OVERCOMING LIFE'S ULTIMATE FEAR
What is your worst dread in life? Your ultimate fear? Bill Cosby admitted that his greatest fear is that one day he will wake up and be poor. The fear of flunking a certain course in high school or college is the ultimate fear of many students struggling to maintain a good grade point average. The fear of many children is that they will be left alone (abandoned) if their parents divorce or die.
For many others the most frightening future prospect is to hear the doctor say, "I'm very sorry to tell you that you have CANCER." Yet, these "traditional" fears are being replaced by a new kind of fear, (actually a terror) I am going to explain and address in this article.
When we read the book of Job we find a man that had it all...wealth, health, family and success in business. A totally fulfilled and complete man. But that all ended in a matter of hours as faithful couriers brought him one message after another of total financial ruin. Of course, we know now from the first two chapters of Job the real cause of all this destruction. God permitted Satan to test Job in this manner in order to prove that Job would continue to serve him with unswerving loyalty no matter how great his losses. We know how Job proved God right, and made Him really look good, not only once but twice because even after Job proved his undying loyalty to His Creator vowing, "though He slay me yet will I trust Him." Job 13:15. Satan, a real sore loser, complained that he had not been allowed to touch Job's body with sickness and pain. Yet, Job passed this test as well. But the most curious aspect of this whole scenario is found in one statement Job made after all of these disasters had struck him. Notice: "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." Job 3:25. This text gives us insight into the real reason and purpose of Job's test. Because God knows all things, He already knew the accusations that Satan would bring against Him and his servant Job. But God in His great wisdom and foresight saw this as the perfect opportunity to reveal through Job His ultimate plan for the human race. Please stay tuned to this article for a shocking revelation that has the power to remove all fear and terror from your mind.
Through these painful, yet, awesome experiences God revealed to Job and all future generations, that a human being can win the battle over his worst fears and receive a double blessing in the end. Furthermore, the angelic realm, good and evil, (for He is the Creator God of all) as well as the entire inhabited universe is watching us, learning, growing and developing just as the Creator intended from the beginning. "Our little world" truly is the "lesson book" planet of the universe (DA pg. 1)...God's theater, if you please, in which each of us are actors on its stage, playing out an important role given to us by Jesus Himself.
James 5:11 refers to the "hypomone" (patience) of Job (KJV) as an example to the Christian community. But most modern translations usually and correctly render this Greek word as "Steadfast." In Matt. 10:22 Jesus used this same root word. "He that endureth to end shall be saved." Endurance and steadfastness are synonyms. See in I Cor. 13:7; Heb. 10:32; 12:2.
As we see the last day events transpiring before our very eyes each day we can know that we are witnessing the unfolding of the prophetic role. If the final chapter had not started yet, surely it began nearly five years ago when US citizens were informed about the formation of a NEW WORLD ORDER which George Bush referred to over and over again in 1992 at the time he announced his decision to attack and bomb Iraq during the beginning of Desert Storm. He was obviously promoting this NEW WORLD ORDER as the solution to the world's problems.
World events since then have further confirmed that a NEW WORLD ORDER truly is emerging. Resistance groups within the USA, mainly independent militia groups in several states have become very vocal in their opposition to the idea of a New World Order. Audio and video cassette tapes have shown documentary evidence of foreign troop movement, training and build-up within our borders. Some have even indicated areas which have been prepared to receive, process and eliminate American citizen protesters. This documentation along with reports of black helicopters, microwave weapons being used against certain individuals in the last few years has begun to spread fear and terror through the ranks of God's professed people. I must confess that after reading one report a spirit of fear began to try and take over my spirit. I realized this was an demonic entity seeking to destroy my peace, faith and confidence in God's Providence in my life. So, I knelt down with the Bible open before me to God's promises and prayed against this evil spirit of fear for at least ten minutes. Finally, it left and the sweet spirit of Jesus' spirit once again came into my heart, mind and soul. Since then the Lord has begun to reveal His last day battle plans which the Bible says will result in victory over the New World Order. The purpose of this article is not only to let you know God's battle plans but to encourage you to join His army so you too can win the victory "over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name," and to at last "stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God," and "sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty, just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." Rev. 15:2.
One lady recently wrote to me of her growing anxiety and fear in regard to the NWO A man recently sent me some audio tapes that are so scary I don't know who to send copies to. She went on to state that none of her family members want anything to do with these tapes. Various independent media sources are sharing basically the same information. Many of these spokesman advocate defending oneself with some kind of weapon and food supply. SDA independent editors have been picking up on these stories since Waco, each giving their own personal interpretation and eschatological spin to it. Although they may have various differences they all have one thing in common. They all believe the same doctrine regarding the character of God... that He does kill and destroy. There is not one single exception to this as far as I know. They may not come right out and state that you should protect yourself with some kind of a gun but none of them I have read or heard are telling people not to buy or bear a weapon for protection. The Bible makes it very clear, especially in the New Testament, that the use of a sword or weapon of any kind to defend oneself is contrary to the spirit of the gospel and the teachings of Christ.
The same correspondent I referred to above went on in her letter detailing the objectives of the NWO, with its plans to persecute and imprison people who are on red and blue target lists. People have been fighting it, including me, but we are certain they will win out...I'm frightened, I'm sick. I mean really sick. I've been praying and crying to the Lord day and night. One of her main fears is that some of the protest letters she has sent to various media will be used against her and her family. She said that she even has asked God for a sign that He will destroy the evidence of my letters, etc., and that He will protect us. But she says she gets no answers. She also believes that she and her children are His elect, although Satan tempts her to believe sometimes that they are not His elect.
Well, there is a lot more to her story but suffice it to say her experience is not a singular one today. In fact, it is becoming the typical norm for a large number of professed Christian believers of all denominations. Luke 21:26 is truly coming to pass: "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth:" The LB says: "The courage of many people will falter because of the fearful fate they see coming upon the earth." Well, my friend, I have good news for you. Jesus has the answer, as He always does. In fact, we are told that He "has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet." Desire of Ages, Pg. 330. He has told us again and again..."Don't be afraid." "Fear not for I am with you always...even to the very end." Matt. 28:19, 20. And this was spoken in the context of His great commission to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," etc. which surely would include the people of the New World Order. Right? We are not to be afraid.
"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Rev. 2:10. In this study I hope to show you a way to escape even death. So, please pray as you read this article that you will be able to understand God's will for your life. We are truly nearing the end of this age and God is calling His people out. He is forming His final government, His kingdom. Would you like to be part of it and go through to the end and be translated without seeing death? I am sure you would. Well, that is the purpose of this study. I am going to share with you what God has been revealing to me. It is truly an awesome and exciting journey through the Word of God. The mystery of God is being finished today and we have the privilege of seeing it and understanding it. "None of the wicked shall understand; BUT THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND." Dan. 12:10. Then verse 12 tells us that "Blessed (happy) is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days." That is 1,335 days. What does that mean? With God's help we are going to find out. Let's go on now in our study.
Today is Sunday as I write. I just came from taking a sauna where I met a man named Harry, who gave me some excellent ideas about facing the future without fear. After introducing myself I asked him if he had ever studied on the subject of the 144,000. He frankly admitted that he hadn't and calmly asked what I meant by the "144,000." He listened politely as I explained the various theories among theologians regarding this topic and then calmly told me that even though he no longer practiced the religion his parents raised him in he had a philosophy of life that gave him peace. He said that he just tries to do the best he knows how each day and then doesn't worry about those things he has no control over. If it is his turn to die on a certain day there is in reality nothing he can do about it. Worry and fear do not help him but only make things worse. I had spoken to him about the signs of the end of the world and how currents events are filling people's hearts with fear and foreboding for the future. His comment was that talking and writing about the fearful and negative things do not help people face their problems and solve them. It only generates more fear which ultimately paralyzes our ability to even have faith in God and/or find a solution. For a man who had no specific profession of faith I found his philosophy full of wisdom.
Before I went to Honduras on Oct. 30th I called an old friend to verify his address so I could send him the book he ordered. He began to tell me about his studies in the prophecies. I asked him about a couple of texts that I had been studying on in Revelation regarding the "Christ" and the 144,000. He explained what conclusions he had come to and I was really surprised because they were the exact conclusions I had come to. We then began talking about the concept of God's "harmless" character of love, that Jesus does not destroy, COL 84. He said that he still believed in the concept of Universal Restoration which we had studied together with a group in Seattle from about 1984 until 1990. He had been with us off and on but I had not seen him for about ten years. As he continued sharing some of the more profound truths the Lord had been revealing to his mind I was just astounded. He was putting pieces of the puzzle together so rapidly I was barely able to keep up with it all. More and more pieces of this giant end-time prophetic puzzle were beginning to fall in place. It was really exciting.
We talked a couple of times more on phone and then he came out from Portland to visit yesterday. Our focus has been on the 144,000. I will tell you, friends, God is truly pouring out His Holy Spirit on many people so a greater understanding of His will for us may be known and that we may receive the seal of God in our foreheads (our understanding). The most important blessing resulting from this "increase of knowledge" is that it is eroding and removing all fear from our minds.
This is very important in the light of all the scary and frightening events that have been transpiring during the last few years and months. Reports have been coming forth about the New World Order's plans for those who oppose it with its armada of military might including black helicopters, microwave weapons that can cook your body as if you were inside of a microwave oven, bad weather and reports of worse to come before the year 2000. All of this and more and the National Sunday Law has not even started yet.
Let us take the book of Jeremiah to start with. In our past studies of various topics we have mainly selected "proof" texts to prove that we are right in our doctrinal studies as well as inspirational texts. For example chapter 4 and 25 have been used to show the condition of the earth during the 1,000 years. Jer. 12:5 has been used as a warning text that if we cannot keep up with the footmen now how will we ever be able to keep up with the horses later on, etc. Jer. 29:13 encourages us that we truly can find Jesus. "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." This kind of hunt and peck research of Jeremiah as well as other prophetic books, such as Ezekiel, Isaiah and even Daniel and Revelation is rather typical of our "surface reading." Prophetic interpreters of the past, such as Uriah Smith, Taylor Bunch, Maxwell, etc. have mainly focused on their understanding of how these prophecies have been fulfilled in the past. But EGW stated before she died in 1915 that Daniel and Revelation's prophecies have not yet been totally fulfilled but will have future or double applications. In other words history will be repeated.
Almost all of past prophetic interpretation has been event centered rather than Christ centered. An example of this is Dan. 12:4. "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." This prophecy was said to be fulfilled in the modern inventions of the steam ship, trains, automobiles, airplanes, electric lights, radio, TV, computers, nuclear fusion, etc. These scientific advances definitely are a fulfillment of this prophecy. But the primary fulfillment of this prediction that "knowledge shall be increased," is referring specifically to an increase in spiritual knowledge especially an increase in a knowledge of the CHARACTER OF GOD. Many writers have pointed out that the judgment message could not be preached until 1844. Although this is true, the problem with the judgment hour message has been an emphasis upon an angry God who is biding His time until every case has been gone over by the angel secretaries and finally decided by the eternal Judge Himself as to who would be saved or lost. What a shock it was in the late 70's to most of us to learn that it was God Himself who was on trial. So, the judgment hour message is not about God judging/condemning us but about us judging/deciding about His character...what kind of God is He? What kind of character does He really have? This is the INCREASED KNOWLEDGE that was promised. The scientific technological advances that have come into being at this same time are serving as vehicles to spread this increased knowledge about a wonderful, loving God who is not out to get us but only wants to help us know Him better so we will be able to survive the final holocaust of planet earth. "COME INTO MY HEART. IT IS SAFE IN HERE."
The CHARACTER OF GOD message starting going forth in the fall of 1976 and the spring of 1977. At first it received a lot of ridicule and opposition. But slowly and surely it has been picking up speed and going all around the world. There are at least four levels of this message. One really needs to get to level four before he/she can comprehend the full PLAN OF THE AGES. But once you get this total, overall picture the pieces of the puzzle begin falling into place very rapidly. This is what happened to the man I referred to earlier. Let me say here that if any of you reading this have a difficult time in understanding the concept of Universal Reconciliation or Restoration as the NEB translates it in Acts 3:21, I would encourage you to watch just one video and read one book. The Bible is filled with this concept just as it is filled with the truth that God does not destroy once you understand what "God's Wrath" means. The testimony of Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 4 is a perfect example of God's power and plan to restore all of his creatures to their right mind...yes, even Lucifer. What kind of a Creator God would make beings He knew would fail and eventually have to be thrown on the trash heap only to be burned. "So I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. Now, I Nebuchadnezar praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are true and His ways just and He is able to humble those who walk in pride." Dan. 4:36, 37. Beloved, do you realize God has never demoted Lucifer from the original position he was assigned. No. Lucifer "left" of His own free will, Jude 6. But God knows what will happen in the future just as clearly as we can see what has happened yesterday and in all past history. And Jesus knows Lucifer will be restored just as Nebuchadnezzar was. Furthermore, Rev. 15 describes a vision John had of the 144,000 singing the song of Moses and the lamb before the throne of God. This is actually a prophecy of the mighty power and works of Jesus, our Creator God, and how "All nations will come and worship before thee, for thy righteous acts have been revealed." Rev. 15:3, 4. I also believe that the reason the 144,000 are taken to heaven to sing this song, just before coming back down here with Jesus, (for everywhere the Lamb goes the 144,000 go with Him as His bride and van guard) is because they have agreed in their hearts and minds and made a covenant with Jesus that they want to help Him rescue and restore the rest of humanity. When I first began to realize this I was in a state of shock for days. It is still hard to believe that God is this fantastic and wonderful but friend of mine, it is all true. Do you have the faith to believe it? I hope so because this is the most wonderful privilege and opportunity we have in this last generation to truly be co-workers with Jesus Christ. I am so happy and honored to be able to share this invitation with you. May the Lord richly bless you as you read this study the Lord Jesus gave me.
In order to present the remainder of this study in a fashion so you will get the main idea I am trying to get across, we need to go to Rev. 7. The first 3 verses describe four angels holding back the winds of strife until the 144,000 are sealed in their foreheads. The Servant of the Lord, made this very important comment about the 144,000. "Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. And let us do all that we can to help others to gain heaven. We are to have an intense interest in Christ Jesus; for He is our Savior. He came to this world to be tempted in all points as we are, to prove to the universe that in this world of sin human beings can live lives that God will approve." R&H, March 9, 1905. 7BC 970.
What is this seal? Well, it is called the "SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD." V. 2. The next mention of 144,000 is found in Rev. 14 where John in vision sees Jesus the Lamb standing on mount Zion "and with Him (Jesus) an hundred forty and four thousand having His Father's name written in their foreheads." Let me make something very clear right here. Jesus and the Father are not only ONE in mind, heart and character, they basically are one in substance as well for Jesus told Thomas that if you had seen Him you had seen the Father. Furthermore, Isa. 9:6 identifies Christ Jesus as the Everlasting Father. Paul tells us to have the mind of Christ. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil. 2:5. What is His point here? He goes on to describe how Jesus lowered and humbled Himself to become a servant/slave and made of Himself of no reputation and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." The cross was not only the most painful way to die in Paul's day but the most humiliating as well. So, this attitude and spirit will be found in the 144,000. They, like the three Hebrew worthies of Dan. 3, are willing to be thrown into the fiery furnace rather than bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image on the plain of dura. Yet, they are preserved through this fiery ordeal. In fact, the fire sets them free from the cords that bind them showing that the fiery trials that God allows us to pass through are designed to burn away the dross from our lives and unholy shackles that bind us from doing God complete will. This end-time group also are like Daniel in the lion's den. God sent His angels to shut the lion's mouth but allowed them to be opened again to devour Daniel's enemies.
These 144,000 are "redeemed from the earth." Rev. 14:3. The Greek word here translated "Redeemed" is from "Agorazo," meaning to "acquire at the forum." The marginal reading simply says, "bought." Jesus bought them with His blood. They are also called the "firstfruits." In Rev. 7 only two groups are mentioned. The 144,000 who are "sealed" meaning they are preserved or set aside for a special use or work. It also denotes complete ownership. He has bought them with His very own blood. Putting all of these facts together we may safely conclude that the 144,000 do not die in this last hour of earth's history but are sealed/preserved/saved from death by the hands of the beast power who will rape, ravage and utterly destroy the people of this earth along with the physical buildings. So, if you are reading these lines that means you still have an opportunity to become a part of the 144,000, Christ's special vanguard to give the final message which will enlighten the whole earth, Rev. 18. In fact, some of it is already on the internet. More about that later. The powers of the earth, ten horns, will have "one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him (144,000) are called, and chosen and faithful." Rev. 17:13, 14.
Next, let's look at the time period of the seventh angel...which is right now today. "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the MYSTERY OF GOD should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." Rev. 10:7. Now, let me show you something exciting. Rev. 11:15 reveals what happens at the sounding of the seventh angel. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." Rev. 11:15. Read the rest of Rev. 11 and notice how the 24 elders are very happy and excited and give glory to Jesus that He has finally written His Name in the foreheads of the 144,000 who are called "HIS CHRIST." This is very important to understand. Rev. 12:10 refers to this same "CHRIST," who, with Jesus is giving the final message which will eventually result in the salvation of all mankind. This is precisely what Paul is referring to in Eph. 1:9, 10 when He tells us: "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purpose in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him."
This is the restoration message Peter alluded to in Acts 3:21. Notice that He says that all of the holy prophets have preached about this through the ages. Now, you may be surprised at how many times the Bible refers to this special "Christos" or "anointed." I didn't realize for a long time that it is in Psalm 2. Please notice: "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD (Jesus) and against His anointed (Christos or 144,000).
Do you realize that Pilate and Saul of Tarsus were both on the same side at one time? Mr. Pilate thought that he was a man with all power and authority. John 18:33-40 is a record of the conversations Pilate had with Jesus regarding the nature of His kingdom and whether or not Jesus was actually a king or not. Jesus clearly told Pilate that He was indeed a king and that "all who love the truth are my followers." LB "Everyone who is of the truth heareth my voice." KJV. John 18:37. This private interview Jesus had with Pilate is found only in John's gospel, who is believed to have written his version between A.D. 90 and 100. Mark wrote his first, scholars believe before the death of Peter, about 64, then Luke and Matthew probably before A.D. 66. Oddly enough John omits Pilate sending Jesus to Herod. I mention this only for the purpose of commenting on two statements Jesus made to Pilate. The first one, above, was made before Pilate sent Jesus to Herod. Jesus had not yet been scourged the first time. They had arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Thursday night, probably exactly at midnight. He had been praying for possibly two or three hours at least. So, while the disciples slept Jesus prayed and sweat blood. Only Dr. Luke, the M.D., refers to this blood sweating experience (Luke 22:44) which I explain in great detail in my book, INTO THE FATHER'S HEART. We do not know the exact time of this phenomenon, but it evidently happened shortly before they arrested him at midnight, give or take a few minutes. His robe was probably stained with the blood because of it. Isa. 63:1-3 prophesied His garments would be red. We also know that Judas led the priests with a mob to arrest Jesus and took him to the "high priest's house," where the cock crowed the second time upon Peter's third denial of His Lord, just as Jesus had predicted in John 13:38 and Mark 14:30. EGW refers to a "Passover moon," DA 685. The same book (DA 698) states "It was past midnight," as the hooting mob followed Jesus who was bound by the soldiers and priests. "He moved painfully," probably due to the soldiers jerking his hands with the tight cords on His wrists as He was forced to walk to Anna's palace for His farce of a trial. But He did not complain or try to free Himself as He had when He freed His hands to heal Malchus' ear which Peter had severed with his sword.
I would encourage you to read chapter 75, "Before Anna and the Court of Caiaphas," as well as all the chapters relating to the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. Although there are many points of interest in this chapter I was searching for only two. First of all, I was looking for the time sequence and secondly I wanted to see the attitude Jesus manifested toward his enemies, who were in this first phase of His trial, the church leaders...the Pharisees, Scribes and Elders of the Jewish nation. Why? Because the attitude Jesus had reveals His true character and is a promise of what we can become under similar circumstances in this our day.
Here is another clue as to the time. "In the court (outside of the palace of Annas) a fire had been kindled; for it was the coldest hour of the night, being just before the dawn." DA 710. From this statement we can calculate that the "trial" in Anna's palace probably lasted until at about 2:00 to 3:00 A.M. or later. "Desire of Ages," 723 tells us, "The Roman governor had been called from his bedchamber in haste, and he determined to do his work as quickly as possible." So, Pilate was probably awakened out of a sound sleep sometime between 3:30 A.M. and 4:00 A.M. because we will see later that when he washed his hands before the crowd it was the sixth hour or 6:00 A.M. (RST-Roman Standard Time). We know that his wife continued sleeping because she was given a dream this same morning. Pilate questioned Jesus briefly and then had him sent to Herod, probably about 4:30. Jesus never spoke one word to Herod nor performed any miracle before him although Herod asked Him to do so repeatedly. In fact, the author of "Desire of Ages," tells us Jesus did not even look at him. "Christ's silence was the severest rebuke that He could have given...Those eyes that had ever rested upon the penitent sinner in pitying, forgiving love, had no look to bestow upon Herod."
Finally, Herod gave up and sent Jesus back to Pilate. By this time it was probably 5:15 A.M. Pilate now only has 45 minutes before he gives up and washes his hands of the whole affair. This is also the day before the Passover which that year fell on the 7th day Sabbath, making it a "high day" or double Sabbath as the ceremonial Sabbaths or rest days rotated through the week the same as Christmas and New Years does in the USA. Again "Desire of Ages," reveals that Jesus prayed for Pilate. And this is after Pilate commanded that he be beaten or scourged. This is truly loving your enemies. And it reveals His true character of love, compassion and total unselfishness. In answer to His prayer an angel of God was sent to Pilate's wife, who obviously was still asleep that same night all these events had been transpiring. This angel showed her in a dream all that had already transpired that night plus Christ's coming crucifixion and the future judgment. With a cry of horror she awoke and wrote a letter warning her husband: "Have thou nothing to do with that just man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him." Matt. 27:19. DA 732, 733.
Pilate was already convicted in his own heart that Jesus was innocent and that he should release him. But Pilate was afraid of losing face with the Jews as well as Rome. He believed that his position as governor and possible future promotions were at stake. In reality, he had already been reprimanded by Rome for dealing too harshly with some situations. Worldly glory blinded him to the truth. Fear controlled him. Pilate here represents the NWO today with its many and varied complicated facets and factions, all warring against each other just as the evil angels hate and war against each other. Judas represents the religious elements who are only in church for the glory and the money. The disciples represent those Christians today who think they know what is going on but are in reality foolish, sleepy, virgins with no oil in their lamps. It will take a serious time of trouble, persecution as well as the crucifixion and death of the church to wake them up.
In contrast, let us look at Jesus. He represents the Anointed of His day, as the 144,000 does today...an anointed and chosen Remnant who really know what is going on and has the true character of God. They are to be like Jesus in character who was only and always thinking of others and not for His own welfare. Even after Pilate violates his own conscience and commands Jesus to be unmercifully whipped or scourged with 39 stripes Jesus still speaks to Pilate with total respect and a compassionate love that truly is shocking to the carnal mind. Pilate asks Jesus, "Where are you from?" The anointed Saviour gave no reply for He knew Pilate had already closed his mind to the truth. Pilate was frightened because he was sure that he was dealing with a Divine being not of this world. His fear voices itself, masquerading as anger. "You won't talk to me?" Pilate demanded. "Don't you realize that I have the power to release you or to crucify you?" Please realize, dear friend, that Jesus has just received 39 lashes. His back has been ripped open and torn to ribbons. Blood is running down his back mingled with salty sweat. There are possibly flies. Jesus knows Pilate is not going to let Him go. He knows that He is going to be beaten again before he is forced to carry his own cross down the Via Dolorosa (Latin for "Sorrowful Way"). If it were you what would you say to Pilate? What would the ordinary, carnal man or woman say to their tormentor? Maybe something like this?
You pathetic excuse for a judge! You rotten, dirty, X#%&*@, SOB, scumbag, I could kill you right here and now but first I have to make this sacrifice to appease my Father's wrath so He won't kill you miserable creatures. So, go ahead and punish Me all you want for even though you whip, torture and crucify me today, I will rise on Sunday morning. And that is when I am coming to get you and personally teach you a lesson or two before I escort you to the flames of hell. That is a very mild, conservative example of what the average "believer" would say. Of course, if you don't believe in eternal hell fire you would need to make the proper adjustment in the wording of your threat. The point is, Jesus never even thought such words let alone said them for that is not His true character. He is a life God...not a death God and His words and actions are always going to be in harmony with His Divine character.
"Then Jesus said, 'You would have no power at all over me unless it were given to you from above. So those who brought me to you have the greater sin.'" John 19:11. "Thus the pitying Saviour, in the midst of His intense suffering and grief, excused as far as possible the act of the Roman governor who gave Him up to be crucified. What a scene was this to hand down to the world for all time! What a light it sheds upon the character of Him who is the Judge of all the earth!" DA 736. Now, beloved, make a comparison here of God's final Remnant, Elect, Chosen, 144,000, etc. Do you honestly think Jesus is going to allow the NWO Beast System to have any power and authority over you? Absolutely not! But we must do our part. What? Believe in His power to sustain us even though we refuse to take the Mark of the Beast. The rest is up to Him. Do you believe that He has the power to do this for you? He has been doing it for me now for about 27 years, since 1970. That's when GLC officially began.
In the verses that follow Pilate tries desperately to convince the demon controlled leaders to release Jesus but it is futile. Finally, at 6:00 A.M. he sits down in his seat of judgment and washes his hands of the whole problem telling them to go ahead and crucify their king. They respond by declaring that they have no king but Caesar thus denying Jehovah as their King, withdrawing from the theocracy and forever forfeiting the protection and blessing of Divine favor. But they went even further by answering Pilate defiantly, "His blood be on us, and on our children." Jesus had already revealed to them that Satan was their Father. John 8:44. They had denied it but now their actions revealed their true character. "That awful cry ascended to the throne of God. That sentence, pronounced upon themselves, was written in heaven. That prayer was heard. The blood of the Son of God was upon their children and their children's children, a perpetual curse. Terribly was it realized in the destruction of Jerusalem. Terribly has it been manifested in the condition of the Jewish nation for eighteen hundred years,---a branch severed from the vine, a dead, fruitless branch, to be gathered up and burned. From land to land throughout the world, from century to century, dead, dead in trespasses and sins!" DA 739.
"Desire of Ages," page 742 states that Jesus was "Twice tortured by the scourge." John 19:1 refers to the first flogging of 39 lashes and Matt. 27:26; Mark 15:15 to the second one which was a punishment preliminary to crucifixion. 5BC 546. None of the gospel writers refer to both floggings. Maybe Jesus' sufferings were just too horrible for one writer to fully detail. Possibly, that is why God had four different versions written of the same event. The Christ event. Many believe that Jesus was totally naked on the cross...no covering of his body at all, even of his private parts. "Naked, and Not Ashamed," by T.D. Jakes, is a new book which brings out some of these ideas.
Deut. 25:1-3 was the law for flogging limiting it to 40. So, 39 was thought to be merciful!? Jesus received 78 stripes probably in less than an hour. The first time was when Pilate ordered it to try and pacify the blood thirsty elders and scribes who hated Him for all the loss and damage He had caused them in cleansing the temple twice and teaching the people not to believe in their false doctrines, etc. The first flogging was probably administered sometime between 5:30 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. because it was the sixth hour or 6:00 A.M. (Roman Time) when Pilate sat down and washed his hands. Then he was whipped again, possibly on the front for his back was probably already ripped to shreds. I have no historical documentation on this but it would seem to me that to whip Him again on the back could possibly cause such deep lacerations that He would bleed to death before He even got to the cross. So, it is possible that they flogged Him the second time on his front side. Then he had to carry His own cross. We know the rest of the story. How He survived to even be nailed to the cross is incredible in and of itself. And how none of His bones or teeth were broken, especially in the face, where he was hit by the soldiers repeatedly is a real miracle.
Yet, His character never changed. He continued to be concerned only for others asking John to take care of His mother and promising the dying thief eternal life. How was He able to maintain such a calm and composed demeanor? It was because He understood and believed in the final outcome of goodness over evil. He was able to see past His present pain through the corridors of time into the far distant future when truth would have its final triumph. He understood universal restoration, Acts 3:21.
Friend of mine, what kind of a God do you serve? Is He a God that knows the future and already knows the battle plan from beginning to end? Or is He still trying to figure it out hour by hour and day by day as time goes along? You see, that is the kind of God the fearful and unbelieving serve. That is why they are so terrified of the NWO with its black helicopters and secret agents who have their names on all of these red and blue hit lists. They do not know His character. And that is why they will remain in the Lake of Fire until they get it figured out...get their head on straight and their heart cleaned and renewed. "The class represented by the foolish virgins have been content with a superficial work. They do not know God. They have not studied His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. Their service to God degenerates into a form." COL 411.
In my last two fliers I have stated that I will be sending out an up-date on the 144,000. This article is part of that up-date. The Lord has been leading me to study on this subject more since about 1992-93. I continue to read and study and be open to all new ideas as I have always tried to be about every subject. The Lord has impressed me more and more all through my studies that any person who believes God destroys will not be a part of the 144,000 let alone be able to understand the subject. This will eliminate a large majority of people who believe they are already a part of this group and/or know who the 144,000 are. But we cannot stop there. Believing God does not destroy is only the first level of the character of God message. The second level is the animal sacrifice system. If anyone believes that God is the One who desired and spoke the animal sacrifice system of the Old Testament they do not know His true character. Jesus clearly spoke against this system and cleansed the temple twice. He also unmasked Satan's real reason for setting this system up outside the gates of Eden in Matt. 12:7, 8. "But if you had known the meaning of this Scripture verse, 'I want you to be merciful more than I want your offerings,' you would not have condemned those who aren't guilty! For I, the Messiah, am master even of the Sabbath."
When we look at the source from which Jesus was quoting, Hosea 6:6, 7, we begin to see how the animal sacrifice actually began. "For I desire loving-kindness and not sacrifice and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. But they, like Adam, transgressed the covenant; there they broke faith with Me." Also, please look at Isa. 1:10-12 and Isa. 66:1-4 as well as Jer. 7:22 and I think you will see very clearly that God never wanted animal sacrifices in the first place and states unequivocally that He never even spoke this system into existence at Mt. Sinai. Deut. 5:22 clearly points out that God only spoke and wrote one law; and that law is the ten commandments. In Isa. 1:12 God asks the Jewish leaders, "Who has required (demanded in the Spanish) this (law of killing animals) at your hand, to tread my courts." This rhetorical question demands an honest reply. If God is not the One who spoke this system into existence who then is the author? Whose voice was Adam and all of his descendants actually listening to in the first place? The answer will take us to the third level of the character of God message... THE TWO LORDS. In a sentence, the lord of this earth, the Prince of the power of the air, is the author of all lies, death, killing, murder and deception. John 8:44 confirms this. Isa. 66:3 is an important clue. "He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man;" This, of course, means that the killing of animals, in God's eyes, is the same as killing a human being. "I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats." Isa. 1:11. "Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire...burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required." Psalm 40:6. How could it be more clear? The true God, Jesus, who never changes; who always remains the same, Heb. 13:8, "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever," clearly was against the animal sacrifice system. He not only denounced it as a merciless system preying on the guilt of humanity, whom He declared "guiltless;" He eventually realized that the only way He could permanently destroy the animal sacrifice system was to offer Himself as a voluntary, sacrifice. That alone would be sufficient to cleanse the soul sanctuary of man's mind of the lies and false charges against His own government...His holy mountain. As Paul says, we were "enemies in your mind by wicked works..." Phil 1:21. By His eternal sacrifice Jesus destroyed the ANGEL WORSHIP SYSTEM Satan was using to keep everyone in bondage. Notice: "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it...Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and WORSHIPPING OF ANGELS, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind." Colossians 2:14, 18.
Notice that Paul refers us to the worship of angels in connection with the animal sacrifice system. Now, just who do you suppose could have set up such a system. Well, Stephen gives us some important clues in his long sermon in Acts 7. Starting in verse 42 Stephen quotes from Amos 5:24-27 clearly tying together the worshipping of the host of heaven (Satan and his angels) with the animal sacrifice system. "Did you offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices, forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?" The false, heathen gods Moloch and the "star of the god Rephan," are specified as deities the "host of heaven" used to deceive pagan nations as well as Israel. If that isn't enough listen to what Paul says. "But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils;" I Cor. 10:20, 21.
Here we are nearly 2,000 years later. Most of the religions of the world no longer practice animal sacrifice, especially the Christian religion. But if a new temple is ever built over there in Jerusalem they have plans to reinstate that old system of animal slaughter. No true Christian will have anything to do with such a project. But does this mean Satan has not devised a new system to deceive Christians? By no means. He certainly has. Well, what is it? The new system of angel worship is again based on a lie and misconception of the character of God, just like the ancient animal sacrifice system. It takes on various forms depending on what denomination you join. But all professed Christian organizations have at least two things in common. They all teach that in order to worship God you must go to some kind of church building. This, is necessary, they say, in order to truly worship God. Secondly, they all teach that Jesus' death on the cross paid the debt or price the Father demanded. The shed blood of Christ paid for your sins. This is called the substitutionary theory of salvation. This error began in the early centuries and the Catholic Church has expanded and refined it until now you cannot even send the smallest prayer to God unless you go through Mary, who then goes to her Son Jesus, who then goes to His Father, the ultimate God. Actually, Mary, has more power than anyone because she is the only mediator who is able to persuade her Son to persuade the Father to listen and answer your prayer. There are at least two serious flaws in this theory. First of all, it teaches that there are two Gods...sometimes three...a Father, a Son and a Holy Spirit. The second false doctrine teaches that the Father demanded the blood of Christ before He would forgive our sins. God the Father and God the Son are not portrayed as loving persons in this theological picture. All this doctrine does is set in concrete and reinforce the concept of an angry, wrathful and vengeful God. The main work of the 144,000 is to expose this lie by preaching the truth about Jesus.
Jesus taught His disciples that if you had seen Him you had seen the Father. John 14:9. He also clearly taught that He Himself was the Holy Spirit. Notice: "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter...Even the Spirit of truth...I will not leave you comfortless: I (Jesus) will come to you." John 14:16-18. In Isa. 9:6 Jesus clearly taught that He Himself is to be called: "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, (but also) THE EVERLASTING FATHER." In John 8:58 Jesus applied the I AM of the old testament to Himself. Also in the book of Revelation we read that we will see God. The Bible does not say that we will see "their faces" but HIS face. There is only ONE God. "HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD:" Deut. 6:4. The Hebrew word, "Echad," signifies a unified plurality such as you find described in the word "flock," whether it is applied to a flock in the sky above flying south or a flock of sheep on the hillside. The God family is ONE. It isn't necessary to spend anymore time on this particular point because I have a book that gives overwhelming proof for anyone who would like to read it. But it is important for us to understand the ONENESS OF GOD in order to continue on into the study of the 144,000.
For now, let us look at one more text on this subject. "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." Jude 24, 25. Who does this text tell us is the only wise God? It says, "Our Saviour." Most modern translations have changed the wording to try and preserve the concept of three Gods. My final thought on this topic is that Jesus is God and as such, He is able to manifest Himself as a Father, a Son and as a Spirit. He clearly explained this to Nicodemus when He told him "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He (Jesus) that came down for heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." John 3:13. In a nutshell he was saying to Nicodemus: Although I am standing here on planet earth talking to you I am at this very same moment sitting on the throne of the universe guiding all the stars just like always and maintaining my vast universe as if I had never left for I am the eternal Creator God of the ages.
On the throne of the universe is a light; and that light is God. I Tim. 6:16. Out of that light came a being called "The Son of God," who took on a body of flesh we know as Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of the living God. And when Jesus ascended, He went back up to heaven and merged into that light as He seated Himself once again on the throne of the universe. From that throne He is able to project His invisible Spirit all throughout the universe into the heart of everyone of His creatures. Some accept Him and some do not. In the ages to come the Bible declares that ALL will be drawn back to Him. We have already touched on this subject in former articles, so I will not go into detail about UNIVERSAL RECONCILIATION because I have an abundance of material available for those who are interested in videos and books. Let us now proceed on to the God's plan to overcome the beast system which we now know as the NEW WORLD ORDER which we could also identify as the "beast from the bottomless pit," Rev. 17:7, 8, 11-14.
But notice how God is going to overcome this NWO Beast power from the bottomless pit. "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." Rev. 17:13, 14. Beloved, I want to be with Jesus because the prophecy specifies that Jesus, the Lamb, is going to overcome the beast power. Would you like to be with Jesus when He overcomes the beast-power, the New World Order? How do you think He is going to do it? With guns and bombs and tanks, etc.? No, that is not how Jesus is going to overcome them for "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal." The 144,000 are going to overcome the NWO beast power in a different way. And the only reason that they are able to overcome this beast power is because they have the Father's Name written in their foreheads. And who is this Father? It is Jesus, the everlasting Father. Let me make it clear that the 144,000 do not overcome the NWO beast power by dying a literal death as in times past. That is not the plan. That is not part of God's agenda. No. The way the 144,000 will overcome is by allowing Jesus to give a message through them to the world. This message has already started and is even now growing into a mighty crescendo throughout the earth. But most people do not realize it or recognize it. Nevertheless, the Bible very clearly speaks about this group all through the old testament as well as the new. So, let's try and see if we can find some of these references. Well, we have already read two of their titles above... 1. Chosen and 2. Faithful. Matt. 24:24 also speaks of them as "The Elect," which is just another synonym for chosen. We also need to emphasize the fact that the 144,000 have the "Father's Name written in their foreheads." We have already stated that this Father is Jesus. So, to have Jesus' Name written in your forehead would signify that you are part of His family...you are His son or daughter, a child of the king. That you think and act like your Heavenly Father and have the same purposes, objectives and goals of your Father. This is just another way of saying that you have His CHARACTER. So, what is Jesus' character? One character trait many Christians don't like about Jesus is that He loves everyone the same. But what really makes them upset is His great desire to save everyone. 2 Pet. 3:9 clearly tells us that it is His will that no one be lost. We are told that His eyes go throughout the earth seeking those people whose hearts are perfect, blameless and full of integrity toward Him. Why? "So He can show His great power in helping them." ML. I believe Jesus is searching out and gathering 144,000 honest souls who are willing to help Him rescue the entire human race. That is what Jesus has revealed to my mind. Can you think of a more exciting adventure? What a great opportunity, privilege, joy and honor to be chosen for such a task. Let us pray we will be worthy in His eyes to join Him in such a grand undertaking. Only He knows how to do it. In fact, He has already given us His perfect example and asked us to walk in His steps.
The gospels detail the life of Jesus as one of preaching, teaching and healing which included casting out evil spirits or devils. Acts 10:38 sums it all up in one verse. "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him." The first thing I noticed in this verse is the word "Anointed." And as a result of this anointing Jesus received power from the Holy Spirit to do good and heal all that were being oppressed of the devil.
Sometimes, we can understand a concept better by contrasting it with another idea that is just the opposite. The very opposite or antithesis of Jesus is Satan. Notice how Jesus revealed the truth to the Jewish leaders. They were under the delusion that the true God was their father. Our father is Abraham, they declared. No! Jesus replied, 'for if he were, you would follow his good example. But instead you are trying to kill me---and all because I told you the truth I heard from God. Abraham wouldn't do a thing like that! No, you are obeying your real father when you act that way.' They replied, We were not born out of wedlock---our true Father is God Himself. (Here they sarcastically refer to the manner of Jesus' birth...that Mary was pregnant with Him before she was married to Joseph. Jesus had to put up with this slander all of His life. But notice how Jesus ignores this remark and goes to the heart of the problem to try and help them see the truth). Jesus told them, If that were so, then you would love me, for I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but He sent me. Why can't you understand what I am saying? It is because you are prevented from doing so! For you are the children of YOUR FATHER the devil and you love to do the evil things He does. He was a murderer from the beginning and a hater of truth...there is not an iota of truth in him. When he lies, it is perfectly normal; for he is the father of liars. And so when I tell the truth, you just naturally don't believe it. Their response to all of this was to call him names and say he was devil possessed. Of course, we are very familiar with these conversations as recorded by the beloved John. The problem is that the same spirit of hatred, anger and blind rejection that controlled these Scribes, Pharisees and Elders is still very much alive today in the religious world. In fact, it is the very heart of the NWO--the beast from the bottomless pit. The proof for this is found in Rev. 11:7, 8 where we are told that it is the beast from the bottomless pit that made war against the two olive trees (Old and New Testaments of the Bible) and killed them in two cities known as Sodom and Egypt, "where also our Lord was crucified." This, of course, is the city of Jerusalem. Throughout the Scriptures Jerusalem represents God's professed people, sometimes in obedience but more often in apostasy. In spite of this God will finally bring forth a chosen and faithful nation we hope to identify further. Our starting point is Jesus... our true Father. In contrast to Satan, our God is a life-giving God who never hurts or destroys. This is His character...the way He always acts and talks. He is not a law breaking God who commands us to obey the ten commandments but reserves the right to break them Himself whenever He gets angry and wants to destroy someone.
Notice carefully again, the word ANOINTED in Acts 10:38. In the Hebrew the word anointed means "Messiah." In Greek it is the same as "Christos." Generally speaking we do not have a problem accepting the idea that God "anoints" certain people to preach the gospel. More often though we think of anointing in terms of pouring oil on someone when they are sick for the purpose of healing. In fact, this is the exact instruction given in James 5:14 for a person who is sick: "Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." Lev. 8 speaks of the anointing oil for the purpose of consecrating and setting aside a human being for God's service. JESUS CHRIST simply means The Saviour Anointed or Christ Jesus = The Anointed Saviour. To be "called" amounts to the same thing as being anointed. Notice: "When Israel was a child, then I loved Him, and called my son out of Egypt." Hosea 11:1. In Matt. 2:15 we find a re-interpretation of this verse applying it to Jesus. "Out of Egypt have I called my Son." This is extremely important because it shows that God sometimes refers to an entire nation, such as Israel, as His "anointed" Son for both Israel and Jesus were the chosen and anointed of God. Now, let us go to Rev. 11:15. Here under the seventh angel great voices were heard in heaven saying: "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever." Who is the Christ or anointed here?
In the past we have interpreted this to be referring to God the Father and God the Son, as His Christ. But this is not correct as we shall see as we go along. The phrase, "Our Lord," is an obvious reference to Jesus, not God the Father. If it were meant to refer to the Father John would have stated "Father" as in other places, such as Rev. 1:6. But even in those places where it seems to be referring to two different persons, i.e., a Father and a Son, it is in fact referring to one God who has in the past and is still today manifesting Himself as both a Father, a Son, a Lamb, a Lion, just as in the old testament where God refers to Himself in both the masculine as well as the feminine genders. So, what does this phrase, "HIS CHRIST," mean? It can only refer to a person or group (nation) whom God has chosen, called and/or anointed for a special work. Rev. 12:10 refers to this same Christ. "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Chapter 13 has no reference to the "Christ of God," or the 144,000 but Rev. 14 does. "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads." Rev. 14:1. KJV.
The RSV says, "who had His Name and His Father's Name written on their foreheads." Here again is an indication that the Lamb and the Father and Jesus are all one and the same..."The Lord our God is One God." Deut. 6:4. Rev. 17:14 indicates the Lamb with His "Chosen and Faithful" ones overcome the beast power or NWO. Now, look at Rev. 19:11 where it calls the one sitting on the white horse as "Faithful and True." It is obviously referring to the same "they" (group or nation) which we read about in Rev. 17:14. Jesus spoke of a nation He would give His blessing to who would bring for fruits, etc. after the Jewish nation had rejected Him. The 144,000 is obviously this group. Now, let's go to the Psalms. "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord (Jesus) and against His anointed, (Christ or 144,000). Here is the same picture we saw in Rev. 17:14 of the beast power, NWO, making war against or (raging against and imagining a vain thing). Now, notice in verse 6 that Jesus calls His "anointed" His King. "Yet, (in spite of all this raging, foolish opposition) have I set my KING (anointed 144,000) upon my holy hill of Zion." The holy hill of Zion refers to the government Jesus is setting up in the last days to give a final message to the world through the 144,000. Now, notice verse 7. It is speaking about the same group. "I will declare the decree: the Lord (Jesus) hath said unto me (144,000) Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." In the last two verses once again it refers to the Lord (Jesus) v. 11 and then in v. 12 to the Son (144,000) one last time. As we shall see as we go along, the Lord Jesus and His anointed Son, (144,000) which we will show is the first fruits unto God who are taken to heaven with Him, seem to become joined together with Him as One so it is sometimes difficult to tell them apart. Remember how Jesus prayed in John 17 that the Father and Son and His chosen ones should all become united as One unit. "That they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in One; and that the world may know that thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved Me." John 17:22, 23.
Reader friend, let me talk to you personally, from my heart to yours. I memorized Psalm 2 through 21 back in the fall of 1976. That was when the Lord began to reveal His true character to me. Each year God has revealed more and more to me and I have tried faithfully to share it with you, my readers. No one really knows what it has cost me personally to deliver these messages...only Jesus Himself. Those of you who have read my papers, read my books, listened to the cassettes and watched the videos know more than most people. I thank each one of you who have written and donated, especially the Gideon band who have continued with me through thick and thin. From your letters I know God has richly blessed you for your faithfulness and and at times your sacrificial giving. Because of this it will be much easier for you to walk in the advancing light. That doesn't mean that if you are a first time reader you won't be able to understand it, because you can if you pray and open your heart. But whoever you are and wherever you may be I want to tell you that the blessings God has in store for you are far beyond anything you could ever imagine. So, stop being afraid. Jesus is with you always. He has the answer to all of your problems each and every day just as He promised in Matt. 28:19, 20. Furthermore, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him." I Cor. 2:9.
In this short article I can only share the highlights with you. But I think it will be enough for you to get the idea so you can begin researching the same subjects for yourself because it is all right there in God's holy Word, the Bible. I began to understand this just before I left for my last mission trip to Honduras. I must confess that tears came to my eyes as I realized the incredible power of our Precious Lord Jesus Christ. Believe me when I tell you that God is a thousand times more powerful and incredible than you could ever imagine. I am ashamed that He had to send me to Honduras three times before I really believed it. Before I left I claimed the promise of Psalm 2 which I now understood to apply to God's final Remnant. Because EGW admonished us to "strive with all of our power to be among the 144,000," I have even dared to believe that any of us alive today who understand and believe the character of God message could be among this special group for EGW has told us that the final message to go to the world is "A revelation of His character of love." COL 414, 415.
So, with that in mind I knelt down with my Bible open to Psalm 2 and read: "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." V. 8. I remembered what John Knox had prayed, "Give me Scotland or I die." So, I prayed and ask the Lord to give me Honduras and even the other Central American countries...I even dared to ask Him for all of the Spanish speaking countries as well as the gift of tongues or at least good translators until I can speak the language well enough to preach myself. Well, He has done both and I praise Him for that. Most other translations say "nations" instead of "heathen." "Only ask, and I will give you all the nations of the world." V. 8. This is so incredible that it is hard to believe. But when you look at the 144,000 as if we were one single voice then we can begin to comprehend how God could accomplish that which He already has predicted He will do. The mathematical odds that such a "nation" could be born in such a short time are possibly beyond our ability to compute. God always saves the best to the last. What an incredible God He truly is.
"Who has heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once?" Isa. 66:8. KJV. Believe it or not, this is talking about the 144,000 coming to a full understanding of who they are, and what their mission is to the world without actually meeting each other. Most other modern translations read "land" instead of "earth" as does the KJV. In fact, the "Living Bible," says: "For in one day, suddenly, a nation, Israel, shall be born, even before the birth pangs come. In a moment, just as Israel's anguish starts, the baby is born; the nation begins. Shall I bring to the point of birth and then not deliver? asks the Lord your God. No! Never!" Obviously this paraphrase was intended to support the theory that these verses were predicting the birth of literal Israel which came into being about 1948. But this is not what the Lord is referring to. First of all, Israel over there in Palestine is a political state. Secondly, they have never repented for their sin of crucifying Jesus, the true Messiah. Paul tells us that a true Israelite or Jew "is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." Rom. 2:29; Gal. 3:29. Thirdly, the present state of Israel is in a continual state of political confusion and turmoil much like Israel 2,000 years ago. Furthermore, the temple they are planning to rebuild over there will include animal sacrifices which the prophet Isaiah clearly condemns in Isa. 1, as well as Isa. 66:1-4. Paul even tells us it is devil worship; the same thing Stephen told them in Acts 7. In fact, that is the very reason they stoned him to death.
In the history of God's people there have been many attempts to destroy God's anointed. I will name a few that come to my mind. You can probably think of others. The first one who comes to mind is Joseph who was sold into Egyptian slavery by his own brothers yet fulfilled God's destiny in spite of him becoming the Saviour of both Egypt and his family. The second one was Moses whom God chose to lead Israel out of captivity. Another was David who was hunted by Saul. Daniel is another example as well as the three Hebrew worthies. A fifth was the Jews in Esther's time. Haaman tried to exterminate them but ended up on the gallows himself. The last was Jesus Himself whom Herod tried to exterminate by killing all the babies two years and under in Bethlehem. "At the birth of Jesus, Satan knew that One had come with a divine commission to dispute his dominion." DA 115.
The rise of the Beast system today, under the guise of the New World Order, masquerading as society's protector, is yet another attempt to exterminate God's Anointed messengers, the 144,000, although no one knows who they are. As in the case of both Moses and Christ, Satan knew from the prophecies that the Lord was about to bring forth a Deliverer for His people. So, in each instance he instigated, manipulated and controlled the political machinery he imagined necessary to exterminate the promised seed. He has failed in the past and today, in spite of his best efforts, the Sons of God will be manifested. "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation (revealing) of the Sons of God." Rom. 8:19. Here are some other titles the Bible uses to refer to the 144,000:
In my initial effort to write about the 144,000 Jesus' Spirit directed me to write the following directly under the above designations. "As noted above in #6, one of the designations of the 144,000 is found in Rom. 8:19. "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God." As we come to the close of this earth's history, this particular age just before the coming of our precious Lord Jesus Christ, God has planned a revelation of Himself in humanity to be manifested to the world. Jesus is the first born and head of all the Sons of God; we are even now being born, brought forth, shaped, molded, disciplined and perfected to stand before an unbelieving world and not only witness to it but rebuke it in the Mighty Name of Him who has never lost a battle. That time is not in the future...it is now. Today. Like Elijah, the power of the living god will rest upon them but this time all the Jezebels of the world will not be able to frighten these Sons of God away. They will stand faithfully at their posts of duty sounding out the final trumpet warning. When these sons, and daughters, (Sons in the Hebrew is used simply as a generic term) have been perfected and the 144,000 is complete, they will form ONE BODY---A MIGHTY NATION, A SONSHIP BODY in the exact image and likeness of the first Son, Jesus, our Creator, who is Himself not only the very image of the Father but is in fact the Father Himself. Isa. 9:6. This is a great mystery. This likeness or image of Christ with its many members is one body and that body is the fullness of Christ. Jesus is the head who was wounded with a crown of thorns. But the body suffers too for the body is wounded with stripes on the back and nails in the hands and feet and a wound in the side by being crucified with their Lord. This may be done in various ways such as slander, rejection, hatred, casting out from ones family or church, etc. But like Jesus in His sufferings in Gethsemane and during his trials and crucifixion God will use this to reveal the love of God for their tormentors.
"But as the people looked upon Him (Jesus), they saw a face where divine compassion was blended with conscious power. Every glance of the eye, every feature of the countenance, was marked with humility, and expressive of unutterable love. He seemed to be surrounded by an atmosphere of spiritual influence. While His manners were gentle and unassuming, He impressed men with a sense of power that was hidden yet could not be wholly concealed. Was this the One for whom Israel had so long waited?" DA 137, 138.
"The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus had opportunity to escape, but He remained, calm and self possessed." DA 694.
On page 703 of DA we read how Jesus acted before the council of the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas sat as the presiding officer and Roman soldiers were there as well to keep the peace because the Jews were known for their angry riots. "At the foot of the throne stood Jesus. Upon Him the gaze of the whole multitude was fixed. The excitement was intense. Of all the throng He alone was calm and serene. The very atmosphere surrounding Him seemed pervaded by a holy influence." DA 704. Even wily Caiaphas, the ambitious and corrupt high priest at that time was forced to admire Jesus in spite of the fact that he considered Jesus his rival and was bitterly jealous. "But as Caiaphas now looked upon the prisoner, he was struck with admiration for His noble and dignified bearing. A conviction came over him that this man was akin to God." DA 704, 705. "Patiently Jesus listened to the conflicting testimonies. No word did He utter in self-defense." DA 706.
When Peter denied His Lord, Jesus looked at him. "The sight of that pale, suffering face, those quivering lips, that look of compassion and forgiveness, pierced His heart like an arrow." DA 712. "Looking with compassion into the serene face of the world's Redeemer, he read in it only wisdom and purity. He (Herod) as well as Pilate was satisfied that Christ had been accused through malice and envy." DA 729.
"Stripped to the waist, His back showed the long, cruel stripes, from which the blood flowed freely. His face was stained with blood, and bore the marks of exhaustion and pain; but never had it appeared more beautiful than now. The Saviour's visage was not marred before His enemies. Every feature expressed gentleness and resignation and the tenderest pity for His cruel foes. Every line of the countenance of Barabbas proclaimed him the hardened ruffian that he was. The contrast spoke to every beholder. Some of the spectators were weeping. As they looked upon Jesus, their hearts were full of sympathy. Even the priests and rulers were convicted that He was all that He claimed to be." DA 735.
Why do I share these quotes with you? Because this is the character God is willing to give those who truly desire to be like Jesus. Will God's elect be called upon to go through what Jesus went through? My answer is: Look at Joseph, Daniel, the three Hebrew worthies and Jeremiah for examples of people who suffered at the hands of their enemies but were not put to death. They overcame the NWO in their day as we have been promised to overcome it in our day. We still have the Sunday law to face as well as the Mark of the Beast on the right hand or forehead. But the Bible's description of the 144,000 and the work they do is totally awesome. Listen to just one of the prophet's description: "Blow the trumpet in Zion; (a signal for war) raise the alarm in my holy mountain. Let all those dwelling in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near. A day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and dense darkness! Like morning gray that spreads upon the mountains, there comes a great and powerful people, (144,000), the like of whom have never been from of old, nor will they again be known throughout the years of all coming generations. Before them fire (a revelation of truth) destroys (false doctrine and lies about God) and after them a flame consumes; before them the land was like the Garden of Eden, and after them it is a desert waste. (Because of the reaction of the wicked to their message...the wicked begin destroying and burning down the earth in their satanic fury). From them there is no escape. Their appearance is that of horses; and they run like war horses; they leap like the rumbling chariots on the tops of the mountains, Like the crackling flames of fire devouring the stubble; like a mighty people prepared for battle. Before them people are in anguish, all faces grow pale with consternation." Modern Language V. Joel 2:1-6.
This is only part of the description of their work and the world's reaction to it. It is most likely that the NWO forces, possibly 3 million now in place already in the USA, will be used to punish those religious leaders who are publicly lashing out at government officials and other public leaders whom they believe are corrupt, etc. Jesus never did this. We have been counseled not to make personal attacks, using specific names. "Great Controversy," 224, 225 records that one massacre in France was directly precipitated by a fanatical attack against Catholicism. If you wish to have the protection of God in these last days you must follow the example of Jesus in all things. He did not carry any kind of a carnal weapon nor did He advocate the use of any such weapon. He rebuked Peter for using the sword. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but spiritual. Elijah and John Baptist both believed in the use of carnal weapons because they did not understand the character of God. When Elijah ran away and hid out in Mt. Horeb the Lord revealed to him his true character by allowing a terrible earthquake, windstorm and fire to wrack the mountain. But God was not in any of these freaks of nature. They were acts of the god of this world, Satan. Then the Lord spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. This was the beginning of a transformation for Elijah that resulted in his translation.
So it will be with God's remnant elect. Here are some texts for your personal study regarding events that will be transpiring in the USA and world. These were given to me by a friend who believes God's judgment will fall upon the wicked and false, corrupt leaders and followers as well. As you read through all the old testament prophets, major and minor you will begin to see a pattern that is repeated over and over again. All of these events are examples for us today. For starters read these references: Amos 3:9-15. Hosea 4:4-6. Hosea 7 and 9. Look for the phrase, "Silly Dove," regarding Ephraim. If a pure dove represents the Holy Spirit what would a Silly Dove represent. Look up the word silly. What does it mean? It means stupid or foolish. So, there you have it. A silly dove represents those Christians who profess but act silly. They are not wise. They are like the foolish virgins. Matt. 25. They don't have enough oil in their lamps...they run out of what Holy Spirit they do have; and some of them do have a measure but mix it together with other elements which are not of God making them a cake half turned. Satan has deceived much of the religious world with a false fire of God's presence...making them think they are speaking in some kind of heavenly language when in reality it is no language at all. On the original day of Pentecost they spoke in real languages. What is going on today is a cheap imitation and in prophetic language "silly dove" Christianity.
In the book of Revelation there is a very traceable development of the 144,000. Rev. 7 is the first mention of this group. This seems to be God's initial selection and marking them as belonging to Him. Rev. 10 announces that the "Mystery of God," is finished. Paul speaks of this same mystery in Eph. 1 in terms of God's eternal plan from the beginning to reconcile all of His creatures back to Himself. Then in Rev. 11 and 12 we have already noted the announcement of God's "Christos" or "Anointed" having won the victory and causing the accuser of the brethren to be cast down or to lose face or credibility. Rev. 12:1-5 describes the woman (church) being in great pain because of the birth of a man child who was to rule all nations. This correlates with Psalm 2 regarding what we have already identified as the 144,000. But now an additional bit of information is given here regarding this child. "And her child was caught up unto God, (Jesus) and His throne." This is similar to Rev. 11 in which the two witnesses are killed but then are raised from the dead and taken to heaven in the sight of their enemies. The two witnesses are identified in Great Controversy as being the Old and New Testaments or the Holy Bible. It is possible that the 144,000 or God's anointed are represented here as being slandered and cast down as the Bible was during the French Revolution. This could have a double application. Then in Rev. 14 we see the 144,000 standing on Mount Zion with the Lamb, Jesus. They are singing a New Song before the throne. One could interpret this to be a literal scene in heaven, which would indicate that the 144,000 are translated in a special translation before the Second Coming of Christ. The other possibility is that the singing of this NEW SONG represents the Final Message which only the 144,000 are preaching (singing) here on earth. God's Mountain or government on earth is represented by Mount Zion. In Rev. 14:12-16 John saw an angel reaping the harvest of the earth which would be the first fruits or the 144,000 who grow up to full maturity during the showers of the latter rain and are then caught up to God and His throne. Rev. 15:1-4 reveals another vision of a group who have gained the victory over the entire beast system and are singing the Song of Moses the servant of God and the Lamb. Is this the 144,000 again and are they singing this in heaven or is it symbolical of them preaching the final message here on earth? In the next paragraph I will explain what I believe at this time. I do not wish to be dogmatic because the scroll is still being unrolled, which means we still have more to learn as time goes on.
These visions of the 144,000 singing or preaching the "New Song," (Character of God Message, that He does not destroy) which only they have accepted and thus only they are preaching. First of all, it represents their work here on earth and then later on, before the second coming, their testimony in heaven before the throne of God. Why? Because in Rev. 19:11-16 we see the white horse coming down to earth with the Armies in heaven following Him. How did they get up in heaven with Jesus? Jesus must have taken them (144,000) to heaven with Him to register His victory on earth through them and His right to come back with them to raise all of the righteous dead and then return to heaven for 1,000 years of rejoicing, learning and growing up and judgment. This then could be a fulfillment of the promise made in Dan. 12:12 that those who wait and come (endure) to the end of the 1335 days will be blessed. What we don't know yet is when this time period begins. If this is to become a reality God will reveal it to His people when He deems it necessary. He revealed to Elijah that He would be translated and He revealed it to Jesus. I believe He will also reveal it to His elect, the 144,000. The kingdoms of this world do not have any authority over God's people. That is why ancient Rome hated the early Christians so much. That is why we will be hated.
This is what Jesus did on Sunday morning after His resurrection. He appeared to Mary telling her not to delay Him as He had not yet ascended to His "Father" in heaven to receive the "well done" or acceptance of His sacrifice, etc. But having done this, He returned to earth for 40 days to comfort and instruct His disciples. The saints who ascended with Him did not return to earth, at least not visibly. Even if they remained in heaven they no doubt were able to keep up with everything that was transpiring on earth just as the entire universe is watching us daily.
There is another curious text in Rev. 3:9. "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." This is part of the message to the church of Philadelphia, the only church to which Jesus never spoke a word of condemnation, but only praise and acceptance. Here we have the religious aspect of the NWO-Beast system admitting that God's chosen, elect, are indeed the "Sons of God." But please notice, my friend, that the Creator God of the universe plainly states that He plans to "make" or "cause" this NWO-Beast system to bow down and "worship" at the feet of the only church God considered perfect which could only be the 144,000. How could this be? Well, there is another curious text in John 10:34. "Jesus answered them, is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods.' If He called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of Him, who the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?" Beloved, the truth is that Jesus came to reveal to us and the universe what He really created us to be... A God just like Himself. The Bible is very clear on this point...that we are made in the very "image" and "likeness" of the Creator Himself. Like Father, like Son. One and the same. It is so awesome we find it almost impossible to accept the idea because we have this terrible guilt complex from the Garden of Eden. In fact, I have found many people, even Christian people, who don't feel worthy to go to heaven, even though they have confessed their sins and strive daily to live for God. Satan has succeeded in putting a low self-image on most people that has been very successful. But Jesus has come to set us free. "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32. Lovingly, Jesus even tried to convince His worst enemies that they too were created to be just like Him...but they refused to hear it because they were so blinded by Satan. Look at all of the proof Christ gave us regarding what He created us to be...walking on the water, raising the dead, walking through walls, ascending to heaven and coming back down, feeding the multitudes, healing the sick, and on and on and on. Why are we so blind! Isn't it time we finally woke up and accepted our destiny...what Jesus has created us to be. I say, "Yes, it is time."
The apostle Paul spoke about how great Jesus is in Hebrews 1. He said that Christ (the anointed) was appointed "heir of all things." He goes on to say that Jesus is the "brightness of His glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of His power,...Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, THOU ART MY SON, THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE?...And again, when He bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him...But unto the Son (applying also to the 144,000) He saith, THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOR EVER AND EVER. A SCEPTER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE SCEPTER OF THY KINGDOM....BUT TO WHICH OF THE ANGELS SAID HE AT ANY TIME, SIT ON MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE THINE ENEMIES THY FOOTSTOOL." Heb. 1:1-13.
This last quote is referring to what Jesus said to the church of Philadelphia... "I will make them to come and worship before thee." Rev. 3:9. Paul is quoting from Psalm 110. "The Lord (Jesus) said unto my Lord (144,000), Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord (Jesus) shall send the rod of thy strength (Elect, Remnant, 144,000) out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies..." V. 4 even calls them a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. And in Rev. 20 we are told that we shall be priests unto God. Check this one out. Three of the gospels recorded a question Jesus asked the Pharisees that absolutely stumped them. Even to this day theologians don't know what it means. At least I have never found an answer. The question is found in Matt. 22:42; Luke 20:42 and Mark 12:35. It is concerning Psalm 110. "While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They said unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in Spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord (Jesus) said unto my Lord (elect or 144,000), sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions." Matt. 22:41-46. Jesus was the "Son of David," on in terms of physicality...the human blood line. But David, in Spirit, is reporting a conversation He heard between Jesus and His first born (Elect or 144,000) in the end time. The Pharisees were non-plused for they could not comprehend that God had created them to be like their heavenly Father...to be in His very image and likeness. The same is still true today. Only a Remnant will accept it and rejoice in the truth.
Now, friend of mine, I know this is very heavy. It is for me too. But I believe God's Word and His Word is very clear about God's plans for His persecuted, rejected people. Someone once told me that the real reason Satan rebelled was because He realized that He would someday have to bow down and worship God's children, His creation, if He was asked to bow down and worship Jesus. He knew that beings created in God's very own image and likeness would also deserve the same treatment, respect and worship. That is why he has been trying so hard to make us look bad and destroy us. In his warped and frightened mind he thinks God is now seeking to destroy him because of all that he has done. But Jesus has never hurt or killed any of the angels. Eventually, Lucifer will have to bow down and admit he is wrong. This will be his suffering and discipline in the Lake of Fire. "I will bring forth a fire from the midst of thee," Ezek. 28:18 . Satan will be destroyed and turned into ashes but Lucifer will be reborn and will say that he is sorry when Jesus and all of His children extend their forgiveness to Lucifer. Yes, I believe he will return and truly worship at the feet of Jesus and all of His children. Even so, may it come to pass Lord Jesus. Amen.
Correlate Heb. 1:13, with Rev. 3 where it says he will make them worship before their feet. Check also Heb. 2.