Who are the 144000 Mentioned in Revelation 14?

WHO ARE THE 144,000 MENTIONED IN REVELATION 14?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

PASSAGE 

"Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God." (Revelation 14:1-5). 

ANALYSIS 

While it is difficult to determine with absolute certainty who the 144000 are, there are some hints in the text that cannot be ignored. The mention of the Lamb in v.1 strongly suggests that this is the redeemed church which was caught up from the earth (v.4). 

The figure could be a symbolic representation of the entire set of believers. This scene appears to be a symbolic reference to heaven. Notice that the twenty four elders are also mentioned in Revelation 5 as worshipping before the throne of God and before the Lamb. 

The mention of the twelve tribes could therefore be an allegorical reference to the diversity of these faithful saints gathered before Christ in heaven rather than a literal reference to Jewish believers. 

Their virginity of the men could symbolize the chastity of these believers, a significant virtue for the redeemed in Christ. 

While John may have been writing to a primarily Jewish audience who perhaps understood these symbols and imagery better than we do, I am persuaded that this imagery most probably describes the triumphant church in heaven.

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Q & A on the Doctrine of Reprobation

Q & A ON THE DOCTRINE OF REPROBATION 

///Good afternoon, Daktari. 

Have been reading about the theological concept of reprobation. 

What I am not clearly getting an answer in my mind is: if reprobation is real, doesn't it negate the very God’s grace?///

MY RESPONSE 

Thanks XX for reaching out to me.

Reprobation is a doctrine identified with sections of the Reformed Calvinistic tradition. It that teaches that God had determined and predestined before the foundation of the world that a specific number of sinners will be excluded from His saving grace in Christ. This doctrine is anchored on the five point TULIP doctrines embraced by deterministic soteriology groups including Calvinism.

Accordingly therefore, TULIP Calvinism argues that these reprobate people will be denied the "irresistible grace" by which they may believe in Jesus Christ. 

This implies that this class of sinners will never come to faith. Instead, Calvinists argue, these reprobates will be consigned to eternal damnation or punishment in hell. They insist that the divine destiny of the reprobates was eternally sealed by God from eternity past. This perhaps underscores their "doomed from the womb" slogan.

Some Calvinists deliberately misread Romans 1:28 and 2 Corinthians 13:5 to imply that some people have been disqualified from the Christian faith! Neither of these texts, when read in their passage contexts, affirms the reprobation doctrine. They merely serve as convenience proof texts that carry no theological weight. 

The reprobation doctrine apparently contradicts several texts and passages of Scripture including John 3:16-18, Romans 10:5-13; Acts 2:37-38, 16:30-31. These Scriptures reveal that God seeks to save all sinners without prior distinction or discrimination provided that they repent and submit to God's saving grace in Christ Jesus. Contrary to Calvinism, regeneration cannot precede faith. 

John 3:16-18 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (NKJV). 

The above text clarifies this truth.

Calvinists also misinterpret Romans 9:10-13 to argue that God chooses from among sinners to save some unconditionally and reject the rest. 

Romans 9 is however not about how God deals with sinners in Christ. It concerns God's unconditional election of a people to service. God chose Jacob to be the father of Israel, God's nation-state. This does not suggest or imply that God eternally rejected Esau and his offspring from God's saving grace in Christ. 

Calvinistic teachers and their adherents would easily conclude that a stubborn sinner is a reprobate. This is an unfortunate conclusion to make because experience has shown that some obstinate sinners can turn to Christ later in their lives, including on their death beds! 

Some people who used to resist the gospel have surrendered to Christ in the final moments of their lives! We cannot therefore consider any sinner a reprobate simply because of their negative response to the gospel at a given time. The opportunity for accessing God's grace remains open until and unless the sinner dies in his or her rebellion. 

The reprobation doctrine is drawn from sections of gnostic philosophy embraced by the Augustinian Manichaeism groups. Augustine of Hippo, the North African third century theologian, was influenced by these gnostic groups and this shaped his theological writings. 

Martin Luther and John Calvin borrowed heavily from Augustine's works in building their theological reflections.

In conclusion, we can therefore argue within the confines of the revelation of Scripture that God seeks to save all sinners and that His saving grace in Christ Jesus is potentially unlimited. It is available to all sinners who hear the gospel proclaimed and submit to Christ. The sinner must respond to God's grace.

God has ordained the proclamation of the gospel as the primary means by which His saving grace can be accessed by sinners. This is plainly taught in Scripture. One theologian rightly argued that God's grace unapplied saves no one. The offer of God's saving grace in Christ has been open to all sinners in all ages since Calvary. 

The sinner's exercise of faith does not suggest or imply that God's sovereignty is diminished in any material sense. If anything, God's sovereignty is affirmed in His bounty grace that flows to us in Christ Jesus. 

Any person who rejects the grace of God stands condemned. God's judgement in Revelation 20:11-15 is anchored on this truth. 

///Thank you, Daktari, for the response. In my considered opinion, the real biblical tension is not whether God is gracious but how His sovereign mercy and His righteous judgment operate together.///

MY RESPONSE 

There is no biblical or theological tension between the two divine attributes, in my view. God's grace and mercy are two divine attributes of God that the Scriptures reveal with compelling clarity. Christ's incarnate coming and His works of redemption at the cross of Calvary demonstrate God's mercy and grace towards sinful humanity. 

God's justice is anchored on His holiness and righteousness. He abhors sin and evil and punishes the wicked unless they repent. The two attributes do not intertwine or conflict at all.

The Scriptures are replete with illustrations on God's condemnation of evil and His punishment for the wicked in the exercise of His justice. God's destruction of Noah's generation under the flood described in Genesis 7-8 and His obliteration of the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 are suitable illustrations in this context. Revelation 20:11-15 records the final resurrection and the judgement and condemnation awaiting the wicked and those who reject God's grace. Those whose names will be missing from the Lamb's Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire. 

///The Westminster argues that "Election demonstrates God's grace; reprobation demonstrates God's justice. Neither cancels the other."///

MY RESPONSE 

The Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) is a Reformed Calvinistic statement of faith that captures their doctrinal framework. This articles are informed by their Reformed theology. 

The word "election" as applied under the TULIP systematic presupposes the validity of the Total Depravity, Unconditional Election Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of Saints. These doctrines are embraced by Calvinistic groups in varying degrees. 

The Total Depravity doctrine teaches that the sinner is so totally depraved in sin to the point that he is unable to respond to God's grace unaided. This doctrine is sometimes described as Total Inability. This is where the irresistible grace doctrine comes into the picture. Calvinists insist that God grants the elect sinner the irresistible grace before they can come to faith. They insist that regeneration must precede faith. 

The non-elect or reprobates are denied God's saving grace so that no matter how much the gospel is proclaimed to them they will never come to faith. Sadly, no text or passage of Scripture that affirms this doctrine. 

The Unconditional Election doctrine states that God chooses those to save among sinners unconditionally. The sinner's responsibility in responding to God's grace is not contemplated in this context because, according to Calvinism, this would amount to the creature exercising some sovereignty! Some Calvinists argue that only the saviour can choose the sinner and not vice versa.

Scripture however reveals that God's invitation in Christ is open to all sinners without prior distinction or discrimination. A sinner who hears the gospel proclaimed must turn to Christ to receive eternal life (John 3:16-18, Acts 2:37-38, 16:30-31).

The Limited Atonement doctrine holds that God's atonement in Christ Jesus is limited to the elect that God had predestined to save. This implies that any sinner who does not appear in God's list will not be granted the irresistible grace. No text of Scripture teaches or affirms the four doctrines. 

Most Evangelical traditions would partly agree with the fourth TULIP systematic. This is to the extent that God would preserve the believer in their journey of faith. Some scholars would however disagree with the view that the believer cannot fall from the faith. There are several illustrations in Scripture that suggest that believers have a responsibility in walking the narrow path that leads to eternal life. 

We shall now examine one of the most controversial arguments advanced by Calvinism. 

Calvinists insist Ephesians 1:4 implies that God chose some sinners for eternal life before the foundation of the world. 

Two theological implications are notable in this context. 

First, the election doctrine appears to suggest or imply that the redemption of cross is not the exclusive instrument for the redemption of sinners. Instead, the cross is reduced to a divine rubber-stamp. This is because the election, according to Calvinism, was concluded by God long before Calvary! This presumption is difficult to reconcile with Scripture. It openly contradicts several texts and passages of Scripture that amplify on the centrality of the cross in the redemption of sinners. 

Ephesians 1:3-14 when read within its passage context reveals that God's election was conceived by God in eternity past but is exclusively anchored in Christ. The means by which the redemption would be supplied was historically accomplished at Calvary 2000 years ago. The election of believers is in Him (Christ) alone. He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of men (John 1:29). The election could never have been accomplished outside Calvary. 

Secondly, the Calvinistic doctrine of Election implies that the rest of sinners who were deliberately denied God's saving grace were specifically created for eternal damnation. This is the reason that Calvinism speaks of the revealed and secret will of God in their attempt to defend their faulty systematic. God cannot contradict Himself in the revelation of Scripture. No sinner was ever denied God's saving grace in Christ Jesus. The reprobation doctrine is therefore theologically inadmissible in Scripture. 

Calvinists further argue that the sinner's exercise of free will choice for obedience violates God's sovereignty. This argument is intended to dispute the sinner's capacity to make an informed free will choice for obedience which is plainly taught in Scripture. John 3:16-18 plainly contemplates the sinner's responsibility in responding to God's grace. Calvinism cannot discount the revelation of Scripture while purporting to affirm it! 

Non Calvinistic scholars therefore disagree with the Calvinistic doctrine of Election because it openly contradicts the fundamental teachings of Scripture and borders on impugning God's character.

///Exodus 4:21 (ESV): And the Lord said to Moses, "When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go."///

MY RESPONSE 

Pharaoh's fate had been sealed by God because of his evil against the children of Israel. He was under God's righteous judgement and condemnation. Yes, God promised to harden Pharaoh's heart because this served His divine purposes in that context. This does not however suggest or imply that God hardens some sinners so that they reject the gospel! No text of Scripture remotely affirms this claim. 

It is instructive to note that Calvinism is conveniently founded on a series of proof texts that do not align with the revelation and authority of Scripture.

///R. C Sproul argues that "

If humanity is fallen and guilty, salvation is mercy. God isn't obligated to extend saving mercy to everyone simply because He extends a genuine gospel invitation to everyone."///

MY RESPONSE 

I have heard Calvinists present this lame argument in an attempt to justify their philosophical suppositions. Nothing can be further from the truth! 

Yes, salvation is anchored on God's grace and mercy. However, to argue that God is not obligated to extend saving mercy to everyone is a thinly veiled attempt to shore up the unconditional election doctrine. 

If God chose to extend His mercy to sinners in Christ, why are Calvinists attempting to limit God's grace in total violation of the revelation of Scripture? What motivates this philosophical argument? Why do Calvinists attempt to justify and celebrate the destruction of sinners in hell? What is their attitude to the preaching of the gospel? 

We cannot allow the Scriptures to speak out of silence.

///I still believe somehow that reprobation has a place, however tiny, in theology. But remember, I am arguing more from a pedestrian point of view.///

MY RESPONSE 

The reprobation doctrine has no place in Scripture, in my view. It is anchored on an attempt by Calvinism to justify the TULIP systematic. The truth conveyed by Scripture is that God's grace is open to ALL sinners without prior distinction or discrimination. 

I trust that my responses are helpful in discounting the Calvinistic doctrines and upholding the truths of God's word. 

Shalom 

Dr E Kimosop 

27/8/2026

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Is the Doctrine of Reprobation Biblical? Has God Already Selected Those Destined to Hell?

IS THE DOCTRINE OF REPROBATION BIBLICAL? HAS GOD ALREADY SELECTED THOSE DESTINED TO HELL? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Reprobation is a doctrine identified with radical deterministic soteriology groups that claim God had predestined before the foundation of the world that some sinners will be excluded from His saving grace in Christ. This doctrine is anchored on the five point TULIP doctrines embraced by sections of Reformed Calvinistic theology.

Accordingly therefore, TULIP Calvinism argues that the reprobate people have been denied the "irresistible grace" by which they may believe in Jesus Christ. 

This implies that this class of sinners will never come to faith. Instead, Calvinists argue, these reprobates are consigned to eternal damnation or punishment in hell. They insist that the divine destiny of the reprobates was eternally sealed by God from eternity past. This perhaps underscores their "doomed from the womb" slogan.

Some deterministic soteriology groups deliberately misread Romans 1:28 and 2 Corinthians 13:5 to imply that some people have been disqualified from the faith! Neither of these texts, when read in their passage contexts, affirms the reprobation doctrine. They have been employed as convenience proof texts that carry no theological weight in their favour. 

Romans 1:28 says "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting." 

This text lies at the conclusion of Paul's argument in Romans 1:18-22 which concerns God's wrath on the unrighteous. God would ultimately permit stubborn sinners to have their way if they reject God's grace. This does not suggest that God rejected the unrighteous before the foundation of the world. 

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 says "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. ⁶ But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified." (NKJV). 

Paul did not imply that some believers could have been disqualified from the faith. His rhetorical question in v.5 was not intended to teach the predestination doctrine suggested by deterministic soteriology groups. It was simply meant to draw the believers to the truth of God's promise in Christ. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers anchors their moral standing in Christ and the assurance of eternal life. 

The reprobation doctrine apparently contradicts several texts and passages of Scripture including John 3:16-18, Romans 10:5-13; Acts 2:37-38, 16:30-31. These Scriptures reveal that God seeks to save all sinners without prior distinction or discrimination provided that they submit to God's saving grace in Christ Jesus. No sinners have been reserved for the lake fire from eternity past. God is waiting patiently wishing that no sinner should perish in their disobedience. Our choices however have consequences. 

John 3:16-18 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (NKJV). 

Deterministic groups also misinterpret Romans 9:10-13 to argue that God's saving grace is subject to predestination. They argue that God unconditionally chose to save some among sinners and rejects the rest. This is what the Limited Atonement doctrine implies. 

Romans 9 is however not about how God deals with sinners in Christ. It concerns God's unconditional election of a people to service. God chose Jacob to be the father of Israel, God's nation-state. This does not suggest or imply that God eternally rejected Esau and his offspring from God's saving grace in Christ. 

Deterministic teachers would easily conclude that a stubborn sinner falls under the reprobate category. This is an unfortunate conclusion to make because experience has shown that some obstinate sinners can turn to Christ later in their lives, including on their death beds! 

Some people who used to resist the gospel have surrendered to Christ in the final moments of their lives! We cannot therefore consider any sinner a reprobate simply because of their negative response to the gospel at a given time. The opportunity for accessing God's grace remains open until and unless the sinner dies in his or her rebellion. 

The reprobation doctrine is drawn from sections of gnostic philosophy embraced by the Augustinian Manichaeism groups. Augustine of Hippo, the North African third century theologian, was influenced by these gnostic groups and this philosophical trajectory shaped his theological writings. 

Luther and Calvin borrowed heavily from Augustine's works in building their theological thoughts.

In conclusion, we can therefore argue within the confines of the revelation of Scripture that God seeks to save all sinners and that His saving grace in Christ Jesus is potentially unlimited. It is available to all sinners who hear the gospel proclaimed and submit to Christ. 

God has ordained the proclamation of the gospel as the primary means by which His saving grace can be accessed by sinners. This is plainly taught in Scripture. One theologian rightly argued that God's grace unapplied saves no one. The offer of God's saving grace in Christ has been open to all sinners in all ages since Calvary. 

This does not suggest that God's sovereignty is diminished in any material essence. If anything, God's sovereignty is affirmed in His bountiful grace that flows to us in Christ Jesus. His divine purposes are served when sinners freely turn to Christ upon their conviction of sin.

Any person who rejects the grace of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ stands condemned. God's judgement in Revelation 20:11-15 is anchored on this truth. 

God's grace is therefore unlimited. No sinner is so depraved in sinful disobedience that they cannot respond to God's grace in Christ. The sinner must make a choice for obedience in order to be counted among God's household of faith and be guaranteed eternal life. This is a conditional requirement in Scripture (John 1:12, 3:16-18). 

Have you heard the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed? If so, have you turned to Christ? If not, kindly note that God is earnestly waiting for your response. If yes, glory to God! Keep it Christ! 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

What is the Meaning of Jacob Wrestling with God?

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF JACOB WRESTLING WITH GOD?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

PASSAGE 

Genesis 32:22-26 says:  

"And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. 23 He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. 24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”

But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”

So He said to him, “What is your name?”

He said, “Jacob.”

28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.”

And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.

30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” 31 Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank, which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in the muscle that shrank. (NKJV). 

PASSAGE ANALYSIS 

Genesis 32:22-32 conveys the account of Jacob’s encounter with God at Peniel (later called Bethel). Jacob was on his way to Canaan after serving his uncle for two decades and marrying his two daughters Leah and Rachel. 

Jacob was earlier compelled to make a secret flight because of the mistreatment he had suffered under his uncle (Genesis 31:1-21). This was compounded by the envy of Laban's sons over Jacob's prosperity. Jacob was apprehensive about being pursued by Laban if his escape plans leaked out. Laban learned about Jacob's flight after three days and pursued him for seven days. God however warned Laban not to harm Jacob. The two men finally made a covenant and peacefully parted ways (Genesis 31:22-55). 

Jacob was also deeply concerned about his future in the Promised Land because of his unpleasant past and his fugitive flight from his brother Esau. 

Back to our passage of context. 

At Peniel, Jacob passed over his family, possessions, and servants across Jabbok River and stayed behind to seek the face of God. He sought to face God alone. The writer of Scripture reveals that God, here personified as a man, met Jacob and engaged him in a wrestling duel through the night till day break.

The popular interpretation of this passage is that Jacob engaged in a physical duel with the angel of the God through the night until God accepted to bless him. On the face of it, the passage appears to portray Jacob's prowess of sorts in subduing God! 

How could God wrestle with a man? 

Some scholars have argued that God did not literally wrestle with Jacob. They contend that a divine agent or angel was sent by God for the purpose. Some have supposed that the divine agent was the preincarnate Christ. This conclusion is drawn from their interpretation of vv. 28-30. They insist that Jacob's statement in v.30 suggests that his adversary was a member of the divinity and not an angel. 

It is however difficult to reconcile the Christophany view with Scripture since no text or passage of Scripture attests that Christ could have come to the earth by any other physical means than the incarnation recorded in the Gospel books. 

Hosea 12:3-4 provides a solid theological answer to this question on the principle that Scripture interprets Scripture. It clarifies that Jacob wrestled with an angel. This text therefore amplifies the truths conveyed in Genesis 32:22-32 on the identity of the divine agent that wrestled with Jacob. It also unravels the theological paradox presented by the writer of Genesis by revealing the nature of the contest. It confirms that it was a spiritual battle. 

The fact that the divine agent had apparently concealed his identity to Jacob v. 29 remains a residual theological mystery. It perhaps underscores the gravity and privacy of his divine assignment as God's mouthpiece to His servant. 

Jacob prevailed in the end, not on account of his physical prowess but by his unwavering zeal for God's heart. God stretched his theological test on Jacob to snapping limits and Jacob graciously pleased God. The divine agent was compelled to strike Jacob's hip leaving a lasting impact on his body that would never be dusted away. This was a physical act with spiritual implications that we shall examine in the concluding section of this article. It is evidence of God's grace intertwining with a broken heart. 

It is instructive to note that no man can physically wrestle with God because we can never compare with Him in strength even with the best military arsenal that can be assembled. The fact that the divine agent struck Jacob’s thigh underscores that God has absolute power and control over our lives and no human power can withstand God's omnipotence. 

To say that Jacob prevailed against God is not to suggest that he was more powerful in physical strength or wisdom than his Creator. No man can ever face off with God in a duel and live to tell it! Jacob simply touched the heart of God by his sincere supplication and God graciously chose to bless him. His passionate spiritual battle with his maker was a sweet aroma that touched the heavens (cf. Noah's offering in Genesis 8:20-22). Jacob deeply yearned for God's intervention in his circumstances. 

The theological meaning of this passage is therefore better amplified by Hosea 12:2-4 but more precisely by Hosea 12:4 which says of Jacob: 

“Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed;

He wept, and sought favor from Him.

He found Him in Bethel,

And there He spoke to us.” (NKJV). 

This passage, read together with Genesis 32:22-32, reveals that Jacob earnestly prayed and wept before God. He ultimately prevailed because God granted him the blessings he sought and even changed his name to Israel, a sign of a better future for him. It was an assurance of God's abiding presence and His covenant commitment. 

Jacob's encounter with God was deeply intense. It was an unparalleled and consuming prayer that spanned the night hours. Jacob was compelled to passionately seek the face of God because he knew that his return to the land of his father would be an exercise in futility without God's divine leading and protection. He was about to come face to face with his estranged brother Esau whose birthright he had snatched and from whom he had fled two decades earlier. 

I am persuaded from my study of this passage that the word "wrestled" was metaphorically employed by the writer to depict the intensity of the spiritual encounter. It was therefore not a portrayal of a physical duel between man and divinity. 

MORAL LESSONS 

We can draw a number of moral lessons from our study of the above passage.

First, Jacob's encounter with God teaches us that if we earnestly seek the face of God concerning the burning issues confronting our lives, He is gracious and willing to meet us at the point of need. 

Secondly, we discover that God often exceeds our expectations because of His immeasurable grace and covenant love for us (Ephesians 3:20). 

Jacob was seeking an assurance from God that he will be secure in the land of his fathers Isaac and Abraham after God commanded him to leave the house of Laban his uncle who had shortchanged him for 22 years (Gen 31:3). Despite the mistreatment he suffered under Laban, Jacob was exceedingly blessed by God and he gained greater prominence than his elder brother. He became the father of the nation of Israel and the forefather of Jesus Christ. 

While Jacob was preoccupied with his immediate welfare in Canaan as he returned to the land of promise, God however saw the greater picture, the future that He had prepared for His servant. God sees beyond our limited comprehension when we appear before Him. Solomon prayed for wisdom, God added Him riches. Hannah prayed for a son but God added her five more children! 

Thirdly, we can distill from this passage that there are no circumstances in our lives that God cannot surmount or navigate for us if we remain faithful to Him. He is a faithful and loving God in all generations of His covenant people. God is our refuge, our fortress in time of trouble. In Him we stand secure against the storms of life. God alone stands between our past and our future. He is our Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8).

Fourthly, God desires that we approach Him by faith and in sincerity of heart just like Jacob did before God, crying and weeping for his blessing. Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God. God honors genuine and broken hearts that passionately seek His blessings, His healing, His restoration, His fellowship, and His mercies. Our covenant relationship is primarily a personal obligation before it is communal.

Iain M. Duguid makes a profound observation on Jacob's encounter with God, saying: "Jacob wrestles with God and not man, and he prevails not by overthrowing his opponent—an impossible task—but simply by clinging to him in his wounded state and refusing to let go. Jacob has finally realized that God—and God alone—is the one with whom he has needed to wrestle in order to receive his blessing." [1]

Fifthly, God is not a respecter of persons. He has the divine discretion to bless those who seek His face in accordance with His sovereign will. Romans 9:10-13 says “And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” (NKJV). 

Paul quotes Malachi 1:2-3, which employs the Hebrew word "sane" (שָׂנֵא) for "hate". This word is best translated "to love less," "to overlook," or "to choose one over the other". 

In the exercise of His divine discretion, God preferred Jacob over Esau not on the basis of any prior distinctions. Jacob was therefore not more deserving of God's grace than Esau. Either son could have been chosen to be the patriarch of Israel. This does not however suggest or imply that God chooses or discriminates between sinners in Christ other than through their response to the gospel of Jesus Christ! 

The Bible reveals that God receives any sinner who turns to Christ without any prior distinction or discrimination. He has no favourites among sinners! (John 3:16-17). 

Sixthly, God leaves a lasting impact on our lives whenever we encounter Him. We shall never remain the same. The fact that Jacob was left with a broken hip served as a constant reminder to him about God's abiding faithfulness. It was a lesson in persistent faith that should draw us closer to God rather than away from Him. Jon Bloom aptly posits thus: "If necessary, God will cause us to limp to increase our faith." [2]. God uses the afflictions of life to strengthen us in faith and draw us closer to Him. 

Our wrestling with God leaves us more humbled and dependent on God. It causes us to count our blessings. Frederick Buechner depicts Jacob’s divine encounter at the Jabbok River as the “magnificent defeat of the human soul at the hands of God”. [3]

Finally, we learn that God is a destiny shaper. Those who place their trust in Him and faithfully walk with him are assured of His divine presence, leading, and influence over their lives. The God who transformed Jacob's destiny is the same God who seeks a better life and future for us in Christ Jesus in this world and in the world to come. 

This is a compelling truth anchored on God's word. God's grace is both incomprehensible and immeasurable yet it is open to every soul that yearns for Christ. We should consistently and persistently approach His divine presence and file our petitions to Him through unyielding faith. 

Katie Polski succinctly opines that "this moment of intense physical struggle is no simple encounter; it’s an intimate and transformative battle with God." [4]. 

The parable of the persistent widow recorded in Luke 18:1-8 should inspire us to persist with God until His appointed time comes. We should never give up on God. 

Jacob was determined to touch the heart of God and so should we. 

How often do you wrestle with God?

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

REFERENCES 

___________

[1] Iain M. Duguid, Why Did Jacob Wrestle with God? https://share.google/90rlvxOHZpYdtADUe

[2] Jon Bloom, "Will You Wrestle with God?" in Desiring God, https://share.google/NFIiXpIDZc0AR1BvC

[3] Frederick Buechner, The Magnificent Defeat, HarperOne, 1985, p. 18.

[4] Katie Polski, "Blessed Are Those Who Wrestle" in The Gospel Coalition, 23 October 2025, https://share.google/BASm8idFsoBP4DiMC

Lessons from Balaam's Encounter with an Angel of the LORD in Numbers 22:21-29

LESSONS FROM BALAAM'S ENCOUNTER WITH AN ANGEL OF THE LORD IN NUMBERS 22:21-29

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

In Numbers 22:1-20, we learn that the children of Israel crossed into the plains of Moab on the final journey to the promised land. Earlier in Numbers 21, God had granted them victory against three heathen kings - Arad king of the Canaanites (vv. 1-3), Sihon king of the Ammorites (vv.21-32), and Og king of Bashan (vv.33-35). 

In Numbers 22, we are introduced to a totally different scene. When Balak son of Zippor, king of the Moabites learnt about the defeat of the Ammorites, he panicked because his military strength was nothing compared to Israel's. He crafted a different strategy. He sought to curse Israel rather than engage them directly in battle. It appears that the Moabites were steeped in divination and occult practices that were commonly embraced by Canaanite tribes. 

It is instructive to note that the Ammorites descended from Canaan, Noah's grandson (Genesis 10:16) while the Moabites and Ammonites were descendants of Lot by the incest recorded in Genesis 19. The two nations were therefore distant cousins of Israel. 

Back to our passage of context...

In his attempt to craft a solution to his military setback, Balak king of Moab sent for Balaam son of Beor, a diviner or soothsayer, who dwelt in Aram, a location near the Jordan River. Balak did not bother to seek God's leading on the way forward. Instead, he resorted to the template occult world for answers! God however forbade Balaam from either going with Balak's first delegation or cursing the children of Israel at the request of Balak king of the Moabites. 

A second delegation was dispatched by king Balak who stubbornly refused to give up on Balaam (vv.15-17). This strongly suggests that Balak may have approached Balaam on divination assignments on previous occasions. 

In vv.20-21, God finally permitted Balaam to accompany the second delegation provided that he pledged to speak only what God would tell him. 

In vv.21-29, we are introduced to a strange twist of events. The writer records that the LORD's anger was aroused against Balaam and He sent an angel to confront Balaam as he sought to meet Balak. It is not immediately clear why God changed His mind and sent an angel to block Balaam's donkey. Balaam struck his donkey three times in a rage of fury after it refused to take his orders. God caused the donkey to speak to Balaam in human language! This is the only record in Scripture where a donkey spoke!

Bible scholars believe God was angered by Balaam's greed for money. God read the mind and heart of Balaam and foresaw that he would defy God's command and curse Israel in exchange for Balak's money. There is a hint in v.32 where the Angel of the LORD rebukes Balaam saying “...Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me."

The moral perversion and apostasy of Balaam's heart is also affirmed in 2 Peter 2:15-16 where Peter mentions Balaam when rebuking false teachers. Peter writes: 

"They [apostate teachers] have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet." (NKJV, emphasis mine). 

This text of Scripture serves to amplify God's word with compelling clarity. It sheds light on the theological paradox in Numbers 22:22-34 which leaves the Bible reader wondering why God confronted Balaam after earlier permitting him to go to Balak! 

It is instructive that God had already cautioned Balaam in v.12, saying "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” This was mission impossible for Balaam because any act of disobedience would have been perilous. God does not speak from the two sides of His mouth! (cf. Numbers 23:19). 

God could not permit a curse on His covenant people without a compelling moral justification. He had rescued them from Egyptian slavery and had led them through the wilderness for nearly 40 years at this point. They were just about to cross the Jordan from the plains of Moab facing Jericho (v.1). 

Balaam repented of his sin after the angel of the LORD rebuked him. He pleaded to be allowed to return back to his base in Aram but God reinforced His earlier message that he should go to Balak where he would only speak that which God would command Him (vv. 34-35). 

God was not done with Balaam. He sought to use him to confront the arrogant and wicked Moabite king and teach him a vital lesson on God's sovereignty over all nations and His divine will for Israel. 

Numbers 23-24 describes the three occasions on which Balak attempted to influence Balaam to curse the children of Israel. He sacrificed burnt offerings on each occasion but God rejected his prayers. Balaam spoke the mind of God on the three occasions and this sorely displeased his host who finally gave up on him. 

Balaam had hopefully learnt his lesson during the confrontation with the angel of God that nearly got him killed.

Numbers 24 conveys Balaam's poetic doxology or praise song before his return to Aram after defying Balak. God used Balaam to reveal Israel's blessed future in the promised land. The Moabites could not stand in the way of God's people. They finally gave way and God's people crossed the Jordan in the end. 

Elsewhere in Scripture, we learn that Balaam returned to his life of moral apostasy. He caused the children of Israel to sin against God. Numbers 31:16 says "Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord."

Balaam's tragic end finally came. Joshua 13:22 says "The children of Israel also killed with the sword Balaam the son of Beor, the soothsayer, among those who were killed by them." It is instructive that Balaam is rightly described as a soothsayer rather than a prophet of God. He was a false prophet. 

MORAL LESSONS 

1. God cannot curse His covenant people without any moral justification. The people of Israel were passing by the land of Moab on their way to the promised land. They never intended to take or possess the land of Moab. They were pilgrims of God. There was no reason for God to curse them. Balak's intrigues were informed by his pride and arrogance. 

2. We should always be careful to speak the mind of God even where it confronts our sinful disobedience. We should never misrepresent the mind of God to either serve our personal interests or to please men. We should not twist the word of God to impress people. We should proclaim the word of God in truth. 

3. Nothing is impossible with God. God's omnipotence is unlimited. God can use unusual circumstances to reveal His presence or communicate His will to His people. He chose to use a female donkey to speak to Balaam after he failed to discern the presence of God. God can speak to us through strangers or unusual events in life. We should discern His divine will in those circumstances. God daily speaks to us through His word in Scripture and by His Spirit. Do you take time to study the word of God? Do you discern His voice in His word? 

4. God's purposes for His people will ultimately be fulfilled no matter what stands in their way. Our journey of faith with God will be accomplished in Christ Jesus. This should encourage us to keep our focus on Christ even under the most difficult circumstances in life. 

Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NKJV). 

5. The love of  money is a root of all kinds of evil. We should keep away from the captivating desire for earthly riches that drifts us from our devotion to God. We should therefore serve God faithfully and refrain from unbridled greed for ungodly material gain. We should not offer our God-given ministry skills in exchange for material riches. This is not to suggest or imply that believers should not pursue earthly riches. We should do so in ways that glorify and honor God. 

There are many false teachers today who are fleecing their followers under manipulation and deceit in the name of God. Such millionaire preachers are following after the way of Balaam. God will judge and punish them for their greed and evil. 

1 Timothy 6:9-10 says "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (NKJV). 

6. Nothing is hidden or concealed before the eyes of God. Our secret sins are open to God. He sees the intentions of our hearts no matter how much we attempt to conceal them. God's divine omniscience is unlimited. Balaam had secretly conspired to curse Israel in exchange for material gain from Balak. God read his heart and sent an angel to confront Him. We should serve God from a clear conscience. 

7. The wages of sin is death. Balaam did not appear to have learned any lessons from his previous transgressions and acts of imprudence even after God confronted him under Balak's case. He needlessly perished from it in the end, having turned back to his evil ways. We should repent and turn away from our acts of disobedience while the window of God's grace is still open. 

Jeremiah 17:9-10 says "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? 10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings." (NKJV).

Are you serving God from a clear conscience? 

Is your heart pure and sincere before God?

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

What is Conditional Election?

WHAT IS CONDITIONAL ELECTION?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

The doctrine of conditional election teaches that salvation is available to any sinner based on their fulfillment of certain conditions set out by God in Scripture. The foremost condition is that the sinner must of his free will repent upon his conviction of sin and turn to Christ. On this basis therefore, the sinner receives God's pardon and is assured of eternal life. 

There are several Scriptures that attest to this doctrine. John 3:16-17 is perhaps one of the most outstanding texts of Scripture that anchor the conditional election doctrine. The sinner must believe in Christ. God neither forcibly saves sinners nor denies any sinner His saving based on prior distinction or discrimination. 

Romans 10:8-10 says “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (NKJV). 

The above passage clearly affirms that the sinner has a part to play in God's plan of salvation. This is undeniable.

The Unconditional election on the other hand stands in contrast to this doctrine. It teaches that God selected a given number of sinners for eternal life from the foundation of the world and that only those sinners in God's list will come to faith. This doctrine is popularly held by deterministic soteriology groups who teach that the sinner cannot do anything in response to God's grace.

This school argues that the the sinner is so depraved in sin that they cannot come to faith unless God grants him the "irresistible grace" which is exclusively reserved for those in the "elect list". Salvation is viewed in this context as a mornergistic process attributed to the will of a sovereign God who exclusively determines the fate of sinners even before they are born! 

One of the key passages cited by proponents of the unconditional election doctrine is Ephesians 1:4-6 that says " just as He chose us in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He [a]made us accepted in the Beloved." (NKJV). 

A close look at this text reveals a number of theological flaws on the unconditional election doctrine. 

First, while the election is said to have been concluded before foundation of the world, the same text affirms that the election is done or actuated in Him (Christ). This inescapably brings to bear the works of the cross which were accomplished at a given historical date and time in human history. 

According to Scripture, the election of sinners is only effected in Christ, through the works of redemption and the ransom by His sinless blood. No sinner could therefore have bypassed Calvary. 

My view is that the notion that God chose believers before the foundation of the world is anchored on a misrepresentation of God's exhaustive omniscience and foreknowledge. The election of the believer is not a deterministic fait accompli that arbitrarily assigns privilege to a given set of sinners to the exclusion of others who are damned before birth.

Secondly, the adoption in Christ is a futuristic event (cf. Romans 8:18-25). It is awaiting Christ's coming for its divine fulfillment. 

The two other texts employed by proponents of unconditional election are Romans 8:29-30, 9:11. My view is that neither of these texts support the doctrine of unconditional election when read in their passage contexts. Romans 8:18-30 relates to an exhortation on Christian suffering while Romans 9:11 is part of a long treatise by Paul that runs through Romans 9-11. It thesis centres on Israel's need for the gospel. 

The final submission of Paul's thesis is thus: "...God has committed them all [Gentiles and Jews] to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all." (Romans 11:32).

My concluding view is that the conditional election doctrine finds its support in Scripture. Every sinner must repent and turn to Christ to be saved. This truth does not make God less sovereign or take away any glory due to Him. It affirms His sovereignty in graciously granting sinners the opportunity to come to Christ without coercion, compulsion or prior distinction and discrimination.

God is not glorified by the eternal damnation of sinners in hell. He declares "...I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live." (Ezekiel 33:11, NKJV). 

Peter reminds us that "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, NKJV). 

The conditional election doctrine is therefore anchored on the revelation and authority of Scripture. The sinner must exercise his God given responsibility in responding to God's grace in Christ Jesus. Those who reject God's grace upon conviction of sin will face God's righteous judgement (Revelation 20:11-15).

No sinner was doomed from the womb! 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

What Does it Mean that Jesus is Full of Grace and Truth?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT JESUS IS FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

John 1:14 says "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (NKJV). 

This Scripture, read within its wider passage context of John 1:1-18 reveals the reasons for Jesus' incarnate coming as God in flesh. He came to fulfil God's divine purposes for sinful humanity that dwelt in sinful condemnation in Adam. 

Elsewhere in Scripture, we learn that it is by grace that we are saved, not by works lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:9). In His incarnation, Jesus personified the divine projection and pinnacle of God's unmerited grace and mercy bound in human flesh. He was born of a woman yet He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 

Why is Jesus described as full of grace and truth? 

This is a pregnant statement that oozes with the essence of divinity that has been incomprehensibly intertwined with humanity on purpose. What God has conveyed to us in Christ is humanly inexplicable. It is beyond the confines of human philosophy and intellectual discourse! Only God can grant the words by which to explain it. 

First, we learn from Scripture that Jesus' incarnate coming was informed by God's unmerited grace and mercy by which He chose to send His only begotten Son to die on the cross to provide the divine means by which sinful men could be reconciled with the holy and righteous God of Scripture from whom they had been alienated in Adam. 

Jesus became the atonement from heaven, the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God that was slain for us. Apostle John describes Jesus as "...The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29, NKJV). 

Secondly, Jesus Christ conveyed the gospel of truth in His earthly ministry. He proclaimed the coming of the kingdom of God through His exhortations and the kingdom parables. When He ascended to heaven, He left for us His written word in the holy Scriptures which reveal the mind of God to us and the future that awaits the redeemed of God in heaven. The Scriptures also reveal the eternal destiny of those who reject God's grace.

We need to live by the truth of God's word. 

While praying for His disciples, Jesus affirmed the truth and the efficacious power of God's word in the sanctification of God's people. He petitioned the Father, saying "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17). God alone can sanctify the saints. He justifies us whenever we appear before His divine presence courtesy of what Christ has accomplished for us at Calvary. 

What God has spoken in Scripture is authoritative, sufficient, and final in conveying His grace and truth to us. God's word has been indelibly sealed in the 66 book canon of Scripture. It is His divine voice in all ages and the benchmark by which our Christian obedience and service is measured. 

It is this truth that confronts the dark and sinful world around us. By this truth, God's grace condemns sinful rebellion and draws sinners to God through the conviction of sin and repentance. God's grace is available to all sinners without prior distinction or discrimination. This is gospel truth.

Yes, Jesus is full of grace and truth. 

Those who have submitted to God in Christ Jesus have tapped into God's grace. They are living witnesses of God's saving grace to underserving sinners. They have been transformed from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light; from death to life, courtesy of God's atoning grace in Christ Jesus. 

True followers of Jesus will uphold His written word and proclaim it to this world in their generations even as Christ tarries. They are always prepared to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). 

Are you numbered among the saints?

Have you experienced God's grace and truth in your life? Do you live by the revelation and authority of God's word or by the dictates of the contemporary culture? 

The psalmist proclaims to God: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105, NKJV. This is the affirmation of divine truth.

May God's grace and the truth of His word be our daily compass by which we may walk steadfastly in our journey of faith as we look forward to Christ's soon coming.

Shalom.

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026