Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:

Who are the sealed from the pause of the seal opening?

I intentionally split this section in two halves. The sixth seal has been opened, and great tragedy has befallen those who are left behind after the rapture. The four angels are holding the winds back from the four corners of the world. Then, a great angel from the east ascends with the seal of the living God. He puts this seal on the 144,000. Who are these being sealed? Great question. One question that is simple to answer but one that has been used to spark false prophecy and has played a part in false religions.

How has this 144,000 number been used?

Mormons believe that this represents the number of high priests sealed to bring people into their church of latter-day saints. This is why we see people in white shirts and black pants walking around and knocking on doors. This is also why they go on missions. They believe they can work their way into the high priesthood and be one of the 144,000. Other leaders of this false religion multiply this number by 1000. Adding to God’s word! There is a curse for that.

The black Hebrew Israelites will tell you they are the group that will form the 144,000. They claim they are direct descendants of the Israelites. They proclaim they are the descendants of ancient Israelites, not the Jewish people. They also proclaim racial superiority. This is not in line with the teachings of Jesus. Jesus died for every color, race and gender.

What are we to know?

The scripture lists out the 12 tribes of Israel and that 12,000 from each tribe will be sealed to preach Jesus to the lost people left behind after the tribulation. This is not about working to obtain a title, nor is it about racial superiority. People will take and twist the words of God with no guilt. This is ultimately about spreading Jesus and His sacrifice to the world. That through His gospel people can be saved from an eternity in hell.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. This is referring to Jewish people receiving the gospel and also Gentiles receiving the gospel. Jews are God’s chosen people; Gentiles are everyone else. Color does not matter. Works do not matter. The only thing that matters is when Jesus asks, what did you do with my gift?