sh: Rev. 7:4 says 144,000 is all that is going to heaven?

Question

Rev 7:9 speaks of a great crowd who are going to live on the earth.
those who go to heaven will be kings and priests and rule with Jesus.Rev. 20:6
Rev 5:9,10 So when they are in heaven ruling the earth, what is heaven like? How do they rule the earth from there?

Answer 1

Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses take the number 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation literally and not symbolically?

The apostle John wrote: “I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand.” (Revelation 7:4) In the Bible, the phrase “those who were sealed” refers to a group of individuals who are chosen from among mankind to rule with Christ in heaven over the coming Paradise earth. (2 Corinthians 1:21, 22; Revelation 5:9, 10; 20:6) Their number, 144,000, is understood literally for several reasons. One is found in the immediate context of Revelation 7:4.

After the apostle John was told in vision about this group of 144,000 individuals, he was shown another group. John describes this second group as “a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues.” This great crowd refers to those who will survive the coming “great tribulation,” which will destroy the present wicked world.—Revelation 7:9, 14.

Note, however, the contrast that John draws between verses 4 and 9 of Revelation chapter 7. He states that the first group, “those who were sealed,” has a definite number. However, the second group, “a great crowd,” is without a definite number. With that in mind, it is logical to take the number 144,000 to be literal. If the number 144,000 were symbolic and referred to a group that is actually numberless, the force of the contrast between those two verses would be lost. Thus, the context strongly indicates that the number 144,000 must be taken literally.

Various Bible scholars, past and present, reached the same conclusion—that is, the number is literal. For instance, in commenting on Revelation 7:4, 9, British lexicographer Dr. Ethelbert W. Bullinger observed some 100 years ago: “It is the simple statement of fact: a definite number in contrast with the indefinite number in this very chapter.” (The Apocalypse or “The Day of the Lord,” page 282) More recently, Robert L. Thomas, Jr., professor of New Testament at The Master’s Seminary in the United States, wrote: “The case for symbolism is exegetically weak.” He added: “It is a definite number [at 7:4] in contrast with the indefinite number of 7:9. If it is taken symbolically, no number in the book can be taken literally.”—Revelation: An Exegetical Commentary, Volume 1, page 474.

Some argue that since Revelation contains highly symbolic language, all numbers found in this book, including the number 144,000, must be symbolic. (Revelation 1:1, 4; 2:10) That conclusion, though, is clearly not correct. Granted, Revelation contains numerous symbolic numbers, but it also includes literal numbers. For instance, John speaks of “the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:14) Clearly, the number 12 mentioned in this verse is literal, not symbolic. Further, the apostle John writes about “the thousand years” of Christ’s reign. That number is also to be taken literally, as a careful consideration of the Bible shows. (Revelation 20:3, 5-7) Hence, whether a number in Revelation is to be taken literally or symbolically depends on its background and setting.

The conclusion that the number 144,000 is literal and refers to a limited number of individuals, a relatively small group when compared with the “great crowd,” also harmonizes with other Bible passages. For instance, later in the vision that the apostle John receives, the 144,000 are described as those who “were bought from among mankind as firstfruits.” (Revelation 14:1, 4) The expression “firstfruits” refers to a small representative selection. Also, while Jesus was on earth, he spoke about those who will rule with him in his heavenly Kingdom and called them a “little flock.” (Luke 12:32; 22:29) Indeed, those from among mankind who will rule in heaven are few in comparison with those of mankind who will inhabit the coming Paradise earth.

Hence, the context of Revelation 7:4 and related statements found elsewhere in the Bible bear out that the number 144,000 is to be taken literally. It refers to those who will rule in heaven with Christ over a paradise earth, which will be filled with a large and undetermined number of happy people who worship Jehovah God.—Psalm 37:29.

As to what heaven is like? that is something you would only really know if you went there, imagine trying to describe the colour red to a blind person, it's a completely different realm. As to the exact details of how they will rule the earth from there we will have to wait for the answers, we are not told everything, just yet.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The mistaken notion that only 144,000 are going to Heaven is completely unBiblical. This is a belief held by the Jehovah's witnesses.

The 144,000 mentioned at Rev. 7:4-8 are 12,000 people from each of the Jewish tribes who are "sealed" by God to preach Jesus Christ to their fellow Jews. Anyone who concludes these are gentiles has not read the Scripture carefully. Most (but not all) of these 144,000 will live to the end of the Tribulation; they, along with other believing survivors, will repopulate the earth. The "Great Crowd" mentioned at Rev. 7:9 is explained at Rev. 7:14 to be "the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb;" in other words, these are martyrs (both Jew and gentile) killed by the antichrist and his followers, who are taken up to Heaven.

If you want to see the first group of folks who go to Heaven, read about the Rapture of the saints at Rev. 4.

As described in Rev. 20:4-6, believers (who by this time are properly referred to as the Bride of Christ) will function as kings, priests and judges on behalf of their spiritual husband, Jesus Christ. He will be the ultimate authority (see Rev. 1:6 and 5:10).

I hope this helps. Peace.

Answer 3

This idea that only 144,000 are going to heaven is a false doctrine perpetrated by the Jehovah's Witnesses. This is the number of Jews who, after the gentile believers are taken from the earth, will realize that Jesus is the Messiah, and will convert many people. If you will notice Rev 7:9, this throng which "no man could number" is standing before the Throne of God, which is in heaven. After the final battle (Armageddon), believers come back to earth with Jesus to set up an earthly kingdom.

Answer 4

That is a Jehovahs Witness teaching, and as you already
stated, is incorrect.
People are hung up on the Rapture, which the Bible makes plain, will not occur until right before the Wrath of God period in
Revelation.
At the moment Jesus died on the cross, some saints were
resurrected. I think it's in Matthew. During Revelation there are
a number of resurrections. First the uplifting of the LIVING,
the ones by the altar who ask Jesus to avenge them, and Christ says "Wait a little, so your fellows can be tried just like you. (Put to death)."
Then the great crowd which comes out of this persecution.
Then the Rapture. Then the FIRST RESURRECTION of the
DEAD. (Revelation). This I imagine is those who didn't quite get it, but didn't do anything that bad.
And then there will be the SECOND RESURRECTION of the DEAD. After the thousand years, and Satan is let loose for a time.
Which will be when God goes into hell itself and gets the
spirits out. This will be Judgement Day. And those found
wanting will be banished from higher realms in reality, where
they can do no more harm. And God will destroy death and
hell. Leaving them in a reality they will wish they didn't end
up in. READ THE BOOK!

Answer 5

That is not all that is going to heaven. That is the number of jews that are going because the Jews are God's chosen people.

Revelation 7:4 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.

The children of Isreal are the Jews.

Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

These are those who accepted Jesus as their savior.

Revelation 20:6 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

During that thousand years that satan is set free upon the earth. all Christians shall be with Jesus and his Father the Almighty God during this time.

As long as Jesus in in Heaven, that's good enough for me. Praise the Lord!!

You really need to get into a good bible study group or attend bible school, because your post is entirely incorrect.

Answer 6

Revelation talks about the new Jerusalem here on earth - a great city where we will live with God. Those who believe in Jesus, know the Word of God, live the Word of God, and share the Word of God with others will enter His kingdom (those who serve God). John uses the number 144,000 in a symbolic way to draw attention to the faithful people from old Israel. To this number, he immediately adds a countless group of people. His vision, then is of all God's people worshipping God together. The 24 elders who sat at the throne probably represented the whole company of believers from the Bible - the 12 patriarchs and 12 apostles.

Answer 7

I have to firstly correct all those who seem to believe that the 144,000 that have been chosen to rule as kings and priests with Christ IN HEAVEN are Jews.
Rev.7:4-8 is not a reference to literal fleshly Israel,as the tribes mentioned diverge from the usual tribal listing (Num.1:17,47).The listing here is not for the purpose of identifying fleshly Jews by their tribes but to show a similar organisational structure for spiritual Israel.This is balanced.There are to be exactly 144,000 members of this new nation - 12,000 from each of 12 tribes.No tribe in this Israel of God is exclusively royal or priestly.The whole nation is to rule as kings,and the whole nation is to serve as priest.-Gal.6:16;Rev.20:4,6
Although the natural Jews and Jewish proselytes were given the first opportunity to be chosen for spiritual Israel,only a minority of that nation responded.Jehovah therefore extended the invitation to the Gentiles.(John1:10-13;
Acts2:4,7-11;Romans11:7).
No human knows what heaven is like.The Bible tells us that flesh and blood cannot inherit God's Kingdom(1Cor15:50).Only spirit creatures reside in the Heavens.
Christ and his co-rulers will direct their attention to the earth.Unlike many seem to think,Jesus does not have to literally come down to earth to rule.Jehovah God is and always was manoeuvring things on the earth to accomplish His purpose.Like Jesus,Jehovah rules from the Heavens.He does not need to come down to earth to have His will done.

Answer 8

144,000 out of how many? Is the Bible specific about it? And if so, would the Bible refer to a number refering to a specic period? If so, from which period if any? In what context was this figure given? Do you need to read Rev 6 to understand 7?

Who knows? What would it matter if we know? There is so much in the Bible that we do not understand. People like to argue about those topics such a the Jona episode and Adam and Eve. Does it realy matter?

God be with you.

Answer 9

Another fairy tale to get people confused. Do you want kings to rule over you. Wouldn't it be better if people ruled over themselves through compromise and reason. Get real. religion is nothing more than a means of controlling the masses. No heaven No hell. Well not in another place. it is all here and now so it is up to you where you will be living today and tomorrow.

Answer 10

Actually, the JW's have this completely backwards....

The 144,000 were sealed for their protection before the judgements came upon the world; they were on earth.

The 'great multitude, which no man could number' is gathered around the throne of God (Revelation 7:9); they are in heaven.