Email from Christine Cole

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		Leanne Law - Feb 11, 2013   View | Edit | Delete | Viewers Categories: Sunday lesson discussions     Just passing this on - made for an interesting discussion yesterday.   Apparently the Stake RS Presidency had been discussing this topic and came to this conclusion.   Dad however commented that he thought the number 144,000 is a specific number of chosen leadership because of the way it is stated in the D&C but that it was not the exclusive amount of those that would be saved.   What do you think? Brother Law, I thought you would be interested in this insight into the 144,000 spoken of by John the Revelator. This is from the book, "The Lost Language of Symbolism" by Alonzo Gaskill, a convert to the church, with a master's degree in theology, and a PhD in Biblical studies. (This is one of my favorite books.) The number twelve is a symbol for priesthood, including its power and right to govern. Examples of this in scripture and the temple are legion. In Matthew 10:1-4 we are told that Jesus called twelve Apostles and gave them the priesthood. ... The number twelve in relation to the Apostles suggests that they are the epitome of priesthood authority and governance. The baptismal font in temples...rests upon the back of twelve oxen. This signifies the fact that this is a priesthood ordinance.... John the Revelator saw a woman, symbolic of the Church, who had upon her head a crown of twelve starts (Rev 12:1). Symbolically, the image depicted the twelve apostles with priesthood authority who direct the work and preside over Christ's Church. In that same vision, John was shown the celestial kingdom which he described as having twelve gates or entrances. Symbolic of priesthood, the presence of twelve here reminds us that in order to gain entrance into the celestial world, we need the ordinances of the priesthood and associated covenants. ... Because the number twelve symbolizes priesthood, multiples of twelve are traditionally understood to be a symbol for the fulness of the priesthood, or making one's calling and election sure. Thus, one commentary notes, "Anytime the number twelve is multiplied by another number, it symbolizes an increase in power and covenant responsibility." So in Revelation 7 we read, "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel." Of these 144,000 individuals, "we are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn" (D&C 77:11). Contrary to the teachings of some churches, this number is not intended to be taken literally. Rather, it serves to highlight the necessity of priesthood and priesthood ordinances. ... It emphasizes the fact that those who partake of the ordinances required by the Lord, and then keep the covenants associated therewith, shall become members of the Church of the Firstborn and have their calling and election made sure. This is available to all of God's children, not a predetermined, limited number. Of this verse, one commentator wrote: Twelve represents the priesthood. Biblical people squared a number to amplify its symbolic meaning. Thus, 144 suggests a fulness of priesthood authority. But John is not satisfied with that. He gives the image of superlative quality by multiplying 1,000, representing completeness. In this way he shows the strength and breadth of the priesthood in the latter days, in this dispensation that is, indeed the dispensation of the fulness of times. During this period that complete priesthood authority will operate. Also, I wanted to share with you what I do to help me prepare a "worthy" talk on "High Council Sunday." I look at the assigned topic, and then I contact my ward counterpart--for me, it is the Relief Society President. I ask her if she has a concern she would like for me to address, and I try to incorporate that into the talk. (I have told this to President Beus, and he says it's okay to do that.) As I prepare, I picture myself standing at the pulpit in front of that particular congregation. I think of the members in the ward that I might know, and I imagine them sitting there, looking up at me as I speak. I imagine myself looking out at them. And then something wonderful happens. As I look out at them,suddenly, I can see the Savior sitting there in one of the pews! He is looking right at me. He is looking right into my heart! I look at him, and everything I was going to say just stops. Instead, I look at Jesus and say, "What would YOU have me teach?" It is very humbling, and it is very surprising, and it is very wonderful. It has worked every time. Because He tells me what to say. Thank you for letting me give you a bad time at these meetings. I do it because I admire you and your family so much! Sister Cole