The below study is in response to a "doctrine" some assumed was of God that makes the claim the 144,000 (144k) can actually die and resurrect in time to be in that number. I would have posted it weeks ago, but the ministry was under a major attack and so I was unable to until now. Before starting I must delcare that when some step forward with statements from SDA pioneers or any other trusted preachers or teachers that go against that which is written by the Lord with the claim that it is "new light" we MUST always rely on Scripture because new light will never contradict old light. The fact there are no Bible verses that say the 144k can ever die, and for those of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) persuasion that see Ellen White as a prophet, I can also state with confidence that there are no statements from the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) that says they die either. That being the case, we can end this study here if we wanted to because the prophet's of the written Word of God and the prophet Ellen White never said they can die and since we know this as fact, that means the comments from the SDA pioneers that are being presented as proof the 144k can die are only based on assumptions of said pioneers. And it is common knowledge of all in the SDA church that none of the pioneers, and this includes James White, were ever considered to be prophets. That also means, if they make such claims, (be it in actual documents of forgeries) seeing how there are no inspired Scripture or SOP to back it up as a confirmed prophetic utterance, then the only way they can make the claims is to actually prophesy. Therefore, those using statements from the pioneers are actually claiming the pioneers themselves are actual prophets when in fact they are not.

We must also take into consideration that Rome is very crafty and has been caught more than a few times counterfeiting documents and even creating new ones that go directly against the written Word of God so as to preach another Jesus as well as hide their evil ways and even discredit those that expose her. Take for example the claim that James White stated that Ellen White would be, and I quote, "counted in the 144,000." Problem is, I have the original collection of the Review and Herald articles where this quote was claimed to have been found and it is not in there at all. And secondly, even if it was, unless we can verify James White was suddenly a prophet who can speak extrabiblicaly, then we must only embrace a thus saith the Lord. Thing is we already know James White was not a prophet and so that argument is moot.

END RESULT: Either the statements shared by the pioneers suggesting the 144k can die are 100% fabricated, or the pioneers themselves are proven false prophets. For it is plainly stated in Isaiah 8:20, "to the law and the testimony, if they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no light in them. And since biblical jurisprudence confirms nary a single doctrine can be confirmed by mere opinion or conjecture, the following study from the Word of God and Spirit of Prophecy is presented as concrete evidence that the 144k cannot die therefore confirmign the promise of the Lord and His glory remain intact just as His Word proclaimed it would be.


Can the 144,000 die?

The question has been presented by some brethren in the church; can the 144k ever die? Or, will those that were called to declare the third angels message in the prophesied 9th hour of over 100 years ago that have since gone to their graves somehow resurrect to be literally counted in the 144k by number? To begin with, I must assume those reading have a basic understanding of the Word of God and being a student of the Word you already know why Elijah and Moses stood next to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.

Jesus was glorified before the three apostles that day to illustrate what will happen at the second coming. Jesus appears in His glorified state as He will be when He returns. Moses is standing there to represent those that died as faithful Christians before His return. And finally Elias (Elijah) is standing there to represent those the 144k that will never die. As we know, Jesus is Lord and Saviour who has promised to return in glory and so this is why He stands glorified. As we also know Moses died and was resurrected and is now in the city of New Jerusalem (Heaven) and has been there for thousands of years. And as we also know, Elijah never died a physical death at all and was taken up in a chariot of fire before the very eyes of his understudy Elisha and is now in New Jerusalem as well.

Elijah standing there alone proves the 144k can never die as they are the obedient people of God that have the faith, wisdom, courage, and love of Jesus to be able to stand alive without failing in the faith during the seven last plagues who will then stand firm in Jesus when the Eastern sky rips wide to witness firsthand as Jesus returns as promised in His Word. For we all know Elijah never died because of what it says in 2 Kings 2:11, "And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." In short, Elijah never saw death before he was taken up to Heaven and that is why He was standing next to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration that day. Moses stood there because he did experience death for his sinful act of striking the Rock.

There are other areas in the Word that speak of the 144k and I do have some sermons and a video touching on those areas in the Word if you the reader would like additional information. Just click here to see that page. I am presently working on another study on the second chapter of Joel that also speaks of the undying promise unto the 144k from our Lord that I plan to post to that page soon.

Notice if you will that it says in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." Notice also what SOP says when speaking of that great and dreadful day in the following quote from Early Writings.

As we see here, Sister White literally details why some will make the claim the 144k can die. The claim is put forth by some outside the church so as to lure some in the church to remove all hope in the promises of God. Is this not what Satan has done for 6000 years? God says one thing and then Satan says another. And those in disobedience believe it. This actually reminds me of how Satan beguiled Eve in the Garden. The Lord clearly said in Genesis 2:17, "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." And then Satan said to Eve not too much later in Genesis 3:4, "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:" Well what we see happening with the 144k is the same lie but only now instead of saying you won't die, Satan is now saying you can! For in so doing makes the PROMISE of God appear faulty and unbelievable.

Some have also claimed because sister White says the following in Early Writings that She too will be “IN” the 144,000.. but nowhere does it say that in this quote. The claim is solely based on opinion and according to 2Peter 1:20, that is not a wise act.

Here we can see how some honest in heart but lured just the same can become confused. Those that were faithful during the 3rd angel’s message will in fact arise before the multitudes are raised, because she also says later the following regarding those that have been dead from the beginning of time.

The reference to the "twinkling of an eye" when the resurrected ones are "changed" is referring to 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 which also says, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

As for the living saints, it says this in Spirit of Prophecy. (SOP)

Notice this one glaring reality here. It doesn't say 143,999 so as to make it a perfect 144,000 after Ellen White resurrects at all. But this is what some have been led to believe. And so the question is, why do you think this way? It has to do with the following quote found in Early Writings. So the question now is, does the angel say Ellen White will be IN the number or does it back up her previous statements wherein she speaks about being resurrected before the dead in Christ so as to be WITH the 144k to witness amazing events surrounding the Lord return? You tell me.

Seems rather clear to me that the Angel is merely saying she will be "with" the 144k and not "in" the 144k. It is also clear she will be blessed with the blessing to see the Lord's return along WITH the 144,000 for her obedience towards remaining "faithful" unto death as the angel suggested on page 39.3. Her work on earth as a prophet deems the blessing from on High and if she remains faithful, she will be blessed to see what the 144k see on that great and dreadful day, not to mention the visitation of the other worlds. In fact, I do believe Moses, Enoch and Elijah are also blessed with such travles as would be the 24 elders due to their obedient and prophetic acts. Did not Sister White see Enoch training a grape vine on one of these worlds in vision? But I cannot find any Scripture that says they are “IN” the 144,000 number any more than I see Ellen White in that blessed number.

As I shared earlier, the angel told sister White (which coincides with biblical jurisprudence) that she may be “WITH” the 144,000 in enjoying their God given privileges if she remained obedient unto death. But as the angel and Scripture confirm, that does not mean the 144,000 will be at 143,999 awaiting her to be added or does it grow to 144,001 to include Sister White. Nor will it grow to 144,004 to include Enoch, Moses and Elijah. Nor will it grow to 144,028 to include the 24 elders or anyone else that will enjoy those privileges as promised all throughout biblical history.

Now notice this…

The only way someone can "come up at the voice of God" is to be dead first. And notice this as well. Ellen White is using the exact same terminology the angel did in her vision that said if she remained faithful she too would be WITH the 144k. That being said, are those that preach the 144k can die also teaching this woman that died in Ellen White's day will then be IN the 144k just as they claim with Ellen White? Yes they are. For the exact same statement is made by both EllenWhite and the angel. But of course they will say no they are not saying that because it would be considered silly. But the basic fact remains, and I am only using basic grammar and the English language to declare they do in fact hang their hat of theology on the angel's statement to Ellen White as definitive proof that she is IN that number. But then when the exact same words are used to speak of a mere Christian who is not a prophet being "with" the 144k, it now has a completely different meaning in the English language to support the idea that she is now only WITH the 144k? How's that possible?

You can't have it both ways, but that's how the enemy of souls works. He uses the Word of God to have it say one thing here and another thing elsewhere so as to keep the truth well covered in lies. But only the disobedient who are accustomed to the lies will fall for that. Could it be those that preach such things use this woman that died long ago as an example to claim some will die that will make up that number? Notice however it does not say she will be “IN” that number, but like everyone else that arises that day she will be “WITH” the 144,000 on that great and dreadful day just as will be the entire retinue of Angels, the 24 elders, Moses, Enoch, Elijah, our Lord and His Father.

But notice this. Ellen White only says here that this woman is “WITH” the 144,000. She does not mention what the angel said to her when he said she “shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of God.” Ellen White never told this grieving husband his wife will have such privileges promised only to the 144k and those involved in the 3 angels message. Sister White even says “she would rest in the time of trouble.” If she was ”IN” that number that goes through the plagues as the 144k did, she would not be in the grave “resting" at all.

The 144k are a special number of people that not only have the same faith and courage as the prophets of old who may join them in their privileges throughout eternity; the 144k are a special group that are able to stand in the divine nature on a planet swimming in sin and judgment during the plagues as well. Not even the prophets of old can do this. In fact it even speaks of the 144k in Revelation 14:3 as the only ones capable of singing a particular song.

Most saints and even the prophets of old partake in this baptism, nor can they stand during the plagues and so they all die beforehand just as the many souls that helped Noah build the ark died before the flood. Only the 144k will have such a faith to be able to stand firm during the time of Jacob’s trouble. In fact it says this in SOP…

So, getting back to that woman. Ellen White said that woman was “resting” in the time of trouble did she not? If that’s the case, how can she “triumph” as the 144k are prophesied to do so during those final plagues and just so yo uknow, how could Ellen White "triumph" as well seeing how she is resurrected shortly before that woman was when all along the 144k were there for all 7 of those plagues?

There are many other instances in SOP to back up this truth. But I am not called to correct preachers outside the faith, as that would entail every hour of the day. I only share this for you, my brothers and sisters in the faith because I know my duty and calling at this time. What I see these disobedient preachers and teachers doing here is as is to be expected of the government approved preachers who due to disobedience cannot see what we see and so the promises of God can be easily twisted in their minds by the serpent in the tree. I pray you, my precious brethren understand the dangers of listening to them preach or teach as their calling is obvious. In fact it was propehsied! See my "image of the beast" page when you get time.

These government approved preachers use false theology from confused and even some fallen pioneers who actually left the faith to make Scripture and SOP appear to say things they simply do not say. And they do so claiming to be propets for only a prophet can declare that which is not written with assurance from on High. But, at the same time, that which the "prophet" speaks must coincide with that which is already written. And we have ample evidence in the Word of God and in SOP itself that the 144k cannot die. For them to say they can, is declaring the Lord thy God to be a liar. For Isaiah 8:20 clearly says, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

In short, "new light" can never contradict old Light. And we have the Light of the Word of God to confirm that biblical fact in a very bright manner. What we see happening with the confused preachers and teachers is as it has always been. They are confused because of the same disobedience the pioneers embraced that fell off the path over a century ago as well as the disobedient Pharisees who fell 2000 years ago. They cannot see the truth even though it’s as simple to see as I outlined here because their eyes have been clouded by their own choice to rebel.

One last thing:

Satan loves confusion, this is why he created so many denominations that have spun off from his masterpiece in Rome. He also loves to mock the Lord who promised in His Word that the 144k cannot die. Now I can repeat myself or even sit back to search out some intense ways to explain how Satan is glorified by preaching the 144k die and the Lord is belittled. But me thinks letting Ellen White say it would be so much better as she did just that in a very blessed manner.

"I was pointed back to faithful Noah. When the rain descended and the flood came, Noah and his family had entered the ark, and God had shut them in. Noah had faithfully warned the inhabitants of the antediluvian world, while they had mocked and derided him. And as the waters descended upon the earth, and one after another was drowning, they beheld that ark, of which they had made so much sport, riding safely upon the waters, preserving the faithful Noah and His family. So I saw that the people of God, who had faithfully warned the world of His coming wrath, would be delivered. God would not suffer the wicked to destroy those who were expecting translation and who would not bow to the decree of the beast or receive his mark. I saw that if the wicked were permitted to slay the saints, Satan and all his evil host, and all who hate God, would be gratified. And oh, what a triumph it would be for his satanic majesty to have power, in the last closing struggle, over those who had so long waited to behold Him whom they loved! Those who have mocked at the idea of the saints' going up will witness the care of God for His people and behold their glorious deliverance."  {EW 284.1}

Chain of events at the second coming

When speaking of the 144k we see them surrounded by the wicked of the world who seek to kill them. Now notice what it says in Early Writings pages 282 and on...

Stopping here for a moment we see the wicked suddenly realize the end is near while at the same time the 144,000 see it as a joyful event. Now notice what happens next...

What we see here is proof that all those obedient unto death who proclaimed the third angel's message over a century ago, and this includes Ellen White, were in the grave before this mighty earthquake happened. And that quake occurs directly after the wicked surround the already numbered 144k. In fact, it is at this time all those that proclaimed the 3 angels message during the 9th hour movement of Christ's obedient church are allowed to see His second coming as the angel promised Ellen White. First and foremost, nowhere does it say she will be "in" that number. In fact, as we saw earlier, the angel only tells her that she will be "with the 144,000" as they visit the other worlds. That happens for the most part after all Christians ascend to heaven with the Lord. So to use that statement to claim she is "in" that number is to do so way out of context. Nowhere does it say she will be IN that number. And as we see in this vision she is having now in Early Writings page 285, she is allowed to get up with the other 9th hour obedient pioneers who did the work with her.

As I said earlier, I believe this is where the people that believe the 144k can die get confused. They see Ellen White alive when the second coming occurs and assume that it's because she is in that number. They are confused because as we read on we see that when the Lord gets close enough to the earth He then calls ALL the saints from their graves. Because she is alive when this occurs, the confusion begins to set in due to the fact it appears as if two different resurrections are happening here. The confused soul believes the first one must mean they are of the 144k when in fact the 144k are already numbered BEFORE they came out of their graves as the previous earthquake confirms.

Continuing in Early writings we see this...

This is witnessed by all the wicked, the 144k, AND Ellen White. It even counts as witnesses those that worked in faithful obedience with her to preach the third angel's message in the 1800's. But as we see plainly, the many saints that have died the last 6000 years are still in their graves awaiting the voice of Jesus to call them out as soon as He gets close enough to the earth. And so again I see this as the reason those that claim the 144k can die get so confused. They see Ellen White witnessing all this along "with" the 144k and assume she must be IN that number because she sees what they see. When in fact there is not a single reference in her writings or in the Word of God that this happens. And so there is where Satan lurks. He sees their confusion and builds on it so as to make the promise of the Lord to appear to be lacking as he did with Eve in the garden. So pray for these dear souls that they use the power of Christ to shout "get thee hence Satan" and come back into the truth.

Here we see yet another area of confusion for those believing Ellen White is "IN" the 144k. It's because this reference declares the "living saints" and the "risen ones" now proclaim victory. But had they read earlier they would know the "living saints" at this time compile both Ellen White AND the 144k. But because they see it only saying "living saints" they believe she must be "IN" the 144k, as they assume it intimates by just saying "living saints" instead of saying "those that arose to hear the date so as to join "with" those already alive in the 144,000, join their voices with the people that just came out of their graves a few moments ago."

This is where Satan can always take advantage. He takes actual truth and add all sorts of assumptions unto it so as to glorify his lies. But if you have eyes to see and an obedient heart towards the Lord Jesus who then prevents you from "adding to or taking away" from His inspired Word, then you will be of the elect that cannot be decieved. And even if you did get tipped up a little on this one, just repent of the mistake, aplogize if in fact you offended anyone you disagreed with, and move on in Christ.

Finishing the chain of events for those seeking clarity on all this, we read on.

Below is a compilation of SOP statements that confirm truth:

WHO ARE THE 144,000 IN REVELATION?

1. Who are the 144,000?

This group is so special because “they came out of the great tribulation” - (Rev 7:13-14). They did not worship the Beast and his Image nor receive the Mark of the Beast during the great tribulation period when Sunday law is enforced by America (Rev 13:11-17) till the second coming of Christ. Mrs. Ellen G. White in reference to the 144,000 says, “These are they which came out of the great tribulation; they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation…” -Maranatha chapter 320.

They are the "righteous" sealed at the time when probation closes. And they will be "translated" amongst the living at the time when Christ returns.

2. Is the 144,000 a literal number of a symbolic number?  

Not everything mentioned in Revelation is symbolic. The millennium in Revelation Chapter 20 (1,000 years) is literal. This special group, the 144,000 people, is a literal number. They are seen as standing in front of the throne of God in heaven singing the new song. Only the 144,000 out of those redeemed from the earth knew how to sing the new song – Rev 14:3. The rest of the saved which is “the great multitude” (Rev 7:9) do not know the new song. Those who will receive eternal life are more than 144,000; but the 144,000 is a special group. She further says, “These, having been translated, from the earth, from among the living, are counted as the “first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. Rev 15:2,3; 14:1-5.” -Last Day Events page 269.

She used the word “translated.” The 144,000 is the group that will be “translated” like Enoch and Elijah, when Christ returns. They will never see death. They are the righteous people of God that are ALIVE at the time when Christ returns.

3. The 144,000 Are Sealed at the Close of Probation amongst the LIVING

When probation closes, amongst those who are “living,” the righteous remain righteous, and the wicked remain wicked - Revelation 22:11. The “righteous” that will be sealed amongst the living at the time when probation closes will be exactly 144,000 in number. God knows the future and He has foretold us of the number that will go through the time of Jacob’s trouble and be translated (taken alive) from amongst the “living” when Christ comes back the second time to take the righteous to heaven. God foretold of the number that will be saved from Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham – Genesis 18:26-33. God could have told Noah that only eight people will be saved in the ARK before he preached for 120 years because He knows the future. On the night of the Passover, Jesus Christ foretold about Judas’ plan to sell Him – John 13. God knows the future – Isaiah 46:9-10.

4. Why the 144,000 are sealed as God’s Children at the Close of Probation?

The group 144,000 people will be sealed by God amongst the living when probation is closed because of their Christ-like character. They love God and by faith, keep His Commandments – Rev 12:17; 14:12; 22:14. They do not have the Mark of the Beast.

Mrs. White says,

The 144,000 are the remnant of God during the great tribulation period from the close of probation to the second coming of Christ because of their Christ-like character. The Christ-like character is the character of God’s children who lived beginning from Adam to the time of Christ’s return. Adam, Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, Elijah, Daniel, Joseph, and many others lived a Christ-like character in their new life in Christ. All those who lived a Christ-like character will be either resurrected in the first resurrection or become part of the 144,000 to be translated if they are still alive at Christ’s coming.

5. What about those who do not receive the Mark of the Beast; those who lived a Christ-like character when Sunday law was enforced but died as a martyr before the close of Probation? … Will they not be part of the 144,000?

The great tribulation will begin when Sunday law becomes enforced by America, and it stretches passed the close of probation time till the second coming of Christ. Many of God’s faithful people will become martyrs when Sunday law is enforced before the close of probation; and should they die in the LORD before probation closes, these faithful ones who do not receive the Mark of the Beast will be resurrected from the grave when Christ returns – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Anyone who died in Christ before the close of probation will not make up the group 144,000, though they will receive eternal life. These martyrs will become part of the great multitude in heaven – Rev 7:9.

6. Will any of the 144,000 people die during the time of Jacob’s trouble which is between the close of probation and the second coming of Jesus Christ?

No! Those who are sealed by God amongst the “living” at the time when probation closes, they will make up the number 144,000. This group (144,000) will never experience the first death during the time of Jacob’s trouble even though they may suffer and become persecuted severely. Many will face the death penalty but they will not die. After probation is closed, God will not allow anyone from the 144,000 to die because the death of the righteous at this time will not bring about a witness to the wicked to cause him or her to repent and be saved. Mrs. White comments,  "If the blood of Christ's faithful witnesses were shed at this time, it would not, like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for God. Their fidelity would not be a testimony to convince others of the truth; for the obdurate heart has beaten back the waves of mercy until they return no more. If the righteous were now left to fall a prey to their enemies, it would be a triumph for the prince of darkness." -The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4 page 452

The 144,000 will be preserved by God throughout “the time of Jacob’s trouble” and be taken alive at Jesus Christ’s second coming.

7. Will the 144,000 people suffer for lack of Food during the time of Jacob’s trouble?

No! God will provide for their needs. Remember none of them will die. Mrs. White says, “Bread and water is all that is promised to the remnant in the time of trouble.” The Story of Redemption, p.129

She further says, “The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food they will not be left to perish.… While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels will shield the righteous and supply their wants.” -Maranatha Chapter 269.

8. Will God reveal the day and hour of Jesus Christ’s coming to the 144,000?

Yes! Since probation is already closed, God in His mercy to the righteous, He will reveal it to them. Listen to what Mrs. White says, “Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses' did when he came down from Mount Sinai.” {Early Writings p.14.1}

Conclusion:

Since the sealing of God’s people is based on Christ-like character and not on any other reason, therefore, the rest of the billions of people on earth at that time when probation is closed will not be sealed because of their ungodly character. They have the Mark of the Beast. God is gracious, but His grace has to come to an end to destroy the wicked because they rejected His offer of salvation. As it was in the time of Noah, so shall it be with those who live at the end.

We should strive to live a Christ-like character every day, so should we die before the close of probation, it does not matter because we can be still found in God’s kingdom though me may not be alive to make up the special group 144,000 in number. The 144,000 are not the only ones to receive eternal life. Those who will be resurrected at the first resurrection when Christ returns will make up the great multitude in heaven – Rev 7:9. Amen!

The characteristics of the 144,000

A. no guile

Christ: 1 Peter 2:21-22 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:“

144,000: Revelation 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

B. Obedient

Revelation 14:4 “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.”

John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

C. not connected to any apostate church

Revelation 14:4 “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins.”

D. they came out of the great tribulation

"These are they which came out of great tribulation"; they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; .-- {LDE 268.4}

E. They have stood without intercessor

"they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments.-- {LDE 268.4}

F. They have stood for the Word, received opposition

Why were they [the 144,000] so specially singled out? Because they had to stand with a wonderful truth right before the whole world, and receive their opposition, and while receiving this opposition they were to remember that they were sons and daughters of God, that they must have Christ formed within them the hope of glory. They were ever keeping in view the great and blessed hope that is before them. What is it? It is an eternal weight of glory. Nothing could surpass it. {1SAT 72.3}

Privilege of the 144,000:

  1. they will know the hour of Jesus' coming (after the plagues begin)
    Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses' did when he came down from Mount Sinai. {CET 58.1}
  2. to visit other worlds
    "You must go back, and if you are faithful, you, with the 144,000, shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of God." AH 543.2
  3. no human weapons can hurt them
    The 144,000 were all sealed, and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, "God, New Jerusalem," and a glorious star containing Jesus' new name. At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground. Then it was that the synagogue of Satan knew that God had loved us who could wash one another's feet, and salute the brethren with a holy kiss, and they worshiped at our feet. {CET 58.2}
  4. they can enter into the temple of God
    And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, "Only the 144,000 enter this place," and we shouted, "Alleluia." {CET 63.2}
  5. their names are engraved in the table of stones in the temple
    I saw there tables of stone in which the names of the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold. {CET 63.3}
  6. they sing a special song
    Revelation 14:3 “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.”

Controversial quote:

"The Lord has given me a view of other worlds. Wings were given me, and an angel attended me from the city to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass of the place was living green, and the birds there warbled a sweet song. The inhabitants of the place were of all sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely. They bore the express image of Jesus, and their countenances beamed with holy joy, expressive of the freedom and happiness of the place. . . . I begged of my attending angel to let me remain in that place. I could not bear the thought of coming back to this dark world again. Then the angel said, 'You must go back, and if you are faithful, you, with* the 144,000, shall have the privilege of visiting all the worlds and viewing the handiwork of God.'"--Early Writings, pp. 39, 40.

*Note: Observe that the promise was given to Mrs. White that if she was faithful, she with the 144,000 would have certain privileges. It does not say that she will raise from the dead to be with the 144,000 in the time of trouble. It is referring to the simple fact that if she would be found faithful in her time before her probation would close, she would come up at the voice of God in the 1st resurrection to be with all the saints of God and standing there with the 144,000 and would still have the privileges to visit the other worlds. This quote is not saying she will help make up the 144,000 and go through the time of trouble. Only the 144,000 will go through the time of trouble. Anyone who does not go through the time of trouble and experience it, will not be in the 144,000. Therefore, EGW will not be a 144,000 member, but only with them.

Allow this next quote to sum it all up:

"I saw that she [Mrs. Hastings, who had just died] was sealed and would come up at the voice of God and stand upon the earth, and would be with the 144,000. I saw we need not mourn for her; she would rest in the time of trouble."--Letter 10, 1850 (2SM 263).


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