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The 144,000... when are they chosen and sealed? Brother Rando is a student of Prophecy and one of Jehovah's Witnesses. His interests are directed towards how the time of the end would come about. His Goal is to educate the public that Jehovah Witnesses have accepted the Sacrifice in Christ, whose Blood was shed for many as a ransom and exercise faith in 'Jesus Christ' for salvation. (Romans 10:9) As a student of Prophecy, the passing of time often reveals the specific timing of such divine declarations. The Prophets that announced them do not always know the exact timing. The Sealing of the 144,000 is now at hand. Another timed event that needs no guess work. Jesus replied to them: “Tear down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19) The Bible points out that Jesus was not talking about the temple made with hands, “But he was talking about the temple of his body.” (John 2:21) Could the temple of his body be the 144,000 of his anointed followers also known as the Body of Christ? If the "the temple of Christ's Body" is not made with hands and Jesus was to sacrifice his Flesh, once for all time, then taking back his fleshly body would void his Father's Will. (1 Peter 2:18) The scriptures do indicate some insight to what he meant, "But he was talking about the temple of his body." (John 2:21) Notice the scripture doesn't state his fleshly body for his fleshly body was to be sacrificed once and for all time, but rather 'the temple of his body.' Once the temple is raised up, then we could expect to enter into Christ’s Millennial Reign in the third day. That time of (three physical days) has gone and passed almost two thousand years ago and Christ's Millennial Reign has not yet taken place. Today, we see that the World is engulfed in hatred and greed and the signs or manifestations happening today are causing all of the tribes of the earth to beat themselves in lamentation or grief. People are looking for a way out. The Apostle Peter referred to the temple by stating, "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen, precious to God, you yourselves as living stones are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:4-5) The scripture by the Apostle Paul also gives us evidence that others are also included as God’s temple that Jesus Christ himself would raise up. "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that the spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16) Again, this did not happen in a 72 hour period but rather the process of raising up the foundation of the living stones began on Pentecost 33 CE. Can the Body of Christ be the same as God’s temple? Yes. “Just as the body is one but has many members, and all the members of that body, although many, are one body, so too is the Christ.” (1 Cor 12:12) Jesus could have stated (John 2:19) in several ways. in three days on the third day after two days The question of how long a day is listed in the scriptures for all to see. "However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8) 33CE + 2,000 yrs = 2033 So when can expect the 144,000 of God’s temple to be raised up? "He will revive us after two days. On the third day he will raise us up, And we will live before him." (Hosea 6:2) The Body of Christ began to be collected on Pentecost 33 CE and will continue for two days of 1,000 years each before the third day begins 2034. 33CE + 2,000 yrs = 2033 You won't find 2034 in the Bible, but you won't find 33 CE either. Yet, 33 CE was a 'timed event' that comes from the Messiah being cut off in the middle of that 70th week and Pentecost followed 50 days later. They looked with their eyes but they could not see. "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.”(Rev 7:3) We also get 1914 from the book of Daniel which was another 'timed event' that occurred about the time allotted for Gentile Rule. In the Book of Daniel, Bible Prophecy pointed to a specific time period. Taking the time limit of 2,520 years and adding them to the time of destruction of the temple in Jerusalem 607 BCE, the timing lined up to the year 1914 CE. The timing of the 144,000 being chosen, seems to line up with the conclusion of the Last Days in 2034. When you add the time limit for the Last Days of Noah to the Last Days of this Age, what year keeps popping up? 1914 + 120 yrs = 2034 The Fulfillment of Prophecies are 'timed events'. They have a Beginning and an End to them which covers a specific time period. Knowing such dates of a prophecy once revealed to those who are being ministered to, does not necessarily beget salvation. It doesn't give a person divine protection or extraordinary insight but it may make a person more accountable to Jehovah for not warning others.” One would need to continue walking by faith... Better times lay ahead of us, but not for everyone. “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.” (Rev 7:3) Notice that harm to the earth, sea, or trees are being withheld until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads. This is in reference to sealing of the 144,000 which are representatives of God’s temple, the Body of Christ, New Jerusalem, Christ’s Brothers, and even the Bride of Christ. All are one in the same. Once the total number of the 144,000 are sealed, then a colossal number of other prophecies begin to become fulfilled. “I will make my holy name known among my people Israel, and I will not allow my holy name to be profaned any longer; and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah, the Holy One in Israel.” (Ezekiel 39:7) Since these things are undergoing spiritual fulfillment, the Bible warns us that "Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed." (2 Peter 3:10) "For the vision is yet for its appointed time, And it is rushing toward its end, and it will not lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it! For it will without fail come true. It will not be late!" (Habakkuk 2:3)

The Good News of God's Kingdom... Preaching the Good News of God's Kingdom in Satan's World often brings a hostile and violent reaction from the unfaithful and lawless one. If this is how they react when the Good News of God's Kingdom is declared, how do you think they will react to the final message of divine destruction is delivered? Soon, those who reject the Good News will have no recourse. What to look for to help gain discernment for the coming events: Brothers and Sisters who are 70 and 80 now, becoming 90 and 100 144,000 Congregations No Response in the preaching work An outbreak of peace and security proclaimed by the political kings Treat those coming for you with hospitality and kindness

"Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the undeserved kindness meant for you made a diligent inquiry and a careful search.  They kept on investigating what particular time or what season the spirit within them was indicating concerning Christ as it testified beforehand about the sufferings meant for Christ and about the glory that would follow.  It was revealed to them that they were ministering, not to themselves, but to you, regarding what has now been announced to you by those who declared the good news to you with holy spirit sent from heaven. Into these very things, angels are desiring to peer." (1 Peter 1:10-12) The 144,000 are the living stones that Jesus was speaking about when he stated, “Tear down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (,John 2:19) The term "this temple" was not the Temple of Stone that existed then. Jesus already inspected that Temple and upon his inspection of it, he found it ,as a cave of robbers. Did you never read this scripture: ‘The stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone.' (,Mark 12:10) "But he was talking about the temple of his body." (,John 2:21) Notice the scripture doesn't state his fleshly body for his fleshly body was to be sacrificed once and for all time, but rather 'the temple of his body.' “Just as the body is one but has many members, and all the members of that body, although many, are one body, so too is the Christ.” (,1 Cor 12:12) Allow scripture to interpret scripture. If Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone of God's temple, then there must be other stones. The other living stones are in fact the 144,000. (,Rev 7:4) "Just as the Christ is head of the congregation, he being a savior of this body." (,Ephesians 5:23b) ,These living stones are Christ's Body. "Now you are Christ’s body, and each of you individually is a member." (,1 Cor 12:27) "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that the spirit of God dwells in you? (,1 Corinthians 3:16) WTS Quote: Paul calls the congregation “God’s temple.” At Eph 2:21, 22, the congregation is called “a holy temple” that God inhabits “by spirit.” This means that God uses his holy spirit, or invisible active force, to motivate those in the congregation, to sustain them, and to help them cultivate its fruitage. (Ga 5:22, 23) The apostle Peter uses a similar comparison, calling the disciples “living stones.” (1Pe 2:5) The Apostle Peter also referred to the temple by stating, "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen, precious to God, you yourselves as living stones are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (,1 Peter 2:4-5) The 144,000 are Christ's body in which mankind can approach the One True God, Jehovah through Jesus Christ. They are also known has Christ's Brothers in how the world of mankind will be Judged in the Last Days that are now coming to their end. Notice the following scriptures: Jesus said to her: “Stop clinging to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.’” (,John 20:17) Jesus own statement exposes the lie that he and the evildoer went to heaven the same day they were to die. Notice he stated to Mary Magdalene, "Stop clinging to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father" after his resurrection. "For just as we have in one body many members, but the members do not all have the same function, so we, although many, are one body in union with Christ, but individually we are members belonging to one another." (,Romans 12:4) Then he will answer them, saying: ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of these least ones, you did not do it to me.’ (,Matthew 25:45) Jesus will condemn those who mistreat the least ones of his brothers. But how long would the sealing of the 144,000 take? This sealing process is a timed event. It did not take place in a literal 72 hour period. "And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000" (,Rev 7:4) And I saw another angel ascending from the sunrise, having a seal of the living God; and he called with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying: “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.” (,Rev 7:2-3) Did you notice what is to happen before the four angels are allowed to harm the earth? It was after a certain event. Once the 144,000 are sealed, then it paves the way for Jesus to bring judgement upon those who mistreated his chosen ones of the 144,000. The scriptures are pointed. "If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for the temple of God is holy, and you are that temple." (,1 Corinthians 3:17) So let's review Jesus' Prophecy that has been unfolding since Pentecost 33 CE. “Tear down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (,John 2:19) This temple is Christ's Brothers of the 144,000 which are in turn Christ's Body. Jesus stated "in three days I will raise it up." Jesus could of stated this in several ways. in three days on the third day after two days Again, allow scripture to interpret scripture. "He will revive us after two days. On the third day he will raise us up, And we will live before him." (,Hosea 6:2) Look and see with eyes of faith. Apply the scriptures. "However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." (,2 Peter 3:8) The Body of Christ began to be collected on Pentecost 33 CE. Pentecost happened on 33 CE + 2000 yrs = 2033 CE the third day begins 2034. Not all anointed will be heavenly at this point but you can apply other scriptures during the Last Days of this Age as they come to ,,their End: "Look! I tell you a sacred secret: We will not all fall asleep in death, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the blink of an eye, during the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised up incorruptible, and we will be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) You won't find 2034 in the Bible, but you won't find 33 CE either. Yet, 33 CE was a 'timed event' that comes from the Messiah being cut off in the middle of that 70th week and Pentecost followed 50 days later. They looked with their eyes but they could not see. We also get 1914 from another 'timed event' that occurred. But when you add the Last Days of Noah, what do you get for the Last Days of this Age? 1914 + 120 yrs = 2034 Knowing these things doesn't give you divine protection or extraordinary insight but it may make you more accountable to Jehovah. "For the vision is yet for its appointed time, And it is rushing toward its end, and it will not lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it! For it will without fail come true. It will not be late!" (Habakkuk 2:3)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxUV5Y-u3fY I’ve listened to this video a few times. He makes good points, and although I am not sure what the organization’s intent is, I must agree with the maker of the video, that a change, a new teaching/”new light” appears to be afoot. Will the doctrine of the “144,000” become an unlimited number to accommodate the massive “Gentile” elder body? I say this, because the 2017 March Watchtower study magazine speaks highly of the elder body, stressing to give honor where it is “due”. The captivating drawing depicts the symbolic “24 elders” of Revelation 4:10,11 laying their crowns before the throne of God. The article does not mention the “144,000” sealed anointed as those depicted in the picture; thus, through default – through subliminal suggestion - who is thought to be the “24 elders” depicted deceitfully by this article? I believe it is the “man of lawlessness” that sits in/rules and “tramples” God’s Temple/sanctuary priesthood– the “Gentile” elder body. Matt 24:15; Mark 13:14; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1,2; 13:1,2,4-8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+24%3A15%3B+Mark+13%3A14%3B+2+Thess+2%3A3%2C4%3B+Rev+11%3A1%2C2%3B+13%3A1%2C2%2C4-8&version=NKJV “And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered.” Dan 8:10-12 The “stars” who are trampled are the anointed ones. Dan 12:3; Phil 2:15; Rev 1:20 The elders are indeed, an "army". "What army does Micah’s prophecy say that Jehovah would use against this cruel enemy, called “the Assyrian”? A very unusual one. The Bible says that this army is made up of “seven shepherds” and “eight dukes,” or princes. (Micah 5:5) Who are they? They are the congregation elders. (1 Peter 5:2) Today, Jehovah is using many faithful elders to shepherd and to strengthen his people for the future attack of “the Assyrian. ws13 11/15 p. 20 This possible new teaching would be the ultimate ‘shattering’ of God’s saints within the organization. Dan 12:7 https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/trample-how-does-it-happen.html

Not being sexist. If the Governing Body want to interpret it so literally, it should only be virgin men according to revelation

See also: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that exactly 144,000 faithful Christian men and women from Pentecost of 33 CE until the present day will be resurrected to heaven as immortal spirit beings to spend eternity with God and Christ. They believe that these people are "anointed" by God to become part of the spiritual "Israel of God". They believe the 144,000 (which they consider to be synonymous with the "little flock" of Luke 12:32) will serve with Christ as king-priests for a thousand years, while all other people accepted by God (the "other sheep" of John 10:16, composed of "the great crowd" of Revelation 7:9,14 and the resurrected "righteous and the unrighteous" ones of Acts 24:15), will be given an opportunity to live forever in a restored paradise on earth. According to the Witnesses, the first of the 144,000 were resurrected in 1918 (April) and others who die thereafter are immediately resurrected to heaven. Individual Witnesses indicate their claim of being "anointed" by partaking of the bread and wine at the annual Memorial of Christ's death. In 2014, 14,121 Witnesses worldwide claimed to be of the anointed "remnant" of the 144,000.The members of the Governing Body who exercise teaching authority over Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide claim to be among the anointed 144,000, and also consider themselves as a group to be the faithful and discreet slave of Matthew 24:45 and Luke 12:42.Jesus Christ is their "Mediator" Did the first million or so professed "Anointed Christians" really just end up in Gehenna? See also:The Thrones of the 144,000 - 2014 Regional Convention Part

After much prayerful reflection on the Scriptures, I have come to the realisation that the true identity of the “generation” Jesus spoke of at Matthew 24:34 may soon be revealed. There Jesus said, “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” I think the understanding JehovahÂ’s Witnesses currently hold on this scripture is incorrect. I believe that Joel chapter 2 will have a second fulfillment in the last days of this complete world system, just as it had a primary fulfillment in the last days of the Jewish system at Pentecost 33 CE. At that time true Christians were sealed with Holy Spirit. I believe that there will be yet another true spirit anointing or sealing in the near future. This is what John was referring to when he spoke of the sealing of the 144,000 in revelation chapter 7. The spiritual Israelite nation must be reborn. (Isaiah 66:8). The great crowd mentioned in the same chapter belong to the same group but are seen standing before the throne after Armageddon coming out of all nations. This sealing will result in a true restoration of pure worship as indicated by EzekielÂ’s prophecy of the valley of dry bones. (Ezekiel 37). Jehovah blows his spirit into the bones and they live. The preaching work up to now could be compared to the work of John the Baptist. It is a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. By their actions JehovahÂ’s Witnesses prove themselves to be true Christians having repented of their sins. Yet they are not spirit anointed. I believe Jehovah is preparing them for a true spirit anointing. Their understanding of scripture will be refined. (See Malachi 3:1) The great worldwide preaching work, in fulfillment of the the “angel flying in mid heaven with everlasting good news to declare” is yet future. (Revelation 14) The fulfillment of the prophecies in Matthew 24, and other related prophecies concerning the last days find their real fulfillment in the future. The last days have not yet begun. Jesus told his followers to “Learn from the fig tree when itÂ’s branch grows tender and puts forth leaves.” (Matthew 24:32-34). The fig tree represents Israel. I believe that this illustration could be a referring to the spiritual Israelite nation blossoming forth beginning with an outpouring of Holy Spirit. At least some of the generation of Christians that witness the birth of this new spiritual nation will be still alive on earth to witness the end of the age. This outpouring of Holy Spirit may occur in the very near future.   Â

We can not nullify scripture. Each and every thing Revelation tells us about the Great Crowd, is how the chosen priests are described in other scriptures. We must accept the Bible's own interpretation of who the Great Crowd is. Let us consider only one of the many descriptions of them....Rev.7:15 "and they render sacred service day and night in his temple". The "Temple" in Revelation is not the physical "shadow" of the reality to come (Col.2:17; Heb.8:5). The "temple" in Revelation symbolizes the anointed 144000 priests, among whom God dwells (1Cor.3:16; Eph.2:21,22; Rev.7:15 D). If you read Heb.10:11; 8:1,2; Num.18:5,6,7; 2Chron.23:6; 1Chron.23:3,4,5,24,28,30,32; Eze.44:5,9,15,16 ("day and night" Rev.7:15; 1Chron23:30) you will see that the Bible says that the only ones permitted to "render sacred service...in the Temple" are God’s priests (2Chron.23:6). They are the only ones allowed to do this (Num.18:7). Rev.7:9 tells us that these include those who were not his people (physical Gentiles), but these have now been "shown mercy" and made priests.... physical "Gentiles" made into spiritual Jews and Holy priests (1Pet.2:10,9; Rev.5:9,10) by means of spiritual circumcision of the heart (Rom.2:28,29; Col.2:11). These who serve in God's temple, cannot be spiritual Gentiles (uncircumcised in heart by spirit) who never received the circumcision of the heart (Eze.44:7). Only anointed, spiritual "Jews" and priests receive this circumcision by spirit (Rom.2:28,29) and may enter the temple to render acceptable sacred service (1Pet.2:5; Rev.7:15). Those born in the flesh as Gentiles, but who receive a circumcised heart by spirit, become spiritual Jews. (Eph.2:11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21; Eph.2:22; Eph.3:1,2,3,4,5,6] The Great Crowd can be included in God's priestly group who stand for truth (symbolic meaning of 144000) when that number is regarded as not so much literal and numerical, but as those who testify to truth. There can be a group of Testifiers to Truth ("144000"), later joined by more who Testify to Truth. Although the group increases, the label of that number's meaning, remains the same. Yet a distinction is made in Rev.7, between the 144000, and those who appear "afterward" (Rev.7:9). We are told in Rev. ch.20, that the 144000 reign with Christ during the Thousand years (Rev.20:4-6). (which began when Jesus ascended into heaven) It is after the "Thousand Years", that Satan is released, and the Great Tribulation ensues (Rev.20:2-3,7) (Satan's "short time" of release Rev.20:3; 12:12,17). During the "Thousand Years", Satan is restrained. Those who rule with Christ during that time, are not overcome by Satan's Beasts and their slave mark (Rev.20:4). After Satan's release, he empowers the false prophet and it's Beast, with powerful deception (Rev.16:13-16; 13:4,11; 20:7-8; 17:14; 20:9; 11:3,5; Jer.5:14; 23:29; Matt.10:20) (2Thess.2:9,11,8; Rev.2:16). Initially, the Great Crowd are overcome (Rev.13:7; Dan.11:31-33; Rev.13:10 <Col.2:8; Luke21:24; Rev.11:2; Matt.5:13). Of these, a remnant of those who face the Great Tribulation, will be saved (Matt.24:24-25,21-22; Dan.12:1; Jer.23:3; Mark13:26-27). These survivors, are the Great Crowd. Therefore, the experience of the Great Crowd, differs from the previous faithful priests. The previous 144000 had never accepted the slave mark of the Beasts (Rev.20:4) who are unleashed during the Great Tribulation (Rev.13:1,11). The remnant (remaining ones of the seed -Rev.12:17,15) are overcome (Rev.13:7), and must be rescued (Jer.31:11; Isa.48:20; 51:11). These are required to repent of their soiled identity, and be given white robes (Zech.3:3-4,8; Rev.3:18; Isa.1:18; Eze.18:27; Rev.19:8; 7:9,14). Not all, repent (Rev.2:21-22; 9:20-21; 16:9-11) (1Kings8:46-50; Mal.3:6). The previous group of 144000 were in the Lamb's book of life during Christ's "Thousand Year" reign ("first resurrection"). The "second death"-- (being overcome by death again, after having received redemption from Adamic sin and "first" death -Rom.5:12; John6:63; 5:24; 1Cor.15:45; 1Pet.1:23) --"has no hold" on those previous "144000" (Rev.20:6; Luke10:19). Yet for a time, the "sting" of the agents of death (1Cor.15:55,26; Rev.20:5,14), gains a hold on the remnant (Rev.9:10) during Satan's release and Great Tribulation. When the Chosen who are living after the Thousand Years, are overcome by the released Satan and the resources of his abyss; they are overcome once again by death, having lost their slave mark of God (Deut.11:18), (being slave-marked by the laws of the Beast -Rev.13:16) (Rev.13:7; 9:4-6,10; 7:3) Yet there will be those who repent, are saved, and are added to those who receive life (Rev.3:3,19; 20:6,5) "after the thousand years have ended". This is why the "144000" and the "Great Crowd" are depicted by scripture, as two different groups. Yet in the end, the survivors of the Great Tribulation, battle for Truth (Rev.12:10-11; Luke 12:8; Rev.6:9-11; Mark 8:35; Rev.11:8), alongside Christ at Armageddon (Rev.17:14; 19:14,8), and are united with the previous "144000", in the Lamb's scroll of life (Zech.3:7-10; Rev.3:5). pearl doxsey 4womaninthewilderness

*** w74 6/15 p. 376 par. 8 Serve with Eternity in View *** 8 This kingdom, the means by which eternal life is possible for us, is a heavenly government. Jesus himself is the chief Ruler, and he is to have 144,000 corulers who have been chosen from mankind and called by God to heavenly life. (Rom. 8:16, 17; Luke 22:29; Rev. 5:9, 10; 14:1) The paramount importance of this kingdom is seen in the emphasis that God put on it in the Bible. It was the chief subject of Jesus’ preaching. (Matt. 4:23) Also, it is to the spirit-anointed Christians who will rule in that kingdom that most of the Christian Greek Scriptures is directed, including the promises of everlasting life. *** w06 6/1 p. 24 par. 12 Jehovah Tells “From the Beginning the Finale” *** 12 The foreordination of the 144,000 does not mean that certain individuals were predestined to serve God faithfully in this way. Indeed, the admonition in the Christian Greek Scriptures was written primarily to guide and strengthen anointed ones to maintain integrity and keep themselves worthy of their heavenly calling. (Philippians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 11; 2 Peter 1:10, 11) Jehovah knows in advance that 144,000 individuals will qualify to serve his purpose. Who they prove to be depends on how those invited individually choose to live their life, a decision that each one of them must make personally.—Matthew 24:13.

I understand your answer perfectly, John, and it confirms what I posted, that according to the WTS there were less than 144,000 Christians in nearly 1900 years. As the reader J.A. from the Dominican Republic pointed out when he wrote to the Society about it, being one of the 144,000 was the only position open to Christians during all that time. [wt 1/15/1952 QFR] Questions From Readers● According to the article “Hated for His Name” in the September 1, 1951, Watchtower, hundreds of thousands of Christians died in the “ten persecutions” starting in Nero’s time, 144,000 dying in Egypt alone during one of the persecutions. How can this be harmonized with the Scriptural limitation of 144,000 placed on the number being in Christ’s body, and which position was the only one open to Christians during those centuries?—J.A., Dominican Republic. And the Society's reply shows that the vast majority of those they mentioned in their article who were martyred for their faith as Christians were not real Christians at all, but only "professed Christians". It's kind of ironic that they would be thought to be examples for JWs today who face similar persecutions.

Relations between different numbers and their symbolic meaning regarding to the number 144000 - PDF

How do you prove from the Bible that 1935 was the year for the selection to heaven stopped due to being filled? What is the difference between a Catholic appealing to "what the organization tells him" about December 25 being the date of Jesus' birthday and a Jw' appealing to "what the organization tells him" about the date 1935? Is it not hypocritical when you chide the "poor deluded Catholic" that his faith cannot find a Bible passage to support it, when the same goes for you and 1935?