Joelbear
I waited around for a while to see if you would reply. I guessed you were perhaps visiting other threads, so I went browsing again myself. Then I forgot which thread we were discussing this in and had to hunt it down.
I still find it hard to believe that less than 75 people a year qualified to rule with Christ over 1900 years and then BAMM! all of a sudden 60 to 70,000 people qualify within 60 years or so.I wouldn’t find it difficult in the least to accept that after the death of the apostles hardly very many Christians at all truly met the requirements for being a king and priest with Jesus down though the centuries to today. When we consider that to be of that class one must truly become “holy” (remember these ones are in no danger of the 2nd death, which says a lot), and actually appreciate what all that entails, then it’s no wonder that persons of that caliber only happen by once in a blue moon. My personal understanding is that such choosing will still be going on even after the tribulation of Matthew 24:21 (which isn’t Armageddon BTW) breaks out. So it’s reasonable, I think, that because of these ones being such a rare breed, if you will, that a great number have thought that they were of that class but really weren’t. Another problem I have with the Society’s way of thinking regarding who is to make up the 144,000 is that I fail to see how the female gender could be considered for becoming kings and priests when at the present time they aren’t, although properly so I think, allowed to preside over a congregation etc. So, there’s quite a few adjustments that I feel is in order. Hence, my “signature” again.
Of course, you could make the argument back that many of those were partaking incorrectly during the 1890's to 1940's.
Of course, as you’ve always heard, the way of the truth (original Christianity) for the most part fell by the wayside after the apostles left the scene in death. But the Scriptures repeatedly show that sometime during the rule of the 7th King that there would be a resurgence of “holy ones” … no doubt because of the restoration of true worship. Also, such “holy ones” would be the focus of attention by the 8th King (not the present day United Nations, but a true World Government). That’s of course when “Michael” will have to step in to deliver his people. (Daniel 12:1) It will be a repeat performance of the Esther account, but not in every detail of course. The parallels are amazing to consider.
Also, The Watchtower has always taught that the 144,000 were the first fruits. I believe they have always taught that the first 144,000 christians were annointed.And I think that your memory serves you well. I don’t deny that. For that reason it is obvious to me that the WTS has an adjustment to make along these lines as well. Hence, my “signature” once again becomes relevant.
I have never heard a witness state that the annointed has certain special qualifications that had to be met to become rulers with Christ. What scriptural reference shows the difference in qualifications between annointed Christians and "other sheep" Christians?I jumped a little ahead of everything, Joelbear, and have already touched on part of what you’re saying here, directly above. You see, the 144,000 will have attained holiness while under the present system, and for that reason they don’t have the needs under Christ’s kingdom the same as the “other sheep” do. That’s why the “bride” class already have “life” (meaning eternal life) and the other sheep have yet to qualify for such “life”, which they will do during the millennium. By the time the 1000-year reign of Jesus is out the other sheep will have been raised to the same stature of holiness that their rulers had already acquired while still alive under man’s system. Too, doesn’t it only stand to reason that one who is destined to serve as a priest and king would need to meet more stringent standards than those to be ruled over? Actually, that’s even the way it works in today’s world. As a rule the Governor is the more qualified, otherwise he likely wouldn’t have ran for the office a won. So to gain the recognition of a “holy one” surely that must take some doing, wouldn’t you say? According to Revelation 20:4-6 the 144,000 are beyond the threat of the second death, meaning that they were qualified to live forever because of their holiness. The same text doesn’t show that to be the case for the others, the other sheep. The other sheep, it implies, will qualify for life when they succeed in having passed the test at the end of the 1000 years. On the other hand, the 144,000 won’t even have to take the test because they will have already proven themselves during this lifetime.
I’m sorry, Joel, but I must break this off for right now … it’s gotten to be after 11 PM here. And I would really like to take a quick glance at the new threads that might have been posted before I turn in. Hopefully, I can return to this thread and reply to more of what you’ve brought out. I’ll really try to, although I don’t really enjoy it as much when I get tied down to one thread because I miss out on so much of what is going on elsewhere. But, like I said, I’ll try to discipline myself to return to this thread. Actually, I still need to read the remainder of your post here also.
Yadirf
Daniel 11:35 ... a prophecy that must be fulfilled before the "time of the end" gets underway.