Replies

>>>Interesting viewpoint. I think in that sense, yes that's true. But God's Word is quick, powerful, deep, and multi-layered. Oftentimes, prophecies are fulfilled, at least partially, around the time given, but also have a main, future application.<<<

I know that is claimed, but I have found no proof. Can you provide scripture that clearly shows some prophecies have dual-fulfillment? I would appreciate it.

>>>Your application is a good one and I think correct as far as it goes, but doesn't explain the sealing (saving) of 12,000 of each of the twelve tribes of Israel.<<<

The 144,000 were the firstfruits, resurrected during the "first resurrection" of A.D. 70 during the generation that witnessed the coming of Christ, as Jesus promised his disciples in several ways:

"But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." (Mat 10:23 KJV)

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." (Mat 16:27-28 KJV)

"Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." (Mat 24:34 KJV)

This verse in the Revelation partially identifies the "144,000:"

These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." (Rev 14:4)

Note they followed Christ everywhere. That sounds like those in the earliest Church. Few (if any) today could make that claim.

They were a part of the first resurrection:

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4)

If you recall, Jesus gave future judgement over the twelve tribes to the twelve apostles:

"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matthew 19:28)

But Paul implied that the saints would judge the world:

"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? . . ." (1 Cor 6:2)

All the earliest Christians were considered to be saints, so there is no contradiction.

>>>"All Israel" (the remnant) has yet to come to Jesus as their Messiah. They will soon.<<<

"All Israel" was a term coined by Paul in reference to those of the promise, which he explained in Romans 9:6ff. The remnant, which included Paul and the disciples, was resurrected in A.D. 70, exactly as Jesus predicted, and as the disciples and Paul expected.

Philip