How Many Are Sealed?
10 Jesus said to those in line for this sealing: “Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom.” ( Luke 12:32) Other scriptures, such as Revelation 6:11 and Romans 11:25, indicate that the number of this little flock is indeed limited and, in fact, predetermined. John’s next words confirm this: “And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel: Out of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand sealed; out of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand sealed.”— Revelation 7:4-8.
11 Could this not be a reference to literal, fleshly Israel? No, for Revelation 7:4-8 diverges from the usual tribal listing. ( Numbers 1:17, 47) Obviously, the listing here is not for the purpose of identifying fleshly Jews by their tribes but to show a similar organizational structure for spiritual Israel. This is balanced. There are to be exactly 144,000 members of this new nation—12,000 from each of 12 tribes. No tribe in this Israel of God is exclusively royal or priestly. The whole nation is to rule as kings, and the whole nation is to serve as priests.— Galatians 6:16; Revelation 20:4, 6.
12 Although the natural Jews and Jewish proselytes were given the first opportunity to be chosen for spiritual Israel, only a minority of that nation responded. Jehovah therefore extended the invitation to the Gentiles. ( John 1:10-13; Acts 2:4, 7-11; Romans 11:7) As in the case of the Ephesians, who previously had been “alienated from the state of Israel,” now non-Jews could be sealed with God’s spirit and become part of the congregation of anointed Christians. ( Ephesians 2:11-13; 3:5, 6; Acts 15:14) It is appropriate, then, for the 24 elders to sing before the Lamb: “With your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.”— Revelation 5:9, 10.
13 The Christian congregation is “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” (1 Peter 2:9) Replacing natural Israel as God’s nation, it becomes a new Israel that is “really ‘Israel.’” ( Romans 9:6-8; Matthew 21:43) For this reason, it was quite proper for Jesus’ half brother James to address his pastoral letter “to the twelve tribes that are scattered about,” that is, to the worldwide congregation of anointed Christians that in time would number 144,000.— James 1:1.
Galatians 6, lets us that that we are responsible for our own soul salvation, there are many that will try to lean on others for prayer and God's word, but VS 2-10 clearly states that you are on your own as it states: 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Although as human being we always have the tendencies to lose our self - composure and give up on life when thing dont appears to be working out in our favor according to ones expectation that when we lose faith in God and our ability to overcome life adversity.
As in Ephisians 2;2 people are bound under a sway or tendency,and they are not even aware of it... the power of sway and tendency must be broken.
DO NOT BE DECEIVED, GOD IS NOT MOCKED; FOR WHATEVER A MAN SOWS, THAT HE WILL ALSO REAP, - Galations 6:7 - This has given me clarification for forgiveness in a spiritual situation.
I just noticed these comments from nearly a year ago, but feel led to add some.
God's Word is perfect. But, it takes it being translated into the 'perfect' language of a particular language in order for the translation to be 'perfect.' And the King James Version is perfect English. They did not talk backwards, we do, in a way.
While, the Holy Bible mentions the word 'tree' in Acts, which the cross of Christ was, there are many other scriptures withing the contents of the written Word of God; the Holy Bible, that clarify the fact that a piece of wood was attached across it, making that 'tree,' therefore, 'a cross.'
The importance of God's Word mentioning 'the cross' was 'a tree,' is that it serves to confirm what 'the cross' was made from. It also relates to the Lord saying, in the Old Testament, that 'cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.'
Galatians 3: 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Regardless of that being said, ALL of mankind was already UNDER a CURSE, due to sin, which was why we needed a Saviour to die for our sins. But, Jesus, by 'hanging on a tree,' made it VIVIDLY CLEAR that, while the body in which He had come was flesh, like mankind's, He INSIDE that body was NO mere man, but was the Word, the POWER, and RIGHTEOUSNESS, of God, Who was to, by His Spirit, utterly CONSUME; BURN UP, all the sins that were laid upon Him; ALL our sins, and ALL the sins of everyone of mankind who ever was, and ever would be born into the world.
So, while in this passaage of God's Word, it mentions 'a tree,' saying:
Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on A TREE:,
there are plenty of other scriptures in the same Holy Bible that clarifies that a piece of wood was attached across it (purposed to nail his hands to it,) in that it is referred to clearly as a 'CROSS.'
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of THE CROSS.
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of HIS CROSS, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Ephesians 2:14 For HE is OUR PEACE, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of THE CROSS is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the POWER of God.
The CROSS of Jesus Christ is the POWER of God to us which are saved, because HE that suffered, and died, for us on it is the POWER of God:
1 Corinthians 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, CHRIST the POWER of God, and the wisdom of God.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in THE CROSS of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was IN Christ, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
The meaning of Lev 18:22 is clear and your argument is with God. Rest assured, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord as explained in Philippians 2:10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;
Titus 3:3
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.
Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Revelation 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
God doesn't make sinners, people choose the wrong path. Be not deceived for Satan can transform himself into an angel of light as stated in 2 Corinthians 11:14: And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Sin, on any kind, has the capacity to look or feel good from our polluted perspective but sin always will take you where you don't want to go, keep you there longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you ever wanted to pay. Fighting a battle with Satan is never easy. We have the Holy Spirit as our aid. Jesus sits on the right hand of God as our advocate every time Satan tells God what we did wrong. I hope you've received Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior. The battle is lost otherwise. May the Lord put a hedge of protection around you and may only the Holy Spirit minister to your heart. May your heart not be hardened. Christians out here love you and only want what is best for your life and for the life of your buddy. God has good planned for each of your lives. Satan brings discouragement while God offers hope and life everlasting.
DAVID, SOME PEOPLE THAT SAY THAT THEY ARE CHRISTIANS THINK OF THE CHRIST'S CHILD ONLY DURING CHRISTMAS, AND JESUS'S DEATH ONLY DURING EASTER. WE MUST NEVER FORGET IT'S ALL TOGETHER. MY PASTOR HAS COMMETED ON THE LOVLY PICTURES OF JESUS HANGING ON THE CROSS. HE SAYS THAT JESUS IS NO LONGER ON THAT CROSS AND IT WAS NOT A LOVLY SIGHT TO BEHOLD WHEN HE WAS ON THE CROSS. THE ONLY LOVLY THING ABOUT THE CROSS WAS THAT JESUS HUNG BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH SO OUR SINS CAN BE FORGIVEN. GALATIANS 6: 14 COLOSSIONS 1 : 20 PAUL SHOWED US WHAT THE CROSS MENT TO HIM.
I've just recently started getting into the book of Galatioans. When I first read chapter 6 verse 10 it stuck with me and I ended up stencling the verse, in paint, by my front door. That way anyone who leaves my house will see this verse!
Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” This is exactly what will happen to the purposeful sinner. Mind you, this is not talking about the ignorant that have yet to be offered enlightenment. This is referring to those who have refused truth and knowingly walk in sin.
I THANK GALATIANS IS A BOOK WE ALL SHALL READ. IT TELL YOU ABOUT THAN OF THE FLASH AND THING OF THE SPIRIT THAT WE ALL SHALL KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO IF WE ARE AND CHRIST.
10 Jesus said to those in line for this sealing: “Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom.” ( Luke 12:32) Other scriptures, such as Revelation 6:11 and Romans 11:25, indicate that the number of this little flock is indeed limited and, in fact, predetermined. John’s next words confirm this: “And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel: Out of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand sealed; out of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand sealed.”— Revelation 7:4-8.
11 Could this not be a reference to literal, fleshly Israel? No, for Revelation 7:4-8 diverges from the usual tribal listing. ( Numbers 1:17, 47) Obviously, the listing here is not for the purpose of identifying fleshly Jews by their tribes but to show a similar organizational structure for spiritual Israel. This is balanced. There are to be exactly 144,000 members of this new nation—12,000 from each of 12 tribes. No tribe in this Israel of God is exclusively royal or priestly. The whole nation is to rule as kings, and the whole nation is to serve as priests.— Galatians 6:16; Revelation 20:4, 6.
12 Although the natural Jews and Jewish proselytes were given the first opportunity to be chosen for spiritual Israel, only a minority of that nation responded. Jehovah therefore extended the invitation to the Gentiles. ( John 1:10-13; Acts 2:4, 7-11; Romans 11:7) As in the case of the Ephesians, who previously had been “alienated from the state of Israel,” now non-Jews could be sealed with God’s spirit and become part of the congregation of anointed Christians. ( Ephesians 2:11-13; 3:5, 6; Acts 15:14) It is appropriate, then, for the 24 elders to sing before the Lamb: “With your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.”— Revelation 5:9, 10.
13 The Christian congregation is “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” (1 Peter 2:9) Replacing natural Israel as God’s nation, it becomes a new Israel that is “really ‘Israel.’” ( Romans 9:6-8; Matthew 21:43) For this reason, it was quite proper for Jesus’ half brother James to address his pastoral letter “to the twelve tribes that are scattered about,” that is, to the worldwide congregation of anointed Christians that in time would number 144,000.— James 1:1.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
DO NOT BE DECEIVED, GOD IS NOT MOCKED; FOR WHATEVER A MAN SOWS, THAT HE WILL ALSO REAP, - Galations 6:7 - This has given me clarification for forgiveness in a spiritual situation.
God's Word is perfect. But, it takes it being translated into the 'perfect' language of a particular language in order for the translation to be 'perfect.' And the King James Version is perfect English. They did not talk backwards, we do, in a way.
While, the Holy Bible mentions the word 'tree' in Acts, which the cross of Christ was, there are many other scriptures withing the contents of the written Word of God; the Holy Bible, that clarify the fact that a piece of wood was attached across it, making that 'tree,' therefore, 'a cross.'
The importance of God's Word mentioning 'the cross' was 'a tree,' is that it serves to confirm what 'the cross' was made from. It also relates to the Lord saying, in the Old Testament, that 'cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.'
Galatians 3: 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Regardless of that being said, ALL of mankind was already UNDER a CURSE, due to sin, which was why we needed a Saviour to die for our sins. But, Jesus, by 'hanging on a tree,' made it VIVIDLY CLEAR that, while the body in which He had come was flesh, like mankind's, He INSIDE that body was NO mere man, but was the Word, the POWER, and RIGHTEOUSNESS, of God, Who was to, by His Spirit, utterly CONSUME; BURN UP, all the sins that were laid upon Him; ALL our sins, and ALL the sins of everyone of mankind who ever was, and ever would be born into the world.
So, while in this passaage of God's Word, it mentions 'a tree,' saying:
Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on A TREE:,
there are plenty of other scriptures in the same Holy Bible that clarifies that a piece of wood was attached across it (purposed to nail his hands to it,) in that it is referred to clearly as a 'CROSS.'
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of THE CROSS.
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of HIS CROSS, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Ephesians 2:14 For HE is OUR PEACE, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of THE CROSS is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the POWER of God.
The CROSS of Jesus Christ is the POWER of God to us which are saved, because HE that suffered, and died, for us on it is the POWER of God:
1 Corinthians 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, CHRIST the POWER of God, and the wisdom of God.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in THE CROSS of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was IN Christ, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;
Titus 3:3
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.
Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Revelation 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
God doesn't make sinners, people choose the wrong path. Be not deceived for Satan can transform himself into an angel of light as stated in 2 Corinthians 11:14: And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Sin, on any kind, has the capacity to look or feel good from our polluted perspective but sin always will take you where you don't want to go, keep you there longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you ever wanted to pay. Fighting a battle with Satan is never easy. We have the Holy Spirit as our aid. Jesus sits on the right hand of God as our advocate every time Satan tells God what we did wrong. I hope you've received Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior. The battle is lost otherwise. May the Lord put a hedge of protection around you and may only the Holy Spirit minister to your heart. May your heart not be hardened. Christians out here love you and only want what is best for your life and for the life of your buddy. God has good planned for each of your lives. Satan brings discouragement while God offers hope and life everlasting.