GOD’S SEAL
Number VI
July 2004
FOREWORD
When, at the end of the sixth day, the Lord crowned the world creation by placing the first human couple above all the worldly goods, He could have said: “it is all very good”. Falling into sin, the man lost the original fame with which the Lord had crowned him, so that the reflection of the God’s character in him today has almost completely vanished. But exactly at this time, when this dark story, almost six thousand years old, is coming to its inevitable end, and the lawlessness is culminating, the time has come for the God’s people to receive the stamp of His character.
The complete renewal of the God’s image in men represents one of the most important teachings of the Holy Bible, so that it is not strange at all that it is being attacked by the enemies of the truth, but it is a shame that the appeal to reach the perfection of character is being rejected even by those, who had been given all the prerogatives to fulfil this majestic and uniquely right goal.
The understanding of this subject is of the key importance for the spiritual progress and salvation of all of us, so let us accept this truth and put it into being in our life, knowing that “we can do everything through Him who gives us strength.”
»After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners ot the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God. Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144000...
Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144, 000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the trone and before the four living creatures and the elders. No-one could learn the song except the 144000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie found in their mouths; they are blameless.« (Revelation 7,1–4; 14, 1–5.)
»SO GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE...«
»...In the image of God he created him; male and female he created them... And the Lord God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.'
'You will not surely die', the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' When woman saw that the fruit of tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
And the Lord God said: 'The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live for ever.« (Genesis 1,27; 2,16.17; 3,4-6.22.)
»God has created man to celebrate Himself, so as to let the humankind reunite with the celestial family, after being tempted and verified. The God's intention was to broaden for the humankind inhabiting the sky, if they prove to be obedient to every word of His. Adam had been put on trial to see whether he would be obedient, like the angels who stayed loyal to God, or he would not. If he had done well at the trial, his messages to the offspring would consist of the faith and loyalty to God. His mind and thoughts would have been Godlike. He would have been thought by Him, like 'God's field, God's building' (1. Corinthians 3,9.). His character would have been moulded according to the God's character.
What was the core of the trial's power and of the attack, made against Adam, which caused his fall? That was not dwelling in sin, because God created Adam according to His character, pure and straight. In Adam's heart there was no founding for deviation or any tendency towards evil in the beginning. Adam was sinless in the same way as the angels that dwell in front of the God's throne.« (Letter 91, 1900 ; Letter 191, 1899.).
»AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH«
»So the Lord God said to the serpent: '... And I will put enmity between your offspring (seed) and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.'« (Genesis 3,14.15.)
»Adam and Eve were given a probation in which to return to their allegiance; and in this plan of benevolence all their posterity were embraced. After the fall, Christ became Adam's instructor. He acted in God's stead toward humanity, saving the race from immediate death. He took upon Him the work of mediator between God and man. In the fulness of time He was to be revealed in human form. He was to take His position at the head of humanity by taking the nature but not the sinfulness of man.« (ST 29.05.1901.)
Many preaches had been pronounced and many works written about the humanly-divine nature of our Saviour, but, still, there are very few who truly understand this subject, because the God's word today is being often explained without the presence and guidance of the One, who is the Source of its inspiration. We are witnesses of the appearance of still more and more unlearnt »teachers of the truth«, who turn upside down the clear knowledge of the Holy Bible to suite the wishes and beliefs of their unressurected hearts, and in such a way they lead to abyss those, who do not research the God's Word by themselves, but relay on the opinion of those false authorities, with a belief that every preacher had been sent by God. But the Lord says: »But Israel has rejected what is good; ... They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval...« »My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests.« »For the lips of the priest ought to preserve knowledge, and form his mouth men should seek instruction – because he is the messenger (in Serbian Bible: angel) of the Lord Almighty.« (Hosea 8,3.4; 4,6. Malachi 2,7.)
Many testimonies had been noted about the godly part of Christ's personality. The word of the prophetic inspiration calls Him: »Mighty God« and »Everlasting Father«. Jesus himself said: »I and the Father are one« because »Beyond all questions, the mystery of godliness is great: He (in some manuscripts: God) appeared in the body...« (Is.9,6. John 10,30; 1. Tim.3,16.) But there is very little talk about the humanly nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, although it is of great relevance for the spiritual progress and salvation of the God's people. It was written that there is »one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.« He on himself often spoke as of »the Son of Man« and His disciples he called brothers (1.Tim. 2,5. John 20,17.)
Many say that we are not called upon to be like Christ because He is God's Son and that our sinful nature must follow us up till He comes for the second time!? The Lord addresses them: »You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of the God«, since »whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did«. (Mat. 22,29; 1. John 2,6.) Jesus had taken the human nature in its totality, so that His life represents a perfect type to which must tend every one, who wishes to enter the door of the heavenly Hannan. Nevertheless, taking the human nature on Him, Christ did not take its tendency towards sin, with which all Adam’s sons had been born, except Him. The Angel told Mary: »The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy one to be born will be called the Son of God...« (Luke 1,35.) Jesus Himself said: »The prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me.« (John 14,30.) Apostle Paul calls Christ »another Adam«: »The first man Adam became a living being, the last Adam, a live-giving spirit.« »Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.« (1.Cor.15,45; Rom.5,14.) Adam was created without tendency to sin, and in that feature he was »a pattern of the One to come«. Had Jesus come with the tendency to sin, the plan for salvation would have been impossible, because He came exactly to prove in front of the whole universe that a man can live without sin and that His »law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous is good«. »It pleased the Lord for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious.« (Rom.7,12. Is.42,21.) Jesus might have been wrong, but there was no tendency to sin in Him. »For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.« (Hebrews 4,15.) »The likeness of sinful man« with which Jesus veiled His divine nature, means only that He possessed a body like ours, but without any advantages. Since »there are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendour of the earthly bodies is another« (1.Cor. 15,40.) Prophet Isaiah says: »He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him.« (Isaiah 53,2.)
Some say that Christ was not born without tendency to sin, because otherwise He would have been in advantage over us. But they forget that He lived in a constant temptation to use His divine power, which would cause the humankind to lose its only Way to salvation. That is exactly where Satan tempted Christ: »If you are the Son of God«, He used to say, »tell these stones to become bread...« »He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, nad we believe in him.« (Matthew 4,3; 27,42.) The Spirit of prophecy says: »To be surrounded by human beings under the control of Satan was revolting to Him. And He knew that in a moment, by the flashing forth of His divine power, He could lay His cruel tormentors in the dust.... Thus when Christ was treated with contempt, there came to Him a strong temptation to manifest His divine character. By a word, by a look, He could compel His persecutors to confess that He was Lord above kings and rulers, priests and temple. But it was His difficult task to keep to the position He had chosen as one with humanity...
He who could have doomed His enemies to death bore with their cruelty. His love for His Father, and His pledge, made from the foundation of the world, to become the Sin Bearer, led Him to endure uncomplainingly the coarse treatment of those He came to save. It was a part of His mission to bear, in His humanity, all the taunts and abuse that men could heap upon Him. The only hope of humanity was in this submission of Christ to all that He could endure from the hands and hearts of men.
Satan led the cruel mob in its abuse of the Saviour. It was his purpose to provoke Him to retaliation if possible, or to drive Him to perform a miracle to release Himself, and thus break up the plan of salvation. One stain upon His human life, one failure of His humanity to endure the terrible test, and the Lamb of God would have been an imperfect offering, and the redemption of man a failure. But He who by a command could bring the heavenly host to His aid - He who could have driven that mob in terror from His sight by the flashing forth of His divine majesty - submitted with perfect calmness to the coarsest insult and outrage.« (DA 700-703.734.)
»BE PERFECT...«
For almost two thousand years the words echo, calling upon the pious to yield and sanctify the “whole spirit, soul and body”, to be kept “blameless at the coming of our God Jesus Christ.” (1.Thess. 5,23). This commandment today, as never before, is directed to us, who are called in those last days to “give Him glory” revealing the richness of Christ's character, which He will build in us, if we yield to Him in a total and unreserved devotion, knowing “that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” (Rom. 8,28.)
A question, which comes by itself when we speak of perfection, is - what it represents, but even more important is an answer to the question: how to reach it? Describing the fall of the mightiest of all angels, the God's Word says: “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you” (Ezekiel 28,15.) Therefore, perfection is a state without sin or tendency towards it, and this is what Christ will do to anyone, who would want it, because His will is that “we all ... become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4,13.)
“The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Through the exercise of faith the believer comes into possession of these blessings. Through faith, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed. Prayer is heaven's ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, ‘Ye shall receive’.
‘Wherefore, my beloved,’ he continued, ‘as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.’ These words were recorded for the help of every striving soul. Paul holds up the standard of perfection and shows how it may be reached. ‘Work out your own salvation,’ he says, ‘for it is God which worketh in you.’ Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hinders him from attaining to perfection. But he is wholly dependent upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not sufficient. Without the aid of divine power it avails nothing. God works and man works. Resistance of temptation must come from man, who must draw his power from God. On the one side there is infinite wisdom, compassion, and power; on the other, weakness, sinfulness, absolute helplessness. God wishes us to have the mastery over ourselves. But He cannot help us without our consent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the powers and faculties given to man. Of ourselves, we are not able to bring the purposes and desires and inclinations into harmony with the will of God; but if we are ‘willing to be made willing,’ the Saviour will accomplish this for us.
MANY HAVE AN IDEA THAT THEY MUST DO SOME PART OF THE WORK ALONE. THEY HAVE TRUSTED IN CHRIST FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN, BUT NOW THEY SEEK BY THEIR OWN EFFORTS TO LIVE ARIGHT. BUT EVERY SUCH EFFORT MUST FAIL. JESUS SAYS, "WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING." OUR GROWTH IN GRACE, OUR JOY, OUR USEFULNESS,--ALL DEPEND UPON OUR UNION WITH CHRIST. IT IS BY COMMUNION WITH HIM, DAILY, HOURLY,--BY ABIDING IN HIM, --THAT WE ARE TO GROW IN GRACE. HE IS NOT ONLY THE AUTHOR, BUT THE FINISHER OF OUR FAITH. IT IS CHRIST FIRST AND LAST AND ALWAYS. HE IS TO BE WITH US, NOT ONLY AT THE BEGINNING AND THE END OF OUR COURSE, BUT AT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
THE ONLY DEFENSE AGAINST EVIL IS THE INDWELLING OF CHRIST IN THE HEART THROUGH FAITH IN HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. UNLESS WE BECOME VITALLY CONNECTED WITH GOD, WE CAN NEVER RESIST THE UNHALLOWED EFFECTS OF SELF-LOVE, SELF-INDULGENCE, AND TEMPTATION TO SIN. WE MAY LEAVE OFF MANY BAD HABITS, FOR THE TIME WE MAY PART COMPANY WITH SATAN; BUT WITHOUT A VITAL CONNECTION WITH GOD, THROUGH THE SURRENDER OF OURSELVES TO HIM MOMENT BY MOMENT, WE SHALL BE OVERCOME. WITHOUT A PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCE WITH CHRIST, AND A CONTINUAL COMMUNION, WE ARE AT THE MERCY OF THE ENEMY, AND SHALL DO HIS BIDDING IN THE END.
A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ. Your weakness is united to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to His enduring might. So you are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love --this is the subject for the soul's contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.” “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (AA 565.481-483; SC 69; DA 324; SC 70; Matthew 5,48.)
»WORSHIP HIM WHO MADE ...«
Remeber the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labour and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.
On it you shall not do any work,
neither you, nor your son or daughter,
nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals,
nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
but He rested on the seventh day.
Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Exodus 20,8-11.
“‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath,’ Jesus said. The institutions that God has established are for the benefit of mankind. ‘All things are for your sakes.’ 2 Cor. 4:15 The law of Ten Commandments, of which the Sabbath forms a part, God gave to His people as a blessing. ‘The Lord commanded us,’ said Moses, ‘to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive.’ Deut. 6:24.
In Eden, God set up the memorial of His work of creation, in placing His blessing upon the seventh day. The Sabbath was committed to Adam, the father and representative of the whole human family. Its observance was to be an act of grateful acknowledgment, on the part of all who should dwell upon the earth, that God was their Creator and their rightful Sovereign; that they were the work of His hands and the subjects of His authority. Thus the institution was wholly commemorative, and given to all mankind. There was nothing in it shadowy or of restricted application to any people.
God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man, even in Paradise. He needed to lay aside his own interests and pursuits for one day of the seven, that he might more fully contemplate the works of God and meditate upon His power and goodness. He needed a Sabbath to remind him more vividly of God and to awaken gratitude because all that he enjoyed and possessed came from the beneficent hand of the Creator.
God designs that the Sabbath shall direct the minds of men to the contemplation of His created works. Nature speaks to their senses, declaring that there is a living God, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler of all. ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.’ Psalm 19:1, 2. The beauty that clothes the earth is token of God's love. We may behold it in the everlasting hills, in the lofty trees, in the opening buds and the delicate flowers. All speak to us of God. The Sabbath, ever pointing to Him who made them all, bids men open the great book of nature and trace therein the wisdom, the power, and the love of the Creator.
‘Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.’ These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for man, it is the Lord's day. It belongs to Christ. For ‘all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.’ John 1:3. Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, ‘I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,’--make them holy. Ezek. 20:12. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God.” (DA 288; PP 47.48)
According to the fundamental and the most important teaching of the Holy Script – science about justification by faith, keeping to God′s commandements understands thorough and unconditional respect of each of ten decrees which God Himself pronounced on the Mount of Sinai three and a half thousand years ago, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all." (James 2,10) On the question: "what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" which has been on one accasion put to Him, Lord Jesus answered: "but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Mark 10,17; Matthew 19,17) Inspired with the Holy Spirit Apostle John says: "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." (1. e. of John 2,4-5)
Upon the same teaching (concerning justification by faith) keeping to commandements comes as the answer of each soul touched by the love of God expressed through the enormous sacrifice of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Redeemer of sins and death Who laid his life for the redemption of sins and final salvation of anyone who accepts Him by faith and receives His justice as the gift which can not be merited by anything."That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." "For... the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Romans 10,9-10; 6,23; 3,23-24. Ephesians 2,8-10.)
Keeping to God′s commandments is something that is much sublimer intellectual acceptance and estimation of those decrees which is reflected only in formal – external obedience without the change of heart and character which only God can do by the same force by which he created the world out of nothing. It is the life of living congregation with God in which the man, from day to day, from hour to hour – through thorough delivery of the whole his being, studying the Word of God and many prayers – acquire new knowledge about his Creator and Savior and constant looking at His Sacred Image experience constantly greater transformation of the hearth and mind while one day he does not experience the purification of his sin – entire harmony with his Lord because "the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4,18) The whole process of purification of sins is followed by consciousness about entire weekness to obtain mercy by their own effort and force or victory over any weekness of character. "for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15,5)
During the period of last months, while I prepared myself for writing of this work by reflection and studying, I was several times made certain of the extreme great importance that – being God′s chosen nation to whom large bright truth of the Holy Script had been entrusted as well as the last news to the world – we have to comprehend importance of real celebration of Saturday which is the sign of belonging to Him and special expression of his eternal love. God himself is love: (1. John 4,16). And the one who loves – he gives. Loving means giving. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given." "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son" and when "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Isaiah 9,6. John 3,16. Romans 8,32) With Christ, God gave us everything. He could not do more, because He is everything. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." "In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1,16-17.14) Saturday being one of the greatest gifts by which God blessed all created beings who willingly serve Him, places the crown – seal on the deeds of creation, which would eternaly stand as the monument and the symbol of His unlimited love: "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, [that] from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 66,22-23)
Watched superficially – in the way many of them do who say that they are doing service to God, by separating this time a man does renunciation which deprives him of many preferences and by itself represents sacrifice. However, when the heart is actually converted, when the mind darkened by sin comprehended something of that endless depth of God′s love revealed in incomprehensible parts of His incarnation, love full of pain and shameful death because of our sins, than comes to the thorough change of soul and mind, and what once was a victim, now became blessing, that what once was a burden – now is only joy. Importance and essence of celebration of the Holy Saturday time, can be comprehended only by those who recognize God, and only in that case it has the value.
"In Eden, God set up the memorial of His work of creation, in placing His blessing upon the seventh day. The Sabbath was committed to Adam, the father and representative of the whole human family. Its observance was to be an act of grateful acknowledgment, on the part of all who should dwell upon the earth, that God was their Creator and their rightful Sovereign; that they were the work of His hands and the subjects of His authority. Thus the institution was wholly commemorative, and given to all mankind. There was nothing in it shadowy or of restricted application to any people.
God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man, even in Paradise. He needed to lay aside his own interests and pursuits for one day of the seven, that he might more fully contemplate the works of God and meditate upon His power and goodness. He needed a Sabbath to remind him more vividly of God and to awaken gratitude because all that he enjoyed and possessed came from the beneficent hand of the Creator.
God designs that the Sabbath shall direct the minds of men to the contemplation of His created works. Nature speaks to their senses, declaring that there is a living God, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler of all. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge." Psalm 19:1, 2. The beauty that clothes the earth is token of God's love. We may behold it in the everlasting hills, in the lofty trees, in the opening buds and the delicate flowers. All speak to us of God. The Sabbath, ever pointing to Him who made them all, bids men open the great book of nature and trace therein the wisdom, the power, and the love of the Creator."
"'Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.' These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for man, it is the Lord's day. It belongs to Christ. For "all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3. Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,"--make them holy. Ezek. 20:12. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God."
"To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ's creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. And every object in nature repeats His invitation, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28." (PP 48. DA 288-289)
GOD'S SEAL
"He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man [with] his destroying weapon in his hand. And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them [was] clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which [had] the writer's inkhorn by his side; And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house." (Ezekiel 9,5-6)
"And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand..." (Revelation 7,2-3)
"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads... And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." (Revelation 14,1.5.)
Words written in the first verses of seventh and fourteenth chapter of the revelation, concerning the members of the group of one hundred hourty four thousand, unambiguously show that "Seal of the Living God" and, name of the Father which are "written" on their foreheads – the same notion as well as the sign which the Lord Himself mentions during the issuance of commandment to the angel "which [had] the writer's inkhorn by his side." The three expressions which relate to the same notion reveal also three fundamental characteristics of the one hundred fourty four thousand sealed, and only when each of them is perceived separately – subject of sealing itself becomes thoroughly clear. Each of those three characteristics which are marked by special expressions are permanently tied one with the other making one whole entity, but doing so neither of them loses its particularity just like God Himself is created out of Three Persons Which are united in such a way that about Them it can not be spoken as of Three Persons but only One. "For [there is] one God". On the all works He created, Lord put the seal which gave testimony about particularity of His Three to One identity: All that exists, is composed in three dimensions (width, heights and length) which give one form, and if any of these dimensions could ever be subtracted the other two would vanish but even then each of them exists for itself. Three aggregate states (solid, fluid and gaseous) as they are in the total, represent three different shapes of all created substance which is unique. The best presentation of this subject is the notion of three different shapes or three aggregate states in which appears water (vapor, running water and ice) and that it however does not change its essence. Nature is, beside the Holy Script, one of the greatest books of God′s revelations which the saved will search through the whole eternity ever again enjoying in studying its wonderful pages written by finger of Eternal Love. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." (Psalm 19,1)
Actual identity of the sign which he mentions in His commandment given to angel with «scrible» devices, Lord revealed much earlier when he, three and a half years ago pronounced the ten holy commandments and wrote them after that on the stony plates, as eternal reminiscence on the foundation of Their reign. "...Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the Lord that doth sanctify you." (Exodus 31,13) The same words, Lord used also in the time of prophet Ezekiel, to whom the deed of sealing was shown. "Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the Lord that sanctify them." (Ezekiel 20,12) In repeated statement adds: "that ye may know that I [am] the Lord your God." (Ezekiel 20,20) The fourth God′s commandment concerning the Saturday as the day of rest – for the human beings Holy and beneficial institution founded immediately after creation, beside being the sign of consecration and belonging to the Creator, in the same time represents His seal, because it is the only commandment in the Decalog in which all elements appear who one seal consists of: The name of the seal owner, title and area for which His authority is valid for. The name is the Lord, title – God, Creator and area – everything which is created. In that way Saturday is simultaneously "the sign": "the name of the Father" and "the seal of the Living God". What is more important is the spiritual background which celebration of Saturday brings without which it would not be what it really is. Lord says that it is the sign of His power to make us sacred – thoroughly pure of sins: "that [ye] may know that I [am] the Lord that doth sanctify you." This most important mark (perfect sanctity) of one hundred fourty four thousand sealed, as the most important condition in order that God′s seal could be affixed on their "foreheads" is presented by words "without fault" (Revalation 14,5) which nonambiguously show the state into which they would be brought before they would be sealed. One more consequence which every sealing unavoidably brings is unchangeability of that which is under seal: "...and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed..." (Daniel 6,17) Words: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still" (Revelation 22,11) which at the very end of the time of mercy Jesus would say when he would finish his intermediary and archpriest service in the Sanctity above all sanctities, also give testimony about it. After that, character of the sealed would never ever be changed – they would eternaly bear "the name of Father" and be His property bought by "the precious blood of Christ" (1. of Peter 1,19) "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads". (Revelation 22,1-4)
“AND I HEARD THE NUMBER OF THEM WHICH WERE SEALED, ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSANDS...”
"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand..." (Revelation 7,1-4)
About the very number of 144000 sealed different opinions exist for a long time, out of which, up to this time, no one is accepted nor confirmed as reliable. Basic reason for this is the tendency of people to pay great attention to the things which are not of essential importance but also the fact that it was not yet the moment for it because "To every [thing there is] a season". (Ecclesiastes 3,1)
Versatility, as one of the most often expressed characteristics of our Creator has to be obligatorily taken into account when the question of the number of 144000 sealed, because, according to the opinion of many, this number is symbolic so by itself also the number of places in this last Congregation of God′s people – is under the question mark. Many of those who investigated this subject, overlooked the fact that numbers which are mentioned in the Holy Script and have certain symbolics, at the same time have its literal usage. In that way, for example, seven candlesticks are the symbol of seven literal Church epochs. Twelve stars which are mentioned in the description of God′s Church in the twelveth chapter of Revalation, symbolically represent twelve Christ′s Apostles. There are many examples, and each of them confirms this rule which has much solid usage in the cases when the numbers are in question by which the membership of people is determined, where there is not any case of exeception from the literal usage of the same, except in the case of some single thought up parabolas – stories which had to serve to the listeners of them as the morals among which there were many true ones. After the upraising of angels was shown to him, the one who kept in his hand God′s seal, stating the content of what it hat been told to him in revelation. John says: "I heard the number...." by which every perplexity was removed concerning understanding of this subject, because in the background of these words stands God′s intention that everyone who reads them be certain in the fact that it is the literal number and that there is just that number of people. When somebody clearly hears what was told to him, and specially emphasizes it, he prooves that the fact is credible and confirms the listeners in that conviction.
In the Holy Script examples are very rare in which some number would not have been accepted also literaly but even those examples are expressed in the way or in the circumstances which clearly had shown that the uttered number could be accepted only as symbolic as it was the case in which Christ, to the Peter′s question: "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?." - answered "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." (Matthew 18,21-22) Simmilar to this is also the statement which in the other accasion pronounced our Lord: "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." (Mark 10,29-30) In such cases it is abvious that the uttered number can be accepted only as a symbolic one, while, in the cases where it is not, usage can be only literal and nothing different. There is no place for doubt because order is the only law in all God′s acts.
“...OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL”
About the identity of the members of 144000 also exist different meanings, and on the first sight, much more proof which could be presented as irrefutable then when it is the question of their number. However, beside that, for the each subject which is mentioned in His Word, Lord gave also enough light in order to understand in satisfactory measure, if not thoroughly.
Looking superficially, if all could be interpreted by the principle of literal understanding, then this subject would be very simple and easily understood. But, beside almost always present simplicity which ornaments many God′s deeds, it often happens that to the fruits one could come by great and persistent effort which God expects rightfully, having given us talents which value is expressed, and even multiplied only then when we use them. One more reason for that is timeliness which is always of great importance, but also the intention to discover important truths by thos whose do not have real community with the Source of inspiration as it could never be said that even consecrated human wisdom could comprehend God′s Word.
One of the most important principles which could be used during interpretation of any text in the Holy Script, is that no word could be neglected because conclusion in such case would be incomplete or even completely wrong because it is "all scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine...". (2. E. to Timothy 3,16) Prejudices, or better to say in advance made conclusions, are almost in every case insurmountable abstancle on the path toward the truth and one of the basic reasons because of which people do not respect nor even the value of every written word. When the number of 144000 is in question, in the Holy Script there are a few data which have to be considered in order to illuminate this subject thoroughly so only one reasonable explanation existed. But, when the identity of this group is in question, there are many texts in the God′s word which have to be carefully studied in order to acquire wanted aim.
First decree, for revealing the identity of the members of this last God′s Congregation on Earth, are the names of twelve tribes to whom they undoubtedly belong, because it is said like that. Followers of literal interpretation of the whole description of 144000 mainly stop even at the fact that God′s word says that they are those Israelites "of all the tribes of the children of Israel", and conclude that it is the word about excludingly corporal physical Israelites, so, to their opinion, any further research of this subject is nonessential. But, it is not so, because "all scripture [is] given..." and anyone who does not respect this principle makes a mistake and deprives himself and the others of blessings.
After the words: "of all the tribes of the children of Israel", God′s word states the names of all twelve tribes to which God′s people of the last time will belong, so that this data have their values, because God nothing says in vain – we must always be aware of that. Not rarely happens that the great truths stand behind, on the first wiev, of the words of less importance, because God wants to give us by that the important moral which we humans learn very slowly: and it means that everything which exists has its place and value, as well as that our ability of thinking by itself is weak if it is not under His control and direct leadership. Careful investigator of God′s word is brought to research and comparison of all texts in the Holy Script by the names of twelve tribes, which texts speak about their history and final destiny. It is known that their existence has its beginning in the descendants of twelve Jacob sons, to whom the Lord, after the great battle and victory he won, gave the new name – Israel which in translation means: the Victor. Comparison of the names of twelve Israel′s sons to the names of tribes of 144000 sealed, show that they are not the identical ones as it could be concluded but in the list of tribes there is not the tribe of Dan which place takes the tribe of Manasseh.
One more and very important fact resides in 21st. Chapter of the Revalation in which the image of the New Jerusalem is described. Apostle John, to whom, in the vision, the Sacred town is shown, says that at all four sides, as they really exist, there are three doors on each of them and every door bears the name of one Israelite tribe, while on the town foundations, which there are, also twelve, there are the names of twelve Christ′s Apostles. "And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel." "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." (Revalation 21,12.14.) The fact that the names of the tribes are put on the doors and not on the town foundations (as by some human logics it has to be concerning the fact that tribes first existed) – speaks a great deal. This fact shows who is, in the eyes of God the exact Israelite. However, for Hebrew holidays which represented the basis of religious service of the Old Testament Church, the Lord through the words of Apostle Paul says that they are only "shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ." (Colossians 2,17) The same moral is the part of prophecies which relate to the Christ′s presence in the Sanctity during His stay on Earth: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts." and "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3,1; Haggai 2,9) God′s Word clearly teaches that the Old Testament – Hebrew Church and holidays which it celebrated are only the pre-image of Christs part-taking in the plan of salvation and establishing the true – Christian Church, which value is shown by the fact that, on the foundations of the New Jerusalem there are not the names of the Israelite tribes but the names of Apostles.
Names of twelve Israelite tribes, written on the doors of the New Jerusalem, through which all the saved would enter, unambiguously speak about God′s intention that Hebrew people, prone to selfpraise and separation from other nations, understands that God′s Israelites consist of all those who accepted Christ as personal Savior and Lord and than "in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." (Galatians 5,6) "For there is no respect of persons with God." "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3,27-29) So be it, according to God′s Word, every true Christian is at the same time the successor of the promises given to all believing members of twelve Israelite tribes, because they, through the New Testament era – prolong up to eternity, about which the names on all doors of the New Jerusalem give proof. That this it the truth we have the confirmation through words of apostle James written in the epistle which carries his name: "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy..." (James 1,1-2) In the very introduction of the epistle James clearly says that it is intended "to the twelve tribes" to which members he addresses himself by words: "My brethren". It is certain that James in that occasion did not turn to the corporal Israelites, because, being the Christian, he could not call the brothers those who refused Jesus. About that gives testimony the following James′s appeal which unambiguously show whom he calls brother: (James 2,1) That this words are not directed only to the Christians of the Hebrew origin speak many facts, among the others also the fact that even at that ime in the Christian Church there were many converts out of the members of pagan, so every separation and turning only to those who are not of Hebrew origin, would be contrary to principles of God′s unconditional love and surely would cause great discord and finally disagreement if it would continue with such behavior toward the members of Congregation. Having said that epistle is addressed to the members of twelve tribes, James clearly expressed ever present God′s intention to turn into Israelite every true convert from any nation while Hebrews thoroughly rejected this plan and abominated many souls who craved for the spiritual blessings promised to Israelites, so he encouraged by these words all Christians converted from pagansin order to be conscious of the fact that they are also rightful successors of the promise with not less rights than those to whom it was given in the beginning. At the same time it was also a wise stimulus to perfect unity between converts from Hebrew church and those from pagans and only by such conduct it could be achieved. Any kind of division can cause only discord and destruction. These words of James′s carried the seal of full God′s approval.
One more key proofs out of the few which speak in contribution to this is also the relation toward foreigners, which Israelites during the division of land described in 47th. Chapter of the book of prophet Ezekiel - had to occupy and respect. Commandment read: "So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel. And it shall come to pass, [that] ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. And it shall come to pass, [that] in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give [him] his inheritance, saith the Lord God." (Ezekiel 47,21-23)
The Spirit of prophecy also clearly speaks about this subject: "Throughout his ministry Isaiah bore a plain testimony concerning God's purpose for the heathen. Other prophets had made mention of the divine plan, but their language was not always understood. To Isaiah it was given to make very plain to Judah the truth that among the Israel of God were to be numbered many who were not descendants of Abraham after the flesh. This teaching was not in harmony with the theology of his age, yet he fearlessly proclaimed the messages given him of God and brought hope to many a longing heart reaching out after the spiritual blessings promised to the seed of Abraham...
Often the Israelites seemed unable or unwilling to understand God's purpose for the heathen... Abraham, their father, to whom the covenant promise was first given, had been called to go forth from his kindred, to the regions beyond, that he might be a light bearer to the heathen... God's covenant with him embraced all the nations of earth. 'I will bless thee,' Jehovah declared, 'and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.' Genesis 12:2, 3." (PK 367-368)
"They were not to stand upon a level with other nations, but to be exalted above them all. 'The people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.' At the time when these words were spoken the Israelites had no permanent settlement, and their peculiar character, their manners and customs, were not familiar to Balaam. But how strikingly was this prophecy fulfilled in the afterhistory of Israel! Through all the years of their captivity, through all the ages since they were dispersed among the nations, they have remained a distinct people. So the people of God - THE TRUTH Israel - though scattered throughout all nations, are on earth but sojourners, whose citizenship is in heaven." (PP 447.)
Beside the statement that on the doors of the New Jerusalem stand the name of "the twelve tribes of the children of Israel" John′s note does not give any more data about them so from that description one can not acquire any knowledge about what tribes this is the question here, but one different note concerning the Holy town of Jerusalem gives also the needed fact, which is also of great importance for illuminating the identity of one hundred fourty four thousand and thorough understanding of God′s plan for creating of the unique Church and people. This inscription is found in the last chapter of the book of the prophet Ezekiel. "And the gates of the city [shall be] after the names of the tribes of Israel..." (Ezekiel 48,31) In the further description there are stated all tribes which names are written on the doors of towns and they are identical to the names of the twelve Jacob′s sons by which it symbolicaly has shown fulfillment of God′s promise given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Origin of the town – which is shown to Ezekiel in vision, beside previous description from the last two chapters of his book - clearly reveal also the following words that without any doubt can relate only to the New Jerusalem: "and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The Lord [is] there." (Ezekiel 48,31-35) In the 21.st. chapter named "Revelaltion" Apostle John gives the report of the same content: "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God." (Revelation 21,2-3)
Identical sameness of the names of tribes on the doors of the New Jerusalem with the names of twelve Israelite sons, which exists beside the fact that some of that tribes during their history lost blessings and places which belonged to them, unambiguously show that by that it is symbolically marked the fulfillment of God′s promises given to Israelites – Old Testament God′s Church which was only the predecessor to Christian in which God′s itention about foundation of unique Congregation finally found its fulfillment. "for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.", said God (Isaiah 56,7). Exception which in relation to these two lists exists while enumerating tribes to which 144000 chosen belong is the fact which also gives testimony about their symbolic belonging to the stated tribes. Holy Script clearly speaks that 144000 is the literal number achieved by addition through summing up of twelve times twelve thousand sealed people as symbolicaly given representatives of the stated tribes. This number would consist of 144000 most consecrated people from the entity of God′s people by which everybody is given equal possibility for entrance in this last Congregation of faithful. Advice of the Spirit of prophecy: "Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand" (RH march 9, 1905) also confirms this fact and also gives testimony in favour of the data that the number of 144000 would not cover the members of corporal Israelites as many confirm, because it is sent to all the seventh-day Adventists whatever nationality they are. Even though Ellen White had not been given thorough illumination about this subject, God, never, from no reason – would not allow to give wrong advice in His name.
Origins of Enoch and Elijah – the only people who are, up to now, alive taken into heaven, as the pre-images of 144000 sealed who will, like them, be ascented not experiencing death - also reveal identity of the members of the group of 144000. Elijah, being Israelite by his origin, is the pre-image of all members of the congregation of 144000 who approached it or will join from the members of the Hebrew nation, while Enoch is the representative of the sealed from other nations.
For the end of this chapter, according to God′s will, I myself state the personal experience concerning this subject because it also gives testimony in favour of some proofs on which God Himself affixed the seal of His approval.
"God′s intention is not that the members of His people state something which is only their surmise or supposition and what do not represent the teaching of His words. He does not want them to confront and despute about questions which do not contribute to their spirituality such as the question: who create the number of one hundred fourty four thousand. Those whom God has chosen soon will find out that without discord". (MS 26, 1901)
One of the first topics which I studied after I had got acquainted with basic truths of the Holy Script was just the sealing of the group of one hundred fourty four thousands. From the moment I, for the first time, got to know something more about this subject, almost every day long I thought about it and as the time passed by in my inner self more and more developed increasingly strange but very unambiguous conviction that I am the one of those who will join that number. This knowledge after some time got ripened inside myself and I accepted it with complete peacefulness as the unmistakable revelation of God′s will.
As the confirmation of this, in the time when I deely studied this topic, I received several revelations through life situations which God used to show me His will and strengthen my confidence in knowledge which I accepted seemingly without any proof.
First of the three events given to me as the proof that I will join the number of those who will alive welcome Jesus happened in one post office I entered in order to make a phone call. At the very entrance I noticed a clerk holding in his right hand a great seal, and in determined pases by great speed and skill, sealed the envelopes which his assistant handed to him. As soon as I saw a hand with the seal the Holy Spirit descended on me and let me know that this event represents the message for me.
A few day later, when I started to visit my brother, I experienced the second, more strikingly impressive experience which also represent unambiguous and clear revelation of the God′s will. While I drove in the suburban bus, at one of the first stations a larger group of people entered and took up all available seats so there were many of those who had to stand. Between them there were two men whom God in his providence placed just near the seat I occupied. While the old and loud bus slowly moved toward its aim, I though about a visit I was going to have so I did not pay attention to environment. All I succeeded to hear were the short parts taken out of conversation which was going on between the people who were standing near myself. On the basis of what I heard I understood that they speak about the salaries in their enterprise. Conversation was going on in the usual tone of voice so little sould be understood so I was a little surprised when one of them, in somewhat louder voice, very distintly said the following words: "One hundred fourty four thousand". When I raised my eyes toward them I once more convinced myself that they were completely unaware of that was in that occasion done through them.
The next Saturday, while I was sitting in the church dinning room after the mutual lunch and studying the Holy Script, somebody just suddenly opened the door with the intention to enter. When the door opened I saw one elder brother whom I knew only superficially. While I was watching him coming inside, the Holy Spirit descended upon me and in inspiration pointed to me that it will concern myself. Having looked around himself his eyes stopped on myself in order to say after that: "Brother, I have been looking for you". "Why?" - I asked him. "I want to talk with you about something." On my stated question about what does he want me to talk about his short answer followed: "About immortality". While he was pronouncing these words I felt special influence of God′s force which penetrated me and proved to me that it was the message which was intended for me.
By this experience God proved to me that what I already have been firmly convinced into: that I am one of those who will join the number of one hundred fourty four thousand sealed and that I will not experience death but that I will be converted alive during the Jesus coming.
My duty forces me to say at the end of this chapter that predetermination does not exist but God, who from the very beginning knows the end, saw that I would up to the end willingly submit myself to His leadership, which is the condition for fulfillment of also this revelation I stated here. Let the Lord give to every member of his nation the force of fulfillment of this condition that is placed before us.
One more important observation I have to point out is related to the claim of individuals, some of whom quote God′s authority, that in the last time of all times there will exist two groups of the sealed who will together pass through time of great tribulation and be ascended. This claim is based on the description of the great multitude of crowd from the seventh chapter of Revelation (7,9-10), and the words of the elder who is telling John about those who came "out of great tribulation". Mistake is, as they think, because the question of elder "What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?", relates to great crowd described in the text 7,9-10. That this is not true shows the answer given by John "Sir, thou knowest." However, if the question had referred to the great multitude for which John himself said that those were people "of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues", with which he clearly showed that he had known who they were – he then would not have said that he did not know because it would not be true. Words: "these which are arrayed in white robes" and description of that group by the elder himself, refer only to 144ooo, to those whom God′s Word – after the first part of the seventh chapter of Revelation in which they are mentioned – again turns attention to in order to give several more important data about them.
Beside the very text from the Bible which unambiguously speaks about that there exists the confirmation also in the scripts of the Spirit of prophecy Who says:
"Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square... And they were all clothed with a glorious white mantle from their shoulders to their feet." (EW 16-17)
"As we were traveling along, we met a company who also were gazing at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their crowns were brilliant; their robes were pure white. As we greeted them, I asked Jesus who they were. He said they were martyrs that had been slain for Him." (EW 18-19)
"Nearest the throne are those who were once zealous in the cause of Satan, but who, plucked as brands from the burning, have followed their Saviour with deep, intense devotion. Next are those who perfected Christian characters in the midst of falsehood and infidelity, those who honored the law of God when the Christian world declared it void, and the millions, of all ages, who were martyred for their faith. And beyond is the "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, . . . before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands." Revelation 7:9." (GC 665)
From the stated quotations it is seen that among the saved exists the difference which will show also in the appearance of their clothes. Although they are mainly white, some of them would bear the signs of other colours as it is the case with the clothes of martyr which have, «red endge», while for 144000 the sealed, the Spirit of prophecy says that they will be covered by "glorious white mantle", acting the adequate trait which symbolizes special pureness of character they achieved in the darkest period of the history of humankind. Just in the light of this knowledge the question of elder: "What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?", forwarded to John receives his real meaning. This shows that Apostle realised the difference in appearance of the saved, and while his attention was directed toward those who distinguished themselves by special glow and whiteness of their mantles from the others, his curiosity received satisfaction.
The last quote of the Spirit of prophecy gives confirmation to the fact that the great crowd mentioned in the seventh chapter of "Revelation" could not, as some confirm, together with 144000 pass through time of great misfortune and become the second group of the sealed, because it is clear that the name of great multitude relates to those saved from the all times, who did not experience exceptional misfortunes in comparison to those who find themselves in front of God′s throne in the first rows in front of them.
The Holy Script itself says that there are 144000 the sealed. "And I heard the number of them which were sealed... one hundred [and] forty-four thousands" Not less not much. (Revelation 7,4). It is one more reason because of which that number is quoted in order not to create ony misunderstanding and different opinions about that question. The Spirit of prophecy confirms it at least by oneunambiguous statement: "Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice..." (EW 14-15). Words: "The living saints... in number", show that in the time of pouring out of seven evils there will not be living members of God`s people except 144000, so that the theory of the existence of the two groups of the sealed who will together pass through the time of great multitude and after that experience convertion during the second Christ`s coming - does not have its basis in the clear understandable science of the Holy Script and the Spirit of prophecy. This facts are important to be known in order to prevent appearance of false hopes and disappointments which inevitably come out of them and weaken moral strength. Let God save us from that.
“...AND THE PEOPLE WHICH SHALL BE CREATED SHALL PRAISE THE LORD.”
Psalm 102,18.
"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy..." (Revelation 15,2-4)
"In this last meeting with His disciples, the great desire which Christ expressed for them was that they might love one another as He had loved them. Again and again He spoke of this. "These things I command you," He said repeatedly, "that ye love one another." His very first injunction when alone with them in the upper chamber was, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." To the disciples this commandment was new; for they had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. He saw that new ideas and impulses must control them; that new principles must be practiced by them; through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice. The whole work of grace is one continual service of love, of self-denying, self-sacrificing effort. During every hour of Christ's sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved. The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate them in all their dealing one with another.
This love is the evidence of their discipleship. "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples," said Jesus, "if ye have love one to another." When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity, that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the supernatural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness inherent in the natural heart." (DA 677-678)
Like the creation of this world was crowned at the end of the sixth day by placing the perfect human couple over all goods of this world so, at the very end of the history of sins which is six thousand years old, God would create one people which would thoroughly reflect the holiness of His character the people which will – even here, on the Earth - be "without fault before the throne of God". (Revalation 14,5) The thing – by which that last "Remnant" of God`s people will be recognizable, differently from all previous Congregations which, beside twelve Apostles, have never thoroughly, reached that state – will be perfect unity, for which Lord Jesus forwarded special prayer to the Father (John 17 chapter). Only in that time, when Church become thoroughly pure and liberated of the presence of sin and sinners in its membership – Christ arch priest prayer will acquire its thorough fulfillment.
In order to acquire entire unity, everyone who wants to be the part of God`s people must come to the most important knowledge in his life. That the entire selfdenial and self forgetting is the only path toward salvation and at the same time the only aim which must be reached by everybody who wants to go through the door of heavenly Hanan. This is the moral which the sinful human nature accepts with the most difficulty, to what extent that difficulty goes it can be seen today the best. Thorough forgetting of one`s own self is miraculous for our limitted and by sin darkened mind-hardly comprehensible state which can be understood only by experience and by no means differently. It has to be experienced in order to be understood. A person, whom God, through constant consecration by gradual leadership, brings to that state does not have time for itself, that person can not do anything else but to serve God and his own human kind. Even when it fulfills its own basic living needs it does them only to perform this sacred and sublime aim. Entire and unconditional love, divine tact of heavenly joy and peace follow and occupy every thought, every finished deed. Myseld does not exist any more. It is forgotten – it is nowhere. "nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Galatians 2,20). In the light that springs out of these morals, it can be understood what Lord Jesus had in mind when He said that the one who wants to be the first, has to be a servant to everybody. Forwarding these words to his disciples, He wanted to carry their minds, in imagination, toward realization of that so much wanted target – to be the first but in the way He determined. Looking superficially, it can be understood that one who is entirely transformed by God`s mercy and also a servant to everybody is really the first in the God`s kingdom. Bus, Jesus did not say this. By the words: "If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all", He addresses those who desire to be the first in order to, after realizing what are the characteristics of the one who serves to all – put into understanding that it is not possible at all. Those who reach this state are really awarded and praised by God but not because they became "the first" because of their sincere and unselfish service but because they revealed by their example the glory of God and deffended His honour. The notion "the first" itself understands that only one person can take that place. In the whole universe there exists only one Person who can take that place – That person is God. Only He is the First and only He is the Last. "Then He who sat on the throne said... I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." "...and all ye are brethren." (Revalation 21,5; 22,13. Matthew 23,8) By the statement that He is the First and the Last, Lord, in fact, says that He is the whole and by words "all ye are brethren", clearly lets us know that after the First there is not the second nor the third but that all have to be the same. "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one". (John 17,22). Words: "...even as We are one" thoughts of humble investigator of God`s Words point to the relation which rule in the Holy divine Trinity where there are no the First and no the Second but they are All ONE – the same. Human kind is invited to this unity. It is the most important moral which Heaven sends to us. God`s seal, which will be affixed as the sign of perfection on His people immediately before the end of time of mercy, will receive only those who, thoroughly forgetting themselves, acquire this unity. They will be adorned by the same endless love and humbliness which made the Creator of heaven and Earth descend the throne of eternal Glory in order to, by taking "the form of a servant" become the Savior of the world.
The whole greatness of Heaven is illuminated in that secret of embodyment by which enormous beuty is revealed to us and above all, incomprehensible greatness of God`s unconditional love which expressed itself by His coming to this world. Endless humbleness expressed by this magnificent act represents the Greatest revelation of God`s glory – the most enormous moral which Heaven ever gave. It says: "If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind. [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him..." (Filibians 2,1-9) Is there any reason for pride? Is there any reason for anything but consciousness about one`s own invalidity, about life need to deliver to him everything just as He gave us all?
Sad and incomprehensible is the unreadiness of the sinful man to accept that irrefutable clear fact that to him does not belong nor would belong the glory for anything that possesses or does in his life from a very simple reason because he can not even thank to himself for his own existence, but the life itself, and with it also all talents and values, are donated to him. "and ye are not your own?" "The earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." (1. Corinthians 6,19. Psalm 24,1) He alone is worthy of praise.
Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord;
for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness:
come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God:
it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
"John saw a Lamb on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. They bore the signet of heaven. They reflected the image of God. They were full of the light and the glory of the Holy One. If we would have the image and superscription of God upon us, we must separate ourselves from all iniquity. We must forsake every evil way, and then we must trust our cases in the hands of Christ. While we are working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, God will work in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure.
We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pattern Man. His experience is the measure of the experience that we are to gain. His character is our model. Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on him, that by beholding we may be changed into his likeness. We may behold Christ to good purpose. We may safely look to him; for he is all-wise. As we look to him and think of him, he will be formed within, the hope of glory. Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand." (RH 19.03.1889; RH 09.03.1905.)
