The concept of anointing relates to the ancient practice of anointing those who would be Priests or Kings (eg., Leviticus 8:12; 2 Samuel 2:4). But for the combined office of “kings and priests,” the Church and Bride of Christ is invited to share (Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Jesus as the Head was anointed first, but the oil of the holy Spirit has run down upon his body members.
| Psalm 133:1,2“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! “It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard,Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down
upon the edge of his robes.” NAS |
The word in the Scriptures that says God has “anointed us” (chrio) “is the verb form of “Christ,” the anointed, the Messiah (Christos).
| 2 Corinthians 1:21“Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ [#5548], and hath anointed [#5547] us, is God” |
| Strong’s Concordance NT:5547Christos (khris-tos’); from NT:5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus: |
| Strong’s Concordance NT:5548chrio (khree’-o); probably akin to NT:5530 through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service: |
The Bride of Christ—the faithful 144,000—constitutes of the glorified Anointed Body of Christ (Revelation 14:1).
How are the anointed to be identified? Those who have this anointing have no need that any one teach them that fact, for they have the evidence of it—the proof of it in their own hearts and experience.
| 1 John 2:27“And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.” |
This passage does not mean “no need” to be taught instruction about the Scriptures in righteousness or God’s plan of salvation. John does not contradict other Scriptures which show that God had appointed teachers in the Church. Teachers are needed and to be recognized (eg., Galatians 6:6; Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:2). John himself was a teacher and in this very epistle was teaching what both he and we appreciate as sound doctrine—necessary to be taught. What John is saying is that you don’t “need for anyone to teach you” that “Jesus is Christ” (vs 22). Notice how he says in vs 27 that what the anointing teaches “is true and is not a lie.” The “lie” was from the antichrist influence (vs 18) denying that Jesus was Christ (vs 21, 22). Also, those anointed with the Holy Spirit did not need anyone to tell them that they should not deny the Father and Son (vs 22); they knew this. The meaning is further understood by a correct translation of verse 20, “Ye have the anointing of the Holy One and ye all know it.” (Message Bible) In other words, the one receiving the anointing should know they have the Holy Spirit, whether others know it or not.
How does one personally evaluate whether they are of the Anointed? While others may observe and appreciate one as being led and used of the LORD, it is a personal judgment to perceive that one is a candidate for becoming part of the Christ, the Anointed. One has to ask himself whether he or she has come into the Anointed by the scriptural guidelines:
- Recognizing oneself is a sinner (Luke 18:13);
- Personally recognizing Jesus as one’s Savior (1 John 4:14);
- Recognizing the privilege of giving ALL in consecration to follow Christ (Matthew 16:24);
- Recognizing some fruits of the spirit in oneself (peace, faith, gentleness, self-control, etc.) and understanding Scriptures by the holy Spirit (Philippians 1:11; Ephesians 1:18; 5:17,18).
Members of the Anointed are NOT self-appointed for life. But in order to be of the completed Anointed Body of Christ, one must be “faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10) Only “if” one faithfully progresses in bearing the ”fruits” of the spirit to full maturation will one receive an abundant entrance into a heavenly reward—and Anointed Body of Christ.
| 2 Peter 1:4-11“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” |
In the meantime, those who are prospective members of the Anointed Body of Christ are not appointed to a virtual apostleship—ruling with authority to control every aspect of worship with authority to decide what is Truth. The Papacy throughout the Christian Age ruled with authority to dictate what is “truth” and rule in all worship.
The Risen Anointed Body in Heaven. Many hope or claim to be of the Anointed company—whether Bible Students, Jehovah’s Witnesses or others. Actually prospective members of the Anointed Body of Christ begotten of the holy Spirit reside in various congregations around the world—from America to Siberia, across Europe to India, etc. As members of congregations, these individuals who have come under the anointing may simply promote what they understand to be Truth based on the Scriptures and make judgments by voting in decisions of the whole congregation.
When fully developed as New Creatures, they will be “born again” in the spirit (John 3:3-8). Not a self-appointed “Governing Body” now in the flesh—those faithful will then compose the risen Anointed Body of Christ in heaven.
I believe the number 144,000 of Revelation Chap 7 vs. 4 is SYMBOLIC of Christ bride and the number of people going to heaven is a great crowd mentioned in vs. 9. The reason why no man can number that great crowd is because it isn’t a fixed number and depends on who proves faithful to the end. Any opinions?
Hi Ex Jw, yes I also have come to the understanding that it is likely to be a symbolic number.
That’s good to hear Daz!
Ex JW – Thanks for stimulating some conversation.
Please help us understand the questions better. Are you not comfortable with the idea of the 144,000 being the literal count of the number of members of bride of Christ? Do you have a thought on how the 144,000 is symbolic? How do you view the Great Crowd and 144,000 being different? – Who are they?
Your response may help to guide our comments.
I am convinced that exactly 7000 of the 144,000 will come from the Jehovah’s Witnesses:
.
Here is why:
.
Revelation 11:12-13
And in that hour a great earthquake occurred, and a tenth of the city fell; and
seven thousand NAMES of men were killed by the earthquake.
.
[NAME of person] is no longer a Jehovah’s Witness — (NAME killed)
.
.
Romans 9:25-26
It is as he says also in Ho·se´a: “Those not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved ‘beloved’; 26 and in the place where it was said to them, ‘YOU are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
.
[NAME of person] is no longer a Jehovah’s Witness — (‘YOU are not my people,’)
.
.
Hello Abe and welcome. I have to confess I don’t quite understand your comment. It is probably a language difference.
May I ask if you are a witness and could you share how you found the site? Take Care
“I believe the number 144,000 of Revelation Chap 7 vs. 4 is SYMBOLIC of Christ bride and the number of people going to heaven is a great crowd mentioned in vs. 9. The reason why no man can number that great crowd is because it isn’t a fixed number and depends on who proves faithful to the end. Any opinions?”
——————————
The Greek of Rev.1:1 tells us that the scroll of Revelation is presented in signs. The source of these revelations began with God, and then that scroll with seven seals is given to Christ. He in turn, shares it with his slaves.
Since Jesus is the source of these revelations to his slaves, we should remember that Jesus never taught without using an illustration/parables. The reason he gave for doing this, is that it could separate those granted understanding, from those not granted.
As with all the other identities, numbers, and events in Revelation;
“144,000” has symbolic meaning.
The number is used to refer to those who reside on “Mt Zion” with the “Lamb” (Rev.14:1) and these are spoken of as having God’s name on their forehead [also symbolic, for being obedient slaves of God as priests of His Temple (Rev.7:3; 22:3; 5:9,10),
and slaves of His commands (Deut.6:6,8; Heb.10:16—These then, would also be the ones in the New Covenant)]
Mt. Zion is mentioned as being in heaven (Heb.12:22,23) but is not a physical place. It is a designation of having one’s name, “written in heaven” (Eph.2:6).
According to the traits the Bible provides, the “Great Crowd” are also described as being priests. Just as apples can be a part of an entire bowl of mixed fruit, so can the Great Crowd be a part of the 144,000.
The Great Crowd has a distinction from the rest of the “bowl”, in that it comes through the final Great Test, sourced with Satan upon his release from the Abyss.
By telling us that “no man is able to number” the Great Crowd,
it tells us that the man who is able to number the Wild Beast (Rev.13:18), cannot number/brand, the Great Crowd (Rev.15:2; 20:4).
That number is 666, and it is not worn by the Great Crowd.
Knowing that we cannot slave for two masters, one is either marked as a slave of the Beast, or as a slave of God (Deut.6:6,8; Rev.13:16,17).
Those who are slaves of the Beast, are “numbered”/marked, by the “man”, who is, yes, the “man” of lawlessness (2Thess.2:4)”AntiChrist”.
It is Christ who “numbers” sealed slaves of God, and their number is 144000.
This is a symbolic number, just as 666 is. Insight into the meaning of these numbers, is derived by understanding the meaning of 12.
If you would like to delve more deeply into any of these ideas,
there are collections of related scriptures, sorted by subject, found within posts on those subjects.
All interested are welcome to peruse my blog, using the searchbox.
Pearl – Thanks. You are a real student of Revelation and I appreciate your deep study. I believe your brilliant mind would benefit from adding to your wonderful independent thinking, interdependent thinking. I mean both teaching and learning from other Revelation students guided by the Holy Spirit.
Other than 666, all other numbers in revelation are literal even if what they refer to are symbolic. For example, the churches, trumpets seals and plagues are symbolic, but the fact that there are a literal seven of each, all would agree. Also 42 mos = 1260 days = 3 1/2 times – Student of Revelation pretty much agree this this is literal either 1260 (days or years). So then why wouldn’t 144,000 be a literal number.
Well you might say it is a symbolic exception, just like 666. However there is a strong case to be made that the 666 number is a literal count.
I will share some interesting comments from the Revelation Notebook page 68 & 69 (electronic copy in the right panel).
CALCULATE THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST: Several items in this phrase need attention. First, the
“number” must be “calculated.” It does not just plainly appear. Secondly, it is related to the 10-horned
beast — the one to whom the image was made (verse 14). Thirdly, number symbolizes VALUE.
Whatever must be calculated apparently has something to do with the beast’s “value.” This doesn’t
mean monetary value, but rather the “value (number) of his name.” (Verse 17) His name STANDS
FOR SOMETHING.
It represents his values. History shows us that the values of the apostasy can be summed up as
usurped power and authority. Verse 5 summarizes this idea. Thus, when we learn that Papacy’s claim
is to be the one who rules in place of the Son of God, and that Papacy, therefore, appropriated the
blasphemous title VICARIVS FILII DEI, we HAVE the name which identifies his values (number).
THE NUMBER IS THAT OF A MAN: Paul identified the “man” — the office — to which this refers as
the “Man of Sin” and the “Son of Destruction.” (II Thess. 2:3, 4) It is the Papacy.
HIS NUMBER IS 666: The sum of the Roman numerals is VICARIVS FILII DEI is 666. MANY titles or
descriptions (in several languages) of the Roman system calculate to this figure — a fact which
corroborates the conclusion. VICARIVS FILII DEI, however, (VICAR OF THE SON OF GOD, or
VICARIOUS SON OF GOD) seems the best explanation for the reasons stated above.
Bro. Loomis points out that the three languages used on Jesus’ cross (Latin, Hebrew and Greek) all
have words representing this number. The Hebrew word ROMIITH (Roman):
R = 200
O = 6
M = 40
I = 10
I = 10
TH = 400
666
(The Hebrew alphabet, of course, must be used!)
The Greek work LATEINOS (Latin Man); again, using the
Greek alphabet:
L = 30
A = 1
T = 300
E = 5
I = 10
N = 50
O = 70
S = 200
666
There are apparently a number of other solutions — all pointing to the Roman system. It is difficult to
escape the conclusion that coincidence is ruled out.
——-
Note that more examples relating 666 to Rome can be found in Keys to Revelation beginning on page 361.
If the scriptures are used exclusively for interpretation (Gen.40:8),
all things are disclosed.
There is no need to look to a world controlled by Satan for the interpretations of God’s Word, regardless of how convincing these solutions may seem to fit.
Pearl – I agree that going to Denominational Biblical Commentaries will not teach us the Truth, but rather the errors of Hell, Trinity and Immortal Soul, etc.
I read some of your other comments, so I think we are in agreement with much of what I am about to say, some of which is redundant to what you are saying.
There is a body of Christ for a reason. Are you acquainted with other Holy Spirit filled members of the body of Christ that you can study with and mutually learn from? I believe there is a study group you meet with, isn’t there? Are you learning from them about Revelation as well?
“For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”” (1Co 12:12-21 NAS95)
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Matthew 18:20 ESV
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Proverbs 27:17 ESV
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Acts 2:42 ESV
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Without my mentors, other Bible Students and Brother Russell, I would be very confused about the Bible. Yes, the Holy Spirit would have help me with the basics. However, the back and forth interaction of different members of the New Creation is quite a learning experience of give in take. The Holy Spirit works through the many to learn the Truth, in an environment of Christian liberty and love; it is not given to one. Our understanding is limited when we learn as an Island.
The brethren Paul addressed in the book of Hebrews had the Holy Spirit, but many of them were not applying themselves, by learning from Paul and each other.
Hebrews 5 & 6 (NASV)
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.
14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
1 ¶ Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.
I like a lot of what you said Pearl and I think or hope we probably are mostly in agreement.
Peter K., that’s some pretty impressive “Figurin'” you have going on there!After you watch the video I linked, please tell me what you think.
BTW, here’s the link….http://www.cdmi.org
Jacqueline, You said;
” I will run the race to go where he sends me to help bring the many to a righteous standing before God and bow before him myself in humble submission to his will for us all.”
That is good thinking, and it shows a good heart. Here is what I believe on the subject of helping other to God. Jesus said, “No one comes to me, unless my Father has sent him.” John 6:44
When God choses who he wants…he will have that one. If nobody speaks to them matters not. If God wants them, he will have them.
Christians should not worry about, “if they will have life, or death.” If God wants us, or does not want us…we should agree with what he does…because we know God is always correct in what he does. Do not serve for the reward of life…serve because your heart will let you do no other.
Domenic I was referring to the future time of the Millenium. Yes today we are called by God. During the 1,000 years however mankind will be on trial for their life and will I get from scripture, need assistance in understanding the complete will of God. Christ will be their friend as he raises the dead, and so much more will bring them toward him. But if there is work to do from heaven or earth, I have come to know Jesus and GOD in a different way and I say from my heart, I will serve and do whatever your assignment is for me. I really no longer think of earth as my home however, I used to all the time but not now since the receiving of the Holy Spirit of which I am sure of it’s enjoining. Now to run the race as he tells us so as to attain it! Jacqueline
Good thread on the subject of the 144,000. I love God with my whole heart, but I never want to be of the Anointed class.
I like being human. Nor do I want to govern over others. I love living as the Father created us…Care takers of the earth. I can see what is in the future…we will have the whole universe to take care of, for our God.
Domenic, I like your thinking. I will go or do whatever he wants me too. Eternity is such a long time and the things he has in store for us are out of our thinking capacity. I am just so glad to have found out about Jesus before I died as I was trapped inside the witness organization from birth. I will run the race to go where he sends me to help bring the many to a righteous standing before God and bow before him myself in humble submission to his will for us all.
If you want the real truth about the Bible and God’s purpose for mankind. Heaven and pardise on Earth I encoargage you to check out JW.org it has all the knowleadge on every subject you are needing and your heart desires. It is all from the bIble. It saved my life
Lesley – Thanks for joining us and pointing us to JW.org. I agree that I have found some good information there. We will be glad for you to share your insights with us in the future.
The Anointed are the 144,000 the Bible talks about and the other sheep will be resurrected to Paradise on Earth and other sheep will be part of the Great Crowd that will come out of the Great Tribulation to life to rule on Paradise on Earth just like God Jehovah intended it to be before Adam and Eve sinned and Satan challenged Jehovah’s right to rule. Jesus was chosen to come to make a sacrifice for all our sin and so we may know the father Jehovah and have a way out of this sinful world.
Thanks Leslie. This is a good summary of the JW perspective and we appreciate you sharing it with us here. You can find further discussion on the “Other Sheep” here: https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=85&action=edit&message=1
Thankyou for this article, though the last post was over a year ago. I feel very blessed being away from the Jehovah’s Witnesses(though never baptised as one)& now with the biblestudents. I was consecrated in May 2010& baptised Oct2,2010 at the SanAntonio,TX convention by brother George Wilmot. As far as this topic God showed me how I am part of the small folck (& no I am not just wishful thinking it) I am very humbled by this as I pray others are as well. However except for here ,I don’t bring it up (those who know are those that were present at the baptisim) because I get alot of heat & put downs by people not understanding. I did read in a recent article on http://www.ask.com I typed in “are there women in the 144,000 small flock” & 1article I read said yes the women are included(gave scriptures) & as far as virgins, when we take a vow to God we become clean again,like virgins. it’s not literal virgins or alot of the 144,000 would probably be out of the race. Anyways thankyou for this topic. If I told the jw elders I am part of the small flock I know I’d get a look from them & shaking of the heads,but God isn’t shaking his head. He knows who are the anointed & who is the great crowd & loves them all.
Candice – I have really enjoyed your comments on Facebooks on the Kingdom Christians page and JW Discussion Group. I am glad you found your way here. We would love to hear more from you. There are lot’s of JWs and former JWs on this webstie that I beleive would love to hear from you since you have made a happy transition from the JWs to the Bible Students, where Christian Freedom and Liberty is celebrated.
To Betty;
2 Cor 11:2,”for I bethrothed you to Christ, thinking to present you as a chaste virgin to her true and only husband.” Some of these were married and had children.
So you asl how are they virgins? James 4:4,”Adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship with the world is emity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.”
The 144,000 have to virgins that way. That is why they are called a bride.
As to the tribes being fleshly Jews. Some of them are some of them aren’t. I am sure you herd the verse, many called few chosen. Well the nation could have filled it, but there was not even close to that number. Then Peter had the vision to eat unclean food. He then went and used one of the keys of the kingdom to graph in the Gentiles.
It is spiritual Israel Gal 6:16 Compare Romans 9:6,”However, it is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all who spring from Israel are really Israel.” Mt 23:38; Ro 2:28; Re 2:9
BettieW, Are you saying that the apostle Peter is not one of the 144,000? After all, he was not a virgin since he was married. (Mat8:14) If that’s the case, I’m surprised Jesus included him in Luke 12:32.
The 144,000 are all males who “have never laid with or touched a woman” (could it BE spelled out any more clearly?) and they come from a list of Jewish tribes. Not a man who is a virgin? Not Jewish or descended from Jews? You’re not one of the 144,000. Simple as that.
BettieW. – Do you believe then that we should take Revelation literally and that it does not have symbolic expressions that need to be interpreted, like in the book of Daniel? In Daniel 7, the beasts represented Governments, (i.e. Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome).
Thank you Br Peter for the fine post about the anointed. Christ has almost totally lost its meaning to most Bible readers today, and most have come to believe that ‘Christ’ was part of Jesus’ name. It wasn’t. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1: 21 was telling the Christians in Corinth that they too would be anointed… become ‘christs.’ Understanding how the word “christ” was used in the NT allows us to understand how it was applied to Jesus and what He was saying in Mat 24:23-24, Then if any to you should say: Lo, here the Anointed, or here; not you believe. Shall be raised for false anointed ones and false prophets, and shall give signs great and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible even the chosen. (Diaglott, cross-reference Mk 13: 22)
Notice what can be learned from a proper understanding of the Greek word, in these scriptures. Here Jesus was not only saying that some people would come in the last days claiming to be Him, but was also warning His disciples against false anointed ones rising from within the flock. Paul calls these “wolves among the congregations” in Acts 20: 29-30.
My dear Br. Bob,
This has been a problem, for you never heard anyone saying they are Jesus. You have shed quite a bit of light.
However, there are those saying they are of the anointed and are using it to get advantage. According to the definition by the watchtower society these are special ones due special honor and sad to say some have taken advantage of the flock. Using this as leverage and documentation of their status. Some sisters have been affected greatly. So thank you so much for this insight, I am sure others will benefit from this posting. In Christ Jacqueline
Thanks Bob for clarifying the word “Christ.” We are told in 1 Cor 12:12, “For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.” NASV