JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

November 1987

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your inquiry concerning the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7.

In verse 1 we find that the Day of the Lord -- the time of the terrible plagues -- is to be delayed temporarily, UNTIL the servants of God have been sealed. According to the sequence of prophesied events, this sealing is yet in the future. It will occur after the coming great tribulation and the appearance of the heavenly signs, but just before the plagues of God's judgments are poured out.

Next, notice Jesus' own explanation of the 144,000. They are 144,000 of the tribes of Israel, 12,000 of each tribe. The tribe of Dan is not mentioned -- perhaps because they went into idolatry anciently, and will thus have to WAIT for God's salvation (Gen. 49:1, 18). The 144,000 are to be given special protection during the Day of the Lord.

The 144,000 are sealed BY the Holy Spirit, IN their foreheads (minds). Revelation 14:1 shows that it is the Father's name that is written there. Jesus' very last prayer was that His Church would be kept in the Father's name (John 17).

For additional information explaining the book of Revelation, please ask for our booklet titled THE BOOK OF REVELATION UNVEILED AT LAST. It is free upon request.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT