The number 144,000 is mentioned in two passages of scripture. Both are in the book of Revelation (Revelation 7:4; 14:1-3). In Revelation 7:4, the number 144,000 refers to the faithful who were sealed on earth, as shown in verses 2 and 3. The "seal" signifies ownership and its accompanying protection (Ezekiel 9:6; 2 Timothy 2:19; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30).
In Revelation chapter 6 (9-11), the saints are under the altar, and a terrible judgment is 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) answered these questions. The saints on earth were sealed, and those martyred were before God's throne. Thus, the first part of the interlude permitted the sealing of the saints to enable them to endure the afflictions documented in chapter 6. The judgments appear to have been altered so that they would not harm God's children.
In chapter 7, the four angels, standing at four corners (designating the four directions), were holding the four winds of the earth (the four winds of judgment--conquest, war, famine, and death--as in 6:1-8, and as evidenced by the word "hurt" in 7:2-3). (Compare Jeremiah 49:36-38; 51:1-2). Their purpose was to hurt the earth and the sea, but another angel ascending from the sun rising (from the direction of the morning light, suggesting a message of cheer and encouragement), 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) We see then that the forthcoming judgments would not affect God's people as they would the people of the world. (See Revelation 9:4.)
After his vision about the 144,000, John saw a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and from every tribe, people, and tongue. (7:9-17) Jehovah Witnesses teach that these are the saved who will inherit the earth, and the 144,000 are those who will receive heaven. However, the 144,000 are the sealed on earth, and the great multitude are those souls who had come out of the great tribulation (6:9; 7:13-14) and are with God. Furthermore, the expression, "before the throne" is used, both of the great multitude (7:9), and later of the 144,000 in the heavenly setting (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" (expressions of praise and gratitude, both to God and to 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 the Lamb in Revelation 5:12.
The angels, as well as the elders, and the four living creatures (7:11), stood around the throne, which again shows that this occurred in heaven and is not something that would occur on earth.
One of the elders spoke to John asking, "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 came out of the great tribulation..." (7:14) This "great tribulation" is the tribulation that occurred during the worldwide persecution (not fully identified until chapter 13) in John's day. It was worldwide because the great multitude arrayed in white robes consisted of "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues." (7:9) They are the same as those with "white robes" who cried for their blood to be avenged (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. Christ's blood washed and cleansed the saints from their sins (Revelation 1:5), redeemed (Revelation 5:9-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19), provided remission of sins (Matthew 26:28), continues to cleanse those who comply with the conditions (1 John 1:7-9) and are able to overcome (Revelation 12:11).
In Revelation 14, the victorious Lamb stood on mount Zion, accompanied by 144,000 who had the Father's name written on their foreheads (14:1). These are they who were sealed earlier and now are also before the throne (14:5). The figurative term "before the throne" signifies the place of comfort or paradise. Thus, the number 144,000 is representative of the complete number of martyred saints, including those who were to come out of the great tribulation (6:9-11). They were the holy city that would be tread underfoot (11:2). The beast had made war with them and had overcome them (14:3). They were victorious 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 who lived and reigned 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 takes the number literally, he must also take their description literally. This would mean that only virgin men could go to heaven (14:4). To the contrary, these were the "first fruits" to God and the Lamb (14:4); this indicates 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 to only 144,000 the number who will be in heaven completely misunderstand the Bible, not to mention what John taught in Revelation. As explained earlier, in chapter 7, the sealing of the 144,000 refers to those living on earth--not to those in heaven. We pray that all who are presently striving to serve God, will someday be in heaven with the redeemed of all ages.
Brother Riggs has done a good job of showing the need for staying with the "context" when seeking to understand the meaning of the scriptures. A study of the book of Revelation reveals it to be a book of comfort and victory--comfort in knowing that no matter what the enemy, we will ultimately be victorious through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. Thanks belong to God for such a victory! (KMG)