and there are millions of faithful out there....doesn't it get a little discouraging to think it's a pretty slim chance of getting in?? There's always going to be someone even more "faithful" than you. So my question is what happens to the rest then, do they end up in hell or just cease to exist? Also, would the souls chosen be from the last 2000 years? I mean, why just choose the currrent souls on earth on that particular day? That reduces your odds even further. And if all the souls for the last 2 millenia are already in there, why will only 144,000 more get in?
2007-05-02 08:20:39 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Just for the record here...I'm an atheist. I'm just trying to understand what the religious folk are thinking!
2007-05-02 08:55:27 · update #1
Funny how that works isn't it.
2007-05-02 08:25:59 · answer #1 · answered by Snooter McPrickles 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Keep in mind that a lot of Christians will lose their lives before Jesus returns. You could be one of those if you remain faithful.
At that point, it won't be a question of "who's more spiritual than who". It will be either you are or you aren't. It's not going to be like it is right now, where you have the choice to be a little wishy-washy if you want. You will HAVE to make a choice.
There will be no separation of church and state, and a law that is against God's commandments will be put into play. If you obey the law, you will have accepted the mark of the beast. If you do not obey the law, you will have the mark of God.
Study God's Commandments carefully, because the Bible says that even the very elect will be deceived.
By the way, the only Commandment that most churches do not teach today is the fourth, which commands that we remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. The Sabbath day isn't Sunday... it's the 7th day of the week...
...and I am NOT a Jehovah's Witness. I just read my Bible.
2007-05-02 08:27:18 · answer #2 · answered by Birdie 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That isn't what is written in the bible. That is what Jehovah Witnesses think though.
The 144,000 number sealed from the tribes of Israel is in Rev. 7. And there are a countless number who are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb from Israel & all nations. All of these are part of the 1st Resurrection and the 1st Resurrection is complete before the Millinnium Reign of Jesus Christ. These are who take part in the first Judgment Day and that is Awards Day.
The rest of the dead do not take part of this Judgment. Instead they are raised up after the Reign of Christ and stand before God at the Great White Throne Judgment written about in Rev. 20. And they are judged according to works. And whosoever's name can't be found in the book of life are thrown into the lake of fire.
2007-05-02 10:58:47 · answer #3 · answered by t_a_m_i_l 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who told you that only 144,000 souls would be taken to heaven on judgment day? Was it the Bible? If it's Chapter 14 of Revelations you're referring to, the 144,000 are described in detail, but they are not the only ones in heaven. There are others in Chapter 15, because he starts with, "And I saw another sign in heaven," and then those people are described. On to Chapter 19, verse 1; "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven"; same chapter, verse 6: "And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters" There are enough references to contain all of the people that have ever lived on earth, in heaven. However, only the believers will be there.
2007-05-02 08:43:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
OK here is the big picture: Gods 144,000 will help Jesus to rule his Kingdom to come. Jesus is already ruling in heaven right now.we are in the final hour. soon destruction will be brought down on all humanity.at Armageddon. Satan and his demonic angels will be locked down for while. a Resurrection will occur and a judgment will be made. most of the faithful will live forever on earth in a Paradise,just like God intended.all others who don't go along with Gods program will be permanently cut off from him.
2007-05-02 08:36:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The 144,000 are the "chosen" ones. They will reside with Jesus as his brideclass for eternity. As for the rest of the sheep (followers) they will be taken through armageddon and reside forever in a paradise on Earth. And all who have died will be resurrected. Those who died faithful to eternal life on Earth. And the rest will be tested to see if they are worthy of the paradise. Whatever Jehovah God decides to do with his believers whether it be eternal life or eternal residency with Christ is his perfect decision. And we as believers agree with it all.
2007-05-02 10:41:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
when Jesus comes back, he will take those that are 100%. Then there will be the 7 yr tribulation for those on earth. Those that realize and stand up for Christ against the anti-christ, will be given that chance...the only way then to enter into the kingdom of Heaven is to die a martyr. Girl, read your Bible and research it more. There's not just 144,000. "Any who call on the name of the Lord SHALL be saved"
2007-05-02 08:26:29 · answer #7 · answered by guitar_girl1988 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
AAHHH!!! The 144,000 are the believing Jews named in Revelation. The jehovah's witnesses put such an emphasis on this and that number in particular, that it causes people to think that they are the ONLY ones going.
That isn't so, that isn't true.
Read the REST of the New Testament and you'll find that whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
2007-05-02 08:27:18 · answer #8 · answered by Jed 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
This is a case of misunderstanding gone wild. The verses indicate that 144,000 of all born are pre-selected for eternity with god. Everyone else still have a chance to become like those who are pre-saved (so to speak). Realize that( if you buy into any of it) you are buying into someone else's interpretation. You are accepting another's personal truth. Read, study, make your OWN interpretations. If you ask ten people to tell you what a verse means you will get ten different and often opposing answers. And each one will believe in their heart that they are 100% correct!
2007-05-02 08:37:58 · answer #9 · answered by mythisjones 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
These are the 144,000 Jews that will come to faith not "all" who will be saved. Everyone has the choice to be saved if they put their trust in Jesus and turn from their old ways to a new life in Christ.
2007-05-02 08:32:16 · answer #10 · answered by Mike M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
heaven is getting pretty cramped, so only 144,000 souls of the last 2000 years will get in, the rest will be "banished" to earth... come to think of it, if my theory is real/believable, judgment day has already happened! and you didn't get in, ha ha...
2007-05-02 08:28:37 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋