The Number of the Elect
In another chapter I described the two mysteries that are in operation in the earth; each of which will have a completion (number) that will show their fullness. Many presume that “salvation” is a one time experience and never appropriate the power that we have been given to press on into the completed destiny we have in Christ. Each believer has been given an incorruptible seed that is to bear fruit. We have great potential to know God (which is eternal life) rather than just know things about Him. 2 Peter chapter 1:19 states that...We also have the prophetic word made more sure which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place,until the day dawns and the morningstar arises in your hearts. Salvation to the uttermost is to be our testimony when we obtain the full stature of Christ
Just like in our physical lives there is a time of growing up. The different levels of spiritual attainment are perhaps like grades in school we go through to become completed in Christ. Learning and discipline are necessary to produce a mature and balanced adult. At some point we are to graduate and do the work required to fulfill our callings and gifts as mature ones. Salvation is a continuum that increases as we decrease. John 1:12 states that we all have been given the power to become Sons of God meaning spiritual maturity. Even in the Holy Spirit baptism we have just tasted of the glory that is to be seen in us when we allow the Lord to perfect us spirit, soul and body. The scriptures that share about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit relate that we are to continually keep being filled.
The operative lesson here is that the Lord can only continue expanding His residence in an increasingly empty vessel. As the outward decreases the inward is able to gain in outflow or manifestation. The outer passes away while the inner is being renewed each day. The passages that speak of terms like abiding and dwelling talk of an overflowing and transformed life unto God. We are His temple not made with hands; a Holy habitation. John chapter 15 relates the promises for those who abide in the Lord. I believe that it is this communion/fellowship realtionship that Adam had in the Garden that is now offered to whosoever will. Romans 8:11 states: If the same Spirit of Him that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. This resurrection power is activated in those who overcome life in the flesh to gain life in the Spirit.
We need to observe that as we grow in grace it works the opposite from becoming wise in the world. We actually become as little children again. This makes us more pure hearted, trusting and kind. Children are oblivious to the faults of others or the wrongs of the world. Without this change in our lives we are not able nor fit to enter the Kingdom. Jesus told us about this wonderful supernatural existence called walking in the spirit - only doing what the Father says. Our problem is that we are double minded; serving two masters. We can learn to let our Heavenly Father take care of us by casting all our cares upon Him. His provision/ abundance is already complete in Christ/Spirit but we must appropriate it into the natural realm by faith. Fear not little flock!
There are several words that describe this group of faithful believers who are fit to receive God’s promises. We can see that they are all indicative of the small remnant who have “endured to the end”. Their rewards are not found in things of just the physical realm although they are the ones who rise up to take back the dominion in the earth that was given to Satan by Adam. They will be tested in all things as Christ was. This will include suffering persecutions and rejection from the world as well as carnal believers. After going through the fire they are made worthy to sit in heavenly (spiritual) places to rule and reign with Christ. Their governmental authority is also found in tandem with their priesthood ministry.
These diverse yet synonymous labels are listed in several scriptures that sometimes seem to conflict. They are the same but sometimes translated or understood differently: overcomers, Sons of God, elect, chosen, Saints, Church, manchild, Body of Christ, 144,000, first fruits, heirs of salvation, teachers of Righteousness. The manifestation/revelation in the purified/ sanctified ones is defined as incorruptible or glorified. I believe that the Bride shows the symbolism of the Resurrection, a different and higher state of completion. Those of you who have a hard time with women being given authority or anointing to minister need to relate in your mind and heart that the Bride the most perfected group is feminine. Just as that doesn't mean that only women will enter into the marriage supper of the Lamb you need to accept that gender into the realm of the elect/manchild. In my understanding the spirit is masculine and the soul is feminine both being a part of the new creation. More on that in other chapters.
Paul totally identified with Christ in his death (crucifixion) but declared that he yearned that he would be worthy to attain to the resurrection. He had a testimony of glorified life in that he overcame many life threatening experiences with miraculous deliverances and was even raised up after being stoned to the point of death. This attainment of spiritual maturity is not automatic or there would not be so many prayers in the Bible beseeching God to account them (and us) worthy to obtain to this spiritual level. We would already be livung in Kingdom dominion in the earth now, since it is YHWH's will here as it is in heaven (the spirit). We have a similar commission to fulfill in Christ. We must become like Christ in all things and then enter into the Kingdom of God without “tasting” death. Whosoever will, can, yet only a remnant will believe God and obtain these promises by faith.
Romans 4:19-22 shows us the faith of Abraham. He believed God’s promises above all impossible circumstances including his aged body. And being not weak in faith,he did not consider his own body,already dead and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith,giving glory to God,21 and being fully persuaded (convinced) that what He had promised He was able to perform 22 and therefore it was accounted unto him as righteousness. The birth of Isaac shows us this fulfilled promise. Isaac means laughter which is probably significant of the Joy of the Lord's strength. He will preform what He has spoken/promised.
These words of exhortation in 2 Peter 1:3-11 tell the way to put on the likeness of Christ through becoming mature showing us the prerequisites to making our calling and election sure. 3 His divine power has given to us all that pertains to life and godliness,through him who called us by glory and virtue,by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises,that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world though lust.5 But also for this very reason,giving all diligence,add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,6 to knowledge self-control,to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,7 to godliness brotherly kindness,and to brotherly kindness love.8 For if these things are yours and abound,you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is short sighted, even to blindness,and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.10 Therefore brethren,be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure,for if you do these things you will never stumble;11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
We can’t ignore that God said, “many are called but few chosen.” There are only a few who will do what is required to enter the Kingdom of God while alive. Those who have died/sleep in Christ will enter first but will not inherit the promises that are given to the overcomers who put on all of Christ and prepard themselves and the whole earth for the Kingdom of God. This is what is meant in 1st Corinthians 15 that those who sleep shall arise as the elect/chosen are gathered and all are changed in the twinkling of an eye each to their own inheritance at the Last Trump. The Tribulation period brings forth serious repentance and the opportunity to “wash our robes” to be acceptable to dwell in the presence of a Holy God.
We need to discern who the 144,000 are as mentioned in the 7th chapter of Revelation. Immediately before the beginning of this chapter is the statement that the great day of God’s wrath has come. The whole book is telling us about all of the events that will take place just prior to, during and after this day of judgment, the wrath of God. The previous chapters deal with the terrible times that will come upon all of mankind and especially the people of God for judgment starts in the house of the Lord. In my understanding the 144,000 are the remnant who have allowed the sanctifying work of YHWH to perfect them. This number could be a percent of all believers still representing a tithe unto YHWH if you look at numbers of those who claim to be “saved” today. They have endured the refining process and appropriated the spiritual strength to overcome the world, Satan and the flesh in experience. These elect are gathered from all tribes and nations as seen in Matthew 24:31.
The tithe offering remnant of Levites were sanctified (set apart) to minister in the Temple. They were called God’s inheritance. Malachi 3:2-3 names them in the picture of the end times requirements. Who shall abide the day of His coming? Who shall stand when He appears... He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver,that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. These elect Sons of God will walk in a greater anointing and witness than even the first century church (in the latter rain). They regain the glory covering that Adam had before he “fell”. They will complete the commission to take back man’s dominion over the earth. The most significant thing that has been misunderstood is that they must place all enemies of YHWH under His feet/
footstool including death. This cannot be finished until perfection is attained because the wages of sin is death. This victory includes the manifestation (redemption)of the incorruptible body because when sin has been overcome the consequences of Adam’s fall are overturned. We need to find out how to use the authority that we already have.
The 144,000 contains and represents the twelve tribes of Israel. Each one was given an inheritance and destiny in the promised land. They dwelled in faithfulness to God’s law. Although this number could be a literal group of Hebrew descendants, look at the symbolism. In the apocryphal books we find a list of the stature/ dominion of each tribe. This shows that each one had a certain territory of authority in the earth. One had rule over the beasts another over birds and so forth. This relates to the restoration of authority over the earth and heaven of the twelve domains shown in the stones (one for each tribe) of the Ephod that the High Priest wore. I will add as we speak of the garments of the righteous ministers that the Urim and Thumin could represent the two witnesses - lights and perfections. This to me symbolizes Truth and Love. We are to worship the Father in Spirit and Truth.
Many symbolisms in the Bible show us the mature male/spirit/Son and the perfected woman/soul/bride. I know that this seems far fetched to many of you and I will admit that every point of what I am sharing has some questions unanswered but this is what appears to fit with the scriptures. Many things are not to become opened to us until the end so we all need to remain teachable/plyable in the Potter's hand. None of us knows everything yet or we would be doing the works and wisdom of the Lord continually not just occasionally. We're not even able to seek first the Kingdom so can't yet have all things added to us. But we are gaining in the putting on of the New Man and the anointing is growing in our hearts to live simple righteous lives.
The scriptures are full of significant numbers. Although Christ had many that he sent out, twelve is the number of his closest disciples (later called Apostles). There were twelve more added as the gentiles became grafted into the vine. The next level, the baptism of the Spirit at the completed Feast of Pentecost was received by 120 believers. They were given the spiritual power to live in the obedience of Christ.
The number of elders that are in the throne room of God is twenty four. Two is the number meaning witness; shown to us in their very lives... 12 times 2 is their number. We will see the two witnesses procliaming the final time of repentance. Twelve represents Divine Government and authority. This number is multiplied as the age of full restoration approaches. We see that 144,000 is 12,000 times 12 as is represented in each tribe equally being counted.
The Kingdom of Heaven and the Bride are both identified in multiples of twelve. When these chosen ones are revealed/manifested there is the cry from the multitude in the heavens as they worship the Almighty. Revelation 7:12... Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. When this manchild is delivered/born he is caught up to the throne of YHWH. This is a higher plane of existence given to the few who have been made pure and Holy. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God”. This increased factoring of twelves is also seen in the 21st chapter of the book of Revelation starting at verse 9. We are seeing the picture of the Bride, the Lambs wife (I believe is the soul that has been renewed). She is filled with the glory of YHWH. The wall of the Holy City has 12 gates named for each tribe of Israel with 12 angels watching over them.
The city is measured and laid out12,000 furlongs in each direction with walls of 144 cubits. The foundations and gates and streets are made from gold and precious jewels. Now God the Father is said to “tabernacle among men” for the place of purity and Holiness, the New Jerusalem has been brought down from heaven (the spirit). The Holy City is consecrated unto the Lord in all things. In my understanding of this in scripture it happens at the end of the Millennium age. Another level of purity is reached.
When Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes unto the Father except by me”, he was sharing the culmination of all three levels of attainment. This means that through his atoning sacrifice the beginning is shown. In speaking of this to Nicodemus he shared that when we are “born again” (regenerated spiritually) we can see the Kingdom. At the next “baptism” (through water and spirit) we can enter this place of sanctity now having the spiritual power to become transformed. The truth of the good news of the Gospel as it operates in the believer gives us the power to obtain the final completion/experience of Christ’s perfection in us spirit, soul and body - the hope of glory. Abundant/resurrection life that Jesus attained and gave to us is the destiny of our spiritual journey coming at the end of the 1000 year reign when the Father comes to dwell in the Holy City. “ No one comes unto the Father except by me” by atonement and testimony in the Spirit as well as in the earth. This is when the fullness of the Feast of Tabernacles is seen. The eighth day denoting resurrection power has arrived.
This is where confusion comes in. Are there some who are resurrected before the Kingdom or at the very moment it arrives or actually make it appear through their obedience and purity? I have always thought that Christ/Messiah is waiting for us. To me the remnant is able to attain to the resurrection and enter the Kingdom alive because they already have transformed their Holy PLace/soul and became incorruptible. Those who overcome are granted many promises in the first chapters of revelation. The incorriptible state is first, then the resurrection is manifest (the redemption of our bodies).
Remember that Adam was not allowed to eat of the Tree of Life which is promised to the overcomers. That is immortality/resurrection the completion of the next level. If you don't understand these things, just leave them on the "back burner". The important thing is to leave the false traditions of man and learn to worship the Father in Spirit and Truth so that He can empart all that you need to become faithful and strong. While beholding Him we are changed from glory to glory.
The numbers continue to be repeated at each level of attainment. There are things that must be brought back into order in the Church as well as in the planet. For those who haven’t had the opportunity to learn about or experience this charge from the Lord read about the five-fold ministry offices. They are given to the body of Christ to oversee and edify the saints so that they can grow in their callings and gifts. It is a corporate authority and must be inter-submissive. Each office has a distinct anointing which is confirmed by the Holy Spirit and operational at a mature level of unction and administration. They are called and eventually set into an office and given greater wisdom and authority to establish, oversee, and correct as the Lord works through each member. The hierarchy of authority that we have seen in the apostate church will be removed/brought down for it is filled with pride and arrogance. Many force control and dogma over the "flock" but the Lord shall smite the false shepherds, EZ.34.
There comes a time when we are to be completely filled with God’s Holiness having been transformed through the salvation of our soul, as we grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is when the believer is filled with the seven spirits of the Lord with all the fullness of YHWH as written in Isaiah chapter 11. This is symbolically represented in the lampstand of the tabernacle that had seven bowls on seven stems filled with olive oil. This the only light in the Holy Place which is a representation of our mind being renewed.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Eventually, the inner eyes of our understanding will be enlightened by the Spirit of the Lord and we will not be directed by what they see or feel. In 2 Thess. 2:8 we see that the Lord will destroy the lawless one with the breath of his mouth and the brightness of his coming. This is the ministry of his Body who are walking in the anointed prophetic Word. This is the Spirit of Christ who came and spoke as a prophet. He will appear, fully dwell, be revealed in his people who will shine forth in great glory in the earth.
In closing, we should know the number of the Beast which is 666. This number denotes flesh and rebellion. In reading of the Beast of Revelation chapter 13 we see a system in place for the control of all buying and selling in the earth. Communication or speech can be done at a high level through the use of digital or electronic transfer. This reminds us of the Babylonian (Babel) culture where God had to confound their speech because of the overwhelming power that influenced all the inhabitants of the known world. They all spoke the same language and had become arrogant and controlling so God dispersed them and confused their speech.