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John hears that 144,000 people out of Israel are destined to be sealed, but then he turns to see an innumerable multitude from every people group in the world. What he sees reveals the truth of what he hears: the number “144,000” is not an exact count of who will be saved but is a symbolic number (12 x 12 x 1000). “Twelve” is a number that signifies all the people of God, from both the Old and New Testaments. In reality, between the sixth and seventh seal, there is an interlude, an opportunity for people from every nation to enter into the people of God, to receive God’s mark, and to take their places among the redeemed.

11 All the heavenly messengers stood up, encircling the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell prostrate before the throne and worshiped God.

12 Heavenly Messengers, Elders, and Living Creatures: Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom
    And thanksgiving and honor
    And power and might
    Be to our God on and on throughout all the ages. Amen.

One of the Elders (to me): 13 Who are these people clothed in white robes, and where have they come from?

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