FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

Likewise, those believers alive at the time will be sealed on their foreheads as well, be it spiritually or literally (Revelation 7:3). Even though those belonging to God will still face trials and tribulation triggered by the unholy three, this mark pro- tects them from the wrath of God reserved for unbelievers. John goes on to tell us that the number receiving this seal is 144,000, an amount that has been the subject of much con- fusion and controversy over the centuries. Many interpret this number to represent Jews converted during this time, fulfilling Paul’s prophecy that “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26). The problem with this viewpoint is that the seal does not signify sal- vation from their sin but rather protections from God’s wrath (Revelation 7:3). Another view, close to the above, is the belief that the 144,000 represent a saved Jewish remnant that preaches to the masses of unsaved gentiles. The issue with this stance is that it assumes the church has already been raptured, a belief not universally supported. I strongly believe the number is not to be taken literally, but rather symbolically, as with 666.The figure 144,000, or 12 x 12,000, a number of totality, “affirms that the full number of the people of God will be brought safely through the time of tribulation; not one of the people of God will be lost.” 31 The Bible goes on to say that every single member of that countless multitude ended up “Standing before the throne and be- fore the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cried out in a loud voice saying,‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the lamb’” (Revelation 7:9-10). One day, when a woman fell from a steamer into the muddy waters of the Mississippi River, a good swimmer leaped in and saved her. Afterward the other women on the boat

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