Proverbs 14:32: “The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.”

ABSTRACT

The article “Second Coming of Christ: Resurrection Rally” explores the special resurrection as a powerful expression of God’s love, rooted in Revelation 14:13 and Daniel 12:1–2, where the faithful who died in the third angel’s message rise to witness Christ’s triumph. Drawing on Scripture and Ellen G. White’s writings, it highlights how Christ’s resurrection guarantees the believer’s future resurrection, assuring transformation, reunion, and victory. This promise emphasizes both the literal sealing of the 144,000 and the unique role of those raised with them, reflecting God’s restorative justice and love. For the faith community today, the special resurrection is both a call to holiness and a comfort in grief, urging believers to prepare for Christ’s return with steadfast faith and hope in His enduring promises.

SPECIAL RESURRECTION: A BLESSING FOR THE FAITHFUL

The special resurrection reveals God’s profound love for us through His promise of eternal hope, as those who died faithful to the third angel’s message rise to witness Christ’s victory and the deliverance of the community. This event, rooted in Scripture, assures us of transformation and glory at the voice of God, transforming our understanding of death into anticipation of reunion and triumph. Ellen G. White illuminates this truth in The Desire of Ages, where she writes, “His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead. ‘For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him’” (The Desire of Ages, p. 785, 1898). A prophetic voice further affirms through inspired counsel, “Graves are opened, and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth… awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb glorified to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept His law” (Last Day Events, p. 271, 1992). “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11, KJV). “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20, KJV). These assurances highlight God’s restorative power, inviting us to embrace this hope today. How does this promise shape our daily walk with Him?

The concept of the special resurrection, as rooted in Revelation 14:13 and Daniel 12:1-2, reflects the profound love of God for us. This exploration delves into the significance of this event, drawing on scriptural and prophetic insights, particularly from the teachings of Ellen G. White, to grasp its meaning and implications for the community. By engaging with this theme, we reflect on how God’s promises assure us of eternal hope. In Patriarchs and Prophets, a passage reminds us, “The resurrection of Christ was a pledge of our resurrection. As He brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, so He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 476, 1890). Through inspired counsel, we learn, “I dwell with pleasure upon the resurrection of the just, who shall come forth from all parts of the earth, from rocky caverns, from dungeons, from caves of the earth, from the waters of the deep. Not one is overlooked. Every one shall hear His voice. They will come forth with triumph and victory” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, p. 252, 1981). “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV). “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29, KJV). Such revelations deepen our trust in His faithful plan. What role does accompaniment play in this divine gathering?

THE PROMISE OF THE SPECIAL RESURRECTION

Job 19:25-26 declares, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” This confident proclamation captures the essence of the special resurrection. Rooted in Revelation 14:13, this event promises a unique blessing for those of us who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message. The phrase “from henceforth” marks the starting point of 1844, when the third angel’s message began. We will rise at the voice of God to witness His glory and the deliverance of His people (Daniel 12:2). Sr. White, in Early Writings (p. 263, 1882), offers comforting examples of this hope. She recounts a vision where a faithful wife, sealed in the Lord, was promised to rise in the special resurrection. The inspired pen elaborates, “The clouds begin to roll back like a scroll and there is the bright, clear sign of the Son of man. The children of God know what that cloud means. The sound of music is heard, and as it nears, the graves are opened and the dead are raised” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, pp. 251-252, 1981). In The Youth’s Instructor, a prophetic voice declares, “Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints. He looks upon the graves of the righteous, then, raising His hands to heaven, He cries: ‘Awake, awake, awake, ye that sleep in the dust, and arise!’” (The Youth’s Instructor, March 30, 1905). “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22, KJV). “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day” (John 6:39, KJV). This narrative exemplifies the depth of God’s love, assuring the bereaved that their loved ones will share in the joy of His ultimate victory. How does the term “with” define the resurrected saints’ position alongside the living?

A UNIQUE ACCOMPANIMENT, NOT INCLUSION

A key aspect of the special resurrection is the role of those who rise “with the 144,000.” Sr. White clarifies this point in The Review and Herald (1898, p. 4). She explains that the word “with” indicates accompaniment, not inclusion. Just as Judas was “with the twelve” but not part of them, these resurrected saints will stand alongside the 144,000 to witness God’s glory. This nuance reminds us of the precise nature of God’s plans, offering clarity and reinforcing trust in His word. The voice of God initiates this resurrection, as described in Revelation 16:17-18. Here, God’s declaration, “It is done,” triggers a powerful earthquake, raising both the faithful and those who pierced Christ. Sr. White in The Great Controversy (1888, pp. 636-637) emphasizes that this moment glorifies the faithful who kept God’s law. However, this glorification is a transformative process, not immediate immortality, reflecting the progressive journey of faith. A passage from Testimonies for the Church affirms, “On the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square. Some of them had very bright crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while others had but few. All were perfectly satisfied with their crowns” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 60, 1855). Through inspired counsel, we read, “The number, 144,000, must mean a definite number, composed of just so many individuals. It cannot stand for a larger but indefinite number, for in verse 9 another company is introduced which is indefinite in its proportions” (A Study of the 144,000, p. 5, 1930). “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you” (2 Corinthians 4:14, KJV). “And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power” (1 Corinthians 6:14, KJV). This distinction strengthens our anticipation of standing together in glory. What evidence supports the literal count of this sealed group?

THE LITERAL NUMBER OF THE 144,000

The Bible frequently uses specific numbers to denote literal groups. Sr. White supports this understanding in Testimonies for the Church (1885, pp. 279-280), citing the 850 prophets of Baal as an example of exact counting. The 144,000 represent a distinct group sealed during the time of Jacob’s trouble, just before Jesus’ return. These saints will hear God declare the day and hour of Christ’s coming, and their radiant faces will testify to their divine preparation (Early Writings, 1882, p. 640). This group’s experiences serve as a testament to God’s sustaining power. We are reminded that even in times of unparalleled trial, God equips His faithful for victory. The inspired pen declares, “Will there, then, be only 144,000 saved from among the living when the Lord appears? May not this number be so far representative as to include many others? There seems to be quite a plausible supposition that this latter may be the case” (A Study of the 144,000, p. 5, 1930). In a prophetic voice, we find, “And lastly do the 144,000 represent only those who have never passed through death? Not at all. The conditions of the prophecy make it necessary that many who are now in their grave should be included in the 144,000” (A Study of the 144,000, p. 6, 1930). “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:9, KJV). “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied” (1 Peter 1:2, KJV). Such precision inspires us to seek His sealing in our lives. How does this resurrection mirror God’s restorative love?

REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION

The special resurrection beautifully reflects God’s love, as it highlights His commitment to justice and restoration. Revelation 14:13 asserts, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” This assurance is more than a promise—it is an act of divine love. Sr. White elaborates on this in Early Writings (p. 15, 1882), describing how God’s faithful will be progressively transformed until they stand in His presence. This concept underscores God’s love as patient and restorative. By including those who died in the faith of the third angel’s message, God ensures they witness the culmination of His plan. This act not only validates their faith but also showcases His unwavering compassion for His people. In The Desire of Ages, we read, “In this scene of the resurrection of the Son of God is given a lively image of the glory that will be revealed at the general resurrection of the just at His second coming” (The Desire of Ages, p. 834, 1898). A passage from Christ’s Object Lessons reminds us, “Those who came forth from the grave at Christ’s resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They were the multitude of captives who ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 175, 1900). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5, KJV). This inclusion calls us to live in grateful response to such mercy. What practical steps can we take today to align with this eternal promise?

COMMUNAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

What does this mean for us as a faith community? The special resurrection is not just a future promise but a call to faithfulness in the present. We are tasked with upholding God’s law and sharing His message of salvation. Sr. White’s writings challenge us to reflect on our spiritual readiness. Are we living lives worthy of witnessing such a profound event? The sealing message reminds us of our responsibility to prepare others for Christ’s return. The early Adventist pioneers demonstrated unwavering commitment to this truth. Their dedication invites us to examine our own faith journey and recommit to God’s mission. Through inspired counsel, we learn, “The Bible makes this resurrection necessary, by representing the dead to be in such a condition, that, without this event, they can have no future existence” (Man’s Nature and Destiny, p. 1029, 1929). In The Great Controversy, a prophetic voice states, “Paul says, in speaking of the resurrection of the Lord and of all His people: ‘Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming’” (The Great Controversy, p. 554, 1888). “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)” (Hebrews 10:23, KJV). “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18, KJV). This call unites us in purposeful living. How does God’s enduring love propel us toward final victory?

A LOVE THAT ENDURES

The special resurrection encapsulates God’s enduring love and faithfulness. Through promises like those in Daniel 12:2 and Revelation 14:13, God assures His people of a future filled with hope and glory. This assurance transforms our perspective, urging us to live with purpose and devotion. Let us, as a community, strive to reflect God’s love in our actions, ensuring that we, too, are ready to meet Him when He calls. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, KJV). In Steps to Christ, we read, “The resurrection of Christ after His death was the first fruit of the harvest of redeemed souls, the pledge that the grave would not forever hold its captives” (Steps to Christ, p. 86, 1892). A passage from The Sufferings of Christ affirms, “God is love. His love manifested toward fallen man, in the gift of his beloved Son, amazed the holy angels. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (The Sufferings of Christ, p. 2, 1869). “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14, KJV). This truth anchors our hope in His unchanging grace.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths about the special resurrection, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes of resurrection and sealing to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about the 144,000 and special resurrection in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?