Can anyone shed some light on the Jehovah's Witness mindset for me?

Question

I recently learned that according to JW's principles, the maximum occupancy in heaven is 144,000. With current members alone totalling over 6 million, how does one whole-heartedly subscribe to this belief system? 144,00? really? for the entire history of the world as we know it, current population and future generations? Certainly doesn't seem to bode well for the less than holy Jehovah's Witness members out there....seeing as how, those who don't make the cut are said to burn on the day of armegedon.

Answer 1

Go to www.watchtower.org to learn more about this hot up an coming religion, but be careful, what you discover there may change your life forever...

Read the comments below and find out what celebrities had to say about one of Jehovah's Witness most prominent former members...

Michael Jackson has introduced his own line of Valentine’s candy. It’s tremendous. It’s white chocolate with a nut inside.
-- David Letterman

Michael Jackson came out in support of boycotts. Well, he came out in support of boys on cots.
-- Jay Leno

Do you know how Michael Jackson spent 06/06/06? With three six year olds.
-- Jay Leno

More details coming out about Michael Jackson. It seems his 13-year-old accuser testified before a grand jury that Michael had seven locks on his bedroom door. See, what happened was whenever Michael would install one lock, the kid would grow an inch taller, and he’d have to put in another one ... and then another one ... and then another one.
-- Jay Leno

Poor Michael Jackson and these sex allegations. As if it's not bad enough him being a Jehova's Witness, they're accusing him of behaving like a catholic priest!
-- Billy Connolly

I don't really care what he [Michael Jackson] does to his face. He can just erase it as far as I'm concerned.
-- Cher

[on Michael Jackson]
Honey, you gotta pick a race first. All of a sudden you're a black man, then you're Diana Ross, now you're Audrey Hepburn. Then he's got the little beard going on. He's like Lord Of The Rings, the entire cast. Michael's about to jump species.
-- Robin Williams

Answer 2

Hi :-) I didn't look over the other answers before responding but the Bible calls the 144,000 "the little flock", whereas the non-heavenly crowd is referred to "the great crowd"...and for all those who Jehovah deems with the right heart condition, he will reward us with the Paradise Earth. Yes, man was created on earth and meant for earth, so he will remain here once wickedness is removed. It's a wonderful promise :-)

Answer 3

We hope to live on earth as promised by Jesus. He said "blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth" in his sermon on the mount (the part commonly called the beatitudes or blessings) and he also mentioned God's kingdom coming to earth too in the Lord's prayer. Matthew 5:5 and 6:10. Matthew 5:5 is a direct quote of Psalm 37:11. That chapter is all about inheriting the earth.

There are countless verses in the Bible showing the earth will last forever. Eccles. 1:4, Ps. 78:69 and more.

Revelation also mentions the new earth. Revelation 21:1-4. Noah was promised that God would not only never destroy earth by flood again, but also that next time not all life would be destroyed...so animals and plants don't die either at Armageddon. Genesis 8:21.

There are 2 hopes for the righteous. 144,000 judges to heaven. Countless multitudes including resurrected dead back to earth to learn.

We are not works based as one of the above suggested. Eph. 2:8, 9. But we do believe that ONLY those who obey Jesus can obtain salvation by means of him. Hebrews 5:8, 9, Philippians 1:29.

You can find these things in any Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses print KJV, American Standard, NWT, ED, Makarios/Russian Orthodox NT (Russian) and other Bibles. Most of us collect and refer to many Protestant and Catholic versions. You can use my website to find free Bibles and references all over the net if you are interested.

Most church people do not believe Jesus is God simply because they have no idea what trinity means. I've found that we usually have to explain and prove trinity to people before we can show them Jesus really is God's son, the brightest of his morning stars. Rev. 22:16, John 3:16, Job 38:7, Gen. 6:1-4, Job 1:6, 7, 2:1, 2 and more.

I had a long history in religion and college study prior to becoming a JW. I already knew the churches were pagan and unbiblical. I did not know any faith actually taught and stuck to the facts until I got a JW penpal.

You can also email me at [e-mail]

Debbie

Answer 4

First, it's not "according to JW's principles", it's according to the Bible. Revelation 14 clearly makes mention that those with the hope of life in heaven amounts to 144,000, described as "those who have been bought from the earth". You, like many others, seem to be under the false impression that anyone and everyone "good" will be going to heaven when they die. That is not a teaching of the Bible. Jesus Christ spoke of the "little flock" and the "other sheep". This little flock is the 144,000 who are granted, by God, the hope of immortality in the heavens after they die. The "other sheep" will remain here on the earth, living the lives that God intended for us all to have: that of living in a global paradise in perfect health.

Read the book of Genesis. God's purpose for Adam and Eve (had they chose NOT to sin and spread their sinful state and death to all of us) was that they life eternally on the earth, cultivating it into a paradise and filling it with perfect offspring. There was no allowance back in those times that they would be on the earth a short while, only to be taken to heaven later on. They would live happily and eternally in the best environment imaginable. THAT is the same purpose God has and will see brought about following Armageddon. Those he deems worthy of survival will be able to clean up and restore the earth and will grow towards physical perfection during the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus (again, see the book of Revelation).

Personally, I very much look forward to that time. I have no desire of going to heaven, nor do I believe that I will be. That is also the same for most of Jehovah's Witnesses. They too entertain the hope of living forever in paradise, not in going to heaven.

Answer 5

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.

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.

Answer 6

I'm really glad you asked this question because so many people have the mistaken idea that Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only 144,000 will be saved and as you can see by the answers from other Jehovah's Witnesses, that is NOT what we believe. We believe that billions of people will be saved and gain everlasting life.

"Biblethumper" gave quite a complete answer as to how Revelation 7:1-17 shows this to be a literal number (in contrast to the "unnumbered" great crowd or multitude).

Rev 14:1-5 says the 144,000 are standing "WITH the Lamb (Jesus)", "singing a new song", and are "bought from the earth".

I hope you'll read those verses in Revelation because it's quite eye-opening to actually see that number right in your Bible, not once, not twice, but three times (3=emphasis). Something very significant is that it says they "sing a new song" and that they are "bought from among mankind" ("redeemed from earth" KJV; "purchased from earth" NASB, ASV; "bought from the earth" YOUNG, DARBY translations).

Rev 5:9, 10 adds more information about these ones:
"And they sing a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” ("over the earth" Darby, The Message, The Amplified Bible, NW)

So, the 144,000 are bought (or redeemed) from among mankind to serve as kings and priests right alongside Jesus Christ, ruling with him. This clearly shows the REASON why they go to heaven. They're not going to be floating around on clouds playing harps. They have a job to do: Ruling as kings and priests with Christ. Rulers have to have subjects over which to rule. Since they will be ruling WITH Christ, then WHO will they be ruling over? A great crowd (or multitude) of millions, even billions, of righteous, faithful people on earth. Isn't that a beautiful picture? This is in complete harmony with the entire Bible, from God's original purpose for mankind to "multiply and fill the earth," to his promise that the "meek shall inherit the earth" (Psa 37:11; Matt 5:5) and the "righteous will possess the earth and reside forever upon it" (Psa 37:29) and finally that he will "wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither mourning, nor outcry, nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." (Rev 21:4) All five of those things mentioned in this last verse have never existed in heaven but only on earth, so it is on EARTH that these things will be done away with.

So, I hope that you will understand after reading this answer (along with all the other answers by Jehovah's Witnesses) that we believe (and the Bible teaches) that BILLIONS of people (including the resurrected ones and those serving God faithfully today) will receive everlasting life on a paradise earth under the rule of Christ Jesus and his 144,000 co-rulers.

Answer 7

I think everybody believe that all good person will go to heaven. and bad will go to hell. well, all dead person will go to hell (common grave) and it is up to God if he will let that person to be resurrected again in the future paradise.

what these JW's told you about these 144,000 is correct and based on the bible. They are the only christian group in the world who believe and apply the instruction of their leader (Jesus Christ). They even dont go to war because they believe that participating in war will make a difference but they only depend on what Jesus Christ handling now, yes, the kingdom of God in heaven. This will be the humanities only hope for a better world. No human leader can give you everlasting life. But only Jehovah thru Jesus Christ.

if you would like to...you too can determine the goodness of God Almighty. all people in these world are blinded by the god of this old system - yes its Satan the Devil - he really existed and he got only a few time left before God expell him from existing. he was been ousted from heaven and pushed down here on earth. he created devastation which is not being realized by human. Read Revelation 12:12

well anyway, just keep on touch for any further question about your life and existence.....it will mean a life for you if you study the bible with JW's

Answer 8

The vast majority of Jehovah's Witnesses hope to enjoy life ON EARTH forever, rather than in heaven.

Jehovah's Witnesses understand the Scriptures to teach that exactly 144,000 humans will join Christ Jesus as kings and priests to administer God's Kingdom (which will soon replace all earthly governments).
...(Daniel 2:44) God of heaven will set up a kingdom... It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite
...(Revelation 14:1) Lamb [Jesus] standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand
...(Revelation 20:6) they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him

The men and women who make up the 144,000 are selected by God from among two thousand years of Christians. Jesus himself noted that those who are 'given' the administration of the Kingdom government would be a relatively "little flock", while all of Christianity constituted Christ's "other sheep".
...(Luke 12:32) Have no fear, LITTLE FLOCK [with a heavenly hope], because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom [to administer alongside the Christ] [caps added]
...(John 10:16) And I [Jesus] have OTHER SHEEP, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring [to be subjects of the kingdom government][caps added]

Those kingly, priestly administrators in God's government by Christ will assist in the rulership of heaven and earth (where most Christians who survive Armageddon will remain).
...(Revelation 7:9-11,13,14) Look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes... These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation [compare Matt 24:3,21]

Almighty Jehovah God selects those few who have the heavenly calling. Each person "feels" his own hope by means of holy spirit and each person's hope remains unquestioned by his fellow Christians. Still the vast majority (literally more than 99.9%) of Jehovah's Witnesses expect an EARTHLY hope, the same hope given to Adam and Eve.
...(Genesis 1:28) God blessed them and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill THE EARTH and subdue it [caps added]
...(Genesis 2:17) You must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die [so never eating from that tree meant never dying]

It follows that those resurrected after Armageddon will be resurrected to earth. It seems that the vast majority of dead humans will be resurrected, including the previously unrighteous.
...(John 11:23,24) Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.”
...(Acts 24:15) There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/index.htm?article=article_10.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/we/index.htm?article=article_05.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20001001/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20001001/
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_04.htm

Answer 9

Are you forgetting that the bible promises life on earth for mankind ?
Not life in heaven.
Revelations 21:4 is a beautiful promise.
Did not your Jesus say the meek shall inherit the earth ?
He did not say heaven.
I am not a JW but they have got the bibles teaching correct.

As far as burning goes Revelations 20 14&15 + 21:8 show death and hell will be thrown into the lake of fire which is the second death , it is not a place of torment it is death without hope of resaurection.

Answer 10

There are 144000 who will rule as kings with Jesus in heaven. The other remaining ones will live on a peaceful planet earth. The Bible only speaks of the wicked being destroyed at Armaggedon and the meek will inherit the earth. Psalms 37:10,11.