The 144,000 and the Multitude
Chapter 2
The Firstfruits And The Remnant
These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. - Revelation 14:4
What is meant by the firstfruits? The word firstfruits is defined as; a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. the (Jewish) first-fruit (figuratively): - first-fruits. [i] The under-definitions mean; commencement. [ii] and off, away...and (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, etc... [iii] The word firstfruits can actually mean the beginning or commencement of separation. Isn’t that what the sealing is -- a separation that occurs when the sealing takes place? This denotes a separation from partaking in the wrath of God.
Firstfruits is defined in the dictionary as; 1) the earliest produce of the season. 2) the first products, results, or profits of any activity. [iv]
In Leviticus 23:10 the firstfruits of the barley harvest are brought to the high priest on the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The firstfruits of the barley harvest are the commencement or the beginning of the harvest period of that year. The barley is first, and then comes the wheat. The firstfruits are a sacrifice or offering from the people to God. There are other verses that include the word firstfruits.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. - 1Corinthians 15:20
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. - 1Corinthians 15:23
Jesus Chris is the firstfruits of them that slept, meaning He was the first to rise from the dead. Then, as has been shown, the 144,000 are the firstfruits at His coming. The coming of Christ covers the entire period of the Tribulation, not just at the 7th trumpet.
The definition for the word coming means; a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect:--coming, presence. [v]
This definition does not indicate a one time showing up, although it could. It gives us more of an indication that it is a presence of the Lord pertaining to Christ’s punishment of Jerusalem which is exactly what the Tribulation is, to punish the inhabitants of the apostate church, firstly, the Multitude is judged and punished and then the apostate are judged and destroyed. The process of the Tribulation is the sifting of the Multitude; and the destruction of the apostate church at the 7th trumpet.
This premise of the “coming of the Son of man” being not just a one time event, but being the entire process of the Tribulation fits perfectly with the firstfruits of the 144,000. The 144,000 are the firstfruits at Christ’s coming. Just prior to the start of the Tribulation which commences with the 1st trumpet, the 144,000 are sealed. They are sealed prior to the beginning of the Tribulation or at “his coming.” At the end of “his coming” (the Tribulation) at the 7th trumpet “…the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17
The dead in Christ follow, after Christ being the firstfruits of the dead. The 144,000 are the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb at the beginning of the Tribulation. And just to remove any doubt about the timing of the “his coming” we just need to look at the next verse.
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. - 1Corinthians 15:24
“The end” is referencing the Tribulation. There are many verses that show this to be the case. Here are a few verses that will show this.
Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land. Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon
thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. - Ezekiel 7:2, 3
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. - Matthew 13:39
As it states in the above verse, the harvest is the end of the world. Coming up in chapter 14, a more thorough explanation of the harvest will be explored. The harvest is the gathering of the Multitude (wheat) into his barn. The harvest is the end and the harvest occurs during the Tribulation.
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and
sever the wicked from among the just, - Matthew 13:49
The wicked are separated out from among the just. This will be covered more thoroughly in Chapter 9 of this book. This occurs at the end of the world; during the period of the Tribulation.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. [18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. - James
1:17, 18
In the above verse, we begin to see that being the firstfruits has an aspect to it that will separate many out from this definition. One must have “the word of truth” in order for one to be among the “firstfruits of His creatures.”
Let’s take a look at those that believe not the truth.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: [12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. - 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
This is the division. If you believe the truth, you have the testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the spirit of prophecy. The spirit of prophecy is the knowledge of the truth about what’s coming in the future; I am referring to the Tribulation here. You may not know every aspect or detail, but you know the truth of your presence in the tribulation. Having the truth of what is coming, you have become a kind of firstfruits. Compare this to the ones that love not the truth. They will believe a lie because of a strong delusion; and for this cause (their not loving the truth), they are damned.
There is the illustration in Romans 11 describing the olive tree. If you will notice in verse 16, the example is given: “For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy:” This is a comparison to the phrase “a little leaven leaveneth the whole loaf.” [vi]
Using this verse as a starting point, “if the firstfruits are holy, the lump is also holy,” makes reference to the harvest. The firstfruits come first, and if the firstfruit is holy, then what follows after the firstfruits would also be holy. The rest of the scripture that states “and if the root be holy, so are the branches” is speaking about Jesus Christ being the root, and the True Church being the branches.
For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. [17] And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; [18] Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. [19] Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. [20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: [21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. [22] Behold therefore the goodness and
severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. - Romans 11:16-22
The illustration of the Olive tree reveals some deeper meanings. The natural branches that were broken off are speaking of the physical Jewish people that were divorced from God when they lost their inheritance because of their unbelief. The wild branches are the Gentiles that were allowed into the kingdom when Jesus died on the cross.
Look closely at verse 22: “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” One must continue in His goodness to remain on the tree. What is his goodness?
Goodness is defined as; usefulness i.e.: excellence in character or demeanor. [vii] Usefulness is a word that denotes excellence in character or demeanor. Would this include people that do not love the truth? I would think not! There are only two groups of people: Those that love the truth and those that do not.
I would put those that love the truth in the category of continuing in his goodness. The true followers of Jesus Christ love the truth, seek the truth, and want nothing to do with lies. They are holy through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. They are the Remnant of Israel.
There is one more verse in those passages concerning the 144,000 that deserves mentioning. Revelation 14:5 says “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”
Guile is defined as; a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile: - craft, deceit, guile, subtility. [viii] All of these words could be considered to be deceit. The 144,000 have no guile in their mouths. They are honest. Basically, what you see is what you get. They have no ulterior motives; they do not use the practice of manipulation. They are pure. Fault is defined as; unblemished (literally or figuratively): - without blame (blemish, fault, spot), faultless, unblameable. [ix] Let’s look at a verse that puts this in perspective.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] That he might present it to himselfa glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish. - Ephesians 5:25-27
The “glorious church” would be the chaste virgin that is presented to Christ as his bride, being holy and without blemish. A chaste virgin that has not been defiled by the harlot church, has come out of her (Babylon), and is found to be without fault (unblemished), before the throne of God.
The Remnant
Who exactly is the Remnant of Israel? Here are a few verses to give you a perspective of who “the Remnant of Israel” actually is.
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. - Matthew 20:16
Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, [24] Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. - Luke 13:23, 24
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a-preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. - 1 Peter 3:20
In the above verses, the word few indicates a small number. In the following verses, the word remnant is used. Remnant represents a very small number. 144,000 seems to be a fairly large number, except when you compare that amount to the approximately 1 billion professing Catholics and another estimated 1 billion professing Christian believers around the world -- apostate and otherwise. In that context, 144,000 seems small in comparison to those figures.
Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. - Isaiah 1:9
The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. - Zephaniah 3:13
“And in their mouth was found no guile” of the 144,000 from Revelation 14:5, certainly fits Zephaniah’s description of the Remnant of Israel.
The definition for the word remnant means; a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion:--that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest. [x]
A remnant is only a portion of a whole. It is the surviving or final portion that has eternal life. The larger portion is lost and does not have eternal life. This will be demonstrated in the following verse.
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: - Romans 9:27
The children of Israel will be numerous as the sand of the sea, this being a large portion. The remnant of Israel shall be saved, this being the smaller portion of Israel. This shows that the whole church out there that thinks that it is saved has got another thing coming.
In summing up this chapter, the 144,000 are to be sealed prior to the first trumpet. They are sealed with the seal of God in their forehead; a stamp of protection. The 144,000 do not attend the 501C(3) government-sanctioned harlot churches, nor have any false theologies.
The 144,000 are men and women who have the truth, and want no lies or leaven. The 144,000 are the true Remnant of Israel, and they follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. They are without spot or wrinkle, and they are holy and without blemish. They will be joined at a later date by the Multitude who also will become the Remnant of Israel when they come out of Babylon into the Truth of Jesus Christ, but for a price.
Since we can now establish who the 144,000 are, we can show that the rapture cult that states that the 144,000 are Jewish male virgins; are in a false theology. We can also demonstrate that the Jehovah’s Witnesses (and the Seventh Day Adventists) who believe that they are the 144,000 are also in error, for their religions are utterly false. Neither of these groups have the holy and precious truth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their truths are mixed with lies and leaven, and we know what a little leaven can do.
Is this where the information about the 144,000 ends? No, it continues. In fact, there is much, much more. We will now take a look at “The Woman in the Wilderness.
[i]. Strong’s 536
[ii]. Strong’s 756
[iii]. Strong’s 575
[iv]. Webster’s New World Dictionary
[v]. Strong’s 3952
[vi]. 1 Colossians 5:6
[vii]. Strong’s 5544
[viii]. Strong’s 1388
[ix]. Strong’s 299
[x]. Strong’s 7611
What is meant by the firstfruits? The word firstfruits is defined as; a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. the (Jewish) first-fruit (figuratively): - first-fruits. [i] The under-definitions mean; commencement. [ii] and off, away...and (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, etc... [iii] The word firstfruits can actually mean the beginning or commencement of separation. Isn’t that what the sealing is -- a separation that occurs when the sealing takes place? This denotes a separation from partaking in the wrath of God.
Firstfruits is defined in the dictionary as; 1) the earliest produce of the season. 2) the first products, results, or profits of any activity. [iv]
In Leviticus 23:10 the firstfruits of the barley harvest are brought to the high priest on the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The firstfruits of the barley harvest are the commencement or the beginning of the harvest period of that year. The barley is first, and then comes the wheat. The firstfruits are a sacrifice or offering from the people to God. There are other verses that include the word firstfruits.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. - 1Corinthians 15:20
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. - 1Corinthians 15:23
Jesus Chris is the firstfruits of them that slept, meaning He was the first to rise from the dead. Then, as has been shown, the 144,000 are the firstfruits at His coming. The coming of Christ covers the entire period of the Tribulation, not just at the 7th trumpet.
The definition for the word coming means; a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect:--coming, presence. [v]
This definition does not indicate a one time showing up, although it could. It gives us more of an indication that it is a presence of the Lord pertaining to Christ’s punishment of Jerusalem which is exactly what the Tribulation is, to punish the inhabitants of the apostate church, firstly, the Multitude is judged and punished and then the apostate are judged and destroyed. The process of the Tribulation is the sifting of the Multitude; and the destruction of the apostate church at the 7th trumpet.
This premise of the “coming of the Son of man” being not just a one time event, but being the entire process of the Tribulation fits perfectly with the firstfruits of the 144,000. The 144,000 are the firstfruits at Christ’s coming. Just prior to the start of the Tribulation which commences with the 1st trumpet, the 144,000 are sealed. They are sealed prior to the beginning of the Tribulation or at “his coming.” At the end of “his coming” (the Tribulation) at the 7th trumpet “…the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17
The dead in Christ follow, after Christ being the firstfruits of the dead. The 144,000 are the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb at the beginning of the Tribulation. And just to remove any doubt about the timing of the “his coming” we just need to look at the next verse.
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. - 1Corinthians 15:24
“The end” is referencing the Tribulation. There are many verses that show this to be the case. Here are a few verses that will show this.
Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land. Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon
thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. - Ezekiel 7:2, 3
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. - Matthew 13:39
As it states in the above verse, the harvest is the end of the world. Coming up in chapter 14, a more thorough explanation of the harvest will be explored. The harvest is the gathering of the Multitude (wheat) into his barn. The harvest is the end and the harvest occurs during the Tribulation.
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and
sever the wicked from among the just, - Matthew 13:49
The wicked are separated out from among the just. This will be covered more thoroughly in Chapter 9 of this book. This occurs at the end of the world; during the period of the Tribulation.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. [18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. - James
1:17, 18
In the above verse, we begin to see that being the firstfruits has an aspect to it that will separate many out from this definition. One must have “the word of truth” in order for one to be among the “firstfruits of His creatures.”
Let’s take a look at those that believe not the truth.
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: [12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. - 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
This is the division. If you believe the truth, you have the testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the spirit of prophecy. The spirit of prophecy is the knowledge of the truth about what’s coming in the future; I am referring to the Tribulation here. You may not know every aspect or detail, but you know the truth of your presence in the tribulation. Having the truth of what is coming, you have become a kind of firstfruits. Compare this to the ones that love not the truth. They will believe a lie because of a strong delusion; and for this cause (their not loving the truth), they are damned.
There is the illustration in Romans 11 describing the olive tree. If you will notice in verse 16, the example is given: “For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy:” This is a comparison to the phrase “a little leaven leaveneth the whole loaf.” [vi]
Using this verse as a starting point, “if the firstfruits are holy, the lump is also holy,” makes reference to the harvest. The firstfruits come first, and if the firstfruit is holy, then what follows after the firstfruits would also be holy. The rest of the scripture that states “and if the root be holy, so are the branches” is speaking about Jesus Christ being the root, and the True Church being the branches.
For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. [17] And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; [18] Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. [19] Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. [20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: [21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. [22] Behold therefore the goodness and
severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. - Romans 11:16-22
The illustration of the Olive tree reveals some deeper meanings. The natural branches that were broken off are speaking of the physical Jewish people that were divorced from God when they lost their inheritance because of their unbelief. The wild branches are the Gentiles that were allowed into the kingdom when Jesus died on the cross.
Look closely at verse 22: “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” One must continue in His goodness to remain on the tree. What is his goodness?
Goodness is defined as; usefulness i.e.: excellence in character or demeanor. [vii] Usefulness is a word that denotes excellence in character or demeanor. Would this include people that do not love the truth? I would think not! There are only two groups of people: Those that love the truth and those that do not.
I would put those that love the truth in the category of continuing in his goodness. The true followers of Jesus Christ love the truth, seek the truth, and want nothing to do with lies. They are holy through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. They are the Remnant of Israel.
There is one more verse in those passages concerning the 144,000 that deserves mentioning. Revelation 14:5 says “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”
Guile is defined as; a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile: - craft, deceit, guile, subtility. [viii] All of these words could be considered to be deceit. The 144,000 have no guile in their mouths. They are honest. Basically, what you see is what you get. They have no ulterior motives; they do not use the practice of manipulation. They are pure. Fault is defined as; unblemished (literally or figuratively): - without blame (blemish, fault, spot), faultless, unblameable. [ix] Let’s look at a verse that puts this in perspective.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] That he might present it to himselfa glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blemish. - Ephesians 5:25-27
The “glorious church” would be the chaste virgin that is presented to Christ as his bride, being holy and without blemish. A chaste virgin that has not been defiled by the harlot church, has come out of her (Babylon), and is found to be without fault (unblemished), before the throne of God.
The Remnant
Who exactly is the Remnant of Israel? Here are a few verses to give you a perspective of who “the Remnant of Israel” actually is.
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. - Matthew 20:16
Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, [24] Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. - Luke 13:23, 24
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a-preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. - 1 Peter 3:20
In the above verses, the word few indicates a small number. In the following verses, the word remnant is used. Remnant represents a very small number. 144,000 seems to be a fairly large number, except when you compare that amount to the approximately 1 billion professing Catholics and another estimated 1 billion professing Christian believers around the world -- apostate and otherwise. In that context, 144,000 seems small in comparison to those figures.
Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. - Isaiah 1:9
The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. - Zephaniah 3:13
“And in their mouth was found no guile” of the 144,000 from Revelation 14:5, certainly fits Zephaniah’s description of the Remnant of Israel.
The definition for the word remnant means; a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion:--that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest. [x]
A remnant is only a portion of a whole. It is the surviving or final portion that has eternal life. The larger portion is lost and does not have eternal life. This will be demonstrated in the following verse.
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: - Romans 9:27
The children of Israel will be numerous as the sand of the sea, this being a large portion. The remnant of Israel shall be saved, this being the smaller portion of Israel. This shows that the whole church out there that thinks that it is saved has got another thing coming.
In summing up this chapter, the 144,000 are to be sealed prior to the first trumpet. They are sealed with the seal of God in their forehead; a stamp of protection. The 144,000 do not attend the 501C(3) government-sanctioned harlot churches, nor have any false theologies.
The 144,000 are men and women who have the truth, and want no lies or leaven. The 144,000 are the true Remnant of Israel, and they follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. They are without spot or wrinkle, and they are holy and without blemish. They will be joined at a later date by the Multitude who also will become the Remnant of Israel when they come out of Babylon into the Truth of Jesus Christ, but for a price.
Since we can now establish who the 144,000 are, we can show that the rapture cult that states that the 144,000 are Jewish male virgins; are in a false theology. We can also demonstrate that the Jehovah’s Witnesses (and the Seventh Day Adventists) who believe that they are the 144,000 are also in error, for their religions are utterly false. Neither of these groups have the holy and precious truth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their truths are mixed with lies and leaven, and we know what a little leaven can do.
Is this where the information about the 144,000 ends? No, it continues. In fact, there is much, much more. We will now take a look at “The Woman in the Wilderness.
[i]. Strong’s 536
[ii]. Strong’s 756
[iii]. Strong’s 575
[iv]. Webster’s New World Dictionary
[v]. Strong’s 3952
[vi]. 1 Colossians 5:6
[vii]. Strong’s 5544
[viii]. Strong’s 1388
[ix]. Strong’s 299
[x]. Strong’s 7611