The following quote from the Watchtower (Jehovah Witnesses) is concerning who will be in heaven. According to Jehovah Witnesses they believe that there are 2 groups, the first group is the “anointed class” of Jehovah Witnesses; the second group is referred to as “the great crowd”.

The Jehovah Witnesses teach that only 144,000 anointed Christians will be in heaven ruling with Jesus Christ as kings and priest. The great crowd will remain to live on paradise earth for all eternity.

WHERE WILL THE GREAT CROWD LIVE?

Here’s what the Watchtower says:

Christendom generally does not teach the Scriptural truth that one day obedient humans will live forever on earth. (2 Cor. 4:3, 4) Today, most religions in Christendom teach that all good people go to heaven when they die. It was different, however, with the small group of Bible Students who were publishing the Watch Tower in the late 1800’s. They understood that God would restore Paradise on earth and that millions of obedient humans would live here on earth​—not in heaven. However, it took time for them to discern clearly who these obedient humans would be.​—Matt. 6:10.

What Jehovah Witnesses do is they will say that “the light is getting brighter” to cover up any false teachings they have and then will change their teachings to another belief. They derive this from the book of proverbs.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

They misinterpret and take this verse in proverbs to say that understanding of God’s word gets brighter. Thereby they can retract false prophecies and teachings at their own leisure. Is that what this verse means?

If we read scripture in context and read the verse before and after we will see the true meaning of Proverbs 4:18

Proverbs 4:17-19 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Notice the context is a contrast between a wicked person and a just or righteous person. It has nothing to do with understanding God’s word because the light gets brighter but I digress.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN?

The concept of the great crowd comes from the book of Revelation, the Watchtower takes this verse in Revelation saying only 144,000 (Revelation 7:4-8) will be in heaven.

Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

If we read past Revelation 7:4-8 to the end of the chapter we are actually given the location of the 144,000 and the great crowd.

Revelation 7:9 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, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

In Revelation 7:9 it says both the 144,000 and the great multitude/crowd is standing “before the throne”, this is a vision of heaven. They are also standing before God who’s on the throne and the Lamb. That’s not all we also are told the angels, elders and four beast worshipped before the throne.

Revelation 7:10-12 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

It’s very important that when we witness to cults to read the context of the verses as cult like to remove a text and try to put their own spin on it to support their own theology.

What do you think is the Watchtower right or the Bible? Study the scriptures for yourself and see what’s the truth, here are some verses on the subject.

1. Heaven is reserved for:

Righteous	Mat 25:34, 37
Changed, saved	1Cr 15:51; Jhn 3:5, 18, 21
Called, obedient	2Pe 1:10, 11; Rev 22:14
All members of one Body, not heavenly class and earthly class	1Cr 12:12-31
All in one Fold with one Shepherd	Jhn 10:16

2. Believers In Heaven Are:

Citizens of Heaven	Phl 3:20
Partakers of the Heavenly calling	Hbr 3:1

3. Old Testament Believers Are There:

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in Heaven	Mat 8:11
All the prophets with them	Luk 13:28
Desire a better country, a heavenly one	Hbr 11:8-16

4. Christ Dwells Among Them:

Four beasts and twenty-four elders	Rev 5:8-10
One-hundred and forty-four thousand	Rev 14:1-5
Great multitude	Rev 7:9-17

5. The 144,000 Will Not Be Chosen Until The 6th Seal Is Broken:

The 6th seal is broken	Rev 6:12
Day of wrath comes	Rev 6:17
After the day of wrath	Rev 7:1-3
144,000 are sealed	Rev 7:4-8
The 7th seal is broken	Rev 8:1

6. Heaven And Earth Will All Be One:

New Heavens and Earth	Rev 21:1
The overcoming ones shall inherit all things including Heaven and Earth	Rev 21:7; Eph 1:10

As you can see heaven is not only for the 144,000, it is for everyone who has trusted in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Feel free to leave your comments and thanks for reading. God bless.