djhwoodwerks
Well-Known Member
First, I must point out, the Watchtowers interpretation of Revelation 7:4 and 14:1-3 switches interpretive methodology right in the middle of Revelation 7:4. What I mean by this is simply that they interpret the first half of the verse using a literal method of interpretation: "Them I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000..."
They conclude from this that the so called anointed class will have Precisely 144,000 people.
But then, the second half of the verse is not interpreted literally: "from all the tribes of Israel." In other words, the Watchtower Society days there are literally 144,000 people, but this refers not to the literal tribes of Israel but to the anointed class if Jehovahs Witnesses.
There's no justification for switching methods of interpretation from literal to figurative right in the middle of Revelation 7:4 unless you want it to say what YOU want it to say. See my point about the Watchtower? They do it all the time I'm afraid.
They've even said that women are a part of this group, when Revelation 14:4 states: "it is these who have not defiled themselves with women." And since the masculine pronouns are used of this group, it shows that they are all men.
Also, no where in Revelation does it say a great multitude is exempt from heaven. Revelation 7:9 clearly refers to this great multitude as "standing before the throne and I. Front if the lamb." And the Greek word for "before" (enopeon) in Revelation 7:9 is used a number of times in that book to speak to those who are in the physical presence of Gods Throne.
And third and most importantly, it is the clear testimony of Scripture that a heavenly destiny awaits ALL who believe in Jesus Christ, not just a select group of 144,000 anointed believers (Ephesians 2:19, Philippians 3:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 3:1, 12:22, 2 Peter 1:10-11)
Drawing a dichotomy between those with a heavenly destiny and those with an earthly one has no warrant in scripture. ALL who believe in Christ are heirs of the heavenly Kingdom (Galatians 3:29, 4:28-31, Titus 3:7, James 2:5) the righteousness of God that leads to life in heaven is available "through faith in Jesus Christ fore ALL who believe (Romans 3:21). Jesus Promised, " if anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there He will be also (that is, heaven) (John 12:26). Jesus clearly affirmed that all believers will be together in "one flock" under "one shepherd" (John 10:16). There will not be two "folds" whee one is on earth and the other in heaven. scripture is clear; One Fold, One Shepherd.
I hope you take these truths to heart.
Very well put my friend!