Do only 144,000 People go to Heaven?

Paul Nethercott,
May 2019

Discussion at the Door

Many years ago, I was sitting down watching television when I heard a knock on the door. I opened the door and there were two Jehovah’s Witness men there holding some religious magazines. We started having a discussion about heaven and New Jerusalem. They were very adamant that only a literal 144,000 (1.44 x 10⁵!) people would go to heaven. They are composed entirely of New Testament saints. They live in Paradise A, while the great multitude live in the new earth, Paradise B. The great multitude are made up of all the Old Testament saints and the vast majority of New Testament saints. Nobody in the Old Testament goes to heaven. Many of the New Testament saints (Peter, James, John etc.) are supposed to be in the 144,000.

Who goes to heaven?

Abel

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks. 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:4, 10, 16

Enoch

22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Genesis 5:2224

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5

Noah

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:7, 10, 16

Abraham

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the

kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:8-16

Isaac

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the

kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise

him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Hebrews 11:16-20

Jacob

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the

kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. Hebrews 11:16, 20, 21

Joseph

Job

25 For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Job 19:25-26

Moses

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression,

who is the figure of him that was to come. Romans 5:14

1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and brings them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Matthew 17:1-4

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Hebrews 11:16, 23, 24

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Jude 1:9

Joshua

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. Hebrews 11:16, 30

Samuel

He raises up the poor out of the dust, and lifts up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit

the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them. 1 Samuel 2:8

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Hebrews 11:16, 32

David

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:9-11

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. Psalms 17:15

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. Psalms 49:15

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24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Psalms 73:24-25

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence. Psalms 140:13

Solomon

The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. Proverbs 3:35

Elijah

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted

them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2 Kings 2:11

The poor in spirit

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

The pure in heart

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

The persecuted

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men

shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding

glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:10-12

Commandment Keepers

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19-20

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Matthew 6:20

21 Not everyone that said unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14

God's Children

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified

together. Romans 8:17

Holy Brethren

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 3:1

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Hebrews 10:34

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22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits ofjust men made perfect, Hebrews 12:22-23

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Hebrews 13:14

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

The Overcomer

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of

life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7

Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. Revelation 3:12

To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21

6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:6-7

The Redeemed

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:6

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:20-21

The Saints

1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 2 Corinthians 5:1-2

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Colossians 1:5

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18

They that thirst

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let

him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17

The Redeemed

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Revelation 21:1-3

Water of Life

But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well

of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14

Crown of Life

Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to

them that love him. James 1:12

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10

And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 9:25

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away. 1 Peter 5:4

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Revelation 4:10

The Converts

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-4

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. Matthew 19:21

But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Matthew 23:13

The weight of the New Jerusalem

The two men were quite sure that the New Jerusalem could not land on the Earth because it would be too heavy! Such a heavy object would affect the Earth’s rotation on its axis. The Bible says [1] that the city is a cube 600 kilometers on each side. A cube that size would have a volume of 216 million cubic kilometers. Since the building is like a house it is mostly empty space. If we melted it down it would probably be only 600 x 600 x 10 kilometers in size. That is 3.6 million cubic kilometers. Gold has a weight of 19.32 tons per cubic meter [2]. If we compare the volume of the Earth [3] with the volume of the material in the New Jerusalem we see that the Earth’ volume is 302,000 times larger. The Earth’s mass is 85,864 times heavier. The day length of Earth is 86,400 seconds. Placing such a large object on the surface of the Earth might vary the day length by one second at the most.

To accommodate the redeemed from all ages, the New Earth might be much larger than the Earth is today. The Earth’s current surface area is 510 million square kilometers. If it were the size of Jupiter it would have 120 times as much surface area and could easily hold 60 billion people. If it were the same density as the Earth [3] is now it would weigh over 5,000 times as much as the Earth’s current mass. Such an object like the New Jerusalem would be like an ant landing on the back of an adult elephant.

Planet	Radius	Surface Area	Mass
Earth	6,378	510	1.00
Jupiter	69,911	61,276	5,466.01
Saturn	58,232	42,513	6,001.68
Uranus	25,362	8,064	266.99
Neptune	24,622	7,601	180.44

(Radius = kilometers, Area = million square kilometers)

If we look at the average elevation, surface area and density [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] of major landforms on the Earth’s surface we can see that they are no heavier than the Holy City. Whether it be pure gold or gold tinted glass or whatever mixture, our planet with its current size has no problem with such an object.

Object	Mass/Kgs	Ratio
New Jerusalem (Gold)	6.96 x 10¹⁹	1.00
Australia	1.40 x 10¹⁹	0.20
Africa	1.00 x 10²⁰	1.44
Asia	2.34 x 10²⁰	3.36
Himalayas	2.00 x 10¹⁹	0.29
New Jerusalem (Glass)	1.08 x 10¹⁹	1.00
Australia	1.40 x 10¹⁹	1.30
Africa	1.00 x 10²⁰	9.30
Asia	2.34 x 10²⁰	21.62
Himalayas	2.00 x 10¹⁹	1.85

(Weight Ratio, New Jerusalem = 1)

Fitting everybody in one building.

If each level or story in New Jerusalem was one kilometer high the city would have 216 million square kilometers of floor space. That is seven times the surface area of Africa. How much room would the angels take up? According to the Bible there are at least 100 million: “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand.” Revelation 5:11. One level of New Jerusalem would have a surface area of 360 thousand square kilometers. If each angel had one hectare of floor space, you could fit 36 million on one level. If we allocate one entire level for worship how many people could you seat? If each person were allocated 100 square meters (10 meters x 10 meters) you could easily fit 3.6 billion people in a worship service. If only 144,000 people were in New Jerusalem each person would have 1500 square kilometers of floor space. That is the equivalent of a square 39 kilometers wide or a circle 43 kilometers wide. Such figures seem unreasonable.

One Heaven, One Paradise

There are several verses [9] in the Bible indicating that there is one hope and one heaven, not two. The 144,000 are made up of those who are alive at the battle of Armageddon [10]. The great multitude [11] will join in with the 144,000 in heaven at the wedding supper of the lamb.

References

1. Revelation 21:16

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth

3. http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/national-location-information/landforms/elevations

4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeographyofAfrica

5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia

6. https://www.britannica.com/place/Himalayas

7. https://www.britannica.com/place/Great-Himalayas

8. John 10:16, Ephesians 4:4, Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 13:24-30

2. Revelation 7:9-11

3. Revelation 7:13-17, Revelation 19:1-6

paulnethercott@live.com.au

www.CreationismOnline.com

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