Jesus said, “No one has ever gone up to heaven.” (John 3:13) He went on to show that good men who died before Him—such as Abraham, Moses, Job, and David—did not go to heaven because they remained in the sleep of death in their graves. (Acts 2:29, 34) Rather, they held out the hope of a resurrection to life on earth. —Job 14:13-15.
God elects a specific number of faithful Christians and resurrects them to life in heaven after their death. (1 Peter 1:3, 4) Those chosen must continue to live up to Christian standards in faith and conduct in order not to be disqualified from receiving their heavenly inheritance. —Ephesians 5:5; Philippians 3:12-14.
This article corrects this error.
Martyrdom is Required for the Heavenly Class
In Hebrews 11:37-39, the believers of the Old Testament era are described as having experienced persecution and martyrdom, yet they did not "attain perfection" like the Christians. They will not parttake in the first resurrection; instead, they will be resurrected as a "second class" with a glorified, incorruptible body on earth. This means that the righteous who lived during the Old Testament age will be resurrected in the same state as Adam when he ate from the tree of life.
Paul said, “I don't believe I have yet attained the prize of an invitation to heaven.” (Philippians 3:14). Personal desires and ambitions have nothing to do with a person's election. Jesus stated in Matthew 11:11-12, “Even the little ones in the kingdom of heaven are greater than John the Baptist. The kingdom of heaven is assailed by force.” The heavenly class will suffer persecution from Satan, endure the same suffering as Jesus, and face a harsher fate than John the Baptist. It is an absolute requirement to “drink my cup”—in other words, to be martyred. —Matthew 20:20-23.
Romans 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
The resurrection to life in heaven is called the “first resurrection.” (Revelation 20:6). The Greek word for “first” (*protos*) means “early stage” or “superlative.” In short, Christians who have been martyred will be resurrected at an "early stage" and in a "superlative" state as immortal, incorruptible spirit creatures, possessing the same body as Jesus.
The apostle John wrote: “I heard the number of those who were sealed with the seal, and it was 144,000” (Revelation 7:4). The “sealed ones” mentioned in the Bible refer to a group of people chosen from among mankind to rule with Christ from heaven over the earth, which will become a paradise. As expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:8-9, where they are described as "greatly rejoicing to leave this body and to set up a dwelling place of our own with the Lord," they will be granted this heavenly resurrection.
In fact, Revelation 5:9 says: "...You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation (not the 12 tribes of Israel)." However, those speaking here are actually the 24 elders, not the 144,000. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 5:8-9; Revelation 20:6). In Revelation 14:3, the 144,000 stand before the 24 elders and play a song. In other words, distinct entities are facing each other. In conclusion, the priestly class of Christians in heaven consists of two groups: the 24 elders (an unspecified, unlimited number) and the 144,000 (a finite, limited number).
After John was shown this group of 144,000 in his vision, he saw another group. He described them as “a great multitude that no one could count, from among all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues." This multitude consists of the survivors of the coming “Great Tribulation,” when the present wicked world will be destroyed. —Revelation 7:9, 14.
Apart from the uncountable multitude, the 144,000 are described as those who were “purchased from among mankind as the firstfruits.” Jesus is called the firstfruits; in fact, He is the absolute firstfruits to God. (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23; 1 Peter 3:18). The faithful followers of Jesus Christ—His spiritual brethren—are also firstfruits to God, but they are not the original firstfruits. They are more like the wheat from the second harvest of grain presented to Yahuwah on Pentecost. These are the 144,000, and they are called the people “purchased from among mankind as the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb,” and “in a sense the firstfruits of creation.” —Revelation 14:1-4; James 1:18.
In Hebrews 12:22-23, it says: “But you approached Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem... the assembly of the firstborn registered in heaven..." Since Revelation 14:1 depicts the 144,000 standing on Mount Zion and facing the 24 elders, it indicates that while both groups share an equal brother-sister relationship in spirit, they remain separate and distinct entities.
The expression “firstfruits” suggests that a few are chosen chronologically to represent the first portion, with others to follow. When Jesus was on earth, He also referred to those who would rule with Him in the heavenly kingdom as a “little flock” (Luke 12:32; 22:29). This is an apt description of those who will rule from heaven with Christ over an unspecified, unlimited number of earthly subjects. —Revelation 5:10.
Revelation 6:9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 (But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.⇐ The earliest manuscripts do not contain this description.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Therefore, like Jesus, they are "purchased from mankind as firstfruits" and assigned to rule over the earth from heaven for a thousand years. The purpose of going to heaven is to reign with Jesus over the earth during the Millennium. As 1 Peter 2:9 states, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people..." Christians are those destined to fulfill this heavenly priesthood.
Some people get confused because in Revelation 7:1-8, the 144,000 are sealed on earth, whereas from verse 9 onward, the great multitude is seen in heaven. However, the Book of Revelation does not follow a strict chronological order. In verse 13, one of the 24 elders explains the identity of the great multitude while in heaven. This implies that the firstfruits purchased from the earth must undergo martyrdom—as listed in the previous verses. Unlike the great multitude, they are martyred at an early stage and immediately resurrected to heaven.
To summarize the key points:
- "Drinking the cup of Jesus"—meaning to endure the same sufferings, persecution, and martyrdom that Jesus faced—is an absolute requirement for the first resurrection.
- They are "sealed and purchased from mankind as firstfruits to rule over the earth from heaven for a thousand years."
The 144,000 and the 24 Elders
As stated in Revelation 7:4, 12,000 individuals from each of the twelve tribes of Israel are sealed and gathered to make up the 144,000. However, Jehovah's Witnesses claim that *only* the 144,000 constitute the heavenly class, completely ignoring the class of the 24 elders. By their logic, the vast majority of people would have no hope of ever reaching the heavenly class.
Therefore, this interpretation is completely unreasonable.
Matthew 23:13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men [Watchtower style: 'You are neither a pioneer nor a member of the Governing Body, so how could you possibly go to heaven?']; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in."
Matthew 19:28 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
1 Corinthians 6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?
Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: [verses 5-8 omitted for brevity]
Whether the twelve tribes of Israel represent spiritual Israel or physical lineage, the 144,000 can certainly be understood as a literal, finite number of special Christians. In all likelihood, there are two distinct patterns: the 24 elders who judge the entire world, and a special class of Christians who judge spiritual Israel (including false Christians, while excluding the 24 elders themselves). The 144,000 likely serve as the commanders among Christians.
Even during Christ's earthly ministry, there was a clear distinction between the twelve disciples and the Gentile believers. The same pattern applies to later generations: the 144,000 represent an elite, highly selected force chosen from among all Christians worldwide (spiritual Israel), whereas the 24 elders represent the standard, unspecified number of true Christians.
Philippians 3:10 ...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the outward resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on... 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
The phrase translated as "resurrection from the dead" in verse 11 is "ex-anastasis" (ἐξανάστασιν), a word used only once in the entire Bible. Unlike verse 10, which uses the standard word *anastasis* for Christ's resurrection, verse 11 attaches the prefix *ex* (meaning "outward" or "out from"). According to Bible Hub, the exact structure is *ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκрῶν* ("the outward-resurrection, the one, out from, the dead"). This indicates a special, elite class of resurrection rather than the general one. In fact, the Recovery Version Bible renders this passage as an "exceptional resurrection." Furthermore, in verse 15, Paul makes it clear that there can be a difference in spiritual maturity and goals among those who hold the heavenly hope by saying, "if you think otherwise."
Therefore, if we take the 144,000 literally, they represent an exceptional, elite class distinct from the standard heavenly resurrection—a group gathered globally who have achieved this "outward, exceptional resurrection." Alongside them, however, exists the class of the 24 elders, representing the unspecified, unlimited multitude of true Christians from around the world.
This leads to the conclusion that within the first resurrection, there is a superior, more exceptional tier, which is precisely what the 144,000 represents. There appear to be two groups within the heavenly class: the 24 elders (unspecified number) and the 144,000 (finite number), with the 144,000 acting as the firstfruits and leaders. In 2 Corinthians 12:2-3, Paul mentions seeing a vision of the “third heaven.” This suggests there may be progressive levels or dimensions within the heavenly realm (first, second, third, etc.) to which the 144,000 firstfruits and the 24 elders are assigned.
The apostle Paul explicitly refers to the faithful Jewish remnant who became the first Christians as “firstfruits” (Romans 11:16). Similarly, Epaenetus is called “the firstfruits of Asia for Christ” (Romans 16:5), and the household of Stephanas is called “the firstfruits of Achaia” (1 Corinthians 16:15).
Paul also describes the Ephesian Christians as having been “sealed” by the Holy Spirit, which served as an advance guarantee of their heavenly inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30). This seal indicated that they belonged to God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) and were assured of heavenly life.
Therefore, concluding shortsightedly that because Revelation only explicitly describes the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel as being "sealed firstfruits," the 24 elders purchased from the Gentiles do not fit this category, contradicts the harmony of the entire Bible. Based on Paul's epistles, the 24 elders also occupy priestly thrones in heaven. Their depiction as standing face-to-face with the 144,000 on Mount Zion implies that they share an equal brother-sister relationship. Though they are distinct entities, they possess the same high spirituality, having been sealed by the Holy Spirit and purchased from the earth as firstfruits.
In the first century, there was a distinction between natural-born Israel and the Gentiles; Jewish Christians were initially called the firstfruits. However, the Gentiles who followed also received the seal of the Holy Spirit, becoming firstfruits in their own right. The Book of Revelation shows that Christians are redeemed equally from the tribes of Israel and from all nations, indicating that a finite group of 144,000 and an unlimited number of the 24-elder class exist simultaneously. Finally, there are various other classes of Christians, such as the great multitude of righteous ones who receive the promise of eternal life on earth. This group likely represents the righteous who are not yet believers at the moment Christ redeems them during His Second Coming.
Being Raptured Alive Without Martyrdom?
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?" 36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain... 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—
Considering above, “those who are alive and remain” refers to genuine Christians who are spiritually alive—having died to sin —and are currently enduring persecution and tribulation. They will be caught up into the air to remain with the Lord forever. Furthermore, if we interpret this "rapture while alive" literally as a requirement for partaking in the first resurrection, then those eligible Christians must experience severe persecution and share in Christ's sufferings. This means that in the midst of intense persecution, just as they are on the verge of death, their lives are taken at Christ's return, they pass away, and they immediately meet Him in the clouds. This remains a highly plausible interpretation.
The Case for the Great Multitude Being Raptured Alive to Heaven
Since this alternative interpretation is also fully possible, let us examine it. In Revelation 7:9, the great multitude is described as “standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” Whether this means they are present before God spiritually or literally inside the heavenly realm is a point of debate. However, details such as “holding palm branches in their hands” and verse 17 stating that "the great multitude is led to fountains of living water" strongly lean toward an earthly paradise setting.
Zechariah 8:6 "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, will it also be marvelous in My eyes?' says the Lord of hosts. 7 "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; 8 I will bring them back, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness.'
Revelation 21:2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
As these scriptures declare, Yahuwah Himself promises: “I will gather them to Myself from every place where they have been scattered.” Thus, the uncountable great multitude—God's people scattered across the globe—will be miraculously transported through the air (raptured). They will enter the New Jerusalem as it descends from heaven (which, though descending, initially remains high within the Earth's atmospheric 'air'). It will then fully descend to the earth around the start of the Millennial reign.
Acts 8:38-40 records the miracle of Philip being caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, instantly transporting him 40 kilometers through the air from Gaza to Azotus. The Greek word used here is *harpazo* (ἁρπάζω)—the exact same word translated as “caught up” in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
1 Corinthians 15:38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body... 40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.
During that supernatural aerial transport, the great multitude—while not partaking in the immortal "first-class" resurrection reserved for martyrs—will inherit an incorruptible "second-class" terrestrial body, sustained by eating and drinking from the tree and water of life.
Ezekiel 47:12 "Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine."
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