The 144,000 must all be selected first!
In another thread, entitled “The Ransom paid,” its author raised a most important question -- a question that surely every person ought to be determined to know the answer to. I’m posting this also as a reply in that thread, but I feel that its such an important issue that the answer (as I see it) be given the widest publicity possible here on this forum. Hence a thread of its own, with its own title. But by no means is it my purpose to steal the attention away from Cornish’s topic, which can be visited by clicking here >>>http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.asp?id=24759&site=3
Now here’s the question that was posed, abbreviated:
OK, so the ransom is paid, it was paid nearly 2000 years ago so why is none of mankind seeing any physical benefits now....so if something is paid for why does mankind including those who believe keep suffering as though it has not been, why does it have to wait for some future date, why is suffering prolonged when the scales are already level?For any who are truly seeking an answer to that question I would attempt to explain it this way:
Are hostages still held captive even though the price has been paid?
Jesus’ 1000-year-long-kingdom is what will restore mankind to a perfect state of physical and spiritual health. However, Jesus’ kingdom will consist of 144,000 co-rulers, SOME OF WHICH HAVE YET TO BE SELECTED. Not until the last one of these have qualified, in order to be chosen, can the 1000-year reign of Christ commence. Revelation 7:1-3 shows that God will not proceed with Armageddon (the cleansing of the earth in preparation for Christ’s kingdom) until every last one of those who are to rule with Jesus have been chosen.
So, yes, the Ransom has been paid -- 2000 years ago -- and so THAT part of God’s plan has been realized. But His plan still awaits complete fulfillment, and the choosing of the last ones of the 144,000 is of major importance. That sort of Christian/individual, of course, is not so easy to come by. Why so? Because they must meet the strict requirement of being truly “holy”. Such people are quite rare. The only ones that can wear that title are those who are so very dedicated to God’s cause that they won’t even need the help of Christ’s kingdom to become holy. They will have achieved that standing during their life now. They, by reason of their holiness, will have already qualified for LIFE during their present lifetime. (John 5:24; 1 John 3:14) Yes this is the reason the scriptures say that they have “passed over from death to life”. True most of these will have died and been buried, but at THEIR resurrection they will be given LIFE, meaning that they will die no more -- because they will have already qualified for the prize simply by reason of their HOLINESS.
In contrast with them, the rest of mankind, including the “great crowd,” will require the assistance which Jesus’ kingdom will provide in order for them to finally attain the same holiness. And THAT’S what Jesus’ kingdom is all about, of course -- to bring mankind (as well as the angelic realm) back into a state of purity -- the very way it was before Satan tarnished both realms. With everything having been cleansed -- yes when THAT has been accomplished -- it can be said that there is a New Heavens and a New Earth. -- Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1.
When that day arrives it will be exactly as it was in the beginning -- when (because of their initial purity) Adam & Eve enjoyed direct contact with God. Would you (anyone looking in on this forum) like to actually hear God’s voice, even as Adam did? You surely will be able to if you so wish. But a person has to make sure though that at the 1000-years-end s/he doesn’t REPEAT what Adam & Eve did, because at that time Satan will be loosed from bondage in order to test the integrity of all who live. Pass THAT test, and you will be considered truly “holy”. Pass THAT test and you will never EVER have to face death again; the only requirement being that you forever thereafter REMAIN “holy”. So to be “holy” is the prerequisite for entering God’s Kingdom -- not to be confused with the reign of Jesus. God’s Kingdom is forever, whereas Jesus will have ruled for only a mere millennium. To live under God’s Kingdom is to NEVER die! To never die opens up endless opportunities, the means to enjoy and explore the vastness of God’s stupendously large universe. With LIFE a person can do anything, and without being pressed for time. Without it you can’t. You want to inherit everlasting life? You definitely can! It can be done, even as Adam and Eve could’ve done it. And not the least of blessings will be to actually hear God’s voice.
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Not really so complicated, is it? At least I don’t think so.
Sermon over!
Yadirf
Daniel 11:35 ... a KEY prophecy that must be fulfilled before the "time of the end" gets underway.
