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Jehovah`s Witness/144,000
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Question
Can you tell me why the number 144,000 is interpreted literally, in reference to the annointed, when so many other biblical numbers are interpreted symbolically?
Your are correct in that so many numbers in the Bible have "symbolic" meanings so it is natural for people to wonder why we refer to the 144,000 as loteral.
The answer is indicated by the comtext, after mention of the definite number 144,000, Revelation 7:9 refers to “a great crowd, which no man was able to number.” If the number 144,000 were not literal it would lack meaning as a contrast to the “great crowd.” Viewing the number as literal agrees with Jesus’ statement at Matthew 22:14 regarding the Kingdom of the heavens: “There are many invited, but few chosen.” Also in Luke 12:32 we find those that are to be with Jesus in his heavenly kingdom is refered to as a "ittle flock" "2 'Have no fear, little flock, because YOUR Father has approved of giving YOU the kingdom"
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Answers by Expert:
Brenton Hepburn
Expertise
I AM one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I am always learning. I am NOT an expert in the full sense of the word but I can answer questions on the reliability of the NWT,, the so called mind control problems,,so called prophecies,,,,how being a JW affects the individual and relatives and general practices and history of Jehovah’s Witnesses. >>WARNING<< Please be aware that as at 31 December 2011 there are at least 4 people here who ARE NOT practicing JWs. By all means ask these ones questions. Depending on the question you will get an honest answer, but generally the answer you get will mislead you often because they do not give ALL the relevant details. The following men are not practising JWS ..Derrick Holland ..Ben Erdman..Robert Jones>..Ken the Apostate These ones will, at times, may appear to not have an agenda against JWs., and will at times give answers that are not correct in regard to JW teachings and practices. If you are after a answer from one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, please read some of the answers that the various experts have published before choosing someone. If you want to ask one of the NON JWs a question, that is fine, BUT if you want a balancing view after asking one of the NON JWs, ask a JW the same question.PLEASE ALSO NOTE: Some experts are NOT always the most courteous, and their answers may offend, so it IS IMPORTANT to chose an "expert" that YOU feel will best suit YOU . . . . .
Experience
I have been a publisher since 1964. When I first went on the internet I found a lot of negative information dealing with Jehovah’s Witnesses covering prophecy, mind control and what many said was a very bad translation of the Bible known as the NWT. It shook my faith. After may hours researching these topics I could see why some felt that way, but, I was also able to explain why there were these misleading views. I can now set matters straight for anyone that has negative information about Jehovah’s Witness to show them that such information is at best misleading and at worst dangerous lies.
Education/Credentials
I have been a student of the Bible for many years, am trying to teach myself Biblical Greek.
Was a public tax accountant for many years untill SEP 2009 when I gave it up due to health problems.
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