The 144,000

-Author Donald A. Walsh

The 144,000

I have recently been challenged by a visiting Jehovah's Witness member to study the 144,000 men mentioned in Revelation chapter 14. It seems that from what I remember from former conversations with Watchtower followers, Jehovah's Witnesses have moved from only 144,000 believers attaining heavenly entrance to the 144,000 being a set-aside group of people who are the only ones given authority in the heavens to rule and reign with Christ. Let's take a look at the scripture where the 144,000 are mentioned.

Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

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.

4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

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

So here are the ascribed characteristics that are spoken of in scripture regarding these 144,000. Any other attributes or doctrines ascribed than these are supposition and doctrines of men.

• vs 1-Father's name written in their foreheads.

• vs 3-Of all the men redeemed of the earth only ones who could sing the song of the beasts and elders around the throne.

• vs 4-All of 144,000 are virgin men having never been defiled with women (celibate) .

• Followed the Lamb wherever He goes i.e Torah obeyers. 

• Men who were "firstfruits" to Yah and to Yahushua.

• Men without corrupt speech, "without guile in their mouths".

It is certain that these "firstfruits" from among men of the earth have a special place in the heart of the Father because they have the same characteristic of the remaining faithful Sons of Heaven; beings dedicated to the realm of heaven who do not/have not had sex with women.