What's Up with the 144,000?
While reading through the book “Hard Sayings of the Bible” by F.F. Bruce, I came across the chapter about the 144,000. As you may know, one of the most common misconceptions for some religious faiths is that only 144,000 people will be saved. This misconception has caused confusion and anxiety among many Christians, leading them to question whether they will be among the chosen few.
This idea that only 144,000 people will be saved is based on a literal interpretation of the Book of Revelation. However, this interpretation overlooks the symbolism and context of the text. And as we know, a text without context is a pretext.
The 144,000 is a symbolic number that represents the fullness of God's people, made up of 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This imagery suggests that salvation is not limited to a particular group of people but rather is available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ.
The Bible teaches that salvation is available to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. For example, John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse teaches the universal message of the Gospel and highlights the fact that salvation is not limited to a particular group or a limited number of people.
I know that we like knowledge. However, you must remember the Bible tells us that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up (1 Cor 8:1). It also says that the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding (Prov 2:6). The Bible also teaches that wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom, and with all your getting, get understanding.
What this all means is that it is important not to get too caught up in trying to understand every single detail of the Bible for the purpose of appearing knowledgeable. Instead, we should focus on understanding the big message, which is that God loves us and wants us to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
Understanding that the 144,000 is symbolic can help us confidently share the Gospel and witness without worry. We should focus on the message of salvation and avoid unnecessary theological debates that distract from the purpose of the Gospel. It is important to remember that the Gospel is for everyone, and we should strive to share it with everyone whenever we can.
About the Author
