Among the many false doctrines taught by these who call themselves Jehovah's Witnesses is the one that only 144,000 will be saved in heaven. They cite Rev. 14:3: "And they sung as it were a new song before the throne and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth."

A study of the text and context will show the fallacy of their strained interpretation. The passage does not say that only 144,000 will be saved in heaven. Verse 4 says they were the firstfruits, indicating there would be others. After John saw the 144.000 he said, "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 . . ." (See Rev. 7:1-17).

In Rev. 7:4 we learn the 144,000 were Jews; and they were men who were virgins (Rev. 14:4). According to the Witnesses' theory, therefore only Jewish men who were virgins will be in heaven. There can be no women, not even the mother of Jesus, nor any married man not even the married apostle Peter!

The Witnesses err in limiting the number for heaven to 144,000, for the Bible does not teach that limitation. After John saw these 144,000 Jewish virgin men, he plainly says that he saw a great multitude that no man could number (Rev. 7:9), who were of all nations. The Witnesses ignore this and try to number those who will be before the throne of God in heaven.

Be not deceived by this false doctrine of False Witnesses. All who obey God's commandments will have a right to enter the city (Rev. 22:14). Eternal salvation is promised to all who obey Christ (Heb. 5:9). You can be among that great multitude which no man can number, whether you be man or woman, Jew or Gentile, married or unmarried. Be not misled by the false prophets (preachers) who are determined to be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20: 10). If you blindly follow leaders you too will fall into the ditch with them (Matt. 15:14). "Beware o: false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matt. 7: 15).

Truth Magazine VII: 2, pp. 14
November 1962