DOES THE BIBLE SAY HOW MANY WILL GO TO HEAVEN?  

We hear continually of the crimes of murder, rape, robbery, and such like in the news. Sometimes it causes people to wonder if there is any righteous living today. Yet we know that there are many good, honest, sincere, hard working people today doing what they know to please God.

 Does the Bible give a number? Not that I know of, but our Lord did reveal some insight into the number that will be saved. He said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). These two ways are brought in contrast by a series of words: narrow is opposed to wide, few to many, and life to destruction. The way to heaven or eternal life is through the strait and narrow way. Jesus did not make the way narrow, he only states a fact. The narrow road cannot be made wider without lessening the good which is to be gained. In comparison to the number of people who have lived and will live, few are going to be saved.

As to the number that will be in heaven, no man knows. Those who think that only 144,000 will be in heaven, have taken a verse of scripture out of context. For within the same passage, we read, "...a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations ..." (Revelation 7:4-9). 

Christ has given the plan of salvation. He also stated, "...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). Everyone willing to obey the gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-4), and live according to God's will throughout life will be saved in heaven in eternity. Each one who has a desire to go to heaven, MUST OBEY the gospel and live for Him.       

                                                                                                                                                               Charles E. Burch