Who are The First Fruit to Be Harvested from the Church?
The First Fruit of the Harvest from the Church
Prophetic Insights on the Present Truth Messages
The Integration of Biblical History and Prophecy
Introduction
The One Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand
This subject of Revelation 7 is doubtless the most frequently discussed Bible subject by Seventh-day Adventists and other Bible students, than any other Biblical truth.
Many theories have been advanced by the denomination, but not one has stood the test without contradiction.
Great men of both Biblical and secular knowledge have diligently searched the Bible and have proved nothing as to who this company is.
Prayer Thought
We read in Great Controversy, page 397: "The spirit of error will lead us from the truth, and the Spirit of God will lead us into truth. But, say you, a man may be in an error, and think he has the truth. What then? We answer, The Spirit and word agree. If a man judges himself by the word of God, and finds a perfect harmony through the whole word, then he must believe he has the truth; but if he finds the spirit by which he is led does not harmonize with the whole tenor of God's law or book, then let him walk carefully, lest he be caught in the snare of the devil."
God’s Voice to be heard!
Sister E.G. White was doubtless far more acquainted with this subject than any one living at this time, for she wrote much about them and had visions of them. There is no doubt that she, too, spent much time in searching both from the Bible and her own writings, but she has failed to point out the exact company by assembling the references together, and clear the mystery.
The question is: Why have all these godly people who earnestly searched for the truth failed to produce any evidence as to who this wonderful company really is?
UnMasking the Mystery - Unroll the Scroll
The answer we give is: Because it was not present truth in their time.
Sister White could have given a theory of some kind far more fitting and correct than any other theory ever advanced. She used wisdom and good judgment in leaving out her own opinion. God will make these things known at the appointed time only. Men may be made to believe a thing for a while, but except it be truth, it cannot last. Thus it would be unwise and a waste of time for one to try to tell who the 144,000 are, until the scroll has made a turn and one truth reveals another. If this study would unmask the mystery and harmonize with the Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy, then we must conclude that God's appointed time for this subject has come.
Now, is the time to UNDERSTAND IT!
The Blessing of 144,000 Teaching of the Bible
Letter to E. E. Andross, Dec. 14, 1914
“I feel confidence, Elder Andross, that the brethren in Southern California will find blessing in the teaching of Scripture concerning the 144,000…” (through E.G. White’s 1st Secretary C.C. Crisler).
And bringing to bear upon these teachings whatever of light there may be in the published writings of the Spirit of Prophecy, and as prayerful consideration is given the matter in all its bearings, I believe that God will make the truth sufficiently clear to make possible the avoidance of needless and unprofitable questions not vital to the salvation of precious souls."
Understanding Bible Doctrine is Necessary
Someday this subject must be understood, for Inspiration makes no useless statements, and it cannot be in the Bible for a trinket. It must be understood before the number (144,000) is made or it would be of no value. When understood, it will guide the feet of the 144,000 in the straight path just as the first, second, and third angel's messages have led thousands of souls to Christ.
Matters Not, So Long As One Does Right?
It has been said by some that it matters not whether one understands the subject of the 144,000 or not, so long as he does right. This is certainly true if we DO RIGHT, but how do we know whether we do right or not, except we understand Bible doctrines?
We May not be Sealed if we don’t know!
How can we know whether we keep the right Sabbath, or belong to the right church, unless we understand that doctrine?
Why is it important to understand Daniel 7, the beast and his image, and many other Bible prophecies? If we do not understand the subject of the 144,000, we may not be sealed, for it would be worthless to understand it after the sealing, just as it would be of no value to understand the beast and his image after his work on earth is finished.
This topic has not been understood before
The angel's message of Revelation 7--the angel ascending from the east--is as important as the first, second, and third angel's messages of Rev. 14:6-11. It must be understood and given to the people at the right time, as also the mighty angel of Rev. 18:1. The loud cry must come at a given time. This angel of Revelation 7, can not be the third angel, for John's explanation of them differ. The three angels of Revelation 14 are flying in the midst of heaven, or where the sun stands at noon, but the one of Revelation 7, is ascending from the east, or the rising of the sun. The message of this angel has never been understood at any time, nor proclaimed by this denomination or any other people, and only theories have been advanced. It is evident that this truth, as other truths, must come at the right time.
Glory to God!