144,000 (2) number 12 Yoshinobu Namihira, MD,FACG 3000 halls ferry road Vicksburg, MS 39180 Phone 601 638 9800 ; fax 601 638 9808 E mail: namihira@earthlink.net www.betterlivingclinic.com www.namihira.org

The sermon detail Opening hymn:507 moment by moment Offering : Prayer : Scripture : Revelation 21:12-14 Special music : the namihira’s Sermon: 144,000 (2) the number 12 Closing hymn: 632 until then

The Lamb and the 144,000 Revelation 14 New King James Version (NKJV) 14 Then I looked, and behold, a[a] Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having[b] His Father’s name written on their foreheads.  2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.  3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.  4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed[c]from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.  5 And in their mouth was found no deceit,[d] for they are without fault before the throne of God.[e]

Exodus 39:14 says, “There were twelve stones according to the names of the sons of Israel: according to their names, engraved like a signet, each one with its own name according to the twelve tribes.” These stones also appear identical to the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21:12,14: “Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

Navy seal- a special force unit

God’s Special Forces The 12 Apostles were a type of Special Forces during the time of Jesus’ first coming. After three-and-a-half years of intensive personal training with Jesus, the Lord was able to use them to achieve great victories. They penetrated Satan’s dominion to spearhead a great revival and expansion of the Christian faith.

But the book of Revelation tells us of another Special Forces unit, a vast “army” of 144,000. They have a special relationship with the Lamb, and they are sealed with a special name. They also sing a special song. Why are the 144,000 so important? It’s because they are commissioned with the greatest missions in the last days: to prepare the world for Jesus’ return. Yet many are bewildered by obvious questions; who exactly is this holy army and who will fill its ranks before the end?

Exactly How Many? Now we can address the next big question: Is the figure 144,000 a literal number? Perhaps I should answer that question with another question: Are the other numbers in Revelation literal or just spiritual? For instance, will there be 12 gates and 12 foundations? Are there really 12 different kinds of fruit on the tree of life? Yes, of course! There are many prophetic time periods given in Revelation, but the numbers are not just nebulas numerical symbols—they are precise measures of time. The numbers would be useless for reckoning if they were merely symbolic. All of our understandings about the dimensions of the New Jerusalem are based on the assumption that these numbers have real literal value

Definition of number (1) : a member of a sequence or collection designated by especially consecutive numbers (as an issue of a periodical) (2) : a position in a numbered sequence 3): a group of one kind <not of their number> 4) one singled out from a group : individual:

Definition Number Disambiguation Not ambiguous ! Exactly Precisely

Number=disambiguation 7 8 1 3 9 10 2 4 5 6

6:7

1 – represents absolute singleness and unity (Ephesians 4:4–6; John 17:21, 22.) (We presume readers need no more than these two citations, as most of the biblical information regarding unity and singleness is common knowledge.) 2 – represents the truth of God’s Word; for example, the law and prophets (John 1:45), two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1), and a sword with two edges (Hebrews 4:12). See Mark 6:7 and Revelation 11:3. It is also used 21 times in the books of Daniel and Revelation. 3 – represents the Godhead / Trinity. The angels cry “Holy” three times to the triune God (Isaiah 6:3). See also Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7, 8. 4 – represents universal truth, as in the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1; Revelation 20:8). In acts 10:11, a sheet with four corners symbolizes the gospel going to all the gentiles. 5 – represents teaching. First, there are the five books of Moses. Second, Jesus taught about the five wise virgins and used five barley loaves used to feed the 5,000. 6 – represents the worship of man, and is the number of man, signifying his rebellion, imperfection, works, and disobedience. It is used 273 times in the Bible, including its derivatives (e.g, sixth) and another 91 times as “threescore” or “60.” Man was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26, 31). See also Exodus 31:15 and Daniel 3:1. The number is especially significant in the book Revelation, as “666” identifies the beast. “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:18).

7 – represents perfection, and is the sign of God, divine worship, completions, obedience, and rest. The “prince” of Bible numbers, it is used 562 times, including its derivatives (e.g., seventh, sevens). (See Genesis 2:1–4, Psalm 119:164, and Exodus 20:8–11 for just a few of the examples.) The number seven is also the most common in biblical prophecy, occurring 42 times in Daniel and Revelation alone. In Revelation there are seven churches, seven spirits, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, seven lamps, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven thousand slain in a great earthquake, seven heads, seven crowns, seven last plagues, seven golden vials, seven mountains, and seven kings. 10 – represents law and restoration. Of course, this includes the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. See also Matthew 25:1 (ten virgins); Luke 17:17 (ten lepers); Luke 15:8 (healing, ten silver coins). 12 – represents the church and God’s authority. Jesus had 12 disciples, and there were 12 tribes of Israel. In Revelation 12:1, the 24 elders and 144,000 are multiples of 12. The New Jerusalem city has12 foundations, 12 gates 12 thousand furlongs, a tree with 12 kinds of fruit 12 times a year eaten by 12 times 12,000 or the 144,000. (See Revelation 21.) 40 – represents a generation and times of testing. It rained for 40 days during the flood. Moses spent 40 years in the desert, as did the children of Israel. Jesus fasted for 40 days. 50 – represents power and celebration. The Jubilee came after the 49th year (Leviticus 25:10), and Pentecost occurred 50 days after Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2). 70 – represents human leadership and judgment. Moses appointed 70 elders (Exodus 24:1); The Sanhedrin was made up of 70 men. Jesus chose 70 disciples (Luke 10:1). Jesus told Peter to forgive 70 times 7.

Number (disambiguation). A number is a mathematical object used to count, label, and measure. In mathematics, the definition of number has been extended over the years to include such numbers as zero, negative numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, and complex numbers. Mathematical operations are certain procedures that take one or more numbers as input and produce a number as output. Unary operations take a single input number and produce a single output number. For example, the successor operation adds one to an integer, thus the successor of 4 is 5. Binary operations take two input numbers and produce a single output number. Examples of binary operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation. The study of numerical operations is called arithmetic. A notational symbol that represents a number is called a numeral. In addition to their use in counting and measuring, numerals are often used for labels (telephone numbers), for ordering (serial numbers), and for codes (e.g., ISBNs). In common usage, the word number can mean the abstract object, the symbol, or the word for the number

SYMBOL EXAMPLE N Natural 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, ... or 1, 2, 3, 4, ... Z Integers ..., −5, −4, −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... Q Rational a⁄b where a and b are integers and b is not zero ;1/2=2/4=0.5 R Real The limit of a convergent sequence of rational numbers; Every real number is either rational or irrational. Every real number corresponds to a point on the number line. The real numbers also have an important but highly technical property called the least upper bound property. The symbol for the real numbers is R, also written as . π = 3.141592653589 C Complex a + bi or a + ib where a and b are real numbers and i is the square root of −1

Now you might be thinking, “How can you say that the names are symbolic and the number is literal?” Simple, Jesus did. It doesn’t seem to matter to the Lord what tribes the 12 Apostles sprang from, but it did matter that there were 12 of them. Also remember that while most of the numbers in Revelation depict a real value, all the proper names in Revelation are symbols (e.g., The Lamb, The Dragon, the Lion, Balaam, Jezebel, etc.).

Symbols in the bible and meaning

Tree = Cross; People / Nation Deut. 21:22-23, Psalm 92:12, 37:35 Seed = Descendents / Jesus Romans 9:8, Galatians 3:16 Fruit = Works / Actions Galatians 5:22 Fig Tree = A Nation that should bear fruit Luke 13:6-9 Vineyard = Church that should bear fruit Luke 20:9-16 Field = World Matthew 13:38, John 4:35 Harvest = End of World Matthew 13:39 Reapers = Angels Matthew 13:39 Thorns / Thorny Ground = Cares of this life Mark 4:18-19 Stars = Angels/messengers = Revelation 1:16, 20; 12:4, 7-9; Job 38:7 Jordan = death Romans 6:4, Deuteronomy 4:22 Mountains = Political or religio-political powers Isaiah 2:2, 3; Jeremiah 17:3; 31:23; 51:24, 25; Ezekiel 17:22, 23; Daniel 2:35, 44, 45 Rock = Jesus/truth 1 Corinthians 10:4; Isaiah 8:13, 14; Romans 9:33; Matthew 7:24 Sun = Jesus/the gospel Psalm 84:11; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 17:2; John 8:12; 9:5 Winds = Strife/commotion/"winds of war"Jeremiah 25:31-33; 49:36, 37; 4:11-13; Zechariah 7:14

Lamp = Word of God Psalm 119:105 Oil = Holy Spirit Zechariah 4:2-6; Revelation 4:5 Sword = Word of God Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12 Bread = Word of God John 6:35, 51, 52, 63 Wine = blood/covenant/doctrines Luke 5:37 Honey = happy life Ezekiel 20:6, Deuteronomy 8:8-9 Clothing = Character Isaiah 64:6, Isaiah 59:6 Crown = A Glorious Ruler or Rulership Proverbs 16:31, Isaiah 28:5, Isaiah 62:3 Ring = Authority Genesis 41:42-43, Esther 3:10-11 Angel = Messenger Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26; Hebrews 1:14 Babylon = apostasy/confusion/rebellion Gen. 10:8-10; 11:6-9; Rev. 18:2, 3; 17:1-5 Mark = Sign or seal of approval or disapproval Ezekiel 9:4; Romans 4:11; Revelation 13:17; 14:9-11; 7:2, 3 Seal = Sign or mark of approval or disapproval Romans 4:11; Revelation 7:2, 3 White Robes = Victory/righteousness Revelation 19:8; 3:5; 7:14 Jar / Vessel = Person Jermiah 18:1-4, 2 Corinthians 4:7 Time = 360 Day Daniel 4:16, 23, 25, 32; 7:25; Daniel 11:13 margin Times = 720 Days Daniel 7:25, Revelation 12:6,14, 13:5 Day = Literal year Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34 Trumpet = loud warning of God's approach Exodus 19:16-17, Joshua 6:4-5

Actions, Activities, and Physical States Healing = Salvation Luke 5:23-24 Leprosy / Sickness = Sin Luke 5:23-24 Famine = Dearth of Truth Amos 8:11

People and Body Parts Woman, Pure = True Church Jeremiah 6:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-27 Woman, Corrupt = Apostate church Ezk. 16:15-58; 23:2-21; Hos. 2:5; 3:1; Rev. 14:4 Thief = Suddenness of Jesus' coming 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4; 2 Peter 3:10 Hand = Deeds / Works / Actions Ecclesiastes 9:10, Isaiah 59:6 Forehead = Mind Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Romans 7:25; Ezekiel 3:8, 9 Feet = Your Walk / Direction Genesis 19:2, Psalm 119:105 Eyes = Spiritual Discernment Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11 Skin = Christ's righteousness Exodus 12:5, 1 Peter 1:19, Isaiah 1:4-6 Harlot = Apostate church/religion Isaiah 1:21-27; Jeremiah 3:1-3; 6-9 Heads = Major powers/rulers/governments Revelation 17:3, 9, 10

SYMBOL MEANING REFERENCES Angel Messenger Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19,26; Hebrews 1:14 Ark of Testimony Ark of the covenant/mercy seat where God dwells Exodus 25:10-22; Psalms 80:1 Babylon Religious apostasy/confusion Genesis 10:8-10; 11:6-9; Revelation 18:2-3; 17:1-5 Balaam, Doctrine of Advancing our own interests, compromise, idolatry Numbers 22:5-25 Beast Kingdom, government, political power Daniel 7:23 Bear Destructive Power / Medo Persia Proverbs 28:15; 2 Kings 2:23-24; Daniel 7:5 Binding of Satan A symbolic chain of circumstances Isaiah 14:12-20 Black Moral darkness, sin, apostasy Exodus 10:21-23; Jeremiah 4:20-28; 8:21; Acts 26:18; John 12:35; Joel 2:1-10 Blood Life Leviticus 17:11; Deuteronomy 12:23 Blue (color) Law Numbers 15:38-39

Bottomless pit Earth in chaos, torn up, dark and empty Genesis 1:1,2; Jeremiah 4:23-28; Isaiah 24:1-4, 19; Revelation 20:1-3 Bow Success in battle against evil Psalm 7:11,12; Psalms 45:4,5 Bread Word of God John 6:35, 51, 52, 63 Brass, Tin, Iron, Lead, Silver dross Impure Character Ezekiel 22:20-21 Corrupt Woman Corrupt, apostate church Ezekiel 16:15-58; 23:2-21; Hosea 2:5; 3:1 Crowns Kingship, victory 1 Chronicles 20:2; 2 Kings 11:12; Ezekiel 21:26,27; James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:7,8; 1 Corinthians 9:25 Clothing Character Isaiah 64:6, Isaiah 59:6 Cup Meted out suffering and judgments Psalm 11:6; Isaiah 51:12,22-23; Jeremiah 25:12-17; 49:12 Day Literal year Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34 Door Opportunity/ Probation 2 Corinthians 2:12; Revelation 3:20 Luke 12:24, 25 Dove Holy Spirit Mark 1:10 Dragon Satan or his agency Isaiah 27:1; 30:6; Psalms 74:13,14; Revelation 12:7,9; Ezekiel 29:3; Jeremiah 51:34

Eagle Speed, Power, vision, vengeance, protection Deut 28:49; Habakkuk 1:6-8; Revelation 12:1-4 Eating of the book Assimilating the message Ezekiel 3:1-3; Jeremiah 15:16 Egypt Symbol of atheism Exodus 5:2 Eyes Spiritual Discernment Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11 Eye salve Holy Spirit to help us see truth, discernment to understand word, antidote for spiritual blindness Ephesians 1:12-19; Psalms 119:18; I John 2: 20,27; John 16:7-13 Faithful witness Christ John 18:37; John 3:11; Revelation 1:5; 3:14; 19:11 False Prophet Apostate Protestantism Revelation 16:13,14; 13:13,14; 19:20 Famine Dearth of Truth Amos 8:11 Feet Your Walk / Direction Genesis 19:2, Psalm 119:105 Forehead Mind Romans 7:25; Ezekiel 3:8,9 Fornication Illicit connection between church and world Ezekiel 16:15,26; Isaiah 23:17; James 4:4; Revelation 14:4 Four Beasts of Living Creatures Heavenly beings with special responsibilities Revelation 5:8-10; 4:6-9; 6:1-7; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4 Fire Holy Spirit Luke 3:16

Four corners of Earth Four directions of compass Jeremiah 49:36 Fire Holy Spirit Luke 3:16 Fig Tree A Nation that should bear fruit Luke 13:6-9 Field World Matthew 13:38, John 4:35 Fruit Works / Actions Galatians 5:22 Garments Covering of righteousness Genesis 35:2; Isaiah 61:10; 52:1; Zechariah 3:3-5; Romans 13:14 Gold True riches of heaven, faith, scripture Psalms 19:7-10; Galatians 5:6; James 2:5; Job 23:10; Isaiah 13:12 Goat Greece Daniel 8:21 Hand Symbol of Deeds / Works / Actions Ecclesiastes 9:10, Isaiah 59:6 Harvest End of World Matthew 13:39 Harlot Apostate church/religion Isaiah 1:21-27; Jeremiah 3:1-3; 6-9 Heads Major powers/rulers/governments Revelation 17:3, 9, 10; Daniel 7:6; 8:8,22

Healing Salvation Luke 5:23-24 Hidden Manna Christ John 6:49,50,53; mathew13:44 Honey happy life Ezekiel 20:6, Deuteronomy 8:8-9 Horn King or kingdom Power and Strength Daniel 7:24; 8:5, 21, 22; Zechariah 1:18, 19; Revelation 17:12 Horse Strength and Power in Battle Special representatives/angel Job 39:19, Psalms 147:10, Proverbs 21:31; Exodus 15:21; Isaiah 43:17; Jeremiah 8:6 Zechariah 1:8-10; 6:1-8 Image A likeness Exodus 20:4; Genesis 1:26; 5:3 Incense Prayers of God’s people Psalms 141:2; Revelations 5:8 Israel True Followers of Christ Romans 9:6-8; 2:28,29; Galatians 3:29 Jar / Vessel Person Jeremiah 18:1-4, 2 Corinthians 4:7 Jezebel Immorality, Idolatry, Apostasy 1 Kings 21:25; 2 Kings 9:22 Jordan death Romans 6:4, Deuteronomy 4:22

Key of David Power to open & close the sanctuary Revelations 3:7-9; Isaiah 22:22 Keys Control/jurisdiction Isaiah22:22; Matthew 16:19 Lamb Jesus/sacrifice John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Genesis 22:7,8 Lamp Word of God Psalm 119:105 Lamb’s Wife New Jerusalem Revelation 19:7-9; 21:2,9,10 Lion Jesus/Powerful King i.e. Babylon Rev. 5:4-9, Jer. 50:43-44, Dan. 7:4,17,23 Locusts Destruction Joel 1:4; Deuteronomy 28:38 Leopard Greece Daniel 7:6 Leprosy / Sickness Sin Luke 5:23-24 Lords Day The Sabbath Isaiah 58:13; Matthew 12:8; Exodus 20:10 Man Child Jesus Psalms 2:7-9; Revelation 12:5 Mark Sign/Seal/mark of approval or disapproval Romans 4:11; Ezekiel 9:4; Revelation 13:17; 14:9-11; 7:2, 3 Measuring Rod God’s Law God’s Word James 2:10-12; Ecclesiastes 12:13,14 Isaiah 8:19,20; 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Measuring Rod God’s Law God’s Word James 2:10-12; Ecclesiastes 12:13,14 Isaiah 8:19,20; 2 Timothy 3:16,17 Merchants Advocates of Babylon’s teachings Isaiah 47:11-15;Nahum 3:16; Revelations 18:3,11,15,23 Moon Permanence Moses’ system of types of sacrifices Psalms 89:35-37 Hebrews 10:1,11 Morning star Jesus Revelations 22:16 Mountains Political or religion-political powers Isaiah 2:2, 3; Jeremiah 17:3; 31:23; 51:24, 25; Ezekiel 17:22, 23; Daniel 2:35, 44, 45 Mystery of God The gospel Ephesians 1:9,10, 3:9, 6:19; Colossians 1:26,27 New Jerusalem The Holy city of Heaven Revelations 3:12, 21:2 Oil Holy Spirit Zechariah 4:2-6; Revelation 4:5 Open Door Unlimited Opportunity 1 Corinthians 16:9; Acts14:27; John 10:7-9 Hosea 2:15; Colossians 4:3 Purple Royalty Mark 15:17, Judges 8:26 Rainbow Token of covenant keeping Genesis 9:11-17

Rainbow Token of covenant keeping Genesis 9:11-17 Ram Medo Persia Daniel 8:20 Red / Scarlet (color) Sin/corruption Isaiah 1:18; Nahum 2:3; Revelation 17:1-4 Reapers Angels Matthew 13:39 Reins Seat of will, affections Psalms 7:9, 16:7, 26:2, 73:21; Proverbs 23:16; Jeremiah 17:10 Ring Authority Genesis 41:42-43, Esther 3:10-11 Rock Jesus/truth 1 Corinthians 10:4; Isaiah 8:13, 14; Romans 9:33; Matthew 7:24 Seal Sign or mark of approval or disapproval Romans 4:11; Revelation 7:2, 3 Seed Descendents / Jesus Romans 9:8, Galatians 3:16 Second Death Lake of fire Revelations 21:8; 20:2 Serpent Satan Revelation 12:9; 20:2 Seven Candle sticks 7 candlesticks in Holy Place of Sanctuary Seven Churches Exodus 25:31-40 Revelations1:20

Seven Heads Seven Political Powers Revelations 17:9,10; Isaiah 2:2-4 Seven Lamps Jesus, Word of God John 9:5, 1:9; Psalms 119:105; Revelations 4:5 Sickle Symbol of Harvest-End of world Mathew 13:39; Revelations 14:14 Silver Pure Words & Understanding Proverbs 2:4, 3:13-14, 10:20, 25:11, Psalms 12:6 Sodom Moral degradations Ezekiel 16:46-55; Jeremiah 23:14; Genesis 19:4-14 Stars Angels/messengers Revelation 1:16, 20; 12:4, 7-9; Job 38:7 Sun Jesus/the gospel Psalm 84:11; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 17:2; John 8:12; 9:5 Skin Christ's righteousness Exodus 12:5, 1 Peter 1:19, Isaiah 1:4-6 Sword Word of God Bloodshed, Destruction Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12 Isaiah 3:25, 13:15; Acts 12:1,2; Jeremiah 48:2 Testimony of Jesus Holy Spirit/ gift of prophecy Revelations 19:10; 22:9; 1 Corinthians 13:2 Thief Suddenness of Jesus' coming 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4; 2 Peter 3:10 Thorns / Thorny Ground Cares of this life Mark 4:18-19

Tongue Language / Speech Exodus 4:10 Time 360 Day (Literal Years) Daniel 4:16, 23, 25, 32; 7:25; Daniel 11:13 margin Times 720 Days (Literal Years) Daniel 7:25, Revelation 12:6,14, 13:5; 11:1,2 Trumpet loud warning of God's approach Exodus 19:16-17, Joshua 6:4-5 Tree Cross; People / Nation Deut. 21:22-23, Psalm 92:12, 37:35 Torment Test, prove by trial 1 Corinthians 3:13; Hebrews 12:29; Isaiah 33:14 Twenty-four elders A group redeemed from earth Revelations 5:9-10, 4:4; 7:9-14 Two-edged Sword God’s word Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 10:34 Two witnesses Old and New Testaments John 5:39, Zechariah 4:1-14; psalms 119:130, 105; John 12:48 Vineyard Church that should bear fruit Luke 20:9-16 Waters Inhabited Area-People/ Nations Revelations 17:15 Water Holy Spirit / Everlasting Life John 7:39, 4:14, Rev. 22:17, Eph. 5:26

Water Holy Spirit / Everlasting Life John 7:39, 4:14, Rev. 22:17, Eph. 5:26 White (Color) Purity Revelation 12:9; 20:2 White Robes Victory/righteousness Revelation 19:8; 3:5; 7:14 Winds Strife, Commotions, “winds of war” Jeremiah 25:31-33,49:36,37, 4:11-13; Zechariah 7:14 Wings Speed / Protection / Deliverance Deuteronomy 28:49, Matthew 23:37 Wine blood/covenant/doctrines Luke 5:37 Woman, Pure True Church Jeremiah 6:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-27 Woman, Corrupt Apostate church Ezk. 16:15-58; 23:2-21; Hos. 2:5; 3:1; Rev. 14:4 Wolf Disguised Enemies that hunt in a time of darkness Matthew 7:15 Wormwood Sorrow/bitterness Jeremiah 9:15, 23:15; Lamentations 3:19 Wrath of God Seven Last Plagues Revelations 15:1

The Number 12 In fact, the secret key to unlocking the mystery behind the 144,000 might be in the number itself. You mathematicians are going to love this section! Twelve is a perfect number for building, because it is one of the most versatile numbers. It can be evenly divided by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and of course 12.

12/1=12 12/2=6 12/3=4 12/4=3 12/6=2 12/12=1

An Amazing Fact The reason there are 12 inches in the standard foot measurement is because the foot used to be based on the length of the English king’s physical foot, and that measurement constantly changed through various kings. This is also why a 12-inch measuring stick was called a “ruler.”

12 inch measuring stick = a ruler

The background of 1 foot=12 ‘’ The English king The length of physical foot ,from the front to the back One foot = 12 inches Different kings = different length of foot A big problem ! A bright solution ! one foot =12 inches = a measuring stick (standard) A measuring stick = “ ruler “ The English king = a ruler of the kingdom (UK)

Number 12 in the bible The number 12 in the Bible almost always represents leadership of the church. There were 12 patriarchs from Shem to Jacob. In addition, 12 spies led the way to the Promised Land, and there are 12 judges from Joshua to Samuel. In Scripture, the number 12 is also often associated with God’s church, which is typically symbolized by a woman.

Mark 5:25-42 There is also an interesting story in the Gospels concerning the number 12. In just one hour, Jesus healed two females with miracles associated with the number 12. First, He healed a woman who had been bleeding 12 years. From that event, He went directly to resurrect a 12-year-old girl. The first woman represented the Old Testament church with a continual flow of sacrificial blood. The young girl symbolized the New Testament church that came to life after a resurrection. They both touched Jesus that day and were made whole (Mark 5:25-42).

A woman with bleeding for 12 years

A young woman of 12 years old

A woman with bleeding for 12 years A young woman of 12 years old Two (2) women and 12 A woman with bleeding for 12 years A young woman of 12 years old

The miracles by Jesus & 2 women ,12 Duration In 1 hour # of women 2 Jesus healed #1 woman with bleeding disorder For 12 years Jesus went and resurrected #2 young girl (woman) {Jairus’s daughter} Of 12 years old #1 woman Old testament church with continual flow of sacrificial blood #2 woman New testament church that came to life after resurrection Both #1 and #2 woman touched Jesus Were made whole

12 stars In Revelation 12:1, we read, “Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.” God’s church pictured here has 12 stars above the head; these stars are a symbol of the inspired leadership of the church (1 Corinthians 11:10).

12 stars

Another interesting clue related to the 144,000 is found in 1 Chronicles 27:1-15. Here we read that David’s army was comprised of 12 sets of 24,000, totaling 288,000. That’s two teams of 144,000. 288,000= 144,000x2

288 musicians and 24 elders First Chronicles 25:7 tells of a literal group of “24 times 12” Levities that were to lead in praise music of the temple— 288 ! That is the number of musicians . 288= 144x 2 that’s two times 144, which equals 288. And of course, you have two times 12, or 24 elders on thrones around the throne of God in Revelation 4:4. 24=12 x 2 This represents the 12 patriarchs in the Old Testament and 12 apostles in the New Testament!

In Matthew 19:28, Jesus says to the Apostles, “You who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” He then makes a promise to those who will come out of the last age of the church known as Laodicea, which means “judging the people.” “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21). This is because the 144,000 live during the last age of the church and share the experiences of the apostles.

Expanding Square formation In heaven, it seems that at times there will be an expanding square formation around God’s throne. First, the Lord Himself sits on His throne. Outside His throne sit the four creatures, then the 24 elders in a square around them (six to each side), and then finally the 144,000 in a perfect square (36,000 to each side). The great multitudes of saved are the last group that surrounds the 144,000. The perfect and symmetrical math of this assembly is far beyond the fisherman who wrote Revelation.

god 4 creatures 24 elders 144,000 The great multitude 36,000 36,000 36,000 6 6 6 6 36,000

As a final point of interest for our math majors, did you also know that in addition to the 144,000 being calculated as 12 times 12,000, it can also be achieved this way: 12 x 12 x 1000 (or 10 cubed). In this way, you have God's kingdom number (12), God's number of completeness or wholeness (10, as in commandments), and God's number (3 as in Godhead). I think this might be another fascinating example of God’s perfect design.

Mathematics of interest 144,000 12x 12,000= 144,000 12x12x1000 = 144,000 1000=10x10x10= 10 cubes 10 cubes= 10 commandments 3 elements in cube = 3 Godhead = God, Jesus, holy Ghost

The crosss !!! Amazing fact When you open/unfold the cube , Guess what you get! The crosss !!!

Precious Stones Another reason for the number 12 is found in the breastplate worn by the High Priest bearing the 12 different precious stones. This reminds us that God’s church is made up of many different personalities all near to the heart of our High Priest. The Bible reveals the diverse temperaments that make up the 12 patriarchs and apostles. God chooses leaders of every type, that He might use them to reach all kinds.

Exodus 39:14 says, “There were twelve stones according to the names of the sons of Israel: according to their names, engraved like a signet, each one with its own name according to the twelve tribes.” These stones also appear identical to the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21:12,14: “Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

For these reasons and others, I believe the number 144,000 is a precise figure. Just as there were 12 literal tribes in the Old Testament and exactly 12 apostles in the New Testament, and as the walls are truly 144 cubits thick, and as there will be exactly 144 different kinds of fruit on the tree of life each year (12 different fruits each month), there will be 12 times 12,000 apostles (=144,000) in the last days.

Tree of life 144 fruits

144 fruits /year 144,000 A precise number 12 tribes Old testament (OT) 12 apostles New testament (NT) 144 cubits thick Wall of new Jerusalem ( the Holy city ) 144 fruits /year 12 fruits/ mo. x12mo Tree of life / year 12x12= 144 ! 12x12,000=144,000 Apostles in the last days

priests that Jesus values as 12 and 144,000 : meaning ! So let’s assemble the clues we have uncovered. In Scripture, the numbers 12 and 144,000 are associated with Judges, David’s army, praising priests, and precious stones. In the same way, the 144,000 are an army of judges and priests that Jesus values as

12;144,000 are associated with In the Bible In our modern day Judges An army of Judges David’s army Praising priests Priests Precious stones “ navy seal”;special force unit

Example of precious stones

Who will be there?(1) THOSE WHO SHARE CHRIST’S SUFFERING. GOD’S SURPRISES. HUGE MULTITUDE REDEEMED. CHRIST’S APOSTLES. MARTYRS BURIED IN ROME. HIS FAITHFUL ONES. ANGELS, SAINTS, AND SAVIOUR. CHILDREN. THOSE WHO COME TO GOD IN FAITH.

Who will be there?(2) THOSE WHO LOOK TO JESUS. ELECT OBEY WITH CHILDLIKE SIMPLICITY. ABEL WILL RECEIVE IMMORTALITY. ABRAHAM’S ETERNAL POSSESSION. OVERCOMERS WILL RECEIVE CROWN. FAITHFUL, EXALTED, AND HONORED.

Who will be there?(3) THOSE WHO HAVE COME BACK TO THE FOLD. HIS WELL-BELOVED BROTHERS. THOSE THE REDEEMED HAVE TAUGHT ABOUT JESUS. SOUL WINNERS. THOSE WHO HAVE HEAVEN IN THEIR HEARTS ABRAHAM, ISAAC, JACOB, NOAH, DANIEL. THOSE WHO HAVE FOLLOWED THE PATTERN. THOSE WHO DO HIS WILL.

Who will be there?(4) THOSE WHO WORK IN HARMONY WITH GOD. THOSE WHO CONTEMPLATE HEAVENLY THINGS. THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND NEIGHBORS. THOSE WHO HAVE PARTAKEN IN CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS. THOSE CLOTHED WITH PURITY. THOSE WHO HAVE HEARD HIS VOICE.

CHRIST’S TROPHIES CHRIST’S TROPHIES.—In that day the redeemed will shine forth in the glory of the Father and the Son. The angels, touching their golden harps, will welcome the King and His trophies of victory—those who have been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. A song of triumph will peal forth, filling all heaven. Christ has conquered. He enters the heavenly courts, accompanied by His redeemed ones, the witnesses that His mission of suffering and sacrifice has not been in vain. . . . {Hvn 81.1} Jesus ascended to the Father as a representative of the human race, and God will bring those who reflect His image to behold and share with Him His glory.—9T 285, 286. {Hvn 81.2}

HEAVENLY COMPANIONS HEAVENLY COMPANIONS.—Then the redeemed will be welcomed to the home that Jesus is preparing for them. There their companions will not be the vile of earth, liars, idolaters, the impure, and unbelieving; but they will associate with those who have overcome Satan and through divine grace have formed perfect characters. Every sinful tendency, every imperfection, that afflicts them here has been removed by the blood of Christ, and the excellence and brightness of His glory, far exceeding the brightness of the sun, is imparted to them. And the moral beauty, the perfection of His character, shines through them, in worth far exceeding this outward splendor. They are without fault before the great white throne, sharing the dignity and the privileges of the angels.—SC 126. {Hvn 82.2}

HUGE MULTITUDE REDEEMED HUGE MULTITUDE REDEEMED.—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.—GC 665. {Hvn 83.1}

Conclusions (1) Number is disambiguation(precise, exact) 7= perfection ; 10=law of God, resotoration;12=the church, God’s authority Doctrine of Balaam=advance one’s interest, idolatry Jezebel=immorality ,idolatry Lamb=Jesus Lion =Jesus, powerful king 1foot=12 inches (English king) A measuring stick= a ruler

Conclusions (2) A woman with bleeding for 12 years (OT) A young woman of 12 years old (NT) David’s army =288,000= 144,000x2 Levites(musicians)=288=144x2 24 elders=12x2 (12 OT; 12 NT) Expanding square formation (God;4creatures;24 elders;144,000;the great multitudes)

Conclusions (3) When you unfold the cube, you get “shape of cross “ 12 precious stones The new Jerusalem (the holy city ) 144,000 12 tribes of Jacob 12 apostles 144cubit thick wall 144 different fruits from the tree of life /year 12x12x1000=144,000 apostles in the last days Characteristics of the redeemed

priests that Jesus values as 12 and 144,000 : meaning ! So let’s assemble the clues we have uncovered. In Scripture, the numbers 12 and 144,000 are associated with Judges, David’s army, praising priests, and precious stones. In the same way, the 144,000 are an army of judges and priests that Jesus values as

The END Thank you for coming !

The sermon detail Opening hymn:507 moment by moment Offering : Prayer : Scripture : Revelation 21:12-14 Special music : the namihira’s Sermon: 144,000 (2) the number 12 Closing hymn: 632 until then

Place of visit 5-4-2013 ,vicksburg sda church