The number "144,000" is mentioned twice in the Scriptures, both times in the book of Revelation (Revelation 7:4; 14:1-3). In Revelation 7:4, the 144,000 were the faithful who were sealed on earth, as shown in verses 2 and 3. The "seal" signifies ownership and the consequent accompanying protection (Ezekiel 9:6; 2 Timothy 2:19; 2 Corinthians 1:21,22; Ephesians 1:13,14; 4:30).
In Revelation 6, we see the saints under the altar (9-11) and a terrible judgment coming upon the earth. The chapter closes with the question, "Who shall be able to stand?" (12-17). In view of this, one might ask, "Will the saints on earth be able to stand, and what will happen to the souls under the altar?" John's vision (a two-part interlude between the sixth and seventh seals) answers these questions. The saints on earth are sealed, and those martyred are before God's throne. Thus, the first part of the interlude is to permit the sealing of the saints so they will be able to endure the afflictions chronicled in chapter 6. It appears that the judgments are altered so that they will not hurt God's children.
In chapter 7, the four angels standing at the four corners (which designate the four directions) were holding the earth's four winds (the four winds of judgment--conquest, war, famine, and death--as in 6:1-8, and as seen from the word "hurt" in 7:2-3). (Compare Jeremiah. 49:36-38; 51:1-2). They were given to hurt the earth and the sea, but another angel ascending from the sun rising (from the direction of the morning light; a suggestion of a cheerful and encouraging message), having the seal of the living God, said, "Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we shall have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." (7:3) Hence, the forthcoming judgments will not affect God's people, as they will the people of the world (see Revelation 9:4).
After the vision of the 144,000, John sees a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and from every tribe, people, and tongue (Revelation 7:9-17). Jehovah's Witnesses teach that these are the saved, who inherit the earth, and the 144,000 are those who receive heaven. However, the 144,000 are those on earth who are sealed, and the great multitude is composed of those souls with God who came out of the great tribulation (Revelation 6:9; 7:13-14). Furthermore, the expression, "before the throne" is used to describe the location of the great multitude (7:9) and later, in the heavenly setting, of the 144,000 (14:1-5). The white robes of the great multitude symbolize holiness, and justification (3:4-5; 6:11; 7:14), and the palms suggest a joyful, festive occasion (Leviticus 23:40; John 12:13).
They cried with a loud voice saying "Salvation to our God, who sitteth on the throne and unto the Lamb" (an expression of praise, and gratitude to both God and Christ for the salvation provided). They were followed by angels who fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God with a sevenfold praise similar to that given to the Lamb in Revelation 5:12. The angels, as well as the elders and the four living creatures (7:11), stood around the throne, again showing that this occurred in heaven and not on earth.
One of the elders spoke, asking John: "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" John did not know, but he was certain that the elder knew. The elder answered, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation..." (7:14) The "great tribulation" here is the one that took place during the worldwide persecution (not fully identified until chapter 13) in John's day. It was "worldwide" because this great multitude that had the white robes were of "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues." (7:9) They are the ones with "white robes" who cry for the avenging of their blood. (6:9-11) They had been put to death for their faith, had gained the victory, and are now before the throne. They had washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. By Christ's blood, the saint is cleansed from his sins (Revelation 1:5), is redeemed (Revelation 5:9-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19), receives remission of sins (Matthew 26:28), is constantly cleansed as he continually complies with the conditions (1 John 1:7-9), and is able to overcome (Revelation 12: 11).
In Revelation 14, the victorious Lamb stood on mount Zion. With Him were 144,000 who had the Father's name written in their foreheads (14:1). These are those who were sealed earlier and are now also before the throne (14:5). The term "before the throne" figuratively describes a place of comfort or paradise. Thus, the 144,000 represent the complete number of the martyred saints, including the others who were to come out of the great tribulation (6:9-11). They were the holy city that would be trodden underfoot (11:2). The beast had made war with them and overcame them (14:3). They had obtained the victory over the beast (15:2), and their blood would soon be avenged (16:5-6; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2). They were the martyrs living and reigning with Christ (20:4).
Again, the number "144,000" must not be taken literally. It simply represents the complete number of martyred saints. If one makes the number literal, he must also make their description literal. This would mean that only virgin men will go to heaven (14:4). On the contrary, these were the "first fruits" to God and the Lamb (14:4), indicating that others would follow. The Bible speaks of heaven for every faithful child of God (2 Corinthians 5:1-2; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 1:4-5). Those who limit heaven to only 144,000 have completely misunderstood the Bible, not to mention John's teaching in Revelation. As was explained earlier, the sealing of the 144,000 in chapter 7 applies to those living on earth, and does not, in any way, refer to those in heaven. We pray that all who are presently striving to serve God will someday be in heaven with all the redeemed of the ages.
Brother Riggs has given an easy-to-understand description of the 144,000. It is amazing how many people in the religious world completely ignore the context of the book of Revelation. Another reason we know they are wrong about the 144,000-they are forever changing their doctrine! Whenever catastrophic events happen around the world, the book's meaning must change to coincide with the latest event. Many have also forgotten about the remainder of the Bible. The conclusions reached concerning the book of Revelation must agree, and be reconciled, with the rest of the Scriptures. The teaching in one book of the Bible cannot contradict those found in the other books of the Bible. Sadly, many of these folks look for, and concentrate on, people who have little or no Bible knowledge. In this way, they can teach false doctrine, with little fear of disagreement from those who hear. Dear reader, the book of Revelation is to be read, understood, and obeyed. Don't allow others to think for you. Study the book in its context, and be uplifted by knowing that God is in control, no matter what circumstances surround us. There's victory in the Lamb! (KMG)