144,000 is used as a symbolic expression of the totality of God's people (who, in Rev. 7:4 and 14:3, are eternally saved). To make this number literal, as the Jehovah's Witnesses attempt, causes major problems in Biblical interpretation. For instance, if 144,000 must be taken literally in Rev. 14:3, then only Jewish males who are virgins will be in heaven according to Rev. 14:4! Any interpretation of scripture which can so easily be reduced to an absurdity cannot be the proper interpretation.
I have included an article on this subject which does a good job of discussing the matter. I hope you find it useful.
Thank you for your question.
Sincerely,
Joe Price
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Joe R Price
joe@bibleanswer.com
Bible Answers
http://www.bibleanswer.com
Mt. Baker church of Christ
http://www.bibleanswer.com/mtbaker
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