pick up this theory and that theory, when they are curious to know something it is not necessary for them to know, God is not leading them. It is not His plan that His people shall present something which they have to suppose, which is not taught in the Word. It is not His will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand? This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question”. - Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, p. 174.

We understand certain things about the 144,000. Those things are for us to know. We know that the 144,000 are the living saints when Jesus comes. They do not die, but are translated without seeing death. Those who have died are not part of the 144,000 unless there is an exception such as Ellen White. The 144,000 go through a time of trouble such as never was without a Mediator. Jesus has left the heavenly sanctuary and thus there will be no more forgiveness of sin. Thus, the 144,000 will not sin. We know this because the Bible tells us that the holy will remain holy.

Why does not God just put an end to the suffering after the 144,000 are sealed? Why must they suffer since they are already sealed and will not sin. God knows this, so why not translate them when probation closes?


Discussion Questions:


    Think of the following admonition: “Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand”. - Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 970. How can you put these words into practice? How does this striving impact your daily decisions?

Strive means to gain a better experience. What must we do? We must accept the cross prepared for us. It is the most weighty trust and the highest honor God can give to us, for us to be partakers in the Lord's suffering. Do we want to do this? Do we really want to suffer as will the 144,000 for God's glory?


    An important characteristic of the 144,000 end-time saints is the singing of the new song. It is a song that no one else can sing because it is the song of experience - an experience that no other group in history ever had (Rev. 14:3-4; Rev. 15:2-3). As you think of your own life, how does your present spiritual walk reflect a song of a fresh experience with God? Or does your life reflect your past stale stories of God’s works in your life, lacking evidence of present commitment? What changes can you make right now to help you recommit your life to Him?

If this is the case, then maybe re-baptism is in order. Who have we been serving? No evidence of commitment? Then there will be seen in the life works of the flesh and a lack of the fruits of the Spirit. Yes, rebaptism would be helpful to remove the reproach brought upon Christ and His church.


    What is the difference between just knowing about Christ and truly knowing Him? If someone were to ask you “What is Christ like?” what would you answer, and why?

The difference is faith, trust. If we know about someone, we can speak about him. But, if we do not really know him, then will you trust someone you really don't know? To be a Christian, we must trust Jesus with all we are and all we have. We will not do that unless we really know Him. Right? Who do you trust in life? Your pastor, your doctor? Into whose hands are you willing to put your life?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

colporteur

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #12 on: February 10, 2019, 08:01:49 AM »

True, Richard, but it is clearly stated that the 144,000 is a symbolic number in Mondays lesson.
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Wally

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #13 on: February 10, 2019, 02:40:02 PM »

True, Richard, but it is clearly stated that the 144,000 is a symbolic number in Mondays lesson.

I think the "debate" over whether i t's a symbolic number or a literal number will continue until the 144,000 are translated.  Maxwell takes the side of it being a symbolic number.  Ellen White is silent about that aspect of it.  From our vantage point, it doesn't really matter.  What matters is being ready and  helping others to get ready.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

ejclark

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #14 on: February 10, 2019, 03:39:04 PM »
One of the things I really love about Scripture is how the New Testament is built upon the Old Testament. Type (OT) meeting Anti-Type (NT).
If the 144,000 is a literal number then where is its type in the Old Testament?

colporteur

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #15 on: February 12, 2019, 08:12:04 AM »
One of the things I really love about Scripture is how the New Testament is built upon the Old Testament. Type (OT) meeting Anti-Type (NT).
If the 144,000 is a literal number then where is its type in the Old Testament?

That could be said about many aspects of literal numbers in Revelation. The antitype is not the number itself but the substance. The 12 stars on the crown of the woman ( Rev. 12) represents the 12 disciples and perhaps the 12 tribes of Israel. The literal art of the 144,000 is the 12,000 from each tribe. The number does not become something other than a literal number simple because of type meeting anti-type. The 7 churches that signify 7 different periods of history does not change the number. Even if the 144,000 were not an anti type why would that therefore make the number itself symbolic.


The other part of this is, where do we see any parallels in Scripture or statements to the effect that there would me a great multitude of living translated at the end of time ? Was there a great multitude that entered the ark ? Did Jesus suggest that a great multitude would have faith when He returns? Did He say the road to heaven is wide ? 144,000 is a very large number of people living faithful when all things are considered. How many numbers in Revelation are symbolic ? I fear that people are paving the way for a much prettier picture than God says it would be. Many of the faithful are laid to rest before that time. Many are wicked. Many are martyred and yet the belief that millions will be faithful at this time of unprecedented deception and wickeness ? That teaching breeds carelessness.
It's easier to slow a fast horse down than to get a dead one going.

Marelis

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Re: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 6--1st Quarter 2019--The Sealed People of God
« Reply #16 on: February 12, 2019, 12:00:10 PM »
Agree, Colporteur. Twelve is one of Scripture's perfect numbers. There are:

12 apostles
12 foundations in heaven
12 gates in heaven
12 pearls
12 judges of Israel

The holy city: 12,000 furlongs square. Wall 12 x 12 cubits. 12 angels.
The city foursquare. Rev 21:16,17. The angel measured the city:

16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

The angel "measured." And how interesting that the dimensions of the city are 144 and 12,000. Do we imagine they are symbolic numbers or literal numbers? If they are literal numbers, is the city "too small"?

Everything God does is measured and counted. God is a precise mathematician. This verse caught my attention this past week. Here I am using the NKJV which squares up with the other translations. The words "number" and "completed" grabbed me. Revelation 6:11:

11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

This verse tells me that God will allow a certain number of martyrs. Then time's up. What does this have to do with the 144,000? This is another special group of God's people which will be numbered and complete.

My thoughts are not set in concrete and I accept that many respected theologians say 144,000 is symbolic of a larger number. But I am not seeing why 144,000 ought to be the odd number out and be symbolic if all the others are literal.

The image of a great multitude seems to go against the grain of the mission of the 144,000. It takes away from the idea of this being an elite, specially mentally and spiritually prepared commando force of God's servants.








"Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."  Ps 16:11