The 144,000 Chosen and Anointed Christians, otherwise known as “Little Flock”, “Saints of the Most High” or “Apostles” have characteristics that make them distinguishable from the “Other Sheep” class. Here, we have drawn some facts from the Holy Writ about who they are and what will become of them.
1. They are chosen and anointed by God: It is God alone that chooses His Saints through Jesus Christ and the apostleship is not earned by man’s reward or promotion (2 Corinthians 1:21). Just the way Christ was anointed by the Holy Spirit, so too the saints (Acts 10:38; Acts 2:1-4). The anointing is the firstfruit of the Holy Spirit which all Christians cannot have (Romans 8:23).
2. They are taught by the Holy Spirit: After they are anointed of the Holy Spirit, they don’t need any man to teach them anything. They are taught in spirit and by the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:27). St. Paul who was a persecutor of Christians, after receiving the Holy Spirit did not go to any of the Apostles but began preaching about Christ (Galatians 1:11-12).
3. They are sealed and numbered: The Saints, even before birth are fore-ordained to be partakers of the heavenly calling (Romans 8:29). They are numbered 144,000 and sealed (Revelation 7:4; 2 Corinthians 2:22). God also promised to choose them from all parts of the earth not minding colour, race or occupation; for God is not a respecter of persons (Revelation 5:9)
4. They are partakers of the first resurrection: It is clear from the Holy Bible that there are two resurrections; and only the saints will be raised first because of the task they have been rewarded with (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 20:5). The twelve Apostles are also the foundation members of God’s Kingdom; Matthias included (Revelation 21:14).
5. They will be given the “Divine Nature”: The Divine Nature, also known as “immortality” or “crown of life”, which only God and Jesus Christ possess will also be awarded to the Saints. Saint Paul made us to understand that they will be resurrected as spirits and they will put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:51-54), unlike the ancient worthies and other faithful Christians who will be resurrected in the flesh (Philippians 3:20,21; Job 19:26).
6. They will rule with Christ in heaven: Christ promised to take them to where he was in Mount Zion (capital of God’s kingdom) and appoint unto them a Kingdom and they shall reign as Kings and Priests in his universal Kingdom (Daniel 7:18; Luke 22:28-30). There is no woman among them (Ecclesiastes 7:28).
7. They shall judge both man and angels: We are told in the Scriptures that judgement will be given to the Saints and they shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel, which is the whole world (Daniel 7:27). Also, because of their Divine Nature; which makes them superior to the angels, they will also judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3).