Ellen Chat Conversation

The focus of faith should remain on the grand, ennobling truths of the Word rather than on speculative theories or suppositions. Engaging in controversy over the specific identity or composition of the 144,000 is not part of God's plan for His people, as such debates do not provide spiritual benefit (2NL 164). Those who are among the elect will understand this matter clearly in a short time without any need for questioning (2NL 164). While the exact nature of the number is not a subject for debate, the 144,000 are described as a distinct group of redeemed individuals who have been sealed and are perfectly united (ExV 11.1).

They are seen standing in a perfect square on the sea of glass, wearing crowns of varying brightness and stars, yet all are perfectly satisfied with their reward (LDE 282.1). This group is identified as those who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion, having the Father's name written in their foreheads (EW 31.5). They are characterized by their service to God with both intellect and heart while on earth, and they alone are able to learn the new song sung before the throne (VSS 467.1) (TT 308.6).

Rather than focusing on whether the number is literal, the emphasis is placed on the character and experience of those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb (ExV 11.1).

You are correct that the phrase "144,000 in number" appears in her earliest writings, including the 1847 pamphlet *A Word to the Little Flock*. ### The Quote > "Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spake the time, He poured upon us the Holy Spirit, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses’ did when he came down from Mount Sinai." — *Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1*, 1T 59.1 (See also *A Word to the Little Flock*, WLF 14.3) ### Context This passage is part of Ellen White’s first vision, given in December 1844. It describes the final events just before the Second Coming, specifically the "living saints" who are translated without seeing death. Regarding whether the number is literal or symbolic, Ellen White herself did not provide a definitive "yes" or "no." While she used the phrase "in number," she later cautioned against engaging in debate over the specifics of this group: "It is not His [God's] will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the 144,000? This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question." (1SM 174.3) Her focus was consistently on the character and preparation of the people rather than the mathematical nature of the figure. *** Found hundreds of passages containing these keywords. For the complete list with filters, try the Full-Text Search: [Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=144%2C000+in+number) **Book breakdown:** 1T (48), CCh (22), 2SG (18), 20MR (17), 2SM (16)

The use of the phrase "144,000 in number" in early descriptions of the final remnant highlights a specific group of living saints who are translated at the coming of Christ. This group is depicted in vision as standing in a perfect square on the sea of glass, emphasizing a sense of order and completion among those who have been sealed. While the language used in these early accounts is specific, the primary focus of the revelation is on the spiritual condition and the ultimate triumph of these individuals. They are identified by their unwavering loyalty to God and their unique experience of following the Lamb wherever He goes, having been redeemed from among men. Despite the specific phrasing found in early writings, there is a clear instruction to avoid making the exact composition or numerical nature of this group a subject of speculative debate. The counsel emphasizes that such controversies do not contribute to spiritual growth and that the true identity of this company will be understood clearly by the elect in a very short time. Ultimately, the emphasis is placed on the character of those who will stand in that day rather than on a mathematical determination. The goal set before the believer is to strive with all the power God has given to be among that number, focusing on the preparation of the soul and the washing of one's robes in the blood of the Lamb.

I understand your point. You are focusing specifically on the phrasing Ellen White used to describe the 144,000 and whether that phrasing implies a literal count. In her earliest accounts of her first vision, she does indeed use the specific phrase "in number" when referring to this group. ### The Key Quotes > "The living saints, **144,000 in number**, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake." — *Early Writings*, EW 15.1 **Context:** This passage is from Ellen White's first vision, given in December 1844. It describes the journey of the Advent people to the City of God. The mention of "144,000 in number" is often cited by those who hold to a literal interpretation of the figure. While she used that specific language, it is also important to consider her later counsel regarding the debate over the nature of this group: > "It is not His [God's] will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand. This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question." — *Selected Messages, Book 1*, 1SM 174.3 **Context:** Written in 1901 to a brother who was teaching specific views on the 144,000. She emphasized that "silence is eloquence" on subjects where God has not seen fit to provide a definitive explanation. *** **Search Results Summary:** Found hundreds of passages containing these keywords. For the complete list with filters, try the Full-Text Search: [Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=re+avoiding+my+point.+I) **Book breakdown:** GC88 (13), GC (10), 4SP (9), PK (8), Ed (7)

The principle of interpretation for both the Scriptures and the prophetic gift is to accept the plain teachings of the Word of God as they read, rather than spiritualizing them until the reality is lost (2NL 162.2). When language is used in a straightforward manner, it should be explained according to its obvious meaning unless a clear symbol or figure is being employed (GrH_c 32.7). This approach prevents the overstraining of sentences to produce something "odd" or speculative to please the fancy, ensuring that the reality of the message remains intact (1SM 170.2).

The writings are intended to be expressed in simple language so that even a child can understand the thoughts being communicated (MR728 41.4). There is a specific warning against placing unfair interpretations or misapplying isolated passages to vindicate personal policies or preconceived opinions (LLM 590.2). When a statement is made with simplicity, it is meant to stand as written without being changed or misrepresented by the language of others (11MR 332.3) (MR926 94.1).

However, even when a statement appears literal, there is a danger in interpreting such writings through the lens of one's own preconceived positions, which often leads to a division in understanding (3SM 79.3). Readers are cautioned not to put their own interpretation on statements they may not fully understand, as this can create wrong impressions in the minds of others (8MR 171.4). The ultimate authority remains the "Thus saith the Lord," and the focus should be on obeying the Bible as the foundation of character rather than merely quoting specific phrases (SpM 167.2).

The Feast of Tabernacles was established as a preeminent occasion of rejoicing for the people of God, occurring immediately after the solemnities of the Day of Atonement (PP 540.3). This sequence was significant because the Day of Atonement provided a season for the confession of sins and the assurance that iniquity would be remembered no more, thereby preparing the hearts of the worshipers to be at peace with Heaven (VSS 454.2) (DA 448.3). Once the sanctuary was cleansed and the people were declared right with God, they were free from care and could fully engage in the sacred and joyous influences of the festival (PP 540.3).

The celebration itself was characterized by a universal spirit of gratitude and praise, centered at the temple where the choir of Levites led the service of song (DA 448.3). Worshipers would wave branches of palm and myrtle, joining their voices in a triumphant chorus that echoed through the encircling hills (DA 448.3). This period of rejoicing lasted from the fifteenth to the twenty-second day of the seventh month, during which the people dwelt in booths and listened to the reading of the law of God (SS 344.2).

In the typical system, the Day of Atonement represented the final work of blotting out sins and cleansing the sanctuary (CIHS 56.3). This service, which occurred on the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month, pointed forward to the antitypical day of atonement in the heavenly sanctuary (GC 399.4) (HF 247.1). Just as the ancient feast followed the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary, the fulfillment of these types relates to the second advent of Christ, when He appears to bless His waiting people with immortality (GC 399.4).

Today, believers are considered to be living in the antitypical day of atonement, a special season that demands the same character of deep humiliation and confession of sins seen in the type (5T 520.1). This current period is a time for the people of God to study the sacred work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary and to lead others away from worldly customs toward a higher state of spirituality (5T 520.1). The ultimate goal of this preparation is to stand ready for the final harvest and the eternal rejoicing that the earthly feasts merely foreshadowed.