Romans 13: 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
[C.C. pp 33, Par 1] The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake…. And there are other references in her writings. Not one of them ever speak of the 144,000 as being a figurative number, no not one. Question: Why is it important for us to understand that there are two distinct groups? Answer: It’s important, because if we don’t, we will be expecting God to deliver all His people at a time when deliverance may not be forthcoming for everyone, and that could severely shake a person’s faith.
That passage in Revelation 14 which says “Blessed are the dead who die in The Lord, from henceforth” is telling us that we should be prepared and expect to be put to sleep, before all hell breaks loose. It is critically important for all the Remnant people of God to manage our expectations prudently. It is not written in the Bible how the putting to sleep is going to take place, but one thing we know, that it is the majority who have kept the Sabbath up until the time, when the third angel’s message is given.
Let us therefore live in readiness, for we know not when the time is, but final movements will be rapid ones, and it is quite possible that we may see these things come to pass sooner rather than later. We therefore end with a passage of Scripture that should cheer us on our way. While we look forward with expectancy, let us live soberly and righteously in this generation, for whether we live or die, we are The Lord’s.
Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!