Revelation 7:3-4 describe the 144,000 as “sealed.” That description is reserved in the NT for believers in Christ – His Body and Bride – the Church:
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also
sealed us and gave
us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.
Ephesians 1:13
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were
sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 4:30
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were
sealed for the day of redemption.
The Revelation 7 passage is therefore conveying the insight that the OT Israelitish faithful saints of God are included under the NT banner of the Church. This is further confirmed by the meanings of the names of the listed tribes and substitutes, describing spiritual qualities and experiences of those who comprise the Church:
Judah means “praise” (
Gen 29:35)
Reuben means “see, a Son” (
Gen 29:32)
Gad means “fortunate” (
Gen 30:11)
Asher means “happy” (
Gen 30:13)
Naphtali means “wrestling” (
Gen 30:8)
Manasseh means “forgetting” (
Gen 41:51)
Simeon means “heard” (
Gen 29:33)
Levi means “attached” (
Gen 29:34)
Issachar means “wages” (
Gen 30:18)
Zebulon means “dwelling” (
Gen 30:20)
Joseph means “He will add” (
Gen 30:24)
Benjamin means “Son of the right hand” (
Gen 35:17–18)
Also of significance is the order in which the names are presented, differing from the usual presentation by order of birth. In particular, Judah appears first, in recognition of its role as the tribal progenitor of Christ, the Lion of Judah.
Is 144,000 literal or symbolic? While rebellion and apostasy were repetitive afflictions of the OT Israelites, there were still thousands who remained faithful, e.g.
1 Kings 19:18. Their number is thus depicted as 12, symbolizing the faithful saints within the 12 tribes; times 12, a scriptural symbol of completeness; times 1000, which when used symbolically denotes a large quantity (Psalms 50:10; 91:7; 2 Peter 3:8).
Revelation 14 continues the descriptions of the 144,000, further reflecting the qualities and experiences of the redeemed – the Church. Absent here is any mention of tribal, ethnic, or other distinctions, thus conveying the reality of the inclusivity and oneness of the NT Church which now embraces both Israelite and Gentile, consistent with other scripture:
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:14
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall…
Additional numerical symbolism relating to the Church can be found in the 12 apostles representing saints of the NT era.
No doubt about it…the Church is written all over the 144,000